Thai Mortgages
Thailand is becoming increasingly popular as an international property investment destination and more and more people want to get into the Thai property market, and many see a mortgage as an excellent way to do this.
The following Loan Corp guide will tell you all you need to know about getting a mortgage in Thailand.
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Why People Get Mortgages In Thailand
Recent years have seen Thailand’s economy grow steadily, making it one of the largest economies in the region. This growth and its economic position are mainly due to the country’s physical position, which is ideal for trading, its modern infrastructure, and sophisticated transport systems.
Foreign buyers have started seeing Thailand property as the ideal investment opportunity due to the affordability of luxury homes, the potential for a high return on their investment, and the low cost of living in the country.
How To Get A Mortgage In Thailand
Regardless of what destination you have your sights set on, getting mortgage approval is rarely straightforward. Different countries and mortgage lenders have different rules you need to be fully aware of.
In Thailand, one of the primary rules you need to be aware of is that foreign investors can only own 49% of any property purchased. This percentage is based on the building and land it occupies. This rule is in place as the Thai government does not want foreign buyers to own any of its land.
Here are some requirements for foreigners to get a loan in Thailand.
Criteria
- To be married to a Thai national and have the necessary documentation to corroborate this.
- Have worked in Thailand for a minimum of one year.
- Live in Thailand as a permanent resident.
- Be at least 20 years old.
The criteria mentioned above are why very few foreigners get mortgages from Thai mortgage companies and banks.
Documents
- Passport.
- Proof of income
- Certified letter of employment
- Visa documentation.
- Recent pay slips, bank statements, or tax filing documents going back three months.
- Depending on your status, an Alien Registration Book or Permanent Residence book.
- A lending institution may also ask for documents such as your birth certificate, work references, and death, divorce, or marriage certificates.
Business owners can be asked for financial statements, VAT records, proof of registration, and net working capital.
Mortgage And Finance Options For Foreign Buyers
Thailand’s high interest rates can make deciding on a finance option challenging. Here are some options foreign buyers can try:
- United Overseas Bank (UOB)
- Bangkok Bank
- Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
- MBK Guarantee
- Standard Chartered
Please note that the viability of these options largely depends on your status and adjoined rights within the country.
Property Fees In Thailand
Beyond the cost of the actual property and the initial down payment, there are some other prices and fees that buyers have to handle:
- Real estate agent fees – Whether you have to pay this will depend on your region, as some real estate agents are free in certain areas.
- Transfer registration fee – The cost of transfer registration is usually around 2 percent of the purchase price.
- Business tax – Business tax is charged at 3.3 percent of the property’s value.
- Withholding tax – This levy will increase according to how long you hold the property.
- Legal fees – This is typically negotiable.
- Rental fees – There are two types of rental fees, the house & land tax, where 12.5 percent is deducted from your rental income annually and 10 to 37 percent of your rental income.
- Business fees – Those who purchase a property via a business are liable to pay business fees that are 33% of the purchase price.
Things To Remember When Buying A Property In Thailand
Here are a few things to bear in mind if you want to buy a property in Thailand:
Tax
People forget to account for the tax they’re liable to pay in the UK and the target destination. Be sure to put an escrow clause in your contract to clarify that you will not be paying porter tax on the condo, as the Thai government has to handle that as per their laws.
Due diligence
Conducting an extensive inspection of the property before purchase is key to ensuring that you’ll be happy with your investment. An important component of this is asking all those involved in the negotiation the right questions.
Exchange rates
Always pay close attention to the exchange rate when you plan to buy a Thailand property. Even the slightest changes in the exchange could have a substantial impact on the purchase price. To put it bluntly, an unfavourable change in the exchange rate could instantaneously make your target property unaffordable.
Paperwork
Before signing any agreement, make sure that you have the necessary permissions, documents, and planning consent. Read through your mortgage agreement thoroughly to check all terms and conditions. The last thing property buyers want is to be blindsided by a clause that wasn’t immediately apparent.
Also, note that land with a title deed has to be registered at the Bangkok metropolis Land Office or the Land Department.
Transfer of ownership
After you die, there is no guarantee that the ownership of your Thai property will be transferred to your children or benefactors. To reduce the chances of this being the case, ensure that you have a copy of your will in your home country that mentions your property in Thailand.
Get In Touch With Loan Corp Today
If you don’t have the necessary knowledge and expertise, then the foreigner mortgage market can be a very complex one to navigate. Luckily, at Loan Corp, we have a team of industry experts who understand all the ins and outs of loans, mortgages, and the foreign property market.
Our agents will conduct an in-depth assessment of your objective and financial situation to provide you with a solution tailored to your individual needs.
If you’re planning on purchasing a property in Thailand or anywhere else, then be sure to get in touch via our online form or phone us on 0808 301 9509.
FAQs
What is the loan-to-value ratio?
The loan-to-value ratio analyses lending risk, and every lending institution goes through this assessment with a fine-toothed comb before approving a mortgage. Generally, loan assessments with high loan-to-value ratios are considered higher-risk loans.
In some instances, a loan with a high loan-to-value ratio means the borrower must purchase mortgage insurance to reduce the lender’s risk.
What is the duration of a mortgage in Thailand?
Mortgages in Thailand often last between ten to thirty years. Age is a significant factor in terms of mortgage approval and the repayment period.
If you’re between 20 and 30, any repayment period will be a viable option. However, if you’re 40, you may only be eligible for a mortgage with a repayment period that’s up to 20 years. For those aged 50 but below 60, only a 10-year repayment plan is applicable.
Please note that Thai banks prohibit people from holding home loans past the age of 60.
Where can I find a mortgage calculator for Thailand?
There are a plethora of mortgage calculators available on the internet. However, not all of them may be as comprehensive and accurate as the ones Loan Corp has to offer. If you’re ready to make a mortgage loan application, make the most of Loan Corp’s mortgage calculators.
You can also contact us via our online form or call us at 0808 301 9509.
Do Thai banks give mortgages?
Most financial institutions in Thailand, including banks, offer mortgages. Thai banks will generally loan you 40 to 80 percent of the property’s value or asking price for around ten years.
In this case, one of the main issues is that despite Thailand’s relatively progressive property laws, few Thai banks and lending institutions offer mortgages to foreign buyers. Mortgages are common in Thailand, but foreign nationals were only granted access to bank funding in the mid-2000s.
Bangkok bank and UOB were the earliest entrants in the foreign mortgage market.
Which country has the best mortgage interest rates?
According to statistics, Japan has the lowest mortgage interest rates worldwide, with an average mortgage rate of 1.68%. Switzerland, Finland, Germany, and Luxembourg, come in at second, third, fourth, and fifth, respectively.
Because of weak inflation and high credit ratings, these countries have low mortgage rates. Despite this, you must do extensive research before applying for a mortgage in one of these countries, as the processes and adjoined expenses can vary significantly.
It’s also worth mentioning that in Japan, very few banks grant loans to foreign buyers. In most cases, you’d have to have permanent residence or citizenship, in addition to an annual income between £12 000 and £30 000.
Contact us now for expert overseas mortgage advice