Can you get a home loan in Thailand as a foreigner?

If you want to buy real estate in Thailand, you may be wondering if it is possible to get a local home loan as a foreigner. The answer is: yes, but with very strict conditions, and in the majority of cases, foreigners buy with cash.

In this article, we take stock of the financing options available and the alternatives you can consider.

Do Thai banks lend to foreigners?

In general, Thai banks are very reluctant to give home loans to foreign non-residents. This is due to several factors:

• Lack of stable local income,

• Difficulty in seizing the property in the event of non-payment,

• Restrictive banking regulations for non-residents.

However, some banks offer specific products to foreigners, especially in major cities such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, or in tourist areas (Phuket, Samui).

Typical conditions for accessing a home loan as a foreigner

The following are the minimum requirements generally required:

• Long-stay visa or work permit,

• Income declared in Thailand (or strong proven international solvency),

• Significant personal contribution (30 to 50% of the price of the property),

• Proof of employment, residence and identity,

• Purchase of a condominium (land is never financed for a foreigner).

👉 Loans are rarely given for a land house unless the property is purchased in the name of a Thai company.

Foreign banks with a local presence

Some international banks with subsidiaries in Thailand (e.g. UOB, Bangkok Bank (Singapore), HSBC) may offer specific credit products to expatriates or foreign investors, including:

• Loans denominated in foreign currencies,

• More flexible terms if you already have assets or an account in their network.

Here again, this remains marginal, reserved for very solid profiles.

Alternatives to bank credit

1. Buy cash with personal funds

This is the most common option for foreigners. It avoids complex procedures, application fees, and makes it easier to negotiate with the seller.

2. Get a loan in your home country

Some foreigners finance their purchase in Thailand via:

• A personal loan in their country,

• A mortgage on an existing property in France, Belgium, Canada, etc.

This arrangement makes it possible to raise capital while taking advantage of a familiar legal framework.

3. Seller financing

In some cases, the seller of the property agrees to pay in instalments, with or without interest. This type of agreement must be governed by a notarized contract and legally verified.

Is it worth taking out a local loan?

While it may be possible in some cases, it’s important to keep in mind that:

• Interest rates are often higher than in Europe,

• The refund conditions are strict,

• The duration of loans is often shorter (10-20 years).

It is therefore essential to compare the actual costs, especially in the case of blended finance.

Conclusion: Financing a property purchase in Thailand when you are a foreigner

Getting a mortgage in Thailand as a foreigner is possible, but reserved for specific profiles and very well-structured projects. The most common solution is to buy in cash, or to finance it with resources abroad.