LWS has identified Asoke-Phrom Phong, Ratchada-Rama 9, and Silom-Sathorn as the three prime locations for residential development to meet the needs of foreigners looking to buy or rent in Bangkok.

Mr. Prabhan Sak Raksaiwan, Managing Director of LWS Wisdom and Solutions Co., Ltd., a real estate research and development company under the LP.N Development Public Company Limited, revealed the results of a survey on the housing needs of foreigners in Bangkok conducted between January and April 2025. The survey included 446 foreign respondents through online questionnaires and field surveys in the Sukhumvit, Phrom Phong, and Sathorn areas, targeting business professionals and expatriates working in Thailand. The findings showed that respondents preferred to live in urban areas with convenient access to both BTS and MRT lines, close to workplaces, and with complete basic amenities such as restaurants, shopping centers, and hospitals. The top three locations favored by foreign respondents for buying or renting are Asoke-Phrom Phong, Ratchada-Rama 9, and Silom-Sathorn, all of which serve as lifestyle hubs with unique identities that cater well to the needs of foreigners.

The survey results indicated that the top five countries of origin for foreigners residing in Thailand were Japan, Singapore, the UK, China, and the USA, accounting for 46% of all respondents. The remaining respondents came from Australia, Myanmar, France, India, Germany, Sweden, South Korea, Taiwan, Russia, and Hong Kong, with the majority aged between 36 and 45 years, representing 49% of the total. Those aged 55 and above made up 17%, while those aged 25-35 accounted for 16% of the respondents.

Over 67% of respondents indicated that their purpose for living in Thailand was to work and conduct business, with an average stay of 5-10 years. Additionally, 15% of respondents expressed a desire to reside permanently after retirement.

Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya Gaining Popularity

In addition to the three prime locations in Bangkok, the survey also revealed that foreigners are interested in buying and renting properties in provincial areas. Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya emerged as the top three provinces of interest, following Bangkok, with 9% of respondents interested in properties in Phuket, 7% in Chiang Mai, and 5% in Pattaya. The remaining interest was spread across Chonburi, Koh Samui, Rayong, Hua Hin, Pathum Thani, Chiang Rai, and Hat Yai. Key reasons for this interest in provincial properties include job opportunities, particularly in Rayong and Chonburi, which are near the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), and the appeal of Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui as major tourist destinations, where foreigners are interested in purchasing second homes for retirement.

Renting More Popular Than Buying

The survey found that most foreigners working in Thailand prefer renting over buying. Specifically, 54% of respondents chose to rent rather than buy, as their stay in Thailand is typically only 5-10 years. However, 46% of those interested in buying included both working-age individuals and retirees with families in Thailand.

Condominiums in High Demand

Regarding the types of housing preferred by foreigners for renting or buying, 61% opted for condominiums over single-family homes, likely due to restrictions on land ownership for foreigners in Thailand. Nonetheless, 39% of respondents chose to buy single-family homes, as some belong to families with Thai nationals who can utilize family member rights to purchase residential properties. The preferred type of single-family home among foreigners is typically a three-bedroom, three-bathroom layout.

Foreigners are generally interested in properties priced between 3 million to 10 million baht for units ranging from 30 to 100 square meters, with one to two bedrooms. The average rental price is between 10,000 to 30,000 baht per month. Desired features include well-organized living spaces with a home office, living room, kitchen, and a spacious balcony for relaxation. Common areas in condominiums should promote health and leisure, such as fitness centers, swimming pools, gardens, and lounges. Notably, most foreigners do not prioritize pet-friendly projects, as they either do not bring pets or prefer not to take on additional responsibilities.

“The survey results indicate that the housing needs of foreigners in Thailand emphasize the importance of surrounding amenities and well-equipped residences. Foreigners represent a segment with purchasing power compared to the domestic market, which is currently sluggish due to economic volatility and uncertainty in Thailand. This presents an opportunity for real estate developers to create projects that meet the needs of foreigners in desirable locations, thereby generating new purchasing power in the market,” Mr. Prabhan Sak concluded.