A clear, practical guide for international buyers - ownership, costs, the buying process, taxes, rental income and where to buy.
Phuket combines a year-round resort economy, limited low-rise supply and steady demand from international buyers - a rare mix that supports both rental income and long-term capital growth.
The right structure depends on the property type and your goals.
Foreigners cannot own land outright. The common routes are a registered long-term Leasehold of the land (often combined with freehold of the building), or a properly incorporated Thai company that genuinely operates. We structure the safest option with our lawyers.
Indicative figures - exact amounts depend on the property and ownership structure.
Enter a price and property type to see one-time costs and total budget in your currency.
Thai banks generally do not lend to foreign buyers, so most purchases are cash. The practical alternative is buying off-plan: payments are spread over the construction period (often 2-3 years) at 0% interest, while the property can appreciate before completion.
A reservation fee (about 100,000-200,000 THB or up to 5%) takes the unit off the market.
Sign the contract and pay ~35% within 30 days.
The balance follows construction milestones over ~2 years, usually 0% interest.
Quality-control inspection, final payment, keys, and registration at the Land Department.
A reservation deposit (about 10%) secures the property.
Lawyer verifies clean title; down payment of 30-40% within ~30 days.
Final payment, transfer at the Land Department (fees usually split 50/50), keys handed over.
Residents (180+ days a year) are taxed on worldwide income; non-residents on Thai-source income only. Rental income is taxed on a progressive scale:
A company markets the unit and handles check-in, cleaning and maintenance (fee up to ~40% of yield). Flexible if you also use the property.
Developers often guarantee 6-8% for a period. Hotel-style management; owner use is usually limited (~30 days/year).
Owners share income from the whole project, managed centrally. A simple, passive option.
Each part of the island suits a different lifestyle and rental profile:
Short visits use a 30-day stamp on arrival or a 60-day tourist visa (extendable). For longer stays there are renewable one-year Retirement, Education, Business and Marriage visas, plus long-term options for investors. We help arrange the right visa through our partners.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Terms and figures depend on current Thai law and the specific property. Phuket Property Sales & Rentals LB provides full legal and tax support for every transaction.
