The thought of building a holiday home in another country can be a little daunting, but with some preparation, good local advice, and a reputable builder, it need not turn into a nightmare. Kensington Company is a Thailand-based firm that specialises in designing and building quality homes for clients both locally and overseas. We spoke to Natthida Prasertsun, Director of Kensington Company, about the process of building a property in Thailand.
About Kensington Company
Tell us a bit about what Kensington Company does.
Kensington is a Thai company that builds individual homes for clients. We design and offer an architectural service, and also construct the home for the customer. If a customer would prefer only design services or only construction services, we can accommodate that too. Our architects are English-speaking, which makes it considerably easier for people who speak little or no Thai to work with us. If someone is considering a construction project in Thailand, we are definitely a good first port of call.
Who are your main clients?
We have a wide range of customers from Thailand and overseas. Some are building holiday homes, others are constructing retirement villas, and many are planning to live in their homes permanently. We have designed and built homes for clients from India, the USA, Australia, England, France, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Singapore, Belgium, Hong Kong, Norway, Spain, and South Africa.
What services do you offer to people who are not located in Thailand?
For clients who are based overseas and looking to design and/or build a property in Thailand, the best first step is to contact us so that we can determine their requirements and help them plan the process. Many of our clients are working or living abroad, so we are experienced at completing projects for people who are not in Thailand. We manage the entire process on the client's behalf, removing the potential hassles and complications. If a client is looking to undertake a project outside Thailand, we may also be able to provide architectural services and consultancy.
A good architect can make a home significantly better and more comfortable. Usually, when you look closely at a well-designed home, you can spot the difference: superior form and function, better use of light and space, and a result that is easier to sell. Good design can also be cost-effective, saving money on energy and building costs in the long run.
Costs and Timelines
What are the costs and timelines associated with building a home in Thailand?
Construction costs in Thailand, as in any country, depend on what you are building: the size, the architect's drawings, the location, and the materials you choose. The most accurate way to calculate costs is to first have architect drawings completed so the builder knows all the details, specifications, and materials required. Construction costs in Thailand have increased considerably over the past decade — driven by rising oil prices, higher material production costs, and increased labour costs — but it remains less expensive to build here than in many other countries.
Costs vary considerably. You can build a home for as little as THB 5 million (approximately US$168,000 at the time of writing), but there are also homes that cost more than THB 10 million (approximately US$337,000) or even THB 50 million (approximately US$1.6 million). Your choices of materials, finishes, and design complexity ultimately determine the price. Speaking to an architect early in the process is the best way to calibrate expectations and budgets.
Architect fees in Thailand are generally determined by the projected cost of the project, the complexity of the design, and the experience of the architect. We have designed small bungalows for a fee of THB 250,000 (approximately US$8,400), larger family homes for around THB 600,000 (approximately US$20,200), and high-end luxury homes for over THB 1 million (approximately US$33,700). We believe our fees are reasonable and our quality of design is excellent.
Design and engineering drawings for a home typically take eight to sixteen weeks, depending on the architect, the type of home, and the client's requirements. In terms of construction time, a reasonable-sized quality home generally takes twelve to fifteen months to build, depending on size and complexity.
All cost figures are approximate and based on exchange rates at the time of the original article. Verify current construction costs and architect fees directly with your builder and the Bank of Thailand exchange rates before budgeting.
Best Places to Build a Holiday Home in Thailand
Where do you think are some of the best places to build a holiday home in Thailand?
Thailand is a beautiful country with many great locations. Some of the more popular ones include:
- Chiang Mai is often described as Thailand's second city after Bangkok. It offers cooler weather, a more peaceful way of life, and a lower cost of living than Bangkok, while still providing all the city amenities you could require — including shops, bars, restaurants, hospitals, golf courses, hotels, spas, international schools, and a wide range of activities. It is popular with retirees and people looking to live permanently in a location that blends countryside and city life. It has its own international airport, with daily flights from Bangkok. We have an office in Chiang Mai.
- Phuket is a large southern island in the Andaman Sea and one of the most well-known beach holiday destinations in the world. It offers international schools, hospitals, shops, hotels, resorts, spas, lively nightlife, golf courses, sailing facilities, yacht clubs, and marinas — all served by its own international airport with flights within one hour from Bangkok. Many high-end luxury villas have been developed in Phuket, and the island continues to attract strong interest from international buyers.
- Pattaya is a mainland coastal city approximately two hours from Bangkok. It is known for its lively nightlife, golf courses, restaurants, yacht club, water park, and themed hotels, as well as good infrastructure including hospitals and international schools. Pattaya is generally less expensive than Phuket, which makes it attractive to people working in Bangkok who are looking for a weekend or holiday residence. It is also popular with retirees and holiday home seekers.
- Hua Hin is a smaller coastal town approximately 2.5 hours from Bangkok on the Gulf coast. It offers a more relaxed pace of life than Phuket or Pattaya and is particularly popular with Thai nationals and Scandinavians. Despite its smaller scale, it has shopping malls, hospitals, and schools, and its quaint fishing-village atmosphere makes it an appealing place to retire or spend extended holidays.
There are of course many other excellent locations in Thailand, but these are some of the more popular ones where we have worked with clients.
Getting Started
What advice would you give to someone looking to build a holiday home in Thailand?
Engage a professional, registered construction company with genuine experience and listen to their advice. I would also strongly recommend working with a qualified professional architect. Both will save you significant money, time, and potential problems — and the quality and value of your finished home will be far higher as a result.
How does one start the process of building a home in Thailand?
You must first have a block of land to build on. To purchase land in Thailand you need to have the correct legal status and understand the laws and regulations governing land purchase and lease by foreigners — these rules are nuanced and have changed over time. I would always recommend speaking to a qualified lawyer first. Once you have your land, you can then contact us to help you design and build your dream home.
Has Kensington been recognised for its work?
We have been featured in several luxury magazines. A boutique hotel we built won the Condé Nast Award for Best Boutique Hotel in South East Asia.
Foreign Ownership Rules in Thailand: A Buyer's Summary
Thailand's land ownership laws for foreigners are among the most important factors international buyers must understand before committing to a construction project. Under Thai law, foreign nationals generally cannot own freehold land outright. The most common structures for foreign buyers are a long-term leasehold (typically 30 years, with options to renew), ownership of a condominium unit in a building where at least 49% of units are Thai-owned, or, for business purposes, a Thai majority-owned company holding the land title. Each structure carries legal risks and obligations that vary depending on visa status, the specific property, and local regulations. A qualified Thai property lawyer must be consulted before any land transaction is entered into.
The construction permit process in Thailand also requires careful navigation. Building permits must be obtained from the relevant local authority (such as the Pattaya City Hall or the Provincial Administrative Organisation) before construction begins. Your architect and builder should have experience managing this process, particularly in locations that fall under special zoning regulations such as coastal buffer zones or national park boundaries. Foreign ownership rules, leasehold terms, and permit requirements as described in the original article — verify current regulations with a qualified Thai lawyer before proceeding.