Hidden Costs of Buying Property in Thailand: Taxes, Fees & Due Diligence
advice.by REVR Editorial1 min read
Hidden Costs of Buying Property in Thailand: Taxes, Fees & Due Diligence
The sticker price is never the final price. Budget an additional 5–10% on top of the purchase price.
One-Time Purchase Costs
| Cost Item | % of Value | Paid By |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer fee | 2.0% | Usually split 50/50 |
| Stamp duty | 0.5% | Seller (unless exempt) |
| SBT | 3.3% | Seller if sold within 5 years |
| Withholding tax | 1.0% | Seller |
| Mortgage registration | 1.0% | Buyer |
Professional Fees
- Legal fees: 30,000–80,000 THB
- Engineering inspection: 5,000–20,000 THB
- Appraisal fee: 3,000–7,000 THB
The Appraisal Gap
This is the most painful hidden cost. The Land Office uses its own appraised value (almost always lower than the purchase price) for tax calculations. If the bank's appraisal matches the Land Office, you need a bigger down payment.
Due Diligence Checklist
- Title deed check at Land Office
- Building permit verification
- Foreign quota confirmation
- Company search (if using company structure)
- Flood and subsidence check