Pattaya Houses

Many foreigners have chosen to buy a house in Pattaya. Despite the foreign ownership laws, Pattaya city is still expanding rapidly. In part, thanks to the new Suvarnabhumi Airport and a highway widening program currently underway between Bangkok and Pattaya. Long stay residents tent to opt for a house rather than condos, with most preferring the tourist free peace and quiet further out of the city. There are plenty of houses for sale, old and new, with the current trend being ’gated communities’. These provide ease, security and amenities, but you will pay a premium for the status and peace of mind.

Residential houses generally present the best value in Thailand; they are usually large and comfortable, with luxury fittings and landscaped gardens. As building materials and labour are cheap, it’s not unrealistic to enjoy living in houses rather condos, even in a big city like Pattaya.

The biggest impediment to foreigners buying houses in Pattaya is the land ownership status, since only Thai citizens may own land. Alternatively, those with Thai spouses can acquire land; even then they don’t entirely have ownership and have to depend on trust. Others opt for a renewable 30 year lease on the land and build a house. Some foreigners in the past set up companies with Thai partners to buy land, but this loophole has been under close scrutiny by the authorities.