Thailand Property Taxes

Thailand Property Sales Tax and Fees – A Clear Guide for Buyers & Sellers in Phuket

Understanding Thailand property sales tax and transfer fees is essential when buying or selling real estate in Phuket—especially when dealing directly with owners on platforms like HomesDirectPhuket, where transparency and cost control matter most.

Below is a clear breakdown of the key taxes and fees involved in condominium, house, and land transfers in Thailand.

Thailand Property Transfer Fees and Taxes

Standard transaction costs at the Land Office include:

• Transfer Fee: 2% of the government appraised value

• Specific Business Tax (SBT): 3.3% of the appraised value if the property is sold within 5 years

• Stamp Duty: 0.5% of the registered value

Withholding Tax

• Company seller: 1% of the higher of the appraised or registered value

• Individual seller: Calculated on a progressive scale based on the appraised value

Important notes:

• Stamp Duty is not charged if Specific Business Tax applies

• SBT is exempt if:

  • The property is held for more than 5 years

  • The transfer is to a legal heir, legitimate child, or religious institution

Thailand Lease Registration Fees (Foreign Buyer Friendly)

Foreign buyers often choose leasehold structures when purchasing Phuket property direct from owners.

• Lease Registration Fee: 1% of total lease value

• Stamp Duty: 0.1% of total lease value

Total lease registration cost: 1.1%, payable at the Land Office
There are no restrictions on foreign leasehold ownership, and leases can be registered in a personal or company name.

Who Pays What in a Private Property Sale?

In direct property sales in Phuket, there is no fixed rule unless buying from a licensed developer. Payment of fees is negotiated and must be clearly stated in the Reservation Agreement.

Common practice in private resale transactions:

• Specific Business Tax: Seller

• Stamp Duty: Seller

• Withholding Tax: Seller

• Transfer Fee: Buyer or shared

This flexibility is one reason many buyers and sellers prefer FSBO platforms like HomesDirectPhuket.com.

Buying Direct from a Developer

When purchasing a new or off-plan condominium:

• The developer may charge the buyer no more than 1% of the transfer fee

• The developer pays all Specific Business Tax and withholding tax under Thai consumer protection laws

Appraised Value vs Market Value

Thailand property taxes are based on the government appraised value, which is often lower than the actual sale price. These values are updated every four years by the Treasury and Land Department.

In practice, many private buyers and sellers agree to register a value close to the appraised amount to legally reduce transaction costs—one of the advantages of buying property direct from owners in Phuket.

Share Transfer (Company-Owned Property)

If a property is held in a Thai company, ownership can transfer in two ways:

1. Transfer the property (full taxes apply), or

2. Transfer company shares

A share transfer is often more cost-effective, with only 0.1% stamp duty payable on the share sale.

Final Thought

Whether you’re buying or selling Phuket property, understanding these fees helps you negotiate smarter and avoid surprises. Platforms like HomesDirectPhuket empower buyers and sellers with direct access, lower costs, and full transparency—so you can Invest with Confidence.