Foreign buyer checklist
Your own step-by-step list for buying in Thailand, from the first viewing to after transfer day.
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Do not rely only on a scan or photograph supplied by the seller. Obtain a current review of the official Land Office record for the exact parcel or condominium unit, confirm the registered owner, identify every recorded mortgage or other right, and verify that required releases can be registered before the purchase money is paid. Pair the registry review with boundary, access, building and occupation checks.
What does a title check confirm?
- the type of title or condominium ownership record;
- the correct parcel, unit, area and official description;
- the registered owner or owners;
- recorded mortgages, leases and other registered rights;
- notations, restrictions or orders affecting registration;
- the Land Office responsible for the property.
See the guide to Thai title deeds and the chanote for how the different title classes and grades compare.
Which encumbrances should be investigated?
The exact legal effect depends on the recorded instrument and the transaction. Do not treat every notation as routine.
- mortgages and lender rights;
- registered leases;
- servitudes affecting access or use;
- usufructs or habitation rights;
- court orders, seizure or attachment records;
- other registered agreements or restrictions.
Does the seller have authority to transfer?
Match the seller's identity to the official record and confirm the authority of every person signing or attending the Land Office.
- individual owner identification;
- co-owner participation or authorization;
- marital or consent documents where required;
- company registration and authorized signatory records;
- accepted power-of-attorney form and scope;
- estate, guardian or court authority where relevant.
What does the title record not prove?
A registry search is essential, but it does not replace inspection of the land, building and surrounding facts.
- the practical condition of roads and access;
- the location of occupied boundaries and fences;
- building permits and lawful use;
- structural, moisture or utility condition;
- vacant possession at closing;
- unregistered contracts, family claims or active disputes.
How should land boundaries and access be checked?
Compare the official plan with the property on the ground. Where boundaries, dimensions or access are material or disputed, obtain appropriate survey and legal review before the contract becomes unconditional. See the boundary survey guide for how that resurvey process works.
What changes for a condominium unit?
Review the unit ownership record together with building-level documents and the seller's standing with the condominium juristic person.
- correct building, floor and unit;
- registered unit area and ownership details;
- mortgage or other endorsements;
- foreign-ownership eligibility where applicable;
- common-fee and debt-free documentation;
- parking, storage and registered accessory rights.
See the separate guide to the condominium debt-free certificate.
How should a mortgage discharge be coordinated?
Confirm the lender's payoff amount, original documents, representative and discharge procedure before transfer day. The closing statement should show exactly which funds go to the lender and when the discharge and ownership transfer will be registered.
When should the checks be completed?
- Before paying a material non-refundable amount.
- Before the due-diligence condition expires.
- Again before transfer if time has passed or facts changed.
- Before releasing the final purchase balance.
Keep copies of the search results, title documents, releases, contract, closing statement and official transfer receipts in the permanent property file.
See hiring a lawyer in Thailand for how to find qualified transaction counsel, and the Thailand property buying process for how these checks fit into the wider purchase timeline.
Order the current search before committing.
Use the exact property and responsible Land Office, then reconcile every result with the contract and closing instructions.
Find property due-diligence supportFrequently asked questions
Is a seller-provided copy of a Thai title deed enough?
No. A copy can be incomplete or out of date. Transaction due diligence should include a current review of the official Land Office record for the exact land parcel or condominium unit.
What is an encumbrance on Thai property?
It is a registered right, restriction or claim that can affect ownership or use, such as a mortgage, lease, servitude, usufruct, court order or other notation appearing in the official registration record.
Can an existing mortgage be removed on transfer day?
It may be discharged through a coordinated closing if the lender, seller and Land Office documentation are complete. The purchase contract and closing statement should state the payoff and release sequence.
Does a clean title search replace a property inspection?
No. Registry review does not prove the boundaries, access, building condition, permits, occupation status or absence of every unregistered dispute. Legal and physical due diligence should be completed together.
Who should review the title and Land Office file?
Use a qualified Thai lawyer or other properly authorized professional familiar with the responsible Land Office and the exact transaction. BAANLYY provides general education, not transaction-specific legal advice.
Sources & References
Primary and official sources are cited above. Government rules, fees and procedures in Thailand change over time and vary by office; always confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before relying on them. BAANLYY never takes paid placement in editorial content.
Founder of BAANLYY · International real estate broker, investor & relocation specialist
Last updated 15 July 2026 · Last reviewed 15 July 2026
