Down Payment and Hidden Costs Before Your First Condo

Many first-time buyers prepare only the down payment, then panic near transfer over unexpected costs. Knowing the hidden costs upfront keeps your plan complete.

The down payment

New condos take ~10–25% in installments; resale units often need more cash since banks may not lend the full price.

Forgotten transfer-day costs

Item	Approx.
Transfer fee	2% of appraisal (often split)
Mortgage registration	1% of loan
Sinking fund (once)	By unit area
Prepaid common fee	Often 1 year
Utility meters	A few thousand baht

How much is enough

Beyond the down payment, reserve ~3–5% of the price for transfer-day costs — a 3M condo needs ~90,000–150,000 baht spare so you are not scrambling last minute.

References

• Department of Lands — transfer fees
• Condominium Act B.E. 2522 — fund and common fees