Koh Samui Real Estate & Thailand Buyer's Guide
Buying property in Thailand involves navigating ownership rules, due diligence, and a legal process that differs from most buyers' home countries. Conrad Properties has worked in the Koh Samui property market for over a decade, and this guide sets out the practical steps involved in buying property here — from understanding ownership structures through to completing a purchase.
Your Essential Steps to Buying Property in Thailand
1. Understanding Ownership Structures — the legal options available to foreign buyers, including condominium freehold and leasehold arrangements. Read more
2. Financing Your Purchase — financing options available to international buyers. Discover your options
3. The Due Diligence Process — the checks involved in confirming a property is safe to purchase. Learn about due diligence
4. Legal & Tax Considerations — the legal framework and tax implications of a Thailand property purchase. Understand legalities & taxes
5. The Sales & Transfer Process — the steps involved in completing a property transfer at the Land Department.
How Conrad Properties Works
How long has Conrad Properties operated in Koh Samui?
Conrad Properties has operated in the Koh Samui market since 2014, working across villas, condominiums, and land across the island's main areas.
Is every property reviewed before it's listed?
Yes. Every property is reviewed before it appears on our site. See exactly how we vet every listing." with a link to /buyers-guide/how-we-vet-every-property
Does Conrad Properties provide legal guidance during a purchase?
Conrad Properties does not provide legal guarantees on any transaction. After an initial consultation with a specialist in our office, buyers are talked through the purchase process and introduced to independent, English-speaking real estate lawyers experienced in guiding foreign buyers through Thai property transactions.
What support is available after the property search stage?
Our team assists with property search, viewings, legal liaison, and post-purchase support including rental management referrals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners own property in Thailand?
Foreign nationals cannot generally own land outright but can own condominium units freehold, subject to the 49% foreign quota, or hold long-term rights to a villa or house through leasehold arrangements. Read more
What does due diligence involve when buying property in Koh Samui?
Due diligence covers title verification, checks on land use and access, and confirmation that a property is free of legal encumbrances before a purchase proceeds. Learn about due diligence
What taxes and fees apply to a property purchase in Thailand?
Transfer fees, stamp duty or specific business tax, and legal fees typically apply, alongside ongoing costs such as CAM fees for condominiums. Understand legalities & taxes
Browse Current Listings
View current Koh Samui property for sale, or contact our team with questions about a specific property or the buying process.
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Koh Samui is a fascinating, beguiling and cosmopolitan island, full of lush landscapes and coconut infringed beaches, with an array of accommodation options, from traditional Thai bungalows, resorts and hotels to luxury apartments and villas.
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The first thing to remember if you are planning to purchase a property in Thailand, is that under Thai law, foreigners are not allowed to own land directly in their name. However, foreign nationals can legitimately secure property with the help of legal support to control the ownership of the land.
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Purchasing a property overseas can sometimes seem like a daunting experience. To help you navigate the complicated process of property purchasing in Thailand, we provide you with our complete 10 Step Property Buyer’s Guide
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Purchasing land can often seem like simple and easy process, however in reality there are many important aspects to carefully consider before you begin your search. To help you safely secure your ideal land purchase, we provide you with our complete 10 Step Land Buying Guide
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As a buyer you need to be aware of the various land title deeds, which exist to understand what you are being offered in Thailand. A large percentage of the land is not titled or even accurately surveyed. Hence, as a foreigner there are somethings that needs to be considered.
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Taxes and fees is something that is not always thought of when buying a property and without the correct consultation you could get a nasty surprise in the form of a hefty tax bill. Hence, we share here with you the details on the fees and taxes when buying a property in Thailand.
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In Thailand, the land measurements are different from European, UK, or US measurements. The land size or area is often shown in the local measurement units which are usually either: Wah, Talang Wah or Rai. Below is the conversion chart to help you.
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Can foreigners own Real Estate in Thailand? This is a commonly asked question, and not as complex to understand as it may seem. To help you better understand the process, we provide you a full list based on our extensive experience in the real estate industry in Thailand.
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Explore the top locations to buy property in Koh Samui. From the tranquil shores of Bangpor and Maenam to the luxury of Chaweng and Plai Laem, find your dream home or investment today!
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Not every developer or property makes it onto our site. Here's how Conrad Properties decides what to list, when legal checks happen, and why choosing the right lawyer matters more than most buyers realise.
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No agency can make a property legally risk-free — but the right process makes a real difference. Here's how Conrad Properties actually protects foreign buyers in Thailand, and where the line sits between what we do and what your lawyer does.
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