Before buying an occupied Phuket condo, match the lease, rent ledger and tenant deposit to the sale contract and agree exactly what transfers on completion.
Short answer: you can assess an occupied resale only after you know who may occupy it, on what written terms, what rent and deposit have actually changed hands, and whether the sale promises vacant possession. Ask for the signed lease and amendments, payment ledger, deposit receipt and a written handover plan before you pay a reservation amount.
Reconcile the documents
Compare the tenant's name, unit number, term, renewal options, rent, utilities and notice provisions across the lease and any side letters. Match receipts and bank records against the rent ledger; a listing's expected rent is not proof of collections. Confirm who holds the security deposit, what deductions are documented, and whether the buyer is expected to account for it after transfer. Do not assume an informal booking, message or verbal promise ends a tenancy.
Make vacant possession explicit
If you need the unit empty, put the delivery date, condition, keys and remedy for late handover in the sale documents. If the tenant stays, state how rent, deposit, prepaid amounts, access devices and maintenance requests are reconciled at completion. Have a Thai conveyancing lawyer review the lease and sale agreement together, then verify title and transfer requirements with the relevant Land Office.
Use the Phuket buyer guide, compare districts and ask about owner-management support. Phuket Stay Pro can help organise the document review and clarify whether a property fits your move-in or investment plan.
Questions buyers ask: Does rent transfer automatically? Do not assume; record the effective date and settlement in writing. Is a deposit the same as proof of a lease? No; request the signed agreement and payment evidence. Can a seller promise vacant possession verbally? Put the condition and handover remedy in the signed contract.
Fact-check flags: tenancy rights, notice, deposit treatment and vacant-possession remedies depend on the signed documents and current Thai law. Thailand's public foreign-property registration guide lists general documents; it does not resolve a tenant's rights in a particular sale. Confirm the lease with an independent Thai lawyer; no rental continuation or yield is guaranteed.
Compare properties before you buy
Start with the location and buying goal. Compare handover dates, ownership options and payment terms; confirm the current price and availability for the selected unit.