Buying Property in Phuket: Steps, Documents and Costs

Quick answer

Start with a property and ownership shortlist, check the documents, agree reservation conditions, review the purchase contract, plan payments and bank evidence, then complete registration and handover. An off-plan purchase adds construction and delivery checks; a villa adds separate questions about land and building rights.

• Set a total acquisition budget, including costs beyond the advertised unit price.
• Obtain independent document review before committing substantial funds.
• Plan the handover and management arrangement alongside the purchase.

The purchase sequence

1. Choose the unit and ownership route

Compare the off-plan and developer catalogue with purchase options. Specify budget, location, personal-use dates and purchase timeframe. For foreign buyers, check ownership structures before treating two units as equivalent.

2. Review documents and reservation conditions

Ask an independent Thai property lawyer to review title, seller authority and the proposed transaction. For off-plan, include permits, project entity, specification and delivery terms. If reservation precedes full review, the written agreement should explain price validity, deposit treatment and the consequences of an adverse finding. A reservation payment does not register ownership.

3. Review the contract and full cost schedule

Request one schedule covering unit price, ownership-related charges, furniture, registration expenses, common charges and reserve contributions. Identify which party pays each item and when. The contract should state completion obligations, delay remedies, cancellation provisions and the specification being purchased.

4. Arrange payments and bank evidence

For the usual foreign-currency route to foreign condominium ownership, plan the remittance and bank evidence before sending funds. The Thai government guide describes overseas remittance evidence and distinguishes banking documents by transaction. Confirm the buyer name, beneficiary, payment purpose and required FET record or bank certificate with the receiving bank and the relevant Land Office. Other eligibility routes need their own document checks.

5. Registration and handover

Have the lawyer confirm the applicable registration, final documents and expenses. Registration and physical acceptance are different steps. At handover, inspect against the agreed specification, record defects and correction dates, and obtain keys, warranties, utility details and building rules.

If the property will be rented, check permitted use and any operator restrictions before ordering a rental forecast. Request a management assessment covering owner reporting, maintenance approvals and recurring costs.

FAQ

Q: Do I need a Thai company to buy a condominium?

A: Direct foreign condominium ownership may be available subject to eligibility, quota and registration documents. A company is not the default step; review the exact ownership route independently.

Q: Is the deposit refundable?

A: The reservation agreement determines the conditions. Obtain them in writing, including what happens if legal review fails, before paying.

Q: How long does a purchase take?

A: It depends on document readiness, seller or developer, banking and registration. An off-plan construction schedule is separate from the time needed to sign a purchase contract.

Request a purchase shortlist

Send your budget and purchase timeframe. We can coordinate a shortlist, viewings and document requests; legal conclusions and bank requirements are confirmed by the relevant qualified professionals.

Sources reviewed on 30 September 2026. Fees, eligibility and registration requirements are checked for the individual transaction.