Condo vs. Apartment in Thailand, What’s the Difference?

Welcome to our guide that explains the differences between condominiums and apartments in Thailand. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant urban lifestyle or seeking a tranquil retreat, gaining insight into these nuances is essential.

We'll dive into the characteristics of condos and apartments. From ownership to facilities, we will ensure you have a clear grasp of what each option entails.

Introduction

Condo

Condos, short for condominiums, are privately owned residential units within a larger building or community. In Thailand, they often boast modern facilities, such as gyms, swimming pools, and 24/7 security. The buildings can be both high and low-rise developments.

Some specialized condos may even include more unique facilities not seen in most other projects.

Condo owners have the freedom to customize their living spaces, making renovations and alterations as desired. They also have a stake in the common areas and facilities, sharing maintenance responsibilities and costs with other residents.

However, ownership comes with additional fees, including maintenance charges and sinking funds for the project's future repairs or improvements.

Apartment

On the other hand, apartments in Thailand are typically rented living spaces within a building or complex, owned by a landlord or property management company. They offer a convenient housing option for those seeking flexibility and minimal long-term commitments.

While apartments may provide certain facilities, they often lack the customization privileges that come with condo ownership. Some basic facilities you may see in apartments could include gyms, swimming pools, parking spaces, elevators, or a laundry service.

However, the tenants may have limited control over the property and are subject to the landlord's rules and regulations. These include prohibitions against making modifications or changes to the unit.

Similarities

Both housing options are typically part of larger residential developments or buildings, offering residents proximity to urban conveniences and at least some of the following facilities:

• Parking spaces
• Laundry room
• Swimming Pool
• Gym
• Elevators
• Trash disposal

Additionally, both condos and apartments benefit from 24-hour security and CCTV, providing residents with a sense of safety and peace of mind.

Differences

The main difference between a condo and apartment is that an apartment is not available for sale and complete ownership. Meanwhile, you can buy a condo unit if you wish to have complete ownership without having to worry about paying rent on a regular basis.

The other difference between the two is who is responsible for property taxes? Owners pay for condo property taxes, while landlords pay for apartment property taxes.

Another difference between a condo and apartment is responsibility for maintenance and repairs. Assuming you live in an apartment and you encounter a leaky faucet or broken AC unit, you will be spared of the repair fees as the landlord will hold responsibility for repairs.

If you own a condo and encounter such problems, the owner is responsible for all any and all repair expenses .

Some condos may offer a wider and more unique array of shared facilities. These may include a kids' play room, Japanese onsen and sauna pool, or a massage area.

Advice for Foreigners

Keep in mind, that foreigners are only allowed to own 49% of the condo total number of units. while the remaining 51% has to be Thai-owned.

Foreigners also have the option to buy property by setting up a Thai company or buying property under the name of a Thai spouse (albeit you won't have full ownership rights as the spouse is the legal owner).

Read these other posts for more information

Bottom Line

Exploring condos and apartments in Thailand may seem daunting, but with the insights provided by this post, you're ready to make an informed choice—whether you prioritize ownership or convenience, a thorough understanding is key.

Take the time to consider your budget and goals to ensure your choice matches your preferred lifestyle. With this in mind, you're now ready for your journey towards finding your perfect home in Thailand.

Check out our selection of apartments available in Thailand.

Are you looking for full ownership and a wider array of shared facilities? Check out our selection of condos available in Thailand.