Buying property in Thailand as a foreigner involves risks that aren't always obvious from photographs or a listing description. This page sets out how Conrad Properties helps buyers identify and manage those risks, and what is left to independent professionals rather than the agency itself.
Real safety in a Thailand property purchase comes from independent legal review, compliant ownership structures, and proper due diligence — not from any agency's guarantee. Conrad Properties does not provide legal guarantees on any transaction. Our role is to guide buyers through the process, flag risks we're aware of, and connect buyers with the right independent professionals at the right stage.
Many of the risks in a property purchase aren't visible in listing photos — title status, road access, zoning, and utility or water supply are common examples. Where these are relevant to a property, Conrad Properties flags them to the buyer. Formal confirmation of these details is then carried out by the buyer's independent lawyer or, where relevant, a surveyor, rather than by Conrad Properties directly.
Not every lawyer in Thailand specialises in real estate transactions, and general practice lawyers may not be familiar with risks specific to foreign property purchases, such as nominee structures, leasehold terms, or title issues on off-plan developments. Some buyers choose a lawyer based on cost alone, without checking their experience in this specific area of law. Conrad Properties recommends working with lawyers who have a demonstrated track record in Thai real estate specifically, and introduces buyers to lawyers our team has worked with for over a decade in the Koh Samui market.
Conrad Properties does not facilitate nominee shareholding structures or informal long-lease arrangements that fall outside standard, compliant ownership frameworks. Where a proposed structure raises legal concerns, buyers are advised to seek independent legal guidance before proceeding.
Buyers are informed of all applicable fees before proceeding with a transaction. This includes being clear about what Conrad Properties' role does and does not cover, so buyers understand which costs relate to the agency and which relate to independent legal, transfer, or ownership-related fees.
Is Conrad Properties actually safer for foreign buyers than other agencies?
No agency in Thailand can eliminate legal risk on a buyer's behalf — real protection comes from independent legal review and compliant ownership structures. What Conrad Properties does is flag known risks early, avoid facilitating non-compliant structures, and introduce buyers to lawyers experienced specifically in Thai real estate.
Does Conrad Properties check title, zoning, or utilities before a buyer commits?
Conrad Properties flags these factors where relevant to a property. Formal verification is carried out by the buyer's independent lawyer or a surveyor, rather than by Conrad Properties directly.
Will Conrad Properties help set up a company or nominee structure to buy property?
No. Conrad Properties does not facilitate nominee shareholding structures or informal long-lease arrangements outside standard ownership frameworks. Buyers considering a company structure are advised to seek independent legal guidance.
How does Conrad Properties handle fees?
Buyers are informed of all applicable fees before proceeding, including which costs relate to Conrad Properties and which relate to independent legal, transfer, or ownership-related services.
