How can foreigners buy condominiums or houses in Thailand?

สร้างเมื่อ : 3 พ.ย. 2566

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ต่างชาติซื้อคอนโด ซื้อบ้านในไทยได้อย่างไรบ้าง

ชาวต่างชาติสามารถซื้อคอนโดในประเทศไทยได้ไหม ?

คำตอบของคำถามในข้อนี้ก็คือ “ได้” แต่มีข้อกำหนดกรรมสิทธิ์ให้ถือครองได้ในจำนวนที่จำกัด ตามพระราชบัญญัติอาคารชุด(ฉบับที่ 4) พ.ศ.2551 มาตรา 19 ทวิ บัญญัติไว้ว่า อาคารชุดแต่ละอาคารชุดจะมีคนต่างด้าวหรือนิติบุคคลตามที่ระบุไว้ในมาตรา 19 ถือกรรมสิทธิ์ในห้องชุดได้เมื่อรวมกันแล้วต้องไม่เกินอัตราร้อยละ 49 ของเนื้อที่ของห้องชุดทั้งหมดในอาคารชุดนั้นในขณะที่ขอจดทะเบียนอาคารชุดตามมาตรา 6” หรือถ้าจะพูดแบบภาษาชาวบ้านเลยก็คือ...ชาวต่างชาติจะสามารถซื้อคอนโดแบบถือครองกรรมสิทธิ์โดยสมบูรณ์ (freehold) ได้ไม่เกินร้อยละ 49 ของพื้นที่ยูนิตทั้งหมดของทางโครงการคอนโด

ยกตัวอย่างเช่น

โครงการคอนโดแห่งหนึ่งมีจำนวน 200 ยูนิต และแต่ละยูนิตมีพื้นที่ 100 ตารางเมตร ซึ่งก็จะรวมพื้นที่ทั้งหมดได้ 20,000 ตารางเมตร เพราะฉะนั้นชาวต่างชาติจะสามารถถือครองกรรมสิทธิ์โดยสมบูรณ์ (freehold) ได้ 9,800 ตารางเมตร เป็นต้น

*** แต่ถ้าหากคอนโดแห่งไหนมีสัดส่วนชาวต่างชาติถือครองกรรมสิทธิ์อยู่ครบแล้ว
⁠ชาวต่างชาติท่านอื่นๆ ก็จะไม่สามารถซื้อคอนโดแห่งนั้นๆ ได้อีก ***

นอกจากซื้อคอนโด ชาวต่างชาติสามารถซื้ออสังหาฯ ประเภทอื่นๆ ได้อีกหรือไม่ ?

สำหรับคำตอบของคำถามนี้ก็คือ “ไม่ได้” เพราะโดยปกติแล้วชาวต่างชาติจะไม่สามารถซื้ออสังหาฯ ประเภทอื่นๆ ได้เลย นอกจากโครงการคอนโด แต่! ถ้าหากชาวต่างชาติได้จดทะเบียนสมรสกับชาวไทย ก็สามารถซื้ออสังหาฯ ประเภทอื่นๆ ได้ ไม่ว่าจะเป็น ทาวน์เฮาส์ ที่ดิน หรือแม้แต่บ้านเดี่ยวตามโครงการหมู่บ้าน ด้วยการเป็นผู้กู้ร่วมกับคู่สมรสชาวไทยหรือเป็นผู้ค้ำประกันให้กับคู่สมรสชาวไทยซึ่งเป็นผู้กู้หลัก

การซื้อบ้านซื้อคอนโดของชาวต่างชาติมีขั้นตอนเบื้องต้นดังนี้

ดังที่คุณทราบแล้วว่าชาวต่างชาติกู้ซื้ออสังหาฯ ในไทยได้ แต่ประเภทของอสังหาริมทรัพย์ที่ชาวต่างชาติสามารถถือกรรมสิทธิ์ได้ในฐานะบุคคลธรรมดานั้นมีเพียงประเภทเดียวก็คือห้องชุดหรืออาคารชุด หรือที่เรานิยมเรียกกันว่าคอนโดภายใต้ข้อจำกัดที่ว่าคอนโดมิเนียมโครงการหนึ่งจะมีการถือครองโดยชาวต่างชาติได้ในสัดส่วนที่ไม่เกิน 49% ของเนื้อที่ขายของห้องชุดทั้งหมดในอาคารชุดนั้น ๆ

1.ขั้นตอนชาวต่างชาติซื้อคอนโด

  1. หลังจากที่เลือกคอนโดที่ถูกใจได้แล้ว ต่างชาติซื้อคอนโดจะเริ่มจากการวางเงินจองห้อง โดยปกติการวางเงินจองสำหรับชาวต่างชาติจะอยู่ที่ประมาณ 50,000-150,000 บาท

