The cost of buying property in Thailand: taxes & fees
Buying property in Thailand requires careful planning, particularly regarding costs beyond the purchase price.
This guide covers one-off purchase costs, recurring ownership costs, and what to expect when financing a property as a non-resident.
One-Off Purchase Costs
When purchasing property in Thailand, expect several one-off costs in addition to the sale price.
Key expenses typically include transfer fees, registration fees, and legal charges.
- Transfer tax: typically around 2-3% of the sale price, varies by region.
- Notary or registration fees: generally range from 0.1-1% of the property's value.
- Legal or conveyancing fees: often range from 1-2% of the sale price.
Estimated Total Buying Costs
Overall, buyers should budget for around 5-8% of the property's price for these one-off costs.
This is a general estimate and can vary depending on specific regional regulations.
Worked Example
For a property priced at the typical median of 361,000 EUR, here’s how the costs can break down:
Transfer tax (approx. 3%): 10,830 EUR, Notary/registration fees (approx. 1%): 3,610 EUR, Legal fees (approx. 1.5%): 5,415 EUR.
Total estimated one-off costs: about 19,855 EUR, bringing overall costs to roughly 380,855 EUR.
Recurring Costs of Ownership
Annual property taxes in Thailand vary but are generally low, often less than 1% of the property's assessed value.
Along with property tax, consider community fees if in a condo and utility costs for water, electricity, and internet.
- Property taxes: typically low, around 0.01-0.3% of the property value per year.
- Community or condominium fees: range between 500-3,000 THB monthly depending on services.
- Utilities: average monthly costs may total 3,000-5,000 THB.
Mortgage Costs for Non-Residents
Mortgages for non-residents can be challenging to obtain in Thailand, and lenders often require a substantial deposit.
Interest rates and terms will vary, so consulting a local financial institution is essential.
- Down payments might start at 30-50% for non-residents.
- Interest rates typically range from 4-7%.
- Loan terms may be shorter than those available to residents.
Frequently asked questions
What is the typical transfer tax in Thailand?
Transfer tax usually ranges from 2-3% of the sale price, but it's wise to check local regulations.
Are legal fees included in the buying costs?
Yes, legal fees typically range from 1-2% of the purchase price and should be budgeted for.
What are the ongoing ownership costs for properties in Thailand?
Ongoing costs can include annual property tax, community fees, and utilities, which vary depending on the property.
Can non-residents get a mortgage in Thailand?
Yes, but mortgages for non-residents may require larger deposits and might have different terms compared to residents.
How much should I budget for total buying costs?
Expect to budget around 5-8% of the property price for one-off buying costs.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change — verify the current position with official sources and a qualified professional before acting. Last reviewed July 2026.