How to buy a condo in Phuket remotely: step-by-step guide

11 October 2026 · LegalLight Estate

Most of our clients buy property in Phuket without ever visiting the site. For off-plan projects this is standard: the unit does not exist yet, so everyone chooses from renders, floor plans and construction reports. Here is how a deal goes from the first message to the keys.

Step 1. Shortlist

We start with your goal — to live, to holiday and rent out, or to invest. That defines the area, property type and budget. We send 3–5 matching projects with current price lists, floor plans and payment schedules, and walk you through the area, the site and nearby completed buildings on a video call.

Step 2. Reservation

Once you choose a unit, you sign a reservation agreement and pay a deposit — usually a small percentage of the price. The reservation takes the unit off the market while we check everything and prepare the contract. Documents are signed electronically.

Step 3. Due diligence

Before the main payment we check:

• the developer: how many projects were completed and whether they were on time;
• the land title (chanote) and the building permit;
• the foreign quota — whether freehold is available;
• contract terms: payment schedule, completion date, penalties for delays.

Step 4. Sale and purchase agreement

Signed electronically or with originals sent by courier. It fixes the price, payment schedule, completion date, finishing specification and developer guarantees.

Step 5. Payments by schedule

Off-plan units are sold with installments during construction — no bank, no interest. Payments are tied to dates or construction milestones. For freehold, funds are transferred from abroad and the bank issues a confirmation needed for registration. We send photos and reports from the site before each payment.

Step 6. Handover and registration

When the building is completed, the unit is inspected: finishes, appliances, engineering — and a snag list goes to the developer. Registration at the Land Office is done by power of attorney, so you don’t have to fly in. You then receive the documents and keys, and the unit can go straight into rental management.

How long it takes

From reservation to contract — usually 2–4 weeks. Then payments follow the schedule until completion. Registration after completion takes a few days.

Why it is safer with an agent

A good agent works for the buyer: checks the developer and documents, compares projects and keeps you from overpaying. LegalLight Estate is officially registered in Thailand, with 7 years of experience in the Phuket market and a 5.0 client rating. We support you in English and Russian from shortlist to keys.

This article is general information, not legal advice. We confirm the details for each transaction.