Buyer questions
Buying property in Phuket, answered
Straight, honest answers to what overseas buyers actually ask.
Ownership & title
Who can own what, and how the title actually works.
Can foreigners own land in Thailand?
Can a foreigner own freehold property in Thailand?
What ownership structures can foreigners use to buy property in Thailand?
Freehold vs leasehold in Thailand — what's the difference?
What is the 49% foreign ownership quota in a Thai condominium?
What is a foreign quota certificate for a Thai condominium?
What is a Chanote title and why does it matter in Thailand?
How does a 30-year leasehold work when buying property in Thailand?
Can a leasehold on a Thai property be renewed after 30 years?
Can a Thai company own land, and is the company route safe for foreigners?
What is a usufruct in Thailand and how does it protect a buyer?
What is a superficies right in Thailand?
What is the Condominium Act in Thailand?
Condo vs villa in Phuket — which can foreigners actually own?
What is the difference between a condominium and an apartment in Thailand?
Can I buy a Thai property in my children's names or for my family?
What happens to my Thai property when I die — inheritance and wills?
Is my Thai property in my UK inheritance tax estate?
The buying process
Step by step, from first enquiry to the Land Office.
How does the buying process work when buying property in Phuket?
How do I buy property in Phuket from the UK?
What documents do I need to buy a property in Thailand?
What happens at the Land Office when a Thai property is transferred?
Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Thailand?
What due diligence should I do before buying property in Phuket?
Do I need to visit Phuket before buying, or can I buy remotely?
Do I need a visa to buy property in Thailand?
Is it safe to buy property in Thailand as a foreigner?
What are the main risks of buying property in Thailand?
Is it safe to buy off-plan property in Thailand?
What is the difference between buying off-plan and buying a completed property in Phuket?
How long does an off-plan development in Phuket take to build?
What protections exist if an off-plan development is delayed or not completed?
How do I choose a reputable developer when buying off-plan in Phuket?
Can I sell an off-plan property before completion by assigning the contract?
What is an off-plan payment plan when buying property in Phuket?
How do I open a Thai bank account as a foreign property buyer?
How do I safely send money to Thailand to buy a property?
What is a Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) form and why does it matter when buying in Thailand?
How do currency exchange and repatriation work when buying property in Thailand?
Can foreigners get a mortgage in Thailand?
Can I use a pension or SIPP to buy overseas property?
What is the best time of year to buy property in Phuket?
Can I get a Thai retirement visa, and can I own property on it?
Can I get residency or a long-term visa by buying property in Thailand?
What is the Thailand Privilege (Elite) visa and does it help property buyers?
Costs & taxes
Every charge, one-off and recurring, on both sides of the world.
How much money do I really need to buy a property in Phuket?
How much deposit do you need to buy property in Phuket?
What taxes and fees apply when buying property in Phuket?
What ongoing costs come with owning a Phuket property?
How much are service charges and maintenance fees in Phuket condominiums?
What is a sinking fund in a Thai condominium?
Are there annual property taxes in Thailand (the land and building tax)?
What insurance do I need for a property in Phuket?
What is the cost of living in Phuket?
Do I pay capital gains tax when I sell a property in Thailand?
What happens when I want to sell my Phuket property later?
Do I have to pay UK tax on rental income from a property in Thailand?
Do I have to declare overseas property on a UK tax return?
UK capital gains tax on selling an overseas property
The UK–Thailand double taxation agreement and your property
The remittance basis and overseas rental income
How do exchange rates affect buying and owning a property in Thailand?
Renting it out & the numbers
What the property earns, who runs it, and what is realistic.
What rental yield can I expect in Phuket?
What are the best areas in Phuket for rental yield?
Can I rent out my Phuket property when I'm not using it?
Is short-term holiday letting (Airbnb) legal in Phuket?
How strong is year-round rental demand in Phuket?
How does hotel-managed rental of a Phuket property work?
What is a rental pool and how does it work in a Phuket resort development?
How and when do I get paid the rental income on a managed Phuket property?
What is a rental guarantee and should I trust it?
What are furniture packages and rental programmes on Phuket developments?
What is a condotel and how does it differ from a condominium in Thailand?
What is a branded residence, and is it worth it?
Is buying property in Phuket a good investment?
Are Phuket property prices rising?
What are the best areas in Phuket to buy property?
What are the pros and cons of buying a beachfront property in Phuket?
Is Phuket or Bali better for property investment?
Go deeper
The three sections that build on these answers.