Questions to ask before buying a condo in Thailand

Begin with the full identity of the property. Ask for the development name, unit number, building or tower, floor and an accurate location. A development can have several buildings with different layouts and facilities. Similar names can also cause confusion. Keep the seller’s details and the advertisement reference with your notes so that photographs, documents and conversations can all be matched to the same unit.

Ask which area the quoted size covers and where the figure comes from. Separate indoor space, balconies and other areas instead of assuming the headline figure describes only usable rooms. Clarify whether parking is allocated, shared or dealt with in another way. If the home is advertised as furnished, request a written inventory. The aim is to define the offer clearly before comparing its price with another condominium that may include a different set of things.

Do not rely on an advertisement’s short label as confirmation that a purchase structure is suitable for you. Ask your adviser to explain the proposed interest, your eligibility and the evidence that would be required. Explain your nationality and circumstances accurately. If you hear unfamiliar terms, request a plain-language explanation and ask where the terms appear in the documents. Understanding the distinction early can save time and prevent an unsuitable commitment.

The Department of Lands’ English information book contains official guidance on foreign buyers and condominium procedures. The Board of Investment’s procedure information also makes clear that condominium ownership authorisation falls under the Land Department. These are starting points for professional questions, rather than a substitute for checking your own proposed transaction. Avoid assuming that a seller’s previous arrangement automatically applies to a new buyer.

Establish the roles of the people involved. The person showing you the unit may be the owner, an agent, a representative or somebody helping to arrange access. Ask who is authorised to discuss offers, who will provide documents and who will coordinate the transaction. Keep the names and contact details together. Where an organisation is involved, your adviser can explain what evidence of authority should be checked.

Be careful with changes in payment instructions or requests sent through an unexpected channel. Confirm important instructions using contact details that you have already checked, rather than simply replying to the latest message. A viewing appointment and an attractive brochure are not proof of ownership or authority. Let the professionals responsible for the transaction verify the relevant documents. Your own task is to keep the process organised and avoid treating an unanswered question as a small administrative detail.

During a viewing, imagine your normal day from waking up to going to bed. Check where furniture, clothing, groceries and cleaning equipment would go. Look at the kitchen’s usable worktop, the laundry arrangement and the space around doors. If you work from home, consider noise, internet options and where a desk would fit. The best layout for a holiday visit may be less suitable for year-round living.

With permission, try doors, windows, taps and equipment that forms part of the offer. Note stains, damaged finishes and anything that needs explanation. Ask about the age and servicing of air-conditioning units, appliances and water systems. A first viewing cannot establish the condition of hidden services or the building structure. If the unit remains a serious option, arrange an appropriate independent inspection and ask for a written report explaining any concerns and the likely next steps.

Request the current schedule of common charges and ask how they are calculated and collected. Find out what is included and what you would pay separately. You may need to ask about parking, internet, utilities, facility access and any services advertised as part of the development. Keep the answers in writing and record when the information was provided. A figure mentioned in an old advertisement may need updating.

Ask whether any special payments, major repairs or changes to charges have been discussed or approved. Seek the relevant written records where they are available, and let your adviser explain which documents should be reviewed before purchase. Do not judge management quality by the lowest charge alone. Compare the obligations, condition of shared areas and work that needs to be funded. A clear explanation is more useful than an assurance that costs are unlikely to change.