slug: step-by-step-buying-condo-thailand-guide category: buyer-guide authorname: REVR Editorial featuredimage_url: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1560448204-e02f11c3d0e2?w=1200&q=80 status: published
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Condo in Thailand
Buying a condo in Thailand is a straightforward process, but there are specific steps and legal requirements that differ from other countries. Here's exactly what to expect.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Before you start shopping, confirm you're eligible:
- Foreign nationals can own up to 49% of a condo building
- No Thai bank account required (but very helpful)
- No visa required for the purchase itself
Step 2: Find Your Property
Use REVR to search verified listings. Filter by:
- Location (BTS/MRT station, district)
- Budget (including estimated fees)
- Size (studio, 1BR, 2BR, etc.)
- Pet-friendly, if needed
Step 3: Make a Reservation
Once you've found a property:
- Pay a reservation fee (typically 50,000–100,000 THB)
- Sign a reservation agreement
- The property is taken off the market for 7–14 days
Step 4: Due Diligence
This is the most important step. Your lawyer should:
- [ ] Verify the title deed at the Land Office
- [ ] Check the foreign quota (are there units available?)
- [ ] Confirm no mortgages or encumbrances on the property
- [ ] Check building permits and construction quality
- [ ] Review the condo's financial health (sinking fund, common fees, reserves)
Step 5: Sign the Sales Contract
Review and sign the sale and purchase agreement. Key items to check:
- Payment schedule
- Transfer date
- Penalties for delays
- What's included (furniture, appliances, etc.)
Step 6: Pay the Deposit
Standard structure:
- 10–20% deposit upon signing the contract
- Balance due at transfer
All deposits on REVR are held in escrow — your money is never in a personal account and is traceable on our ledger.
Step 7: Transfer at the Land Office
On transfer day:
- Both parties (or representatives) attend the Land Office
- Pay the remaining balance
- Pay transfer fees (2% split between buyer and seller)
- Register the ownership in your name
- Receive your Chanote (title deed)
The entire process takes 2–4 hours at the Land Office.
Step 8: Post-Purchase
- Register for utilities (electricity, water, internet)
- Set up annual tax payments (land and building tax)
- Consider property insurance
- If renting out, find a property manager
Timeline Summary
| Step | Timeline | |------|----------| | Search and viewing | 1–4 weeks | | Due diligence | 1–2 weeks | | Contract + deposit | 1 week | | Transfer | 2–4 weeks after contract | | Total | 1–3 months |
REVR Assure: Every transaction on REVR includes escrow protection, a verified title deed, and a transparent fee breakdown. We make buying a condo in Thailand as safe as buying one in your home country.
