On Top of the Purchase Price, There May Be Additional Costs When Buying Property in Phuket
If you’re considering investing in Phuket real estate, understanding the cost of buying property in Phuket in 2025 is essential. While the island offers incredible lifestyle and investment opportunities, there are a number of expenses you’ll need to account for beyond the purchase price.
In this guide, we break down the most common costs you may encounter when buying a villa or condominium in Phuket this year.
1. Purchase Price
Let’s begin with the most obvious – the price of the property itself. In 2025, Phuket continues to see healthy demand, especially in prime locations like Rawai, Nai Harn, Kata, Bang Tao and Laguna. Prices vary significantly depending on the type, size, and location of the property:
- Condos in Rawai, Nai Harn, Bang Tao etc. may start from 5-6 million THB for foreign freehold units.
- 3 Bedroom Pool villas in Phuket can range from 15-35 million THB depending on land size and build quality.
- Luxury Villas in the Cherng Talay area can be as high as 50-60 million THB.
- Luxury sea-view or some branded residences can easily exceed 100-200 million THB.
2. Legal Fees and Due Diligence
Hiring a lawyer is essential when buying property in Phuket. Expect legal fees for services such as:
- Title deed checks
- Contract drafting/checking
- Leasehold/freehold structuring
- Due diligence on the developer or land title
Typical legal fees: 40,000-250,000+ THB depending on complexity.
The Importance of Obtaining Legal Advice When Purchasing Phuket Property
3. Transfer Fees and Government Taxes
When you transfer property ownership at the Land Office, several government fees apply. These may vary depending on whether you’re buying freehold or leasehold property.
For a freehold condominium:
- Transfer fee: 2% of the registered value
- Specific business tax: 3.3% (if owned less than 5 years)
- Withholding tax: 1% (if a company is selling)
For a leasehold villa:
- Lease registration fee: 1.1% of the total lease amount (for a 30-year term)
Most developers split transfer fees 50/50 with the buyer – always confirm this in the contract. Even for a resale property it is customary to split the fees 50/50 with the seller.
4. Furniture Packages and Fit-Out Costs
Some new properties are sold fully furnished, while others are sold as bare shell or partially furnished. Be sure to check what’s included.
Typical cost of a full furniture package: 500,000-1,500,000 THB for a 2-3 bedroom home, depending on quality. Luxury villas now charge as high as 3 million THB for the furniture package.
5. Developer Admin and Sinking Fund Fees
When buying in a condominium project, you may also need to pay:
- Sinking fund (one-time): 500-1,000 THB per sqm
- Maintenance fees: 40-80 THB per sqm per month
- Admin fees: Developers sometimes also charge a 50,000-100,000 THB admin or contract fee
6. Utility Connection Fees
New villas and condos sometimes require buyers to cover the cost of connecting electricity, water, and internet:
- Electricity: 20,000-40,000 THB
- Water: 5,000-10,000 THB
- Internet: between 1,000-3,000 THB installation, depending on location
7. Optional: Company Setup or Lease Registration
For certain leasehold structures, a Thai company or offshore holding company may be used. This comes with extra setup and legal costs, though not necessary for most foreign freehold condominium buyers.
Foreigners should know that using Thai nominees is illegal, and that Thai companies must be run as proper legitimate businesses, be 100% legally compliant, and adhering to all the corporate laws of Thailand.
Summary: Total Cost Snapshot
Here’s an example for a 5 million THB freehold condo:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (THB) |
| Transfer Fees (50%) | 50,000 |
| Legal Fees | 50,000 |
| Furniture Package | 500,000 |
| Sinking Fund | 300,000 |
| Maintenance Fees (1 year) | 60,000 |
| Total | Approx. 960,000 THB in additional costs |
So, the true cost of buying property in Phuket in 2025 can be 10-20% above the listing price depending on the extras.
You may want read our section on government fees and taxes in our renowned Phuket Property Guide:
How Low Are the Fees and Taxes When Buying Property in Phuket
Or, for the full table of contents to our guide:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much are the government taxes when buying property in Phuket?
Taxes and fees typically do not exceed 6.3% of the property price, depending on a number of factors. This includes transfer fees, stamp duty, withholding tax, and sometimes business tax for resales. This is usually split 50/50 between the buyer and the seller.
Do I need to pay agent commissions when buying property in Phuket?
No. In most cases, the seller pays the agent commission in Phuket. However, buyers should always confirm the arrangement with their agent in advance.
What legal fees should I expect when buying property in Thailand?
Legal fees can vary significantly, depending on the complexity of the transaction. They may be as low as THB 40,000 for a foreign freehold condo purchase, but can also exceed THB 250,000 if buying a villa. This covers contract review, due diligence, and ownership registration.
Are furniture and fit-out packages included in the price?
Not always. Many new developments offer optional furniture packages at an additional cost. Always check if the price includes furniture, air-conditioning units, kitchen appliances, and other essentials.
Are there any hidden costs when buying a condo or villa in Phuket?
Yes. Buyers should also factor in utility connection fees, maintenance charges, sinking funds (for condos), and the potential cost of lease registration if applicable. A thorough breakdown should be requested before signing.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re buying a holiday home, retirement villa, or investment property, it’s vital to budget beyond the purchase price. The cost of buying property in Phuket in 2025 varies by location, ownership structure, and developer terms, but with the right guidance, it’s a smooth and secure process.
Ready to Begin Your Phuket Property Journey?
Let the experts at Thai Residential guide you through every step, from legal due diligence to negotiating with developers. With over 25 years of experience, we help foreign buyers purchase safely and confidently.
Take a look at the villas and condos for sale in Phuket here:
Foreign Freehold Condos For Sale
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