Can Foreigners Buy Property in Phuket? Freehold and Leasehold

Quick answer

Eligible foreign buyers can own a condominium unit in their own name, subject to the foreign quota and registration requirements. Buying a villa also involves the land beneath it: ownership of the building and rights to the land must be checked separately. Leasehold gives rights for the registered term rather than the same title as freehold.

• Verify the actual title or lease before comparing headline prices.
• Obtain current foreign-quota confirmation for a foreign-freehold condominium.
• Have an independent Thai lawyer review the exact property and proposed rights.

Compare the rights you acquire

Off-plan describes construction status. Branded residence describes a brand or service arrangement. Neither label answers the ownership question: a project still needs its specific title or lease documents.

The condominium foreign quota

Section 19 bis of the Condominium Act sets a ceiling of 49% of the total area of condominium units for foreign ownership. The calculation concerns area, not simply the number of units. Ask for current confirmation for the building and your intended unit before relying on an advertised foreign-freehold price. Consolidated Thai Act, hosted by the Department of Lands.

Eligibility and bank evidence matter as well. For the usual overseas foreign-currency route, agree the remittance and supporting certificate with the receiving bank and relevant Land Office before payment. The Thai government remittance guide also describes other document situations; do not assume one banking document covers every buyer.

Leasehold and villa checks

Read the actual registered term, the property covered, assignment and inheritance provisions, termination grounds and obligations when the term ends. If a brochure mentions later renewal periods, ask the lawyer to distinguish the right currently registered from future contractual promises.

For a villa, also verify land and building documents, the authority to grant the proposed rights, lawful access, utilities and obligations for shared infrastructure. A company arrangement needs its own business and legal analysis; it is not a default substitute for proving lawful acquisition rights.

Before a reservation or deposit

1. Identify the specific unit or plot and seller entity.
2. Obtain the documents behind the advertised ownership form.
3. Review restrictions, encumbrances and transfer conditions independently.
4. For off-plan, check permits, payment obligations and delivery terms.
5. Separate acquisition costs from recurring building or management costs.
6. If renting, confirm the permitted use and management restrictions.

Use the same ownership requirement when comparing the developer catalogue and purchase listings. A lower price may cover different rights or a different term. See the purchase process for the sequence from review to handover.

FAQ

Q: Can a foreigner own a condominium freehold in Phuket?

A: This may be possible in the buyer's own name when eligibility, foreign quota and registration documents meet the applicable requirements. Confirm all three for the chosen unit.

Q: Is a branded residence a separate ownership structure?

A: No. Branding concerns the project's commercial and service arrangements. The title or lease determines the property rights being acquired.

Q: Is leasehold the same as freehold?

A: No. Leasehold grants rights for a defined term under the agreement and registration. Review duration, transfer, termination and future renewal provisions separately.

Request a shortlist with clear ownership terms

Tell us your budget, preferred rights and timeframe. We can compare units and request documents for independent review. For intended rental use, also request a management assessment.

Sources reviewed on 30 September 2026. This guide explains the document questions; a qualified Thai lawyer confirms the rights and requirements for your transaction.