Asked by a buyer looking at a new development

“The agent says the foreign quota in a building is almost full. How does the 49% actually work?”

My answerShane Ruddle, 20+ years in Pattaya

The 49% is counted by floor area, not by the number of units, so what's left depends on the size of the units still available.

Most people assume that in a building of 100 units, 49 can go to foreigners. It doesn't work like that. The quota is measured in square metres.

So in a building with a mix of studios and big penthouses, a couple of large units can use up a lot of the quota, and the number of units you can still buy in your own name depends on their size.

If you're set on a particular building, ask the agent or the developer how many square metres are left in the foreign quota, and which units that covers, before you fall in love with one.

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

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Buying a Condo in Pattaya as a Foreigner: What I Tell Every Buyer

Can foreigners own a condo in Thailand? Yes. Here's how the 49% rule really works, the buying steps, the fees, off-plan vs resale, and how to buy smart in Pattaya.

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