Buying Foreign Property for Relocation: Choosing Between Thailand and the UAE

Purchasing property abroad is a significant decision requiring thorough analysis of numerous factors. Among the popular destinations, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) attract considerable attention from foreign buyers. Both countries offer unique opportunities to enhance quality of life and make profitable investments.

Thailand is renowned for its picturesque nature, azure beaches, warm climate, and relatively affordable housing. It appeals to those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle and lower everyday expenses. You can find both cosy seaside apartments and spacious villas in green areas.

On the other hand, the UAE offers luxurious living in ultramodern metropolises. Real estate in Dubai is highly sought after by foreign investors due to its stable economy, high safety levels, and advanced infrastructure. Buying property here not only provides a convenient option for permanent relocation or seasonal living but also represents a great investment opportunity.

This article will compare property purchases in Thailand and the UAE, exploring market specifics and the advantages of each country to help determine the best relocation option.

Advantages of living in the UAE

Dubai remains a top destination for foreign investors. Let’s explore why the UAE is a prime choice using Dubai as an example. Over recent decades, the emirate has evolved into a dynamic metropolis, with its population reaching 3.68 million in 2024. In the first three months of 2024 alone, the population increased by more than 25,000 residents. Of this, only 15% are Emirati nationals. The remainder comprises expatriates, digital nomads, and workers from various countries, giving the city a distinctive multicultural character. The reasons to consider buying a home or apartment in Dubai for relocation include:

• Visa Opportunities: Foreign buyers investing at least AED 750,000 (USD 204,000) in Dubai property can obtain a 2-year long-term residence visa. Investments of AED 2 million (USD 544,500) qualify for a 5-year golden visa. Both completed properties and apartments in off-plan development projects in Dubai are eligible. However, maintaining investments is crucial for visa renewal.
• Convenient Location: Positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Dubai is an ideal location to do business and travel. The emirate’s international airport handles flights to most major destinations, offering convenient routes worldwide.
• Year-Round Warm Climate and Beach Season: Dubai does not experience winter as understood in Europe. Instead, the weather is most comfortable during the winter months, as summers can be excessively hot.
• Widespread Use of English: English is commonly used, easing communication and eliminating the need to learn Arabic.
• High Quality of Life: The city offers prestigious education and skilled medical care.
• Extensive Business Opportunities: There are numerous prospects, including special free-trade zones.
• High Safety Levels: The UAE maintains a strong safety record.
• No Property Taxes: Property owners, including those renting out their properties, benefit from tax exemptions.

Advantages of living in Thailand

Relocating to Thailand offers numerous benefits to those seeking a comfortable and affordable lifestyle. One of the main advantages is the relatively low cost of living: rent, food, transport, and services are significantly cheaper compared to most developed countries. This makes Thailand an attractive choice for those who want to enjoy comfort without significant expenses. The average cost of living for one person in the country is USD 790 per month, which is 59% lower than in the UAE, where it reaches USD 1,906.

Climate is another benefit. Warm weather year-round and stunning natural landscapes, including beaches, mountains, and tropical forests, create ideal conditions for relaxation and various activities. However, it is important to note that from May to October, the rainy season occurs, primarily due to monsoons. During this period, most regions receive substantial rainfall, particularly in June, July, and September. The intensity and duration of rain vary by region. On the western coast, including popular resorts like Phuket and Krabi, rain may be more frequent, while on the eastern side, such as the islands of Samui, Phangan, and Koh Tao, the rainy season might start later, with less intense precipitation.

Developed infrastructure in major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai provides convenient access to all necessary services and amenities. The pace of life in Thailand is more relaxed than in the UAE, which can be both a benefit and a drawback. Local residents may not respond promptly to urgent issues, leading to difficulties with minor everyday problems, such as appliance repairs.

Comparison of real estate markets

The UAE real estate market continues to show robust growth, supported by steady demand, stable economic development, and high interest from foreign investors. In Q1 2024, housing prices in Dubai increased by approximately 21% compared to the same period in 2023. In Abu Dhabi, the growth averaged 7%. Minimum investments in Dubai property are around AED 367,000 (USD 100,000).

Thailand’s real estate market also shows positive trends, though at a significantly slower pace. In Q2 2024, the index for detached house prices rose by 2.6% year-on-year, according to the Bank of Thailand. Townhouses saw a 3.12% increase.

The highest price growth was observed in the capital region. Detached houses increased by 3.85%, followed by townhouses at 3.58% and condominiums at 3.03%. However, prices in resort areas generally remain affordable. For example, the minimum cost of a studio in Phuket is USD 80,000.

Conclusions

When choosing between purchasing property in the UAE or Thailand for relocation, several key aspects must be considered. Both countries offer comfortable living conditions and a break from cold winters. However, the UAE leads in infrastructure development. The cost of living in Thailand is lower, as is the initial investment threshold, but real estate price growth in the UAE is higher. This could be relevant if reselling property is a consideration, such as needing a larger home for a growing family. Therefore, the choice depends on priorities. If a high standard of living, stability, and investment potential are important, the UAE is the preferable option. For those focused on a more relaxed pace and cost savings, property in Thailand may be the better choice.