Bangkok: The Real Estate Information Center (REIC) has reported a significant boost in the housing market for the first half of 2026, attributed to government measures that have led to a 17.6% surge in property transfers. According to REIC, the number of transferred properties nationwide reached 167,665 units, with a total value of 430 billion baht, marking a 9.8% increase. The REIC, under the new directorship of Dr. Mana Nimitvanich, anticipates a 2.3% market growth for the entire year, projecting the value of transfers to reach 908 billion baht by 2027.
According to Thai News Agency, the housing market's recovery is supported by gradual economic progress and slow GDP growth, which have enhanced purchasing power. The expansion of the low-priced secondary housing market, along with the extension of reduced transfer and mortgage registration fees, is expected to foster a 2.3% rise in the number of housing units and a 1.8% increase in transferred value in 2026. Nonetheless, the market is still facing challenges such as high household debt, stricter lending standards, and geopolitical uncertainties.
In the first half of 2026, the reduction of transfer and mortgage registration fees and the relaxation of loan-to-value ratio regulations significantly contributed to the increase in property transfers. Low-rise projects accounted for 70% of the transfer value, while condominiums made up the remaining 30%. The market structure reflects a strong demand for second-hand homes, which constitute 63% of the market, with affordable pricing being a key factor.
The transfer of condominium ownership to foreigners, however, displayed a slowdown, with a notable decrease among Chinese buyers but an increase in Russian investments in regions like Phuket and Chonburi. Personal housing loans expanded by 2.6% in the first half of 2026, with new loans showing robust growth, particularly in the second quarter.
Looking forward, REIC projects continued market stability, supported by the extension of reduced fees until mid-2027. The forecast includes 323,479 property transfers with a value of 880,760 million baht by the end of 2026. Dr. Mana emphasized the ongoing challenges of household debt and lending policies but highlighted growth potential in real demand segments, the resale market, and environmentally sustainable housing options.