Traditionally foreigners have not been able to borrow money in Thailand for property purchase. However, times are changing and loans are regarded as a positive way to attract foreign investment and further boost Thailand’s growing economy.
Facts about Financing a Thai Purchase
Currency – Baht (THB)
Loan to Value – Up to 70% of the valuation price
Term – 20 years
Thai banks are just beginning to evaluate foreigners, not as a credit risk, but as an investment opportunity and mortgages in Thailand are gradually increasing in availability.
Recently a new branch of the Bangkok Bank (BBL) has opened in Singapore and now finances sometimes as much as 70% over 20 years for property purchase. This has opened up borrowing possibilities for property investment in Thailand. Loans can be in Euros, US Dollars or Singapore Dollars, with interest rates varying in accordance with your choice of currency.
HSBC in Thailand offers loans of between 1,500,000 and 35,000,000 Thai Baht. Typically they will lend up to 80% of the purchase price and interest rates can be fixed for up to three years.
For condo purchases, many investors still obtain a loan in their country of origin and then transfer funds via currency exchange deals to a Thai bank account, while some well-known developments offer finance options of 70%, which are also well worth considering.