Compare locations before choosing a development

Start with the areas you expect to use regularly. Consider the route to the beach, shops, schools or other places important to you, and visit at different times if possible. A map distance alone will not tell you whether a walk or drive suits your daily routine.

Browse Bang Tao condos for sale, Kata/Karon condos and Patong condos to compare available properties. Within each area, check the particular building's access, surroundings, views and noise rather than assuming every development offers the same experience.

New developments or completed resale condos?

A completed condo lets you inspect the actual unit and common areas. Ask about the building's maintenance, recent accounts, planned works and any outstanding charges associated with the unit. Compare its condition and total costs with similar properties.

For a new development, check whether you are viewing the actual unit, a show unit or an illustration. Review the developer's track record, construction progress, specifications, payment milestones and handover terms. Confirm what is included in the quoted price and what happens if completion is delayed.

Compare new property listings with the completed homes in the listings above. The new-listings page includes different construction stages; check each property's stated status.

Can foreigners own a Phuket condo?

Eligible foreign buyers can own a registered condominium unit in their own name, subject to the Condominium Act and the building's available foreign-ownership quota. The quota generally limits foreign ownership to 49% of the total area of all units in the condominium, rather than 49% of the unit count. Ask the condominium juristic person and your lawyer to confirm availability and the documents needed for your purchase before committing.

“Apartment” and “condominium” are sometimes used loosely in property advertising. Confirm whether the building is legally registered as a condominium and whether the particular unit is offered as foreign freehold, Thai quota or leasehold. A marketing label does not establish the legal ownership being sold.

For more background, read our Thailand property ownership guide. Your independent lawyer should review the title, seller's authority, ownership eligibility and transaction documents for the specific unit.

What should you check with a leasehold offer?

Ask for the lease documents and have your lawyer explain the registered term, remaining years, transfer provisions, inheritance provisions, charges and any proposed renewals. Where an offer includes future renewal periods, ask what must happen for each renewal and who must agree. Assess the current registered rights separately from future contractual promises.

Compare the total cost of ownership

Ask for a written breakdown that separates the purchase price from transfer-related charges, legal fees, furniture packages, common-area fees and any sinking-fund contribution or other building charges. Confirm which amounts are payable by the buyer and when they fall due.

Budget for ongoing costs too: utilities, maintenance, insurance where applicable and any applicable land and building tax. Annual tax treatment depends on the property and the owner's circumstances, so request advice for the unit you are buying rather than assuming there is no annual property tax.

If rental income forms part of your plan, check the building's rules, applicable legal requirements, management agreement, fees and realistic operating costs. Review any advertised return against its actual contract and supporting assumptions. Future rental income and resale gains should not be treated as assured.

Arrange a property shortlist and viewing

Send Phuket Realtor your budget, preferred locations, intended use and purchase timing. We can help narrow the available condos and apartments, clarify questions for the seller or developer and arrange viewings so you can compare suitable properties.

Contact Phuket Realtor to start your shortlist.