Taxes when buying a condo: Thailand beats Europe
The honest answer with numbers, for international buyers
Buying a new-build condo in Thailand, the buyer typically pays no more than about 1 percent in transfer costs, as developers usually split the 2 percent transfer fee and carry the business taxes. Compare that to 8 to 15 percent purchase costs in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. There is no notary in Thailand; ownership transfers by contract with the developer and registration at the Land Office.
The cost blocks at transfer
| Item | Rate | Who pays (typical new build) |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer fee | 2 % of assessed value | usually split 50/50 |
| Specific business tax | 3.3 % | seller/developer side |
| Withholding tax | 1 % or progressive | seller side |
| Stamp duty | 0.5 % | only if no business tax applies |
Resale deals negotiate the split freely; we model your exact case before you sign.
No notary, and that is fine
Thailand handles transfers by a sale-and-purchase agreement with the developer plus registration at the Land Office, which keeps costs low. Your protection comes from clean contracts and the FET paper trail, not from a notary seat.
Owning and selling later
Annual holding tax on an owner-occupied condo is minimal. On resale within five years the specific business tax can apply to you as seller; our guide to the full tax picture covers timing strategies and double-taxation treaties with Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
How much tax do I pay when buying new-build?
Typically a maximum of around 1 percent: developers usually split the 2 percent transfer fee with you and carry business and withholding taxes themselves. July 2026.
Is there a notary in Thailand?
No. The purchase runs via the contract with the developer and registration at the Land Office. That is one reason buying costs stay far below European levels.
Do I pay tax at home on the purchase?
The purchase itself is not taxed in DACH countries. Rental income is taxed in Thailand first under the double-taxation treaties; progression clauses can apply in Germany. Get personal tax advice for your case.
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