Condo vs House vs Townhouse in Thailand: Which Fits Your Lifestyle

Space, ownership, location, and budget — how the three main property types actually compare

Updated July 2, 2026·4 picks

Thailand's three most common residential property types — condos, detached houses, and townhouses — suit genuinely different lifestyles and budgets. The right choice depends on how much space you need, whether you're a foreign buyer, how central you want to be, and how much upkeep you're willing to take on. Here's a straightforward comparison.

Condo

The default choice for foreigners, and increasingly for urban Thai buyers too. Condos concentrate around BTS/MRT stations and city centers, come with shared facilities (pool, gym, security), and are the only property type foreigners can own outright. Trade-off: less floor space per baht and a monthly common-area fee.

Only property type foreigners can own freehold in their own name
Concentrated near BTS/MRT stations and city centers

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheapest: condo, house, or townhouse?

Per square meter, condos in central locations are usually the most expensive, followed by townhouses, with detached houses in suburban estates typically offering the most space for the price — though a house's higher land value in prime locations can flip that. Location matters more than property type for overall price.

Can foreigners buy a house or townhouse in Thailand?

Foreigners can own the house or townhouse structure outright, but not the land beneath it as freehold — ownership of the land typically requires a long-term leasehold (commonly 30 years, renewable) or a compliant Thai company structure. Condos remain the only property type with straightforward freehold ownership for individual foreigners.

Is a townhouse a good compromise between condo and house?

For many buyers, yes — a townhouse gives more floor space and a small private outdoor area at a lower price than a detached house, often closer to the city than a typical housing estate. The trade-off is shared walls with neighbors and usually no private garden or pool.

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