 

  1. จากนั้นจะมีการนัดมาทำสัญญาจะซื้อจะขาย ซึ่งในสัญญาจะระบุรายละเอียดของห้อง และจำนวนเงินที่ต้องชำระทั้งหมด หากมีงวดผ่อนดาวน์ก็จะมีระบุไว้ในหนังสือสัญญานี้ด้วย

 

  1. ต่อมาจะเป็นขั้นตอนการโอนกรรมสิทธิ์ ผู้ซื้อจะต้องเตรียมเงิน หรือว่าเตรียมตัวกู้ในกรณีที่ไม่ได้ซื้อเงินสด โดยชาวต่างชาติสามารถมอบอำนาจให้กับดีเวลลอปเปอร์หรือเอเจนต์ให้ดำเนินการโอนกรรมสิทธิ์ที่สำนักงานที่ดินแทนได้ แต่ควรมาเตรียมเอกสารในไทยด้วยตนเอง

 

  1. แต่สำหรับชาวต่างชาติที่ไม่สะดวกเดินทางมาประเทศไทย สามารถนำเอกสารที่ต้องใช้ทั้งหมดไปแสตมป์ตรา Notary Public ที่สถานทูตไทยในประเทศนั้น ๆ เพื่อรับรองเอกสารว่าเป็นของจริงแล้วจึงส่งเอกสารทั้งหมดมาที่ดีเวลลอปเปอร์หรือเอเจนต์ในไทย เพื่อทำเรื่องโอนกรรมสิทธิ์ก็ได้เช่นกัน

 

  1. ขั้นตอนต่างชาติซื้อคอนโด ขั้นตอสุดท้ายคือผู้ซื้อชาวต่างชาติจะได้หนังสือกรรมสิทธิ์ห้องชุด และหนังสือสัญญาซื้อขาย จากสำนักงานที่ดิน ซึ่งแสดงว่าผู้ซื้อชาวต่างชาติเป็นเจ้าของคอนโดโดยสมบูรณ์

2.การชำระเงินของชาวต่างชาติซื้อคอนโดในไทย

การชำระเงินของชาวต่างชาติซื้อคอนโดในไทยนั้น เงินในการชำระทั้งหมดจะต้องมาจากต่างประเทศ โดยมีขั้นตอนดังนี้

  1. เงินจอง สามารถชำระผ่านทางบัตรเครดิต หรือโอนเงินจากต่างประเทศ
  2. ผ่อนดาวน์ ปกติแล้วจะอยู่ที่ 20-30% ของราคาห้อง ซึ่งเงินผ่อนดาวน์ในแต่ละงวดนั้นต้องโอนเงินมาจากต่างประเทศทีละงวด ด้วยสกุลเงินต่างประเทศเท่านั้น
  3. โอนกรรมสิทธิ์ จะต้องโอนเงินมาจากธนาคารต่างประเทศด้วยสกุลเงินต่างประเทศเท่านั้น ไม่เว้นแม้แต่กรณีที่ชาวต่างชาติมีเงินอยู่ในบัญชีธนาคารในประเทศไทย แต่ถ้าผู้ซื้อมีเงินก้อนสามารถชำระได้เลย แต่ถ้าไม่มี ผู้ซื้อชาวต่างชาติสามารถขอกู้เงินจากธนาคารหรือสถาบันการเงินมาชำระได้

3.การโอนเงิน

ชาวต่างชาติที่มีเงินอยู่ในบัญชีในไทย จะไม่สามารถโอนเงินโดยตรงได้เลย ต้องโอนเงินไปต่างประเทศก่อน แล้วจึงโอนกลับมาที่ประเทศไทย เพื่อให้ได้ใบรับรอง FOREX/FET มาใช้เป็นเอกสารในการโอนกรรมสิทธิ์ต่อไป

การโอนเงินมาที่ประเทศไทย ชาวต่างชาติซื้อคอนโดสามารถโอนให้กับดีเวลลอปเปอร์หรือผู้ขายได้โดยตรง หรือโอนเข้าบัญชีตนเองก่อนแล้วค่อยโอนให้ผู้ขายต่อไปก็ได้

ชาวต่างชาติที่โอนเงินจากต่างประเทศ ผู้ซื้อจะต้องมีบัญชีในธนาคารต่างประเทศอยู่แล้ว จึงจะสามารถทำเรื่องโอนเงินจากธนาคารต่างประเทศมาให้ดีเวลลอปเปอร์หรือผู้ขายในไทย ซึ่งสามารถโอนเงินให้ผู้ขายโดยตรง หรือโอนเข้าบัญชีตนเองก่อนแล้วค่อยโอนให้ผู้ขายต่อไปก็ได้เช่นกัน

