Younger adults drive Bangkok rental market

The residential rental market in Greater Bangkok is gaining momentum, driven by shifting preferences among young adults and by developers adapting to stricter mortgage rules by offering more rental options to prospective buyers.

- KANANA KATHARANGSIPORN

Younger adults are reshaping housing demand by emphasising flexibility and financial resilience, rather than long-term home ownership.

This shift is increasingly underpinning the expansion of the rental market in the capital and its surrounding areas.

Many younger Thais delay buying homes as they value mobility and work-life balance. With careers increasingly flexible, freelance or technology-driven, renting allows them to relocate easily, live closer to workplaces or mass transit, and avoid long-term financial commitments.

High housing prices relative to income remain a key deterrent. According to a survey conducted in October-November 2025 by property portal Ddproperty.com, nearly one in five renters cited unaffordable home prices as the main reason for renting, preferring to preserve savings rather than commit to costly property purchases.

Financial readiness is another constraint. About one-third of respondents had sufficient savings to buy a home, while 38% were halfway towards their savings goals.