Foreign Name vs. Company Name: What’s the Best Way to Buy a Condo in Pattaya?
Key Questions This Article Answers:
- Why are condos in company names often cheaper than foreign-owned units?
- What are the real differences in transfer fees between foreign and company ownership?
- Is company ownership a good idea for long-term investors?
Foreign Name vs. Company Name: A Simple Explanation
When it comes to buying a condo in Pattaya, there are two main ownership options if you're not a Thai national:
- Foreign Name (under Foreign Quota)
- Thai Company Name (you own the company)
Each method has pros and cons — and which one is best depends on your goals, budget, and how long you plan to own the unit.
Buying in a Foreign Name
This is the most common route for individual foreign buyers. It’s legal, straightforward, and fully recognized under Thai property law — provided the condo is within the foreign ownership quota, which is capped at 49% of the total sellable area of the building.
Pros:
- Clean and clear legal ownership
- Simple sale process later on
- Fully in your personal name
Cons:
- Requires foreign quota availability in the building
- Standard transfer taxes apply (typically 6–7% split between buyer and seller)
- Harder to negotiate on price (high demand, especially in prime areas)
Buying in a Thai Company Name
Some condos are listed under a Thai company instead of a personal name. In this case, you're not buying the condo itself — you’re buying the company that owns the condo.
This method is typically used by:
- Experienced or repeat buyers
- Investors looking for flexibility
- Buyers who want to bypass foreign quota issues
At Alan Bolton Property Consultants, we often find that buyers who go this route know the local market well and are comfortable navigating Thailand’s “grey areas” of ownership structure.
Pros:
- No transfer taxes — only a change of company director
- Can be significantly cheaper (20% or more below the foreign quota price)
- Easier to negotiate (fewer buyers are interested in company-name properties)
Cons:
- Harder to sell — future buyers may be hesitant to take over a company
- Limited resale market – must find another company-savvy buyer
- Legal fees and accounting costs if the company isn’t dormant
- Must be maintained correctly (tax filings, audits, etc.)
Let’s Talk Numbers
| Aspect | Foreign Name | Company Name |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | Full asking price (market rate) | Up to 20% lower |
| Transfer Costs | Shared taxes & fees (approx. 6–7%) | No transfer fee – just change of director |
| Ease of Resale | Easier – wide market | Harder – limited buyer pool |
| Ideal For | First-time buyers, retirees, personal use | Experienced investors, bulk buyers, landlords |
Selling a Condo in a Company Name
Here’s the part most buyers overlook: what happens when it’s time to sell?
- If you bought cheap, expect to sell cheap.
- You’re limited to selling to someone who understands Thai company ownership.
- The pool of buyers is much smaller.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing — but it does mean you should factor in resale strategy from the very beginning.
Jenny from Alan Bolton Property Consultants showing clients a condo at Royal Cliff
So Which One Should You Choose?
Ask yourself:
- Are you buying for lifestyle or investment?
- Do you want to resell easily later on?
- Are you okay navigating local legal nuances?
If you're not sure, start with exploring both options. You can browse available listings for:
Final Thoughts from Our Team
At Alan Bolton Property Consultants, we deal with both types of ownership daily. What we’ve seen over the years is this:
- Foreign name is best for clean ownership and easy resale.
- Company name works well if you’re a savvy buyer looking for value and long-term rental income.
We’re always happy to walk you through both options and recommend what fits your goals — not ours.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Company name condos are often 20% cheaper but harder to resell.
- No transfer fees apply for company-name units — just a director change.
- Foreign quota condos are more expensive but easier to sell and own.
- Investors who buy under company names tend to be well-informed and confident navigating Thai property laws.