Taxes and Transfer Fees When Buying Property in Thailand

by Stay Pattaya Team on May 28, 2026

Understanding Property Transfer Costs in Thailand

When purchasing property in Thailand, buyers should consider not only the purchase price but also the taxes and transfer fees associated with the transaction. Understanding these costs in advance helps avoid unexpected expenses and allows for more accurate budgeting.

The exact amount payable depends on the property type, ownership structure, government appraised value, and the seller’s ownership history.

Transfer Fee

The Transfer Fee is the most common cost paid during ownership registration at the Land Office.

Current Rate

✅ 2% of the official appraised value of the property

In Pattaya, it is common for buyers and sellers to share this fee equally, which is why many listings state:

Transfer Fees: 50/50

Example

Property Price: 3,000,000 THB

Transfer Fee: 60,000 THB

If shared equally:

• Buyer pays 30,000 THB
• Seller pays 30,000 THB

Specific Business Tax (SBT)

Specific Business Tax may apply when the seller has owned the property for a relatively short period.

Current Rate

✅ 3.3%

This tax is usually the responsibility of the seller.

Whether SBT applies depends on factors such as ownership duration and usage of the property.

Stamp Duty

If Specific Business Tax does not apply, Stamp Duty may be payable instead.

Current Rate

✅ 0.5%

Stamp Duty is generally paid by the seller and is calculated based on the registered value of the property.

Withholding Tax

Withholding Tax is also normally paid by the seller.

The calculation varies depending on whether the seller is:

• An individual owner
• A Thai company
• A developer

As a result, the amount can differ significantly from one transaction to another.

Condominium Purchases Under Foreign Quota

Foreign buyers purchasing a condominium under Foreign Quota ownership should also prepare for:

• International bank transfer fees
• Currency conversion costs
• Legal fees
• Bank documentation fees
• Foreign Exchange Transaction Form (FET) requirements

The FET is an important document proving that purchase funds were transferred into Thailand from overseas, which is required for foreign freehold condominium ownership.

Common Area Fees and Sinking Funds

Before purchasing a condominium, buyers should confirm:

✅ Maintenance fees are fully paid

✅ No outstanding utility bills exist

✅ Sinking fund obligations are settled

✅ No special assessments are pending

These items are usually checked before ownership transfer but should always be verified during due diligence.

Typical Cost Allocation

A common arrangement in Pattaya is:

Buyer

• 50% of Transfer Fee

Seller

• 50% of Transfer Fee
• Specific Business Tax (if applicable)
• Stamp Duty (if applicable)
• Withholding Tax

However, all terms are negotiable and should be clearly stated in the purchase agreement.

Houses and Villas

For houses and land, tax calculations can be more complex than for condominium transactions.

Factors that may affect costs include:

• Land ownership structure
• Company ownership
• Length of ownership
• Government appraised value
• Seller’s tax status

Professional legal advice is recommended before completing any house or land purchase.

Why Buyers Should Understand Transfer Costs

Many first-time buyers focus entirely on the advertised purchase price and overlook transfer expenses.

Understanding the complete cost structure allows buyers to:

✔ Budget accurately

✔ Avoid unexpected expenses

✔ Negotiate more effectively

✔ Complete the transaction smoothly

Buying Property in Pattaya?

The Stay Pattaya Team assists buyers throughout the purchasing process, including property selection, ownership structure guidance, transfer procedures, and coordination with lawyers, developers, and the Land Office.

Whether you are purchasing a condominium, villa, or investment property, our team can help you navigate the process with confidence.

Related Articles

• How to Buy Property in Thailand as a Foreigner
• Foreign Quota vs Thai Company Ownership
• What Is a Foreign Exchange Transaction Form (FET)?
• Can Foreigners Own Land in Thailand?
• Buying a Condominium in Thailand Under Foreign Ownership

Disclaimer: Tax regulations, government fees, and transfer costs may change over time. Buyers should always verify current rates and requirements with their lawyer, developer, bank, or the Land Office before completing a transaction.