Home-buying process for foreigner in Thailand in 2023: tips and tricks

By Lexie Tanner 2 years ago

There are many ways to avoid making mistakes in your home-buying process as a foreigner. Articles such as these will guide you. The idea here is to show you the things to do, the questions to ask, and the best ways to navigate the property market in Thailand. Read and Enjoy!

Home-buying Tips – Must – Dos for foreigners

Must Ask Questions:

  1. The number one question to ask when searching for property is the monthly rent, the down payment, and how much utility costs, such as the electricity bill. Generally, electricity is about 5 Thai Baht per unit, but some landlords will charge up to 10 Thai Baht, which can double your bill, so ensure you understand all of the terms and what you are getting into. You should also enquire about drinking water as most tap waters are not drinkable; you may want to know if there is a water company that supplies the building or if you would have to arrange for drinking water yourself
  2. Next up (especially after identifying someplace you want), you must consider the contract terms and whether rates and bills are included. Regardless of the property’s price, do not assume that rates and bills are inclusive.
  3. Also, there may be community WIFI, but they are often terrible in Thailand, so it may pay off to subscribe to a private service which will cost you some extra money; nonetheless, ask.
  4. Additionally, ask about your initial deposit, if it is refundable, and on what terms. For example, some landlords would insist on using the initial deposit to repair damages you did not cause; you should therefore keep a record of the state of the property when you entered it to avoid such situations.
  5. Furthermore, if you are using a private network, please ask questions and ensure you are understood, speak to someone who understands English, and don’t patronize any unclear service. Otherwise, you may be stuck with a yearly plan when you only want a monthly one.

Preview, check, and buy three-bedroom apartments in Thailand here; read more on the official website Thailand-Real.Estate.

Must-Do Inspections

 

There are certain things to inspect if you want to enjoy your stay on your property. After payment, it becomes more difficult to remedy the situation, so it is best to have your questions and inspections sorted out upfront.

 

Inspect for legality

Try and inspect the documents given to you to see whether the landlord is the original owner or whether they are compliant under the law; you can get a lawyer to preview if it is a long-term lease. Also, about 10% to 20% will be paid as government fees.

Inspect for views

Check your balcony and the backyard; many properties have fantastic views in Thailand, some of the ocean, mountains, or the city. The opinions of a property can significantly increase its value and help you appreciate it more. If you have a good view, you could unwind on your balcony, and at the same time, it may be blocked such that there’s no space for ventilation.

Inspect for durability

You should inspect the property for its durability; you will be doing yourself a disservice by relying on the digital photos posted online. They may have been edited. More so, even with reliable vendors, photographs may give a different impression of the quality of the property and its conditions.

Inspect for construction sites

After your physical inspection, you should look around for any construction nearby. The dust, smoke, debris, and noise from these sites can be disturbing, so be sure there isn’t any close by if you value some quietness.

Inspect for Soi Dogs

Funny as it sounds, these pretty street dogs mostly fend for themselves and do not have owners, but they often form a pack and can terrorize passers-by. To them, you are a trespasser in their hood, so they will likely chase you anytime you step out of your apartment. In a nutshell, be sure Soi Dogs aren’t in the area, and when they are, be ready to be chased for the first few weeks!