Many people wishing to purchase property in Thailand face a number of questions regarding the acquisition process. Not understanding the legal system can cause uncertainty. Below, we break down what taxes and fees are levied when buying property in the Kingdom of Thailand.
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Features of Buying Property as a Foreigner
Buying property in Thailand is open to any foreign investor — both in person and remotely — including the possibility of purchasing houses with a plot of land. The overall procedure is the same for everyone, though remote transactions require extra time for sending documents.
Note: A signed scanned copy is sufficient for reservation. However, registering property rights requires either your personal presence or an authorized representative with a notarized power of attorney (the registration process is straightforward, and our experts can assist you if needed).
Taxes and Fees Upon Purchase
When buying property, taxes and fees must be paid and are typically distributed between the two parties of the transaction:
- Primary Market (Developer): If you buy property off-plan or completed directly from a developer, these taxes and fees are usually split 50/50.
- Secondary Market: When buying on the secondary market, you should agree in advance on who pays specific taxes and fees. We strongly recommend checking secondary properties for encumbrances and outstanding debts.
Taxes by Ownership Type
Taxes and fees vary depending on the ownership structure you choose:
- Freehold (outright ownership without time limits): Total composite taxes and fees can reach up to 6.3%.
- Leasehold (long-term lease): The registration tax is 1.1%.
Land Ownership Restrictions: Foreigners face specific restrictions regarding land registration (the building and land are treated separately). Typically, a villa structure is registered as Freehold under an individual’s name, while the land plot is registered under a Leasehold for an individual or Freehold via a Thai company.
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Additional Expenses
Sinking Fund (One-time Payment): A contribution to the capital repair fund used to promptly fix major issues within your condominium complex or estate (such as elevator repairs, sewer maintenance, or structural work).
- For Apartments: Starts from 600 THB per square meter.
- For Villas: Starts from 100,000 THB.
It is important to note that tax laws and rates are subject to change, and each property purchase in Thailand requires an individual approach and professional consultation with specialists.
