Real Estate & Property Law
Real Estate & Property Law in Thailand
Duensing Kippen is the real estate lawyer Thailand clients trust for buying, selling, and structuring real estate transactions across Bangkok, Phuket and the wider Thai market.
Thailand’s property market presents unique legal challenges for both Thai and foreign buyers, sellers, and developers. Foreign ownership restrictions, title complexities, and leasehold structures require specialist legal advice before any transaction proceeds. Thai property law is governed primarily by the Land Code Act and the Condominium Act, both of which impose specific restrictions on foreign land ownership — making experienced legal guidance essential at every stage of a transaction.
Our real estate lawyer Thailand team advises on the full range of property transactions — from due diligence and title searches through to sale and purchase agreements, leasehold structures, condominium purchases, and property disputes.
Our Property & Real Estate Services
Property Transactions & Due Diligence
We advise on the full range of property transactions — from due diligence and title searches through to sale and purchase agreements, leasehold structures, condominium purchases, and property disputes.
We conduct thorough title searches and due diligence on all property types across Thailand, identifying risks before they become problems. We act for buyers, sellers, and developers in both residential and commercial transactions, checking chanote (title deed) status, zoning restrictions, outstanding encumbrances, and building permit compliance before any funds change hands.
Leasehold & Ownership Structures
As foreign nationals generally cannot own land outright in Thailand, structuring ownership correctly is critical. Our team, working as a real estate lawyer Thailand foreign investors trust, advises on the most appropriate ownership structures under Thai law, including:
- Long-term leasehold agreements (up to 30 years, with renewal options)
- Condominium titles, which allow up to 49% foreign ownership within a condominium project
- Thai company structures for property holding, structured to comply with the Foreign Business Act
Property Disputes
Where property disputes arise — including boundary disputes, breach of sale and purchase agreements, co-owner disagreements, or developer non-compliance — we represent clients in negotiation, mediation, and litigation to protect their investment.
Working with Developers
We also advise property developers on structuring off-plan sales, condominium juristic person compliance, and regulatory approval processes, helping projects move forward with reduced legal risk.
Experience You Can Rely On
With offices in Bangkok and Phuket, our team combines local regulatory knowledge with the cross-border experience international investors expect from a real estate lawyer Thailand has relied on for over two decades. Whether you are purchasing a condominium, structuring a long-term lease, or resolving a property dispute, our team provides clear, practical guidance at every step.
Property transactions in Thailand often overlap with broader business and investment structuring — for corporate structuring matters related to your property investment, see our Corporate & Commercial practice. You can also read more on property law developments in our Publications section.
Local Expertise in Bangkok & Phuket
Our Bangkok office advises on commercial and residential property transactions across central Thailand — from condominium purchases in Bangkok to resort developments on the eastern seaboard.
Our Phuket office has deep expertise in the Phuket, Samui, and Andaman coast property markets — advising international investors and developers on high-value leisure and residential property transactions.
Our Real Estate & Property Team
John Howard — Of Counsel. Over four decades of client representation experience in the Asia-Pacific region. Specialist in private investment acquisition, commercial law, and leisure property destinations. Former Managing Partner of Tilleke & Gibbins’ Phuket office (2005–2012)
Olaf Duensing is a Senior Partner with extensive experience in commercial litigation and arbitration across Thailand. Both attorneys advise clients on arbitration strategy, procedure, and enforcement.
Jerrold Kippen — Senior Partner, FCIArb. Over 20 years of arbitration experience in Thailand. Accepts appointments as sole arbitrator and panel member in domestic and international proceedings.
Weeraya Kippen — Partner, FCIArb, licensed Thai Barrister and Notarial Services Attorney. Advises on arbitration proceedings and represents clients before Thai courts and international tribunals.
Janthamanee Sanguansap — Associate, licensed Thai Lawyer. Experience in real estate, corporate/commercial, probate, immigration and ADR since 2020.
Laksamee Prayoth — Associate, licensed Thai Lawyer and Notarial Services Attorney. Experience in real estate, corporate/commercial, probate, immigration and ADR since 2020.
Speak with a Property Lawyer in Thailand
Contact our Bangkok or Phuket office for an initial consultation on your property matter.