- Transfer fee
- 2% of appraised value, usually split between buyer and seller
- Seller taxes
- Specific business tax 3.3% if held under five years, otherwise stamp duty 0.5%, plus withholding tax
- Condo extras
- Sinking fund on new units and ongoing common-area fees
- Reviewed
- 13 October 2026. Rates and relief measures can change
On this page
Closing cost estimator
The main charges at transfer
| Charge | Rate | Based on | Usually paid by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer fee | 2% | Government appraised value | Split 50/50 by custom |
| Specific business tax | 3.3% | Higher of sale price or appraised value | Seller, if held under five years |
| Stamp duty | 0.5% | Higher of sale price or appraised value | Seller. Applies only when specific business tax does not |
| Withholding tax | Varies | Appraised value, with progressive rates for individuals | Seller |
| Mortgage registration | 1%, capped at 200,000 baht | Loan amount | Buyer, if you take a Thai mortgage |
| Lease registration | About 1.1% | Total rent over the lease term | Negotiated |
Condo-specific costs
- Sinking fund: a one-off payment on new units, held for major repairs.
- Common-area fee: an annual or monthly charge based on floor area that covers security, cleaning and maintenance.
- Utility deposits: meter registration or transfer fees for electricity and water.
Professional and other costs
Budget separately for your independent lawyer, a building survey if you are buying a house or villa, insurance and any agent or service fees agreed in writing. Ask for each cost to be listed before you sign anything.
Ongoing yearly costs
Owners pay common-area fees, insurance and utilities, and a local land and building tax where it applies. Rates depend on how the property is used and its value, so ask your lawyer or the local authority what applies to your property.
Relief measures. Thailand has announced temporary reductions of transfer fees in past years for certain price bands. Confirm whether any measure is active when you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays the transfer fee in Thailand?
By long-standing custom the 2% transfer fee is split equally between buyer and seller, but this is negotiable and some developers offer different arrangements. Agree it in the contract.
Is there a capital gains tax in Thailand?
Sellers pay withholding tax and either specific business tax or stamp duty at transfer, which operate like transaction taxes. Individuals’ tax treatment of gains can be complex, so take tax advice.
What is a sinking fund?
A lump sum paid by the first owner of a new condo unit and held by the juristic person for major repairs to the building.