Frequently Asked Questions About Property Management in Phuket
FAQ's
Everything You Need to Know About Our Property Management Services
We understand that entrusting your Phuket property to a management company is a big decision. This FAQ section answers the most common questions we receive about our villa and condo management services, pricing, owner stays, guest management, and financial reporting. Explore below to gain clarity and confidence as you take the next step toward stress-free, profitable property ownership in Phuket.
Do I really need a lawyer or due-diligence check?
Absolutely. Independent due diligence verifies the seller’s title, building permits, environmental approvals, and outstanding debts before you pay deposits.
How long does a purchase take from offer to transfer?
For completed properties, expect 4–8 weeks to move from signed reservation to Land-Office transfer, assuming funds and paperwork are in place. (Off-plan deals follow the developer’s build schedule.)
What about ongoing costs after I buy?
Typical annual expenses include common-area fees (THB 40–80 / m²), sinking funds, insurance, routine maintenance, and, if you rent out, a small housing-and-land tax on gross rental income.
What rental returns can I expect in 2025?
Gross yields on well-located Phuket villas and condos range 5.5–8 %, fueled by a tourism rebound and limited new supply.
Can I finance my purchase locally?
Thai banks offer mortgages mainly to residents with Thai income; foreigners often finance abroad or pay cash. Some developers provide installment plans during construction.
Does buying property qualify me for a visa?
Not automatically, but holding a Thailand Elite Visa (5–20 years) lets you reside long-term and purchase condos without inbound-funding hurdles.
Are there building-permit or EIA rules for new villas?
Yes, structures over 1,000 m² or on environmentally sensitive plots may require an Environmental Impact Assessment, plus local building permits that reference height, setback, and coastline restrictions.
is the Phuket market performing now?
Market reports show steady capital-growth momentum into 2025, supported by infrastructure upgrades and foreign demand, with the government using transfer-fee cuts to keep transactions brisk.
Why choose Empire Estates Phuket as my agency?
We combine local insight, bilingual service, and end-to-end support—from scouting listings to handing you the keys, so you buy safely and profitably in paradise.
What is a “sinking fund” and how much does it cost in Phuket condos?
A sinking fund is a one-time reserve collected from every unit owner to pay for future major repairs (lifts, roofs, repainting). Typical rates run 500–800 THB per m² at hand-over in Phuket developments.
What are common-area (CAM) or maintenance fees?
CAM fees cover day-to-day running costs—staff, pool, gardens, security, electricity for corridors. In 2025 they average 40–100 THB per m² per month for condos, or 5,000-20,000 THB a month for gated-estate villas, depending on services.
Can my children inherit my Thai condo?
Foreign heirs may inherit, but they must personally re-qualify under the 49 % foreign-ownership quota; if they do not, they must sell the unit within one year.
I need property insurance, and what does it cover?
While not compulsory, most buyers take all-risk home insurance covering fire, flood, storm, burglary and third-party liability; leading policies start around 4,000-6,000 THB per year for a typical two-bedroom condo.
Is short-term Airbnb rental legal for foreign owners?
Daily rentals (under 30 days) require a hotel licence; letting without one breaches the Hotel Act and can incur fines of up to 20,000 THB plus 10,000 THB per day until activity stops.
How do property-management fees work in Phuket?
Full-service agencies charge either 15-30 % of monthly rent or a fixed annual fee and may add separate charges for marketing or major repairs.
What documents do foreigners need to open a Thai bank account for utilities?
Most banks ask for a valid passport plus a current Thai work permit or long-stay visa; some branches also request a local address statement or reference letter.
How is rental income taxed in Thailand?
Rental income is subject to personal-income tax at progressive rates and a 12.5 % house-and-land tax (now being replaced by a new property tax, but still collected in many districts).
Can foreigners obtain a Thai mortgage?
Thai banks lend mainly to residents with work permits; select lenders (e.g., SCB) offer mortgages up to 30 years, but approval hinges on Thai-sourced income, strong credit and a 30-50 % down-payment.
What are the new loan-to-value (LTV) and fee incentives in 2025?
From May 2025 to June 2026 the Bank of Thailand permits 100 % LTV on all home loans, and the Finance Ministry has cut transfer and mortgage-registration fees to 0.01 % for properties up to 7 M THB.
Ready to Maximize Your Phuket Property’s Potential?
Take the next step toward effortless, profitable property ownership with our expert villa and condo management services in Phuket. Let us handle the details so you can enjoy peace of mind and consistent rental income.
