Resale Homes Claim Two-Thirds of Transfers: What Buyers Want

Thailand’s property market remains under pressure in 2026 as household purchasing power recovers slowly and mortgage approvals remain selective. Against this backdrop, resale homes are playing a much larger role. According to a market assessment presented by Sansiri, existing homes now account for approximately two-thirds of property ownership transfers, while newly developed homes represent roughly one-third.

The shift suggests that buyers are looking beyond the age of a property. Affordability, usable space, established locations and verifiable living conditions are becoming increasingly important. As a result, resale houses and condominiums are attracting both end users and investors who want to inspect the completed asset, compare real market prices and assess rental potential before committing.

How Resale Homes Reached a Two-Thirds Share

Poomipak Julmanichoti, Chief Strategy Officer of Sansiri Public Company Limited, said that over the past five years, the number of property transfers nationwide had not changed dramatically, but the total value of those transfers had declined significantly. This indicates that more buyers are selecting properties within price ranges that better match their purchasing power.

In the current market structure cited by Sansiri, resale homes account for approximately two-thirds of transfers, compared with about one-third for new homes from developers. One reason is that existing properties generally offer a wider range of accessible prices and are available in established neighbourhoods where transport links, employment centres, schools, hospitals and everyday amenities are already in place.

The figure does not mean every resale segment is growing at the same rate. Demand still varies by location, condition, price range and mortgage eligibility. It does, however, show that buyers are placing greater weight on value for money rather than automatically choosing the newest project.

Why More Buyers Are Considering Resale Property

1. Greater Flexibility in Price and Space

A resale house or condominium may offer a lower price per square metre than a new project in the same area. In some cases, buyers can obtain more usable space within a similar budget. This makes it possible to compare the purchase price, renovation costs and actual lifestyle value before making a decision.

2. Access to Established Locations

Many existing properties are located in mature neighbourhoods with complete infrastructure and active communities. Buyers can assess actual travel times, traffic, nearby shops, schools and the surrounding environment instead of relying solely on future development plans.

3. The Property Can Be Inspected Before Purchase

Buyers can check the unit, orientation, natural light, view, noise levels, common areas and overall building management before signing a contract. These factors reduce uncertainty, although electrical systems, plumbing, structural condition, repair history and maintenance records should still be inspected carefully.

4. Faster Occupancy or Rental Income

A completed property can provide a clearer move-in schedule for owner-occupiers. Investors can also study current rents, calculate potential cash flow and begin marketing the unit sooner than with a project that is still under construction.

New Homes Still Have Growth Opportunities

The growing share of resale transfers does not mean demand for new property has disappeared. Sansiri expects selected segments to remain resilient in the second half of 2026, particularly condominiums near employment centres, educational institutions and mass-transit connections. Low-rise homes priced at around THB 10 million may also continue to attract buyers with stronger purchasing power and credit profiles.

Buyers of new developments are also paying closer attention to the developer’s credibility, delivery record, financial strength, credit rating and liquidity discipline. These factors can affect construction continuity and the ability to complete and transfer a project as promised.

What Resale Buyers Should Check

Before purchasing, buyers should compare the asking price with similar properties in the same project and location. The budget should also cover renovation, furniture, common-area fees, taxes and transfer-related expenses. Ownership documents, mortgages, legal obligations, outstanding payments and juristic-person regulations should be reviewed carefully.

Condominium buyers should examine building condition, juristic-person management, reserve funds, common fees, the number of competing rental or sale listings, and any restrictions on pets or renovations. For low-rise homes, buyers should check land boundaries, access, structural condition, roofing, drainage and whether extensions were properly approved.

How Sellers Can Compete in a Buyer-Driven Market

Sellers should price their properties using current comparable data rather than relying only on advertised prices. Actual transaction values can vary according to condition, floor, orientation, view, furniture and transfer terms. Cleaning the property, repairing visible defects, using accurate photographs and preparing documents in advance can shorten the buyer’s decision process.

For tenanted properties, rental income, lease duration, operating expenses and payment history should be disclosed clearly so investors can estimate net returns on a realistic basis.

Conclusion

The rising share of resale transfers signals that Thailand’s 2026 property market is increasingly driven by value and genuine housing demand. Buyers have more choice and bargaining power, while sellers need accurate market information, realistic pricing and transparent property presentation.

Whether buying a home, selling an existing property or investing for rental income, comparing verified data from the same project and location can reduce risk. Connex Property can help buyers and owners assess market positioning, shortlist suitable resale properties and review the essential information before a decision is made.