Honest answers to the questions investors and buyers ask before purchasing property in Phuket — from foreign ownership rules to due diligence to financing.
Browse the most common buyer questions below, or send your own. We work buyer-side and we will tell you what we actually think — not what we think you want to hear.
Yes — with conditions. Foreigners can own condominiums freehold under the Thai Condominium Act (subject to a foreign quota per building), and can hold villas through long-term leasehold or qualifying company structures.
Condominium purchases typically complete in 4–8 weeks. Villa and land transactions take longer — usually 8–16 weeks due to additional due diligence. Off-plan timelines depend on the developer.
No. Most of our overseas buyers complete remotely. We coordinate everything — viewings via video, legal documents by courier, signing through power of attorney where appropriate.
Up to 49% of a condominium building can be foreign-owned freehold under the Thai Condominium Act. Pearl always verifies the foreign quota status before recommending any unit.
Foreigners cannot own villa land directly in their personal name. Common structures are long-term leasehold (typically 30 years renewable) or via a properly-constituted Thai company. Pearl works with experienced local counsel.
Inheritance is handled differently in Thailand and depends on the ownership structure. We always recommend buyers obtain independent legal advice on succession planning at the time of purchase.
Local mortgage financing for foreigners is limited and conditions vary. Most of our buyers use offshore finance, cash, or developer payment plans for off-plan condominiums. We can introduce specialist offshore brokers.
Funds typically transfer into Thailand via Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) form — required for foreign condominium freehold registration. We coordinate timing with your bank and lawyer.
Reservation deposits are usually 1–2% of purchase price, with a contract deposit of 10% on signing the SPA. Off-plan staged payments vary by developer.
The seller’s lawyer represents the seller. You need your own independent counsel to review title, contracts and ownership structure. Pearl introduces trusted Phuket lawyers — independent of us and of the seller.
Title verification at the Land Office, foreign-quota confirmation (for condos), building financials, vendor history, and physical inspections. For villas and land, structural and survey checks too.
Yes — transfer fees, stamp duty, business tax (if applicable), and withholding tax. Costs are split between buyer and seller as negotiated. Your lawyer will provide a full breakdown.
The buyer. Pearl works on your side throughout — sourcing, negotiation and due diligence are all aligned with your interests, not the seller’s.
How long it takes, key stages, remote buying — practical questions about the purchase itself.
Condo foreign quota, villa structures, freehold vs leasehold, inheritance — what foreigners can actually own.
Mortgages, offshore finance, FET transfers, deposits, staged payments — moving money into Thailand.
Independent counsel, title checks, taxes, contracts — protecting your interests at every stage.
The questions buyers ask after completion — about utilities, management, future sale and ongoing ownership.
No, never. Pearl management is optional and entirely separate from our acquisition service. Many of our buyers choose it, but it is your decision.
For condominiums, monthly common-area fees go to the juristic person. For villas, your management company handles utilities, pool, garden and maintenance contracts. We can set this up for you at completion.
Pearl handles seller-side representation for past clients. Our local market knowledge and buyer network typically deliver strong outcomes — and our buyer fee on resale is reduced for prior clients.
Yes. Pearl can manage holiday or long-term rentals on your behalf, with full transparency and monthly reporting. Optional — entirely your choice.
Our buyer fee structure is transparent and discussed up front. In most cases it is paid only on successful completion of a purchase.
Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or need property management, we’re here to help
Knowledgeable, trustworthy, and a pleasure to deal with. Pearl Property Phuket exceeded our expectations.
