Condo running costs in Thailand: surprisingly low
The honest answer with numbers, for international buyers
The main running cost is the common area fee of 30 to 120 THB per square metre per month, which covers pools, gym, security and maintenance. At purchase you pay a one-off sinking fund of typically 400 to 700 THB per sqm. Utilities are low: realistic totals for a 50 sqm unit are roughly 4,000 to 9,000 THB per month all-in.
Example: 50 sqm condo
| Item | Per month |
|---|---|
| Common area fee (at 60 THB/sqm) | 3,000 THB |
| Electricity with nightly aircon | 1,500 to 3,500 THB |
| Water | 150 to 500 THB |
| Internet (fibre) | 600 to 800 THB |
| Total per month | ca. 5,250 to 7,800 THB |
Detailed utility tariffs including the developer-meter trap are on electricity and water costs.
What the common fee buys
Resort-grade facilities without resort staff worries: pool and gym upkeep, 24-hour security, gardens, lifts and building insurance of common parts. The fee is set per sqm, so bigger units pay more.
Sinking fund, in one minute
A one-off reserve contribution at handover, typically 400 to 700 THB per sqm, building the long-term repair fund of the building. Details on sinking fund and common fee.
Frequently asked questions
How high is the common area fee?
Typically 30 to 120 THB per square metre per month depending on facilities and building class; new premium towers sit at the upper end. For 50 sqm that is 1,500 to 6,000 THB monthly.
Is there annual property tax in Thailand?
For owner-occupied condos of normal value the annual land-and-building tax is minimal to zero; rented-out units pay small rates on assessed value. There is no German-style property tax shock.
What does electricity cost?
The state PEA tariff is around 4.2 THB per kWh (July 2026). With nightly aircon a one-bedroom typically pays 1,500 to 3,500 THB per month. Beware buildings that resell power at 6 to 10 THB.
Consultation directly from Pattaya, honest market data, 0 € buyer commission.