 

ยกเว้นกรณีของชาวจีน ซึ่งมีความพิเศษแตกต่างจากชาติอื่น ๆ เนื่องจากกฎหมายในจีนไม่อนุญาตให้คนจีนโอนเงินซื้ออสังหาริมทรัพย์ในต่างประเทศดังนั้น ถ้าชาวจีนคนไหนที่จะซื้อคอนโดในไทยจะต้องทำการเปิดบัญชีธนาคารในประเทศไทยก่อน แล้วค่อยทยอยโอนเงินจากต่างประเทศเข้าบัญชีธนาคารตัวเองในไทย

โดยกฎมายของจีนระบุไว้ว่า ชาวจีนสามารถโอนเงินไปต่างประเทศได้สูงสุด 50,000 ดอลลาร์สหรัฐต่อคนต่อปีเท่านั้น ซึ่งถ้าต้องการซื้อคอนโดฯ ในราคาที่สูงกว่านี้ อาจให้บุคคลอื่นโอนเงินเข้าบัญชีผู้ซื้อในไทย หลังจากโอนเงินมาที่บัญชีธนาคารผู้ซื้อในประเทศไทยแล้ว ถึงจะสามารถโอนเงินชำระค่าห้องคอนโดกับดีเวลลอปเปอร์หรือผู้ขาย

 

4.การเตรียมเอกสารเพื่อขอสินเชื่อบ้านสำหรับชาวต่างชาติ

การเตรียมเอกสารเพื่อยืนขอสินเชื่อบ้านสำหรับชาวต่างชาตินั้นจะคล้ายคลึงกับการเตรียมเอกสารเพื่อขอกู้บ้านของชาวไทย คือจะแบ่งเป็นเอกสารออกเป็น 3 กลุ่ม ได้แก่

– กลุ่มที่ 1 เอกสารประจำตัวผู้ขอสินเชื่อ สำหรับชาวต่างชาติเอกสารชุดนี้จะประกอบไปด้วย หนังสือเดินทาง (Passport) ใบอนุญาตเข้าประเทศไทย (Visa) และใบอนุญาตทำงานในประเทศไทย (Work Permit) หากจดทะเบียนสมรสกับคนไทยต้องเตรียมทะเบียนสมรสด้วย

– กลุ่มที่ 2 เอกสารแสดงความสามารถทางการเงิน ได้แก่ หนังสือรับรองเงินเดือน หนังสือแสดงการจ่ายเงินเดือน (Payment Slip) สมุดบัญชีเงินฝากธนาคารเพื่อแสดงรายการเดินบัญชีย้อนหลัง หนังสือแสดงภาษีเงินได้ประจำปี หรือหนังสือรับรองการหักภาษี ณ ที่จ่าย

– กลุ่มที่ 3 เอกสารแสดงรายละเอียดหลักทรัพย์ เป็นเอกสารที่แสดงรายละเอียดเกี่ยวกับอสังหาริมทรัพย์ที่ต้องการขอสินเชื่อเพื่อซื้อ ในกรณีนี้คือ คอนโดมิเนียม ได้แก่ หนังสือแสดงกรรมสิทธิ์ห้องชุด (อ.ช. 2) แผนที่ตั้งอาคารชุด แผนผังห้องชุด รูปถ่ายอสังหาริมทรัพย์ สัญญาจะซื้อจะชาย สัญญามัดจำ หรือหลักฐานการชำระเงินดาวน์

