The purchase price is not the whole cost. On a Koh Samui property there are transfer fees, taxes and legal costs on top, and there is one thing that catches foreign buyers out entirely.
Key takeaways
- Budget roughly 3 to 6% of the price for transfer costs.
- Who pays what is negotiable; a 50/50 split of the transfer fee is common.
- Thai banks do not generally lend to foreign buyers. Plan to fund in cash.
- Factor in ongoing running costs from day one.
The costs on top of the price
The combined transfer costs are made up of several parts. The exact mix depends on how long the seller has owned the property and how it is held, which is why the figure is a range.
| Cost | Roughly | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer fee | 2% of value | Commonly split 50/50 by agreement |
| Stamp duty or specific business tax | 0.5% to 3.3% | Depends on holding period |
| Withholding tax | Varies | Based on seller and value |
| Legal fees | Fixed or % | Independent lawyer, worth every baht |
| Total, as a rule of thumb | 3% to 6% | On top of the purchase price |
Who pays what
Who pays which cost is negotiable, and on Koh Samui a 50/50 split of the transfer fee between buyer and seller is common. Always confirm the split in writing as part of the offer, because assuming it can cost you a percent or two of the purchase price.
The cost nobody mentions: no Thai mortgage
If your plan assumed a mortgage against the Thai property, that plan needs rethinking early, not at the offer stage.
The transfer fee you can negotiate. The absence of a Thai mortgage you cannot, so plan for it from the start.
Samui Elegance Real Estate
Budget the running costs too
Beyond the purchase, budget for the running costs: for a villa, pool and garden maintenance, electricity, water and insurance, and for a company structure, the annual accounts and filings. Our guide to the cost of running a villa covers these in detail.
Ownership structure affects the transfer figure too, so read our guide to freehold, leasehold and company ownership alongside this.
Frequently asked questions
What are the transfer costs when buying on Koh Samui?
Budget roughly 3 to 6% of the sale price, covering transfer fee, stamp duty or specific business tax, withholding tax and legal fees. Who pays what is negotiable, and a 50/50 split of the transfer fee is common.
Can foreigners get a mortgage in Thailand?
Generally no. Thai banks do not usually lend to foreign buyers, so most purchases on Koh Samui are funded in cash or financed from the buyer’s home country. Plan for this early.
Who pays the transfer fee?
It is negotiable. On Koh Samui a 50/50 split of the transfer fee between buyer and seller is common, and it should be agreed in writing as part of the offer.
Are there ongoing property taxes?
Ongoing costs are modest and depend on how the property is held and used. A company carries annual accounts and filings; a villa carries maintenance, utilities and insurance. We give you the real running figure per property.
Want the real all-in cost on a property?
For anything you are serious about, we give you the expected transfer cost in writing before you make an offer, so there are no surprises at the Land Office.
