Is a leasehold safe in Thailand?

A lease registered at the Land Department is legally recognised for its term. Renewal options and succession to heirs are contractual, so check they are written into your lease — at SandScape they are. Have a qualified lawyer review the contract.

Can I sell a leasehold villa later?

Yes — a leasehold interest can be transferred, subject to the lease terms. Resale is part of how the market works here.

Can a leasehold pass to my children?

Only if the lease says so — a lease is personal unless the contract provides for succession. SandScape's lease states that the remaining term passes to your heirs together with the house.

Ownership · Leasehold vs Freehold

Leasehold vs Freehold in Thailand: Which Is Right for You (2026)

Updated September 2026

Both let you live in and enjoy your home; the real difference is how the land is held. Here is the honest comparison, without the jargon.

A SandScape villa exterior under a clear sky

The difference in one line

Freehold means owning outright in your own name. Leasehold means holding the right to use the land for a long, registered term — while still owning the building itself. For a landed villa, leasehold is the established route for foreign buyers.

Freehold — where it applies

For foreigners, freehold ownership in your own name applies cleanly to condominium units, within each building's 49% foreign quota. A company structure can hold land, but it brings ongoing obligations and should only be considered with professional advice — it is not a shortcut.

Leasehold — how it really works

A long lease is registered at the Land Department and recognised for its term, most commonly 30 years. In practice leases are written with clauses for renewal, succession to your heirs, and your ownership of the building. Because the wording matters, this is the step where a good lawyer earns their fee.

Which fits you?

If you want a landed pool villa and value a transparent, widely-used structure, leasehold is the natural path. If full freehold in your own name is essential, a condominium is the straightforward option. Many buyers are simply reassured once the mechanics are explained — it is more familiar than it first sounds.

At SandScape

At SandScape the structure is fixed and the same for every buyer: the house is sold to you and transferred into your name, and the land is held on a 30-year lease registered at the Land Office, with two further 30-year renewal options written into the contract. The contract also states that the remaining lease term passes to your heirs, together with ownership of the house, and spouses can sign jointly. This is exactly what our most recent buyers registered in 2026 — we are happy to show you the wording.

Frequently asked

Is a leasehold safe in Thailand?: A lease registered at the Land Department is legally recognised for its term. Renewal options and succession to heirs are contractual, so check they are written into your lease — at SandScape they are. Have a qualified lawyer review the contract.
Can I sell a leasehold villa later?: Yes — a leasehold interest can be transferred, subject to the lease terms. Resale is part of how the market works here.
Can a leasehold pass to my children?: Only if the lease says so — a lease is personal unless the contract provides for succession. SandScape's lease states that the remaining term passes to your heirs together with the house.

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules, taxes and figures change, so please confirm the details for your situation with a qualified Thai professional before you commit.

Talk through your options with Rarida

More to read: The 2026 ownership guide Investment & yield