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 your first instalment.
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. A deposit of 10–20% of the purchase price is paid at this stage. The SPA outlines all terms and conditions, including the construction timeline, unit specifications, and transfer procedures. It is advisable to have a lawyer review the SPA before signing.
Step 4 — Instalment Payments (Off-Plan Properties)
For off-plan purchases, the remaining purchase price is paid in instalments tied to construction milestones — for example, upon foundation completion, structural completion, and so on. Each developer has a different instalment schedule, which is set out in the SPA. All payments should be made via international transfer in foreign currency to maintain your FET certificate eligibility.
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 balance of the purchase price is paid, transfer fees and taxes are settled, and the title deed (Chanote) is updated to reflect your ownership.
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.
Our team handles the entire process on your behalf. Get in touch to get started.