ขอขอบคุณข้อมูลจาก

http://www.ddproperty.com/en/property-guides

https://blog.propertyhub.in.th/PH202--

บทความที่เกี่ยวข้อง (3)
23
MAY
Land Titles
Title deed, chanote, nor sor sam gor, nor sor sam, land ownership There are a number of different land classifications in Thailand pertaining to titles of land. The most common denominations are: “Chanote” or “Nor Sor See” = Freehold Title Deed
23
MAY
House Construction Laws In Thailand
House Construction Laws In Thailand Construction in Thailand is mainly regulated by the Building Control Act and the Town and City Planning Act. The Building Control Act provides for governmental control of virtually all types of construction by means of various applications and punishment in case of violation, the Town and City Planning Act deals with the permissible uses of land in different zones. In addition there are under both Acts Ministerial Regulations specifying regulations and zone restrictions. Building and construction can also be restricted by environmental and other laws (Nature Reserve Act, Forest Act, etc.) or if the land is burdened with a right of servitude. The relation between a customer/ employer and a builder in Thailand is primarily governed by a construction contract and the Civil and Commercial Code (specifically the chapter ‘hire of work’).   In addition to the zone regulations (12) for Samui specifying the type of use to which land/ property may be put in specific areas issued under the City Planning Act there are general building zone regulations (4) issued under the Building Control Act, giving standard building requirements and restrictions depending on its distance from the beach. These restrictions relate to the maximum size, distance to the land border, design and the height of the building (sample). Similar building regulations exist in Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Phangan, Hua Hin, etc..   Building or buying a home in Thailand Foreign land ownership restrictions in Thailand relates to land only, not to the building on the land or condominium registered under the Condominium Act. The land and any structure on the land can be owned independently by different persons. Foreigners buying a home in Thailand can lease land (and optional obtain a right of superficies) and own the house as a personal property. In any land leasehold structure it is recommended to obtain ownership over the house, but ownership over the land remains the higher absolute right and the right to own the house on the land is relative to the right to use the land. The right to own the house on another man’s land always follows the term of the land lease or superficies agreement and cannot exceed a term of 30 years after which the lease and/or superficies must be renewed. How to own a house distinct from the land it is on Buildings (apart from condo apartments) do not have a separate ownership title deed document. The procedure to obtain ownership of a structure separate from the land is as follows: If buying from a developer (depending on the sale and tax structure and liabilities the developer chooses) the sale of a house separate from the land lease is either by: a building sale and purchase agreement (see procedure under 3), or a building construction contract with a building permit in the foreign purchaser’s name. In case an individual person is developing a plot of (leased) land the building permit should be issued, or during the construction changed by the Or Bor Tor, in the name of the person that leases the land. Sale of a completed or existing building separate from the land requires the current owner and purchaser of the house to: sign a standard land office Thai script sale of a structure document (signed at the land office in front of the competent land official) followed by a 30 day public announcement/ posting of the house sale at specific locations after the announcement period the parties return to the land office to complete the transfer. Sale of completed existing house The sale of an existing house separate from the land (land lease combined with house sale/ ownership) must be registered with the local land office (the Samui, Phuket, Hua-Hin, Bangkok or any other local Land Department’s branch office) to be complete and property ownership transfer fees and taxes must be paid. Local property developers (in Samui) tend to offer a sale and purchase agreement for the house but skip the official transfer procedure (ownership has not transferred), or lease land and house (not recommended). The transfer of ownership of a building will take at least 30 days from the first visit to the land office to the issuance of the sale of a structure document (sample right or view sale document with short translation). The official land office sale document, stamped and signed by the local land office, is the document that proofs the purchaser’s rights to the house and completes the transfer. Required documents: ID-card, passport (seller/ buyer) House registration book (Tabien Baan) Land title document House building permit Property transfer fees Building permit Thai construction workers on building site under palm trees The seller of a house must have a building permit (sample top right) issued by the local Or Bor Tor. The building permit is the evidence that shows he owns the building and obtained approval to build the house. The building permit must be submitted to the Land Registry for the transfer of the house. It should be checked if the house is actually built according to the building permit. If the seller can’t show a building permit the house could be illegally built or may not be built according to local building regulations. The building Control Act imposes heavy fines and even imprisonment on violators. If any violation is found the authority has the power to issue a stop-work order and demand rectification of the building or an incorrect part within a reasonable time. If the building or an incorrect part cannot be rectified, the authority has the power to order a demolition thereof. When a land leaseholder hires a builder the building permit could be issued in the builder’s name or land owner’s name. In this case the name on the building permit should be changed by the local Or Bor Tor to the lessee’s name at any time during the construction, but prior to the issuance of the house registration book (tabien baan). The building permit is proof that you own the building and the building does not belong to the land owner but to the land leaseholder. Separate ownership of the house increases the lessee’s right and also lowers property tax liabilities (housing and land tax). Research by the Agency for Real Estate Affairs indicates the new city plan for Koh Samui will mandate that property projects cannot be constructed higher