Costs & Taxes

Beyond the purchase price itself, buying property in Thailand involves a number of additional costs and taxes. Budgeting for these in advance avoids surprises at completion.

Transaction Costs

• Transfer fee: A percentage of the registered property value, payable to the Land Office on the day ownership is transferred.
• Specific Business Tax or Stamp Duty: One or the other typically applies depending on how long the seller has owned the property, and is usually calculated on the sale or appraised value.
• Withholding tax: Applicable to the seller, calculated differently depending on whether the seller is an individual or a company.
• Legal fees: Payment for your independent lawyer to conduct due diligence and review or draft contracts.

Ongoing Ownership Costs

• Common area fees: Condominiums and many villa estates charge regular fees for maintenance of shared facilities, security, and landscaping.
• Sinking fund: A one-off contribution some condo projects require at purchase, held for major future repairs.
• Land and building tax: An annual tax based on the appraised value and use of the property.
• Utilities and property management: Ongoing electricity, water, and, if applicable, rental management fees.

Who Pays What?

Thai property transactions have well-established conventions for splitting these costs between buyer and seller, though the exact split is ultimately a matter of negotiation and should always be confirmed in writing in the sale and purchase agreement.

Because tax treatment can vary by property type, ownership structure, and seller circumstances, we recommend confirming exact figures with your lawyer or accountant for your specific transaction. Contact Anan Property Group and we will happily talk you through the likely cost breakdown for any property you are considering.