Buying a condominium in Bangkok is a well-established process, and with the right guidance it can be smooth and straightforward — even for buyers purchasing from overseas. Here is a step-by-step overview of what to expect.
Step 1 — Choose Your Property
Browse available developments and shortlist units that match your budget, location preferences, and investment goals. Our team at Selling Bangkok can provide detailed project information, floor plans, pricing, and arrange site visits or virtual tours for overseas buyers.
Step 2 — Reserve the Unit
Once you have selected a unit, a reservation fee is paid to secure it. This typically ranges from ฿50,000 to ฿200,000 depending on the developer and project. The unit is taken off the market at this stage. The reservation fee is usually deducted from the 30% you pay when you sign the Sales and Purchase Agreement.
Step 3 — Sign the Sales and Purchase Agreement
Within 30 days of reservation, you will sign the formal Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with the developer. You pay 30% of the purchase price on signing, less any reservation fee already paid. Foreign buyers make no further payments during construction: the remaining 70% is due on completion, at transfer. For example, if an off-plan unit is scheduled to complete in two years, the 70% balance is due in two years. For resale units, the deposit is typically 3–5% of the price. The SPA outlines all terms and conditions, including the construction timeline, unit specifications, and transfer procedures. For new units bought direct from the developer, an independent lawyer review is optional; for resales, it is recommended.
Step 4 — The Construction Period (Off-Plan Properties)
For off-plan purchases, no further payments are due while the building is under construction. The 70% balance is paid on completion, at transfer. Send every payment from overseas in foreign currency: your Thai bank issues a Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) form for transfers of USD 50,000 or more, and you will need this paperwork at the Land Department.
Step 5 — Pre-Handover Inspection
Before taking possession of your unit, a pre-handover inspection is conducted to identify any defects or issues with the property. It is highly recommended to engage a professional inspector for this stage. Developers are obligated to rectify any identified defects before final transfer.
Step 6 — Transfer of Ownership
The final step is the transfer of title at the Land Department. You (or your appointed representative via Power of Attorney) meet with the developer's representative to complete the transfer. The 70% balance of the purchase price is paid, transfer fees and taxes are settled, and the unit's title deed (Or Chor 2, often called a chanote) is updated to show you as the owner. The land under the building has its own chanote, which you co-own with the other owners as part of the building's common property (Thailand Law: Or Chor 2; Bangkok Solicitor: title search).
Timeline
For completed projects, the process from reservation to transfer typically takes 30–60 days. For off-plan projects, the timeline depends on the construction schedule, which can range from 1 to 4 years from launch, and the 70% balance falls due on completion.
Our team handles the entire process on your behalf. Get in touch to get started.