than 150 meters above sea level read more…. Similar to Phuket where the Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment issued a notification to protect the environment in Phuket prohibiting any building and renovation in the area 80 meters and more above the average sea level. Construction is not allowed even though the land could have a full land title deed. General considerations when planning to build or buy a house in Thailand (also for leasehold land for foreigners) what is the land title (this should at least be a Nor.Sor.3.Gor/ Khor or better a Chanote land title deed); is the land tile deed correctly issued and the title cannot be revoked on the grounds of any illegal issuance process (read warning under ‘articles news’); is there a solid legal structure for a long term interest in the land (proper land lease and/or superficies registered with the Land Department); what are the zoning and building regulations and restrictions for the specific area (what use and construction is allowed in the area); is there a private servitude, public or municipality road connecting the land with the public road; are there any mortgages, encumbrances, claims or security of any kind registered against the land title deed; are there any conditions in the previous sale or gift (right of redemption); the land is not subject to any promise or agreement, court order or other judgment or decree; the land owner is not involved in any action brought before court or bankruptcy/ insolvency proceedings; the land is not encroached nor is there encroachment on the land; the land is not subject to any land expropriation plan by the government; the land is not located in a land reform zone according to the laws on land reformation for agricultural purposes; the land is not located in a forest or nature reserve zone, or other area reserved for the public; the seller has not (implicitly or explicitly) declared the intention or done any act to give the land whether in whole or in part to the public; the seller does not hold the land as an agent on behalf of any third party, nor is there any third party having priority right to the land. Information above on behlf of samuiforsale  
23
MAY
Buying Property In Thailand
  There are several distinct purchasing options open to foreigners interested in how to buy a property in Thailand. Under Thai law, foreigners are unable to own land however foreigners are able to own structures, properties or apartments built on a piece of land in their own name. Foreigners are effectively able to own and control the land upon which their property sits through a Thai limited company or via a lease. Both leaseholds and Thai limited companies have been a viable and highly successful vehicle for foreigners buying property in Thailand for many years. A third option is to buy a condominium unit as foreigners are able to own condominiums freehold under Thai law.   BUYING PROPERTY WITH A THAI LIMITED COMPANY A foreigner can set up a Thai limited company with the articles of association within the company protecting the foreigner 100% thus giving the foreign managing director complete control of the company. The foreigner can then use this company to buy property in Thailand with complete control whether it be a house, apartment, villa or plot of land. Some property owners sell their land or villa along with a Thai company simply by transferring the name of the foreign company director or if that is not the case, a Thai or international lawyer can easily set up a new company to buy the property through.   BUYING PROPERTY LEASEHOLD Foreigners buying property in Thailand also have the option of controlling the land upon which a villa, house and apartment sits with a 30 year lease (the maximum leasehold term under Thai law). This lease can be re-newed for an additional 30 years plus additional 30 years, giving a total of a 90 year lease.   BUYING A CONDOMINIUM FREEHOLD There is one freehold option for Foreigners wanting to buy property in Thailand with the Thai condominium act allowing foreigners to buy freehold. One important fact is that the condominium developer must ensure that only 49% of the total area of the development is sold to owners freehold. The other 51% of space in the development is available for foreigners to buy, but the only options would be to own the with a Thai limited company or leasehold as described above. No-matter what purchasing method is used the property will be officially registered at the local land office. The foreigner will also hold a property registration document sometimes referred to as the blue book.
23
MAY
Land Titles
Title deed, chanote, nor sor sam gor, nor sor sam, land ownership There are a number of different land classifications in Thailand pertaining to titles of land. The most common denominations are: “Chanote” or “Nor Sor See” = Freehold Title Deed
23
MAY
House Construction Laws In Thailand
House Construction Laws In Thailand Construction in Thailand is mainly regulated by the Building Control Act and the Town and City Planning Act. The Building Control Act provides for governmental control of virtually all types of construction by means of various applications and punishment in case of violation, the Town and City Planning Act deals with the permissible uses of land in different zones. In addition there are under both Acts Ministerial Regulations specifying regulations and zone restrictions. Building and construction can also be restricted by environmental and other laws (Nature Reserve Act, Forest Act, etc.) or if the land is burdened with a right of servitude. The relation between a customer/ employer and a builder in Thailand is primarily governed by a construction contract and the Civil and Commercial Code (specifically the chapter ‘hire of work’).   In addition to the zone regulations (12) for Samui specifying the type of use to which land/ property may be put in specific areas issued under the City Planning Act there are general building zone regulations (4) issued under the Building Control Act, giving standard building requirements and restrictions depending on its distance from the beach. These restrictions relate to the maximum size, distance to the land border, design and the height of the building (sample). Similar building regulations exist in Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Phangan, Hua Hin, etc..   