property
Rental Vacancy Rates Drop Sharply as Competition for Units Grows Fierce
Low vacancy figures across Riverside Bkk are pushing more residents toward renting amid climbing purchase prices.
How we reported this
Vacancy rates for rental apartments in Riverside Bkk fell to 3.1 percent in the second quarter of 2026, according to data compiled by the Riverside Property Association.
The drop comes as more households weigh renting over buying, with median condo prices along the riverfront climbing 8 percent since January. Families and young professionals cite higher mortgage rates and stricter lending rules as reasons to stay in the rental market longer, tightening supply in popular districts.
Pressure Points in Riverside Neighbourhoods
Competition shows up most clearly on streets such as Charoen Krung Road and near the Sathorn Riverside complex. Listings for one-bedroom units in buildings managed by the Chao Phraya Condo Group now receive multiple applications within 48 hours of posting. The Riverside Affordable Housing Program, launched in 2024 to support middle-income tenants, reported a waiting list of 1,200 households as of last month.
Agents at local offices along Silom Soi 3 noted that two-bedroom apartments previously vacant for weeks are now leased the same day viewings open. Demand from workers at nearby offices and riverfront retail outlets has outpaced new completions, leaving fewer options at the lower end of the price range.
Numbers Behind the Squeeze
Average asking rents for a 45-square-metre unit reached 38,500 baht per month in June, up 6 percent from the same period in 2025. The Riverside Property Association recorded 142 new rental contracts signed in the first week of July alone, compared with 91 contracts in the equivalent week last year. These figures reflect a market where tenants must act quickly or risk losing units to higher bids.
Prospective renters should prepare documentation in advance, check listings daily through registered agents and consider slightly larger units in adjacent blocks such as Khlong San if central Riverside options exceed budget limits. Those able to sign 18-month leases may secure modest concessions before the next round of price adjustments.
This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.