Public Questions & Answers Page 6

Inspect roofs, terraces, bathrooms, planter boxes, windows, below-ground walls, pool surrounds and air-conditioned rooms for staining, odour, bubbling paint and recent cosmetic repairs. Use moisture testing where appropriate. Mould can result from leaks, condensation, poor ventilation or long vacancy, so the remedy depends on the cause. Ask for previous repair records and warranty details. Phuket’s sun, salt, humidity and monsoon rain can hide or accelera…

Sea exposure can accelerate corrosion of metalwork, air-conditioning components, electrical fittings, railings, gates, fixings, vehicles and pool equipment. Distance from the water is only one factor; wind direction, elevation and shelter matter. Inspect hidden fixings and service history, not just freshly painted surfaces. Budget for marine-grade materials, frequent washing and more regular replacement where exposure is high. Use specialists appropriate …

Roofs, gutters, downpipes, balconies, pool overflow, retaining-wall drains, garden levels and road drains must work as one system. Look for staining, erosion, damp, patched cracks and water directed toward foundations or neighbouring property. Confirm who maintains shared drains. A dry-season inspection should include water testing and a plan review rather than assuming rainfall will find a safe route. Phuket’s sun, salt, humidity and monsoon rain can hid…

Inspect ground levels, nearby drains and waterways, road low points, historical water marks, pump systems and where water goes after leaving the plot. Speak with neighbours and view during heavy rain where possible. Coastal inundation, river flooding, surface runoff and blocked estate drainage are different risks. Also check whether access roads remain usable when the house itself stays dry. Use specialists appropriate to the risk, such as a building insp…

Retaining walls should be reviewed by an appropriately qualified engineer, especially where they support a building, pool, road or neighbouring land. Ask for design, approvals, drainage, maintenance and signs of movement such as cracks, bulging, settlement or blocked weep holes. Slope stability cannot be judged from a clean painted surface. Heavy monsoon rain makes drainage and water pressure central issues. Phuket’s sun, salt, humidity and monsoon rain c…

Drive the route in rain, darkness and peak traffic. Check gradient, surface, width, passing points, drainage, guardrails, lighting, ownership, maintenance and emergency access. Confirm whether delivery vehicles, ambulances and fire services can reach the property. A steep road can affect ageing, rental appeal, vehicle wear and construction costs even when the view is exceptional. Use specialists appropriate to the risk, such as a building inspector, struc…

A tropical inspection should cover structure, roof, waterproofing, walls, floors, windows, electrical system, plumbing, hot water, air conditioning, pool, pumps, drainage, wastewater, pests, corrosion, mould and safety. For condominiums, inspect the unit and relevant common-property evidence. For villas, include the plot, road, retaining walls and services. The inspector should photograph defects, prioritise repairs and distinguish visible symptoms from ca…

Start with the building’s age, construction quality, exposure, equipment and maintenance history. Set separate reserves for annual servicing, predictable replacement—such as pumps, air conditioners and exterior coatings—and major risks such as roofs, retaining walls or waterproofing. A new property still needs a reserve because warranties may be limited or disputed. Review the amount each year using actual invoices. Prepare three figures: cash required to…

Request recent electricity and water bills, meter type, tariff, common-area recharge method and any private supply arrangement. Pool pumps, air conditioning, hot water, irrigation and EV charging can materially affect use. Check whether bills are paid directly to authorities or marked up by a manager or estate. For off-plan property, ask for expected meter capacity and connection charges. A property that appears affordable at purchase can become difficult…

Overseas owners often underestimate inspection visits, emergency call-outs, key holding, bill payment, tax or accounting support, inventory checks, cleaning between stays, replacement of small equipment, storm preparation and supervision of contractors. A low monthly management fee may exclude most of these services. Ask for a full fee schedule and sample monthly statement before appointing a manager. Prepare three figures: cash required to complete, norm…

A purchase agreed in baht can become more or less expensive as the buyer’s home currency moves. Staged off-plan payments extend that exposure, and later costs such as fees, furnishing and management remain in baht. Build a currency buffer, document each transfer and obtain regulated financial advice where needed. Do not let an attractive exchange rate replace due diligence on the property. A property that appears affordable at purchase can become difficul…

Confirm building, contents, public liability, storm, flood, water damage, rental use, unoccupancy, pool, landslip and business interruption where relevant. Coverage and exclusions vary, especially for hillside, coastal, short-stay or long-empty property. The insured party and value should match the legal ownership structure. Keep maintenance records because neglected drainage, roofs or pumps can complicate claims. Prepare three figures: cash required to c…

Prepare a room-by-room inventory covering furniture, appliances, curtains, lighting, air conditioning, kitchen equipment, outdoor furniture, pool equipment, internet, security and linen. Phuket humidity and rental use can change the appropriate quality level. Separate items included in the contract from optional packages. For a resale, test equipment and record serial numbers and condition before completion. A property that appears affordable at purchase …

A villa estate may charge for security, roads, lighting, drainage, landscaping, waste, shared facilities or management, but the legal structure and owner controls can differ from a condominium juristic person. Review the estate rules, budget, accounts, voting, fee increases, arrears, reserve planning and enforcement. Confirm whether road and infrastructure ownership will transfer to owners or remain with a developer. Prepare three figures: cash required t…

Typical budgets may include estate or road fees, property management, pool and garden care, air-conditioning servicing, pest control, water systems, electricity, internet, insurance, security, cleaning, repairs and replacement reserves. Coastal and hillside homes may need more frequent exterior, drainage, pump and corrosion work. Build a twelve-month budget with a contingency and ask for actual invoices from the specific property where available. A proper…

A sinking fund is intended to support major common-property expenditure rather than routine monthly operations. Confirm the amount already held, how contributions are calculated, permitted uses, investment controls, recent withdrawals and planned projects. A new buyer may have an initial contribution, while an older building may need replenishment or a special levy. Inspect the accounts rather than assuming the marketing figure is adequate. Prepare three …

Check the fee rate, unit area basis, payment schedule, late charges, recent increases and what is included. Compare the current budget with actual spending on security, lifts, pools, landscaping, insurance, staff and repairs. Review arrears and planned capital work. The cheapest fee is not automatically best if the building is deferring maintenance or expects special levies. A property that appears affordable at purchase can become difficult if fees, main…

The contract normally allocates costs between buyer and seller, but the legal charge and commercial negotiation are separate questions. Transfer fee, withholding tax, specific business tax or stamp duty may apply depending on the asset, seller, holding period and structure. Do not rely on a simple “50/50” statement without a calculation. A Thai lawyer or accountant should confirm the current treatment before completion. Prepare three figures: cash require…