Buying Property in Chiang Mai
A complete walkthrough of buying property in Chiang Mai — who can buy, the ownership structures available, the costs to budget for, and the due-diligence steps that protect your purchase.
1. Can Foreigners Buy Property?
Foreign nationals can own condominium units outright, provided the building's foreign quota (49% of total saleable area) has not been exhausted. Land cannot be owned directly by foreigners, but it can be controlled through a registered leasehold or a Thai company structure.
2. Ownership Options
- • Freehold condo – outright ownership of a unit within the building's 49% foreign quota.
- • Leasehold – a registered 30-year lease (renewable) over land or a villa.
- • Thai company – a majority-Thai company holds the land; appropriate only with proper legal structuring.
3. Costs & Fees
ค่าธรรมเนียมอัตราหมายเหตุ
Transfer fee2%of the appraised value, usually split 50/50.
Specific business tax3.3%if sold within 5 years of acquisition.
Stamp duty0.5%waived when specific business tax applies.
Withholding tax1%for company sellers (progressive for individuals).