Asked by a couple who want a garden

“Can I buy a house with a bit of land as a foreigner?”

My answerShane Ruddle, 20+ years in Pattaya

Not the land. Foreigners can't own land in Thailand, and my honest advice to anyone who wants a house is to rent one.

You can own a house in your own name but not the land it stands on, which means whoever owns the land could, in theory, lock you out.

Buying through a company is still possible with a genuinely trading company, but you can only hold 49% of it, and the Thai shareholders must be genuine. Nominees are illegal. If you go that way, have a Thai lawyer set it up properly.

The other route is a lease of up to 30 years, registered on the title deed. It's well protected, but it's only 30 years. I've always rented, and it avoids all of these problems.

Up to date as of November 2026. Rules in Thailand change often, so check the current position before you act.

Next stepSee rentals at East Coast Real Estate

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Buying a House in Pattaya as a Foreigner: Why I'd Rent Instead

Can a foreigner buy a house in Pattaya? The land rules, 30-year leases, company structures and Thai-spouse purchases explained, and why I'd rent a house instead.

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