When buying or selling real estate in Thailand, whether it’s a condominium, detached house, or land, a set of fees and taxes must be understood by both buyers and sellers. One of the most common questions is: Property Transfer Fees, Specific Business Tax, and Stamp Duty Who is responsible for these payments? Knowing this information will help you budget effectively and negotiate wisely.
As a buyer-side property execution partner, SUN Gateway understands the complexities of these processes. We work solely for the buyer’s benefit, accepting no fees from sellers or developers, ensuring that all advice is neutral and compliant with Thai law.
Key Costs in Thai Property Transfer
When transferring property ownership at the Land Department, there are several main costs involved. Generally, buyers and sellers will agree on who will be responsible for which portion of these expenses.
1. Transfer Fee
What it is: This is a fee collected by the Land Department when registering the transfer of ownership or possession of real estate.
Who typically pays: It is commonly agreed that the buyer and seller split this fee equally. However, it can be negotiated based on the specific circumstances of each case.
How SUN Gateway helps: The SUN Gateway team, through its Buyer Representation & Property Acquisition service, acts as the buyer’s representative in negotiating various terms, including the allocation of transfer fees, to ensure the best interests of the buyer are met.
2. Specific Business Tax (SBT)
What it is: This tax is levied on the sale of real estate that the seller has held for less than 5 years or if the sale is for commercial profit.
Who typically pays: The seller is responsible for this tax.
How SUN Gateway helps: During the Buyer-Side Property Due Diligence & Valuation stage, we review the legal information and assess the seller’s situation to ensure the buyer clearly understands the tax implications related to the transaction.
3. Stamp Duty
What it is: This is a stamp fee collected on the transfer of real estate, serving as an alternative to Specific Business Tax if the seller has held the property for more than 5 years or meets other conditions stipulated by law.
Who typically pays: The seller is responsible for the stamp duty.
How SUN Gateway helps: Our team reviews relevant contracts and documents to ensure that the calculation and payment of stamp duty are accurate, protecting the buyer’s interests.
4. Withholding Tax
What it is: This is an income tax calculated from the appraised value by the Land Department or the actual selling price, whichever is higher, and is withheld on the day of ownership transfer.
Who typically pays: The seller is responsible for the withholding tax.
How SUN Gateway helps: SUN Gateway’s Cross-Border Transaction & Closing Desk for Foreigners service manages all documentation and the withholding tax calculation process in full compliance with the law, even if you are abroad.
How SUN Gateway Makes Thai Property Acquisition Transparent and Easier
Understanding these fees and taxes is just one part of the complexity of purchasing real estate in Thailand. SUN Gateway, as your dedicated buyer-side partner, is ready to guide you through every step.
- Verify: We offer Buyer-Side Property Due Diligence & Valuation, including legal checks, property inspection by licensed civil engineers, and independent valuation, so you are fully aware of all costs and obligations.
- Acquire: Our Buyer Representation & Property Acquisition team will help negotiate the terms of sale, including the allocation of fees and taxes, to your utmost benefit.
- Close: Our Cross-Border Transaction & Closing Desk for Foreigners service will seamlessly manage document handling, international money transfers, and ownership registration, even if you are overseas.
With SUN Gateway, you gain the confidence that every step of your property ownership journey in Thailand—from due diligence and negotiation to closing the deal and post-purchase care—is handled professionally, transparently, and in full compliance with Thai law, with a bilingual team supporting you throughout.
Let SUN Gateway be your partner in acquiring your dream property for a worry-free and valuable experience.
Buying property in Thailand? Have someone on your side.
SUN Gateway verifies, acquires, closes, and cares for your property — buyer-side only
Tel: +66-2-231-6800
Email: online@sungateway.co.th
https://sungateway.co.th/contact-us/
