Public Questions & Answers Page 4

Confirm the exact property or plot, legal owner, refundable and non-refundable conditions, due-diligence period, price, inclusions, payment milestones and who holds the money. The reservation should allow a genuine legal review and specify what happens if title, permits, ownership structure, finance, inspection or contract terms are unacceptable. Avoid large or rushed deposits before independent advice. This is general educational information, not legal, t…

The developer’s lawyer may explain the developer’s structure, but a buyer should have independent advice from a lawyer whose duty is to the buyer. Independence is especially important for lease terms, renewals, company structures, construction contracts, defects, management obligations and tax. Ask who the lawyer represents and obtain a written engagement. This is general educational information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Property structures, tax…

It should identify the parties and property, price, payment schedule, legal structure, due-diligence conditions, completion date, documents, taxes and fees, inclusions, possession, risk, default remedies and dispute arrangements. For a new build, add detailed plans, specification, variation controls, inspection rights, warranties, delay remedies and a defect process. Attach the furniture and equipment inventory where relevant. This is general educational i…

Use a regulated banking channel and retain evidence showing the sender, recipient, purpose and currency conversion. Condominium purchases and other transactions may require specific foreign-exchange evidence. Ask the receiving bank and lawyer what wording and documents are needed before sending funds. Do not split or label transfers casually if that could make registration or later repatriation harder. This is general educational information, not legal, ta…

Thai transfer transactions can involve registration fees, withholding tax, specific business tax or stamp duty depending on the property, seller and holding period. The commercial agreement may allocate costs differently from the legal person liable. Obtain a written completion statement based on the actual title and parties shortly before transfer, because rates, assessed values and facts matter. This is general educational information, not legal, tax or …

Withholding tax may be collected at transfer and is calculated differently depending on whether the seller is an individual or juristic person and on the relevant official values and facts. It should not be estimated from a generic percentage alone. The Revenue Department provides tax rules and calculators, but the transaction lawyer or accountant should prepare the calculation for the specific seller. This is general educational information, not legal, ta…

Specific business tax can apply to certain sales of immovable property treated as commercial or profitable, subject to exemptions and fact-specific rules. If it does not apply, stamp duty may be relevant instead. The seller’s acquisition date, use and legal status can affect the result. Obtain a current calculation before agreeing how costs will be shared. This is general educational information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Property structures, tax…

The Revenue Department’s stamp-duty schedule includes leases of land and buildings. The amount depends on rent, key money and lease period, and the responsible party should be identified. Registration fees and other taxes can also arise. A long lease should be reviewed and costed as a complete transaction rather than treating stamp duty as the only expense. This is general educational information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Property structures, ta…

Budget for land and building tax where applicable, insurance, utilities, internet, security, common or management fees, pool care, garden care, air-conditioning service, pest prevention, repairs and periodic repainting or roof work. Rental owners also need cleaning, linen, guest support, commissions, accounting and tax. Ask for real historical bills rather than using a seller’s round-number estimate. This is general educational information, not legal, tax …

Inspect structure, roof, ceilings, walls, doors, windows, electrical installation, water supply, pumps, drainage, wastewater, air conditioning, pool, retaining walls, terraces, access and signs of termites or moisture. In Khao Lak, pay particular attention to heavy-rain drainage, roof overhangs, coastal corrosion, ground levels and systems that must operate when the owner is overseas. Use an independent inspector and obtain repair estimates.

Drainage is a first-order property issue in a tropical monsoon climate. Check the height of the house relative to roads and neighbouring land, roof gutters, downpipes, surface falls, drains, culverts, pool overflow and where water actually goes. Visit after heavy rain if possible and ask neighbours about historical ponding. Attractive landscaping can hide poor levels, so follow the water path.

Inspect metal gates, railings, screws, pool equipment, outdoor air-conditioning units, electrical enclosures, windows, vehicles and roof fixings for corrosion. Ask which materials and coatings were used and how frequently they are maintained. A home near the sea may need more frequent washing, repainting and replacement of hardware. Distance from the beach, prevailing wind and shelter all matter.

Check official and local information, ground elevation, drainage routes, nearby watercourses, road access, historical marks, retaining walls and what happens when neighbouring land is developed. Speak with multiple local residents and inspect in wet weather. Coastal flooding, surface-water flooding and river flooding are different risks. Insurance availability and evacuation planning should also be considered.

Inspect the shell and tiles, water loss, filtration, pumps, electrical safety, earthing, lighting, overflow, drainage, deck slip resistance and child safety. Ask for maintenance records, chemical costs and equipment age. A pool may look excellent after recent treatment while hiding leaks or failing equipment, so use a pool specialist where the condition is uncertain.

Identify drainage, irrigation, tree health, roots near buildings, unstable palms, invasive plants, retaining walls, mosquito breeding, pond pumps and the labour needed to maintain the design. Ask which plants need frequent watering or specialist pruning. Large gardens and ponds are lifestyle features, but they should be valued with their ongoing time, staff and water costs.

Prioritise shade, cross-ventilation, deep roof overhangs, rain protection, durable materials, drainage, insect control, service access and outdoor spaces that remain usable in both hot and wet weather. Orient bedrooms and glazing thoughtfully, provide covered routes between parking and entry, and make plant rooms accessible. A beautiful open-plan design should still protect against driven rain and humidity.

Verify title, boundaries, legal road access, zoning and planning controls, coastal or environmental restrictions, permitted use, electricity, water, wastewater, internet, soil and drainage. Obtain a concept design and cost plan before purchase so the plot’s slope, shape and setbacks do not destroy the budget. Never assume that nearby buildings prove the same permission applies to the plot.

Payments should be tied to clearly defined, independently verifiable construction milestones rather than dates alone. Retain enough money to encourage completion and defect correction. The contract should address permits, specification, substitutions, delays, inspection, insurance, title or lease registration, handover, warranties and default. Use independent legal and technical advisers throughout the build.