Quick Summary Checklist
To buy property safely in Koh Samui, always follow these 5 steps:
Step 1: Find and reserve the right property
Step 2: Lawyer due diligence (legal checks)
Step 3: Sign the Sales & Purchase Agreement
Step 4: Transfer ownership at the Land Office
Step 5: Confirm all buyer costs and taxes
Why You Need a Koh Samui Property Checklist
Thailand has a unique legal framework for real estate, especially for foreign buyers.
A checklist helps you:
Avoid hidden legal risks
Confirm land title and permits
Understand transfer fees and taxes
Secure your investment in Koh Samui
Buy with confidence
Popular Areas to Buy Villas in Koh Samui
Most international buyers focus on high-demand locations such as:
These areas are popular for lifestyle buyers and rental investors searching for villas for sale in Koh Samui.
✅ STEP 1 — Find a Property & Reserve It
Before reserving any property, confirm the essentials:
Once you find the right villa, the first step is making an offer.
Submit an offer through your agent
Confirm the villa matches your budget and goals
Request seller documents immediately
If the offer is accepted, the owner should provide:
Thai ID
Chanote land title deed
Building permit
House registration book (Tabien Baan)
Reservation Agreement (Taking the Villa Off the Market)
To secure the property, buyers usually sign a reservation agreement.
Reservation Checklist
Written payment terms and timeline
Property removed from the market
Deposit paid (typically 10% )
Deposit protected until due diligence is completed
⚠️ Never send money without a signed agreement.
✅ STEP 2 — Pay a Lawyer for Legal Due Diligence
This is the most important step when buying property in Thailand.
Legal due diligence protects foreign buyers from:
Title issues
Zoning restrictions
Hidden debt or mortgages
Illegal construction
Lawyer cost: 30,000 to 100,000 THB+ depending on complexity.
Due Diligence Checklist (Koh Samui Specific)
Your lawyer should investigate:
Land Registry & Ownership History
Land directory verification
Title deed history review
Land rights documentation confirmed
Execution Department & Legal Claims
No court disputes
No mortgage or debt
No execution orders
Zoning Rules & Construction Limit
Koh Samui has strict regulations.
The lawyer must confirm:
Boundaries and slope restrictions
Maximum building height
Construction percentage allowed
Road access legality
Buying property in Koh Samui Th…
Building Permit Verification
Valid construction permit
Villa matches approved plans
No illegal extensions
✅ STEP 3 — Sign the Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA)
Once due diligence is successful, the lawyer drafts the official Sales & Purchase Agreement.
Typical legal cost: ~30,000 THB .
SPA Checklist
Your contract should include:
Full buyer and seller details
Payment schedule and deposit terms
Transfer date at Land Office
All conditions of sale
Buyer right to cancel if issues remain unresolved
✅ STEP 4 — Ownership Transfer at the Land Office
This is the official moment you become the legal owner.
Ownership transfer fees are often split 50/50 between buyer and seller. Buying property in Koh Samui Th…
Transfer Day Checklist
Buyer and seller attend the Land Officeor sign Power of Attorney (POA)
Lawyer manages registration process
Buyer name stamped onto the back of the Chanote deed
Buying property in Koh Samui Th…
Foreign Buyer Note
In some cases, the buyer may need:
Thai company setup
Shareholder structure
Typical cost: 38,000 THB .
✅ STEP 5 — Final Costs, Taxes & Congratulations
Once the transfer is complete:
🎉 Congratulations — you are officially the new owner.
Now make sure you understand the full cost structure.
Buyer Cost Checklist
Plan for:
Property purchase price
Due diligence: 30k–100k THB
SPA contract: ~30k THB
Company setup (if needed): ~38k THB
✅ Koh Samui Property Taxes & Fees Checklist (2026)
Buying a villa in Thailand involves transfer fees and taxes ranging from 2.5% to over 6.3% of the appraised value. Buying property in Koh Samui Th…
Key Fees Summary Table
Fee Type Rate Usually Paid By Transfer Fee 2% Split 50/50 Specific Business Tax 3.3% Seller (<5 yrs) Stamp Duty 0.5% Seller (>5 yrs) Withholding Tax ~1% Seller Annual Land Tax 0.02%–0.1% Owner
Final amounts are confirmed at the Land Office on transfer day.
✅ Total Buyer Cost Checklist (Quick Overview)
Plan for:
Property price
Lawyer due diligence: 30k–100k THB
SPA contract: ~30k THB
Company setup (if needed): ~38k THB
Transfer fees & taxes: 2.5–6.3%
🚩 Red Flags Checklist (Avoid These Mistakes)
Do NOT proceed if:
Seller refuses due diligence
Land title is not Chanote
No building permit exists
No registered road access
Price seems unrealistically low
Transfer conditions are unclear
✅ Free Download: Koh Samui Villa Buying Checklist PDF
Want the complete printable checklist used by lawyers and professional buyers?
📍 Need Help Buying Property Safely in Koh Samui?
At Koh Samui Villas , we help international buyers secure villas with:
Trusted legal partners
Verified listings
Full due diligence support
Smooth Land Office transfer guidance
👉 Explore our latest listings here: Villas for Sale in Koh Samui
FAQ — Buying Property in Koh Samui
Can foreigners buy property in Koh Samui?
Foreigners cannot own land directly, but villas can be purchased safely through leasehold or legal company structures.
What is a Chanote title deed?
Chanote is the highest and safest land title in Thailand, required for secure property ownership.
How much are transfer fees in Koh Samui?
Transfer fees and taxes usually range from 2.5% to over 6.3% depending on the seller’s ownership period.
Is a lawyer mandatory?
Not legally, but strongly recommended — due diligence is essential.
👉 Read our full buying guide:Complete Guide to Buying a Villa in Koh Samui (2026)