Building or buying a home in Thailand Foreign land ownership restrictions in Thailand relates to land only, not to the building on the land or condominium registered under the Condominium Act. The land and any structure on the land can be owned independently by different persons. Foreigners buying a home in Thailand can lease land (and optional obtain a right of superficies) and own the house as a personal property. In any land leasehold structure it is recommended to obtain ownership over the house, but ownership over the land remains the higher absolute right and the right to own the house on the land is relative to the right to use the land. The right to own the house on another man’s land always follows the term of the land lease or superficies agreement and cannot exceed a term of 30 years after which the lease and/or superficies must be renewed. How to own a house distinct from the land it is on Buildings (apart from condo apartments) do not have a separate ownership title deed document. The procedure to obtain ownership of a structure separate from the land is as follows: If buying from a developer (depending on the sale and tax structure and liabilities the developer chooses) the sale of a house separate from the land lease is either by: a building sale and purchase agreement (see procedure under 3), or a building construction contract with a building permit in the foreign purchaser’s name. In case an individual person is developing a plot of (leased) land the building permit should be issued, or during the construction changed by the Or Bor Tor, in the name of the person that leases the land. Sale of a completed or existing building separate from the land requires the current owner and purchaser of the house to: sign a standard land office Thai script sale of a structure document (signed at the land office in front of the competent land official) followed by a 30 day public announcement/ posting of the house sale at specific locations after the announcement period the parties return to the land office to complete the transfer. Sale of completed existing house The sale of an existing house separate from the land (land lease combined with house sale/ ownership) must be registered with the local land office (the Samui, Phuket, Hua-Hin, Bangkok or any other local Land Department’s branch office) to be complete and property ownership transfer fees and taxes must be paid. Local property developers (in Samui) tend to offer a sale and purchase agreement for the house but skip the official transfer procedure (ownership has not transferred), or lease land and house (not recommended). The transfer of ownership of a building will take at least 30 days from the first visit to the land office to the issuance of the sale of a structure document (sample right or view sale document with short translation). The official land office sale document, stamped and signed by the local land office, is the document that proofs the purchaser’s rights to the house and completes the transfer. Required documents: ID-card, passport (seller/ buyer) House registration book (Tabien Baan) Land title document House building permit Property transfer fees Building permit Thai construction workers on building site under palm trees The seller of a house must have a building permit (sample top right) issued by the local Or Bor Tor. The building permit is the evidence that shows he owns the building and obtained approval to build the house. The building permit must be submitted to the Land Registry for the transfer of the house. It should be checked if the house is actually built according to the building permit. If the seller can’t show a building permit the house could be illegally built or may not be built according to local building regulations. The building Control Act imposes heavy fines and even imprisonment on violators. If any violation is found the authority has the power to issue a stop-work order and demand rectification of the building or an incorrect part within a reasonable time. If the building or an incorrect part cannot be rectified, the authority has the power to order a demolition thereof. When a land leaseholder hires a builder the building permit could be issued in the builder’s name or land owner’s name. In this case the name on the building permit should be changed by the local Or Bor Tor to the lessee’s name at any time during the construction, but prior to the issuance of the house registration book (tabien baan). The building permit is proof that you own the building and the building does not belong to the land owner but to the land leaseholder. Separate ownership of the house increases the lessee’s right and also lowers property tax liabilities (housing and land tax). Research by the Agency for Real Estate Affairs indicates the new city plan for Koh Samui will mandate that property projects cannot be constructed higher than 150 meters above sea level read more…. Similar to Phuket where the Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment issued a notification to protect the environment in Phuket prohibiting any building and renovation in the area 80 meters and more above the average sea level. Construction is not allowed even though the land could have a full land title deed. General considerations when planning to build or buy a house in Thailand (also for leasehold land for foreigners) what is the land title (this should at least be a Nor.Sor.3.Gor/ Khor or better a Chanote land title deed); is the land tile deed correctly issued and the title cannot be revoked on the grounds of any illegal issuance process (read warning under ‘articles news’); is there a solid legal structure for a long term interest in the land (proper land lease and/or superficies registered with the Land Department); what are the zoning and building regulations and restrictions for the specific area (what use and construction is allowed in the area); is there a private servitude, public or municipality road connecting the land with the public road; are there any mortgages, encumbrances, claims or security of any kind registered against the land title deed; are there any conditions in the previous sale or gift (right of redemption); the land is not subject to any promise or agreement, court order or other judgment or decree; the land owner is not involved in any action brought before court or bankruptcy/ insolvency proceedings; the land is not encroached nor is there encroachment on the land; the land is not subject to any land expropriation plan by the government; the land is not located in a land reform zone according to the laws on land reformation for agricultural purposes; the land is not located in a forest or nature reserve zone, or other area reserved for the public; the seller has not (implicitly or explicitly) declared the intention or done any act to give the land whether in whole or in part to the public; the seller does not hold the land as an agent on behalf of any third party, nor is there any third party having priority right to the land. Information above on behlf of samuiforsale  
23
MAY
Buying Property In Thailand
