Although Thailand’s property ownership laws are becoming more open, mortgage options for foreigners who want to purchase residential and commercial properties remain limited. Nevertheless, there are some options available.
For example, UOB has a loan facility that’s exclusive for foreigners who buy condominium units. Meanwhile, ICBC and MBK Guarantee offer financing to buyers from Singapore, Hong Kong, and China who are interested in purchasing properties in Thailand.
What is a Mortgage?
A mortgage is a loan that is secured by collateral, such as a property. The amount borrowed is usually less than the total value of the property. A mortgage can be taken out by individuals or businesses, and can be used for a variety of purposes.
Local banks in Thailand typically offer mortgages to individuals who have a work permit or permanent residence status. However, these options are limited. MBK Guarantee, a lending institution owned by the MBK Group, offers foreigner-friendly mortgage financing. It does not restrict the borrower’s nationality, work or residency status, and can even use income from overseas as a reference.
ICBC, a Chinese multinational state-owned bank, also offers mortgages to expats. The bank provides indirect access to financing by lending to the Thai spouse and allowing the foreign individual to act as a “Guarantor.” This is a much more attractive option than other Thai lenders, as it has lower requirements and interest rates.
What are the Requirements for Mortgages in Thailand?
Thailand’s rising popularity as a property investment destination has prompted banks to offer mortgage loans to foreigners, though these are still quite limited. Since the mid-2000s, early entrants such as Bangkok Bank and UOB have offered a small selection of mortgage products, and today a slightly wider choice is available. However, the loan conditions imposed are often more restrictive than for Thais; including higher interest rates and lower repayment periods. One of the most significant stipulations is age; mortgages cannot extend past a borrower’s 60th birthday as the banks assume that senior citizens will not have enough income to repay their debt.
In addition, local lenders typically require a Thai work permit and proof of income originating from an established company (Usually for an uninterrupted period of 1-2 Years). However, the continued popularity of Thailand as a property investment destination is gradually shifting these market standards. Currently, some international banks that have branches in Thailand offer mortgages to foreigners without requiring a work permit or marriage certificates. These include Bangkok Bank (Singapore branch), UOB, and ICBC.
What are the Options for Foreigners Who Want to Buy a Property in Thailand?
Many people dream of owning property in Thailand, whether to enjoy the country’s wonderful weather and breathtaking scenery or as a retirement option. But the process of purchasing property in Thailand is not without its challenges, especially for foreigners.
One option is to purchase a condominium. This is a popular choice for foreigners because the ownership of the unit will not expire. The owner can also sell the unit to anyone they wish.
Another option is to purchase a house or villa with a freehold title. This option is possible, but it is important to work with a reputable real estate agent and conduct extensive research before making any purchase.
Finally, foreigners can also purchase land in Thailand by leasing it from the government. However, this option is more complex and requires significant levels of research and legal support. In addition, there are a number of taxes that need to be paid, including transfer fees and withholding tax.
How Can I Get a Mortgage in Thailand?
There are a few Thai banks and lending institutions that offer mortgage loans and financing to foreigners who wish to buy property in Thailand. The most common is MBK Guarantee, which does not restrict applicants’ nationality or work/residency status and will consider revenue from overseas for reference purposes.
Unlike a standard mortgage loan, this type of mortgage is in the name of the purchaser’s spouse, so the foreigner only acts as guarantor and has no legal ownership rights over the property. This option is popular among foreigners who are married to a Thai citizen and have built up good credit history in their home country.
Another option is to use the proceeds from a sale of a foreign-owned property in Thailand as collateral for a mortgage in your home country. This is a good option for those who want to get into the market in a hurry and do not have time to build up a credit rating in Thailand. Many developers also offer direct financing to buyers of their units (the exact structure will vary depending on the developer).