Buying a condo in Thailand — quota, fees, and what to inspect

Condominiums are the default property type for foreign buyers in Thailand because the Condominium Act grants full freehold title within the building's 49% foreign ownership quota. Before reserving a unit, ask the juristic person or developer to confirm in writing that foreign quota is available for your unit.

Every condo owner pays a common area management (CAM) fee, charged per square meter per month and usually billed annually, plus a one-time sinking fund contribution at first transfer. Review the building's budget, arrears level, and sinking fund balance — chronic arrears are a warning sign for maintenance quality.

Off-plan purchases follow the developer's payment schedule (reservation, contract, installments during construction, balance at transfer). Key protections to verify: the developer's project permits, the escrow or payment terms in the contract, the specification annex, and the compensation clauses for late delivery.

Resale purchases let you inspect the actual unit and building performance. Check the seller's title deed and any mortgage on it, unpaid CAM fees (the juristic person issues a debt-free certificate before transfer), renovation permissions, and the building's rules on renting and pets if relevant.

At handover, inspect the unit systematically: water pressure and drainage, air-conditioning, electrical sockets, window and door seals, wall and floor finishes, and meter readings. For off-plan units, submit a defect list before signing the handover acceptance.