Buying in Koh Samui
How to buy on Koh Samui without being on the island for every step: remote viewings, signing documents, sending money, powers of attorney, completing at the Land Office and the risks to manage.
In short
- Many Koh Samui purchases are completed without the buyer on the island for every step.
- Use video viewings and an independent inspection to see the property properly.
- Your lawyer can complete at the Land Office under a specific power of attorney, signed and legalised abroad.
- Send money from your own account, in foreign currency, and keep every transfer record.
- Never send funds to a personal account or in response to changed bank details by email.
Many of our clients live in Europe, Australia, the Middle East or elsewhere in Asia, and some complete a purchase without visiting more than once, or at all. It’s entirely possible to buy safely from abroad, but each step needs to be done properly: seeing the property, checking it, signing, paying and completing. This guide explains how. For the full process, see buying property in Koh Samui.
General information, not legal advice. Your own property lawyer should handle the legal steps.
The process from abroad
- Consultation and shortlist by video call and email.
- Remote viewings: live video walk-throughs, recorded tours, drone footage and floor plans.
- Independent inspection by a building inspector, with a written report and photos.
- Offer and reservation agreement, signed electronically or by scanned signature, with a refundable deposit.
- Appoint your lawyer, who carries out due diligence and reports to you in writing.
- Sign the sale and purchase agreement remotely, or at a Thai embassy if originals are required.
- Send the funds from abroad, in your name, in foreign currency.
- Sign a power of attorney for the Land Office transfer, and have it legalised.
- Completion: your lawyer attends the Land Office and registers the title or lease in your name.
- Handover: keys, documents and utilities, managed by your agent or property manager.
Seeing the property properly
- Live video viewings, where you direct the camera, are far more useful than edited marketing videos.
- Ask for the drive: the road from the main road to the property, and the view in each direction.
- Neighbourhood checks: noise, nearby construction, the flight path and the beach.
- An independent building inspection, not the seller’s agent’s opinion.
- Ask for bills: electricity, water, estate fees and, for rentals, booking statements.
Powers of attorney
To complete at the Land Office without you, your lawyer uses a power of attorney:
- Use the Land Office’s own form and make it specific to this transaction: the property, the buyer, the action. Avoid general powers of attorney.
- Sign it in front of a notary in your home country, then have it legalised by the Thai embassy or consulate, or sign it at the Thai embassy directly. Your lawyer will tell you the exact steps.
- Send the original by courier to your lawyer, with certified copies of your passport.
- Allow two to four weeks for signing, legalisation and courier.
Sending the money
- Transfer from your own overseas account, in foreign currency, to the account named in the contract.
- For a freehold condo, state the purpose (purchase of a condominium unit) so the Thai bank can issue the FET form. See sending money to Thailand and the FET form.
- Confirm bank details by phone, using a number you already have, before every transfer.
- Keep every record: the transfer confirmation, the bank’s receipt and the FET form.
Watch out
Email fraud targeting property buyers is common worldwide. If you receive an email changing the bank details for a payment, stop and call your lawyer or agent on a known number. Never send purchase money to a personal account.
Timing
A remote purchase usually takes a little longer than one where the buyer is present, mainly because of courier and legalisation time for the power of attorney. Plan for about 8–10 weeks from accepted offer to completion for a straightforward resale.
After completion: managing from abroad
- A property manager or caretaker to check the property, pay bills and handle repairs.
- Utility accounts in your name or the manager’s, with online payment.
- Insurance from the day of transfer.
- A local bank account, if your visa allows, for paying bills.
- Rental set-up, if you’ll let it, including licensing and TM30 reporting.
Risks and how to manage them
| Risk | How to manage it |
|---|---|
| The property isn’t as shown | Live video, independent inspection, a trusted local contact |
| Legal problems | Your own lawyer’s due diligence and a written report |
| Payment fraud | Verify bank details by phone; never pay personal accounts |
| Delays with documents | Start the power of attorney early |
| Currency moves | Plan transfers; consider fixing an exchange rate |
Frequently asked questions
Yes. With video viewings, an independent inspection, your own lawyer and a power of attorney, you can complete from abroad.
Reservation and sale agreements can often be signed electronically. The Land Office power of attorney must be signed and legalised, usually through a notary and the Thai embassy.
Allow about 8–10 weeks for a straightforward resale, to cover document legalisation and courier time.
It can be, with independent legal advice, a proper inspection and careful payment procedures.
No. Your lawyer can attend under a specific power of attorney.
Buying from abroad?
We’ll be your eyes on the island, from first viewing to handover.
General information only, not legal advice.