Land for Sale in Bangkok: Understanding Land Use and Land Sale Systems

Types of Land Use Tenure

The majority of land in Thailand is privately owned and freehold. Usually privately owned freehold land would be sold on a freehold basis. This is particularly true of land for sale in Bangkok and other provinces in Thailand. However, freehold land in Bangkok owned by the State, Crown Property Bureau and Privy Purse is only available to third parties on a leasehold basis. The leasehold rights can be sold or transferred to third parties. For residential buildings, the longest lease length is 30 years and some are renewable for another 30 years. The lease term for commercial properties ranges from 30 to 50 years depending on the purposes.

There are four categories of title deeds in Thailand. A freehold title deed, known as Chanote or Nor Sor 4, is the best form of land title as it grants the holder full rights to the land. A Nor Sor 3 Gor title deed is provided when the land has been measured by the Land Department but is awaiting a Chanote title deed. Nor Sor 3 title deed is issued when the land has not been measured by the Land Department and exact boundaries have not yet been established. A possessory right title deed is the least attractive title deed as the land has not been validated by the Land Department but is only recognized by tax payments made to the Local Administrative Office.

Land Sales System

Thai citizens can acquire land in Thailand through a transfer between private entities or through the lease of state land or private land. A land purchase or lease of more than 3 years must be registered at the Land Department. Land sales between private entities are the most common form of land acquisition in Thailand. (View our listings for land for sale in Bangkok and other areas)

Land Use

Development in Thailand is required to comply with regulations and laws on zoning, including, but not limited to, plot ratio, site coverage, environmental impact assessments and building heights. The Town Planning Act and Building Control Act are statutory building construction controls. The zoning regulations empower local governments to identify land uses in specific areas in each province. Not all land for sale in Bangkok has the same land zoning. Bangkok zoning is reviewed every 5-7 years and it is important to understand the zoning regulations before buying land in Bangkok or other provinces in Thailand.

Property Ownership

Strata title ownership is common for residential developments.  However, for grade A office and retail properties, single ownership is the most common form of ownership.

Land for Sale in Bangkok and Other Provinces

CBRE has a variety of land for sale in Bangkok and other provinces in Thailand. Click to view our current listings or contact us to help you sell or buy land.