  There are several distinct purchasing options open to foreigners interested in how to buy a property in Thailand. Under Thai law, foreigners are unable to own land however foreigners are able to own structures, properties or apartments built on a piece of land in their own name. Foreigners are effectively able to own and control the land upon which their property sits through a Thai limited company or via a lease. Both leaseholds and Thai limited companies have been a viable and highly successful vehicle for foreigners buying property in Thailand for many years. A third option is to buy a condominium unit as foreigners are able to own condominiums freehold under Thai law.   BUYING PROPERTY WITH A THAI LIMITED COMPANY A foreigner can set up a Thai limited company with the articles of association within the company protecting the foreigner 100% thus giving the foreign managing director complete control of the company. The foreigner can then use this company to buy property in Thailand with complete control whether it be a house, apartment, villa or plot of land. Some property owners sell their land or villa along with a Thai company simply by transferring the name of the foreign company director or if that is not the case, a Thai or international lawyer can easily set up a new company to buy the property through.   BUYING PROPERTY LEASEHOLD Foreigners buying property in Thailand also have the option of controlling the land upon which a villa, house and apartment sits with a 30 year lease (the maximum leasehold term under Thai law). This lease can be re-newed for an additional 30 years plus additional 30 years, giving a total of a 90 year lease.   BUYING A CONDOMINIUM FREEHOLD There is one freehold option for Foreigners wanting to buy property in Thailand with the Thai condominium act allowing foreigners to buy freehold. One important fact is that the condominium developer must ensure that only 49% of the total area of the development is sold to owners freehold. The other 51% of space in the development is available for foreigners to buy, but the only options would be to own the with a Thai limited company or leasehold as described above. No-matter what purchasing method is used the property will be officially registered at the local land office. The foreigner will also hold a property registration document sometimes referred to as the blue book.
23
MAY
Land Titles
Title deed, chanote, nor sor sam gor, nor sor sam, land ownership There are a number of different land classifications in Thailand pertaining to titles of land. The most common denominations are: “Chanote” or “Nor Sor See” = Freehold Title Deed
23
MAY
House Construction Laws In Thailand
House Construction Laws In Thailand Construction in Thailand is mainly regulated by the Building Control Act and the Town and City Planning Act. The Building Control Act provides for governmental control of virtually all types of construction by means of various applications and punishment in case of violation, the Town and City Planning Act deals with the permissible uses of land in different zones. In addition there are under both Acts Ministerial Regulations specifying regulations and zone restrictions. Building and construction can also be restricted by environmental and other laws (Nature Reserve Act, Forest Act, etc.) or if the land is burdened with a right of servitude. The relation between a customer/ employer and a builder in Thailand is primarily governed by a construction contract and the Civil and Commercial Code (specifically the chapter ‘hire of work’).   In addition to the zone regulations (12) for Samui specifying the type of use to which land/ property may be put in specific areas issued under the City Planning Act there are general building zone regulations (4) issued under the Building Control Act, giving standard building requirements and restrictions depending on its distance from the beach. These restrictions relate to the maximum size, distance to the land border, design and the height of the building (sample). Similar building regulations exist in Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Phangan, Hua Hin, etc..   Building or buying a home in Thailand Foreign land ownership restrictions in Thailand relates to land only, not to the building on the land or condominium registered under the Condominium Act. The land and any structure on the land can be owned independently by different persons. Foreigners buying a home in Thailand can lease land (and optional obtain a right of superficies) and own the house as a personal property. In any land leasehold structure it is recommended to obtain ownership over the house, but ownership over the land remains the higher absolute right and the right to own the house on the land is relative to the right to use the land. The right to own the house on another man’s land always follows the term of the land lease or superficies agreement and cannot exceed a term of 30 years after which the lease and/or superficies must be renewed. How to own a house distinct from the land it is on Buildings (apart from condo apartments) do not have a separate ownership title deed document. The procedure to obtain ownership of a structure separate from the land is as follows: If buying from a developer (depending on the sale and tax structure and liabilities the developer chooses) the sale of a house separate from the land lease is either by: a building sale and purchase agreement (see procedure under 3), or a building construction contract with a building permit in the foreign purchaser’s name. In case an individual person is developing a plot of (leased) land the building permit should be issued, or during the construction changed by the Or Bor Tor, in the name of the person that leases the land. Sale of a completed or existing building separate from the land requires the current owner and purchaser of the house to: sign a standard land office Thai script sale of a structure document (signed at the land office in front of the competent land official) followed by a 30 day public announcement/ posting of the house sale at specific locations after the announcement period the parties return to the land office to complete the transfer. Sale of completed existing house The sale of an existing house separate from the land (land lease combined with house sale/ ownership) must be registered with the local land office (the Samui, Phuket, Hua-Hin, Bangkok or any other local Land Department’s branch office) to be complete and property ownership transfer fees and taxes must be paid. Local property developers (in Samui) tend to offer a sale and purchase agreement for the house but skip the official transfer procedure (ownership has not transferred), or lease land and house (not recommended). The transfer of ownership of a building will take at least 30 days from the first visit