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Thailand Property Taxes: What Buyers and Owners Need to Know in 2026
PropInfo Team
27 May 2026
Taxes on Thai property are relatively low compared to many countries — but there are several fees and obligations to understand before you buy, sell or rent.
Thailand has a relatively favourable tax environment for property owners. However, there are several fees and taxes you should budget for — both at the point of purchase and on an ongoing basis.
At Purchase — Transfer Fees and Taxes
When a property is transferred at the Land Department, the following apply:
Transfer Fee — 2% of the appraised value
Calculated on the government appraised value (not necessarily the sale price). Often split 50/50 between buyer and seller by negotiation — confirm this in your purchase contract.
Stamp Duty — 0.5% of the appraised or sale value (whichever is higher)
Applies when the seller has held the property for more than 5 years, or it is their primary residence for more than 1 year. If Specific Business Tax applies instead, stamp duty is not charged.
Specific Business Tax (SBT) — 3.3% of appraised or sale value
Applies when the seller has owned the property for less than 5 years, or it was not their primary residence. Typically paid by the seller — confirm in your contract. Replaces stamp duty.
Withholding Tax — 1% (companies) or progressive rate (individuals)
Withheld from the seller at the Land Department. Calculated based on the appraised value and the seller's holding period. For individuals, it is calculated using a progressive scale.
Who Pays What?
By convention in Thailand, the seller typically pays withholding tax and SBT/stamp duty. The buyer typically pays the transfer fee. In practice, these are often negotiated and shared — always clarify in writing.
Land and Building Tax (Annual)
Introduced in 2020, Thailand's land and building tax is an annual levy based on the appraised value of the property:
• Residential — up to 0.3% of appraised value per year
• Agricultural — 0.01–0.1%
• Commercial — 0.3–0.7%
• Unused/vacant land — 0.3–3% (with annual increases for prolonged vacancy)
Primary residences registered in the owner's name receive significant exemptions:
• First ฿50M of value: exempt for primary residence
• Up to ฿10M appraised value: exempt for non-primary residence
Rental Income Tax
If you earn rental income from your Thai property, it must be declared in Thailand. Individual rates are progressive from 0–35%. Non-residents are taxed on Thai-source income. Many owners work with a local accountant to file returns and claim allowable deductions.
VAT
VAT at 7% may apply to new property sales from registered developers. It is usually included in the advertised price — confirm with the developer.
For all tax and legal matters, engage a qualified local property lawyer or accountant. PropInfo agents can refer you to trusted professionals.
At Purchase — Transfer Fees and Taxes
When a property is transferred at the Land Department, the following apply:
Transfer Fee — 2% of the appraised value
Calculated on the government appraised value (not necessarily the sale price). Often split 50/50 between buyer and seller by negotiation — confirm this in your purchase contract.
Stamp Duty — 0.5% of the appraised or sale value (whichever is higher)
Applies when the seller has held the property for more than 5 years, or it is their primary residence for more than 1 year. If Specific Business Tax applies instead, stamp duty is not charged.
Specific Business Tax (SBT) — 3.3% of appraised or sale value
Applies when the seller has owned the property for less than 5 years, or it was not their primary residence. Typically paid by the seller — confirm in your contract. Replaces stamp duty.
Withholding Tax — 1% (companies) or progressive rate (individuals)
Withheld from the seller at the Land Department. Calculated based on the appraised value and the seller's holding period. For individuals, it is calculated using a progressive scale.
Who Pays What?
By convention in Thailand, the seller typically pays withholding tax and SBT/stamp duty. The buyer typically pays the transfer fee. In practice, these are often negotiated and shared — always clarify in writing.
Land and Building Tax (Annual)
Introduced in 2020, Thailand's land and building tax is an annual levy based on the appraised value of the property:
• Residential — up to 0.3% of appraised value per year
• Agricultural — 0.01–0.1%
• Commercial — 0.3–0.7%
• Unused/vacant land — 0.3–3% (with annual increases for prolonged vacancy)
Primary residences registered in the owner's name receive significant exemptions:
• First ฿50M of value: exempt for primary residence
• Up to ฿10M appraised value: exempt for non-primary residence
Rental Income Tax
If you earn rental income from your Thai property, it must be declared in Thailand. Individual rates are progressive from 0–35%. Non-residents are taxed on Thai-source income. Many owners work with a local accountant to file returns and claim allowable deductions.
VAT
VAT at 7% may apply to new property sales from registered developers. It is usually included in the advertised price — confirm with the developer.
For all tax and legal matters, engage a qualified local property lawyer or accountant. PropInfo agents can refer you to trusted professionals.