Home » Forum » Topics

Foreign property ownership regulations - land and house

real estateforeign buyerlegal advice
avatar
Silvia_M
Joined:
26.08.2023
Posts: 1915
Topic Starter
17.01.2025 00:23
Can a foreigner buy land with a house as an individual now, or do I still need a company? I've been looking into real estate options recently, but the legal advice online seems completely contradictory. Some sources say the laws have relaxed for individual buyers, while others insist that setting up a local corporation is still the only safe route. If anyone has gone through this process personally within the last year, I would really appreciate some guidance on the current requirements.
20 replies in this topic
avatar
lone_wolf
Joined:
03.01.2022
Posts: 1454
26.01.2025 21:34
It completely depends on the country you are trying to buy in, mate. You forgot to mention the location.
avatar
Vic_S
Joined:
31.05.2023
Posts: 2006
21.02.2025 02:42
In reply to a previous post
Assuming you mean Thailand based on the 'company vs individual' dilemma?
avatar
Mike_B
Joined:
30.01.2022
Posts: 85
25.02.2025 09:33
In reply to a previous post
If it's Thailand, foreigners still cannot own land in their own name directly, period.
avatar
Chris_K
Joined:
09.05.2021
Posts: 1590
14.03.2025 09:37
In reply to a previous post
Yeah, the laws online are contradictory because agents want to sell you stuff and sugarcoat the regulations.
avatar
Iggy_R
Joined:
03.12.2023
Posts: 1610
04.05.2025 08:53
Setting up a company is a legal gray area in a lot of places. Be very careful with nominee shareholders.
avatar
Vic_S
Joined:
26.02.2024
Posts: 1122
08.05.2025 13:32
I bought a condo as an individual last year, but land is a totally different beast.
avatar
cris_r
Joined:
20.10.2024
Posts: 504
15.06.2025 14:36
In reply to a previous post
Listen to @user4, the nominee company structure has gotten much stricter audits lately.
avatar
deleted_user
Joined:
15.09.2023
Posts: 1996
27.06.2025 06:51
Is leasehold not an option for you? Most expats just do a 30-year renewable lease on the land and own the house structure outright.
avatar
Brian_Z
Joined:
05.04.2025
Posts: 106
21.08.2025 17:37
In reply to a previous post
Leasehold still has risks if the landowner decides not to renew, though.
avatar
Yana_P
Joined:
14.07.2023
Posts: 628
25.08.2025 00:01
I went through the company route last year. It costs more in yearly accounting fees, but I sleep better at night.
avatar
answer_bot
Joined:
02.05.2024
Posts: 1104
31.08.2025 23:38
In reply to a previous post
How much does the accounting actually cost annually? I'm curious about the maintenance overhead.
avatar
KnowItAll
Joined:
11.06.2025
Posts: 1758
03.09.2025 12:47
In reply to a previous post
About $1,500 to $2,000 a year for proper auditing and filing, plus having Thai directors on paper.
avatar
Iggy_R
Joined:
26.03.2021
Posts: 1157
18.09.2025 14:37
That sounds like a headache. Honestly, I'd just stick to renting if land ownership is that restricted.
avatar
radek_c
Joined:
14.08.2021
Posts: 396
29.11.2025 18:47
Some countries are relaxing rules for high-net-worth individuals who invest a certain amount, like half a million dollars or more.
avatar
Vic_S
Joined:
16.12.2024
Posts: 1411
02.12.2025 03:13
In reply to a previous post
True, but those investment visas with land rights usually have crazy strings attached.
avatar
JustAsking
Joined:
31.12.2024
Posts: 2092
23.12.2025 10:11
Do not trust internet forums for this. Hire a reputable international law firm in the specific country.
avatar
Max_85
Joined:
22.11.2025
Posts: 75
28.12.2025 06:04
In reply to a previous post
Totally agree with the last post. Pay for a proper legal consultation, it's cheap insurance compared to losing a house.
avatar
Oli_L
Joined:
31.07.2020
Posts: 1255
11.01.2026 11:44
In reply to a previous post
Even lawyers sometimes give conflicting advice, which is the real problem OP is facing.
avatar
Kevin_M
Joined:
27.04.2025
Posts: 1756
07.02.2026 00:48
In reply to a previous post
That's why you go with one of the big four global firms, not a random local guy off Google maps.
avatar
agata_k
Joined:
17.11.2020
Posts: 260
03.03.2026 23:15
In reply to a previous post
Thanks for all the insights everyone, definitely gives me a lot more to think about before pulling the trigger.

Want to join the discussion?

Log in to your account to post a reply in this thread.