How to buy property in Thailand, step by step

The eight stages of buying

1. A conversation about your goal and budget: your own stays, a rental investment, or both.
2. Shortlisting and viewings, online or on site in Thailand.
3. Reserving the chosen unit and paying a reservation deposit.
4. Legal due diligence: land title, permits, developer and foreign quota.
5. A sale and purchase agreement (SPA) in English, with a payment schedule.
6. Transfers from abroad with the right description and an FET document.
7. Transfer of ownership at the Land Office and the title in your name.
8. Handover of the keys, furnishing and, if you wish, handing the unit over for rental.

Reservation and deposit

Once you choose a unit, the developer holds it in your name against a reservation deposit. Before you pay, get in writing when the deposit is refundable and how long you have to sign the contract.

Legal checks

An independent lawyer verifies the land title (Chanote is the strongest), building permits, the developer’s track record and whether foreign quota is still available. This is not the step to save money on.

Contract and payments

The sale and purchase agreement sets the price, payment schedule, completion date, specification and penalties for delays. Off-plan payments are usually split into instalments tied to construction progress.

Send every payment from abroad in a foreign currency, describing it as a property purchase. That lets the bank issue the FET needed for the transfer.

Transfer of ownership

At the Land Office the documents are signed, the transfer fee and taxes are paid, and the new owner is entered on the title. You do not have to attend in person: a power of attorney is enough.