Thailand Purchase Process

Whichever country you're buying land or property in, you'll firstly need to appoint a registered lawyer with expertise in the area. It's your lawyer's job to carry out all necessary checks on the property or land in Thailand and fulfil the legal requirements of the purchase.

It's always advisable to choose a lawyer who's fluent in your language, so that you better understand all the legalities and proceedings.

Your lawyer will:

• Verify the current owners have the correct title to the property
• Verify and confirm any charges and liabilities still owed on the property
• Make sure that your contract meets all the buying criteria and advise you on the obligations for both parties
• Help you through the payment/funds transfer
• Ensure that the land is legally registered in your name.

For second homes and investments, few places have taken off in recent years like Thailand. Once you've found the place of your dreams, always ensure you consult your lawyer before you sign anything. Note that, if you're a foreigner, you won't be able to own a house in your own name. Instead, the house must be owned by a company registered in Thailand.

Again, your lawyer can advise you best, but the process from here usually involves setting up a Thai Limited Company, which brings with it a host of registration criteria. For buyers from the US, the Thailand Amity Treaty gives special rights and benefits to Americans wanting to set up businesses in Thailand.

Your lawyer will also carry out a title search and check contracts before anything is signed. You should note, too, the type of title deeds - if you're buying off-plan, legal advice is strongly advised - and you should be aware of local property taxes.