to the land office to the issuance of the sale of a structure document (sample right or view sale document with short translation). The official land office sale document, stamped and signed by the local land office, is the document that proofs the purchaser’s rights to the house and completes the transfer. Required documents: ID-card, passport (seller/ buyer) House registration book (Tabien Baan) Land title document House building permit Property transfer fees Building permit Thai construction workers on building site under palm trees The seller of a house must have a building permit (sample top right) issued by the local Or Bor Tor. The building permit is the evidence that shows he owns the building and obtained approval to build the house. The building permit must be submitted to the Land Registry for the transfer of the house. It should be checked if the house is actually built according to the building permit. If the seller can’t show a building permit the house could be illegally built or may not be built according to local building regulations. The building Control Act imposes heavy fines and even imprisonment on violators. If any violation is found the authority has the power to issue a stop-work order and demand rectification of the building or an incorrect part within a reasonable time. If the building or an incorrect part cannot be rectified, the authority has the power to order a demolition thereof. When a land leaseholder hires a builder the building permit could be issued in the builder’s name or land owner’s name. In this case the name on the building permit should be changed by the local Or Bor Tor to the lessee’s name at any time during the construction, but prior to the issuance of the house registration book (tabien baan). The building permit is proof that you own the building and the building does not belong to the land owner but to the land leaseholder. Separate ownership of the house increases the lessee’s right and also lowers property tax liabilities (housing and land tax). Research by the Agency for Real Estate Affairs indicates the new city plan for Koh Samui will mandate that property projects cannot be constructed higher than 150 meters above sea level read more…. Similar to Phuket where the Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment issued a notification to protect the environment in Phuket prohibiting any building and renovation in the area 80 meters and more above the average sea level. Construction is not allowed even though the land could have a full land title deed. General considerations when planning to build or buy a house in Thailand (also for leasehold land for foreigners) what is the land title (this should at least be a Nor.Sor.3.Gor/ Khor or better a Chanote land title deed); is the land tile deed correctly issued and the title cannot be revoked on the grounds of any illegal issuance process (read warning under ‘articles news’); is there a solid legal structure for a long term interest in the land (proper land lease and/or superficies registered with the Land Department); what are the zoning and building regulations and restrictions for the specific area (what use and construction is allowed in the area); is there a private servitude, public or municipality road connecting the land with the public road; are there any mortgages, encumbrances, claims or security of any kind registered against the land title deed; are there any conditions in the previous sale or gift (right of redemption); the land is not subject to any promise or agreement, court order or other judgment or decree; the land owner is not involved in any action brought before court or bankruptcy/ insolvency proceedings; the land is not encroached nor is there encroachment on the land; the land is not subject to any land expropriation plan by the government; the land is not located in a land reform zone according to the laws on land reformation for agricultural purposes; the land is not located in a forest or nature reserve zone, or other area reserved for the public; the seller has not (implicitly or explicitly) declared the intention or done any act to give the land whether in whole or in part to the public; the seller does not hold the land as an agent on behalf of any third party, nor is there any third party having priority right to the land. Information above on behlf of samuiforsale  
23
MAY
Buying Property In Thailand
  There are several distinct purchasing options open to foreigners interested in how to buy a property in Thailand. Under Thai law, foreigners are unable to own land however foreigners are able to own structures, properties or apartments built on a piece of land in their own name. Foreigners are effectively able to own and control the land upon which their property sits through a Thai limited company or via a lease. Both leaseholds and Thai limited companies have been a viable and highly successful vehicle for foreigners buying property in Thailand for many years. A third option is to buy a condominium unit as foreigners are able to own condominiums freehold under Thai law.   BUYING PROPERTY WITH A THAI LIMITED COMPANY A foreigner can set up a Thai limited company with the articles of association within the company protecting the foreigner 100% thus giving the foreign managing director complete control of the company. The foreigner can then use this company to buy property in Thailand with complete control whether it be a house, apartment, villa or plot of land. Some property owners sell their land or villa along with a Thai company simply by transferring the name of the foreign company director or if that is not the case, a Thai or international lawyer can easily set up a new company to buy the property through.   BUYING PROPERTY LEASEHOLD Foreigners buying property in Thailand also have the option of controlling the land upon which a villa, house and apartment sits with a 30 year lease (the maximum leasehold term under Thai law). This lease can be re-newed for an additional 30 years plus additional 30 years, giving a total of a 90 year lease.   BUYING A CONDOMINIUM FREEHOLD There is one freehold option for Foreigners wanting to buy property in Thailand with the Thai condominium act allowing foreigners to buy freehold. One important fact is that the condominium developer must ensure that only 49% of the total area of the development is sold to owners freehold. The other 51% of space in the development is available for foreigners to buy, but the only options would be to own the with a Thai limited company or leasehold as described above. No-matter what purchasing method is used the property will be officially registered at the local land office. The foreigner will also hold a property registration document sometimes referred to as the blue book.