Economy
Thailand's Housing Market Faces Four-Year Low in Demand
A new survey by SCB EIC indicates that 56% of potential buyers are delaying home purchases for at least five years due to economic uncertainty.
According to the 'SCB EIC Real Estate Survey 2026' conducted by the Economic Intelligence Center (EIC) of Siam Commercial Bank, Thailand's residential property market is experiencing its lowest demand in four years. The survey reveals that 56% of respondents have no plans to purchase a home within the next five years, marking a significant shift in consumer behavior as individuals prioritize financial stability over property investment.
Senior analyst Chetthawat Songprasert noted that this trend is driven by a slow economic recovery, strict bank lending criteria, and high property prices. Notably, the hesitation has spread to high-income earners—those making over 100,000 baht per month—suggesting that economic pressure is impacting a broader demographic than previously observed. For those still considering a purchase, most are opting to wait three to five years rather than buying immediately.
For residents and expatriates, this cooling market may lead to a shift in rental demand or a rise in the popularity of second-hand properties as buyers become more price-sensitive. While the survey provides a clear snapshot of current consumer sentiment, the long-term impact on property developers and the broader construction sector remains to be confirmed as the market continues its gradual recovery path.
