What Does Leasehold Mean in Thailand?

Updated 11 November 2026

A lease gives a person rights to use property for an agreed period under specified conditions. It does not transfer ownership of the underlying land. For a Phuket villa, the lease and any separate building rights should be examined together.

Check the registered term

For an ordinary residential property lease, the general statutory limit is 30 years per term. Obtain the registered document and confirm the start and expiry dates, permitted use, payments and the identity of the lessor.

Marketing such as “30+30+30” should not be treated as an already registered 90-year interest. Ask a lawyer to assess any promised later term, including its enforceability and what would happen if the landowner, developer or other contracting party changes.

Assignment, succession and access need separate review

Do not assume a lease can automatically be sold, transferred or inherited. Have a lawyer review the agreement, registration and applicable law, including consent requirements and what happens on the death of either party.

Check legal road access, utility rights, maintenance obligations, insurance and any mortgage affecting the land. A clause in a contract does not necessarily provide the same protection as a registrable right that has actually been registered.

Plan for the end of the term

Ask what happens to the building and improvements at expiry or early termination, whether removal or compensation is addressed, and how any separate superficies aligns with the lease. Future legislative changes should not be assumed when valuing the current rights.

Compare costs without blanket tax claims

Request written figures for registration expenses, recurring charges, proposed assignment costs and any later renewal. The tax treatment depends on the transaction; a single percentage should not be presented as the universal cost of selling a leasehold property.

Before paying, appoint an independent lawyer to review the complete arrangement. Phuket Realtor can help obtain the available documents and compare suitable properties.