Selling property in Thailand — process, taxes, and repatriating funds

Before listing, assemble the document set buyers and lawyers will ask for: the title deed, your purchase contract and FET evidence from when you bought, the latest common fee receipts, and — for condos — the juristic person's contact for the debt-free certificate that must be issued before transfer.

Agent engagement in Thailand is usually non-exclusive with commission around 3% payable on completion, though both the rate and exclusivity are negotiable. Put the commission, marketing scope, and term in writing to avoid double-commission disputes between agents.

Seller-side transfer costs typically include withholding tax (calculated from the appraised value and your years of ownership for individuals), and either specific business tax — generally when selling within five years of acquisition — or stamp duty. The buyer conventionally shares the 2% transfer fee, but the split follows your contract.

On transfer day at the Land Department you (or your attorney-in-fact) hand over the deed, sign the official sale documents, receive payment — commonly a cashier's cheque — and the buyer is endorsed on the title. Do not release the deed before payment clears.

Foreign sellers repatriating proceeds send funds abroad through a Thai bank, which will ask for the sale contract, transfer receipts, and evidence of the original inward remittance. Keeping your FET paperwork from purchase is what makes this step routine instead of painful.