Money & taxes
How much it costs to own a condo in Pattaya
Buying the condo is only half the story: after that, the bills arrive every month. Here is what an owner in Pattaya pays for and how to work it out in advance, before you even reserve.
In short
- The main recurring payment is the Maintenance Fee, a building upkeep charge based on floor area.
- The Sinking Fund is usually paid once, at key handover.
- Electricity and water are paid by the owner or tenant according to the meter.
Maintenance Fee: the building upkeep charge
Every owner in a condominium pays a contribution towards the common property: security, cleaning, pools, gym, lifts, lighting and staff. This is not a whim of the management company: under the Condominium Act, owners are required to share common expenses in proportion to their share. The money is collected and managed by the juristic person, the building's governing body.
The fee is charged per square metre per month and is often billed a year in advance. Example:
- Unit
- 35 m²
- Rate, for example
- 60 ฿ per m² per month
- Per month
- 2,100 ฿
- Per year
- 25,200 ฿
The more pools, gardens and services a complex has, the higher the rate. So compare projects not only by price per metre but also by future payments.
Sinking Fund: the building's reserve fund
This is money set aside for major future works: facade repairs, replacing lifts and pumps, refurbishing common areas. In new developments it is usually paid once when the unit is handed over and is also based on floor area, for example 35 m² × 600 ฿ = 21,000 ฿. We confirm the rate and payment terms for each project.
Utilities
- Electricity. The biggest item in summer, because of air conditioning. Paid according to the unit's meter. In some buildings the juristic person bills it, in others the bill comes directly from the power company.
- Water. Metered, usually a small amount.
- Internet. A separate contract with a provider. New buildings often already have fibre installed.
If the condo is rented out, the tenant usually pays the utilities under the lease.
Property tax
Thailand has a land and building tax (Land and Building Tax Act B.E. 2562). Rates for residential property are low and depend on the appraised value and on whether it is the owner's main residence. We cover rates and exemptions in Taxes and fees when buying a condo.
Insurance and minor repairs
The juristic person insures the building itself, and the owner can insure the contents of the unit separately. Also set aside a small reserve for appliance repairs: in a tropical climate, air conditioners need cleaning every few months.
Example annual total
A typical 35 m² studio, where the owner lives part of the year. The figures are approximate:
- Maintenance Fee
- 25,200 ฿
- Electricity and water while you are there
- by meter
- Internet
- provider's tariff
- Air conditioner cleaning and minor repairs
- ≈ 5,000 ฿
- Property tax
- based on appraisal, usually small
FAQ
How much does it cost to maintain a condo in Pattaya?
The main payment is the Maintenance Fee, charged per m² per month. For example, at 60 ฿ per m², a 35 m² unit costs 2,100 ฿ a month.
What is the Sinking Fund?
The building's reserve fund for major repairs. In new developments it is usually paid once, at key handover.
Who pays for electricity if the condo is rented out?
Usually the tenant, according to the meter, unless the lease says otherwise.
Sources
- Condominium Act B.E. 2522 (1979): common expenses and the juristic person
- Krungsri: land and building tax, 2026 rates
- Avalon guide: Maintenance Fee and Sinking Fund (in Russian)
This article is for general information and is not legal or tax advice. Laws, fees and project terms change: before a deal we check the current conditions for the specific property.
