Thailand Property Transfer Fees: Buyer and Seller Checklist
What this page covers
Thailand Property Transfer Fees: Buyer and Seller Checklist
If you are preparing for a Thailand condo transfer from the United States, review transfer fees, possible seller taxes, and banking records before the registration date.
This page is a practical checklist, not legal or tax advice. Confirm how fees will be split, whether seller-side taxes apply, and which payment and title documents should be ready before funds are sent.
In brief
- Transfer fees are often shared between buyer and seller, and a 50/50 split is common, but the final allocation should be confirmed in the sale contract.
- Seller-side charges can depend on the holding period. One example is Specific Business Tax of 3.3% when the seller has owned the property for less than five years, instead of stamp duty.
- For overseas condo purchases, payment records matter. Follow bank instructions and label each wire for condominium purchase purposes so the required foreign transfer paperwork is issued correctly.
What to do
Start with a written breakdown of completion costs. Ask the parties handling the sale to show the transfer fee split, any seller tax responsibility, and any other registration-related charges so you can compare the agreed purchase price with the likely total due on transfer day.
If funds are wired from abroad, follow the bank process carefully and make sure each transfer is identified for condominium purchase purposes or similar wording required by the bank. This helps the foreign transfer certificate be issued correctly and gives you a clearer payment trail if the purchase is completed in stages.
Before any money changes hands, ask a qualified local lawyer to verify the title deed number and the condominium registration certificate. This helps confirm that the ownership documents and registration details match what has been presented to you before transfer.
What to keep in mind
This checklist is most useful for buyers who want a clearer view of buyer and seller responsibilities before property transfer in Thailand. It does not replace Thai legal, tax, or accounting advice where stamp duty, Specific Business Tax, or other charges may apply.
The wider transaction structure can affect transfer planning. Thai lenders generally do not offer mortgages to overseas buyers, so many foreign purchasers use cash funds or financing arranged outside Thailand. Exchange rate changes can also affect the final amount paid in baht when payments are made in stages.
Project information should also be checked carefully. Public materials may be approximate, are not a public offer, and the developer may make project changes in line with applicable law. Confirm current documents, title details, and transfer terms directly before completion.