How to Choose a Real Estate Agency in Thailand: A Step-by-Step Buyer’s Guide
How to Choose a Real Estate Agency in Thailand and Avoid Mistakes
Buying property in Thailand almost always starts with a real estate agency. And this is where many buyers face an important question: who can be trusted — and who cannot.
The market is large, agencies are numerous, and promises often sound attractive. But approaches, expertise, and responsibility levels vary greatly. A mistake at this stage can cost not only money, but also time, stress, and unpleasant surprises after the deal is completed.
Below is a clear and practical guide on how to choose a real estate agency in Thailand when buying property for living, holidays, or investment.
Why a Real Estate Agency Is a Key Part of the Deal in Thailand
Unlike many Western markets, buyers in Thailand almost always work through an agency — and this is completely normal.
The reasons are simple:
— the market is heavily focused on new developments;
— developers rarely have in-house sales teams focused on foreign buyers;
— ownership structures, quotas, and legal frameworks require explanation;
— agencies typically manage the entire transaction, not just property viewings.
It’s important to understand: you do not pay the agency commission directly — the developer does. That’s why the right choice is not “who is cheaper,” but “who is more reliable.”
The reasons are simple:
— the market is heavily focused on new developments;
— developers rarely have in-house sales teams focused on foreign buyers;
— ownership structures, quotas, and legal frameworks require explanation;
— agencies typically manage the entire transaction, not just property viewings.
It’s important to understand: you do not pay the agency commission directly — the developer does. That’s why the right choice is not “who is cheaper,” but “who is more reliable.”
Criterion #1 — The Agency Is Based in Thailand, Not Just Selling Thailand Online
One of the most important indicators of a reliable agency is physical presence in the country.
A professional agency:
— has an office in Thailand;
— is based in Pattaya or Phuket, not operating remotely from abroad;
— understands districts, developers, and real market prices;
— can personally visit sites, check construction progress, documents, and legal status.
If an agent works only online and is never in Thailand — this is a risk.
Thailand is a market where many things must be verified locally.
A professional agency:
— has an office in Thailand;
— is based in Pattaya or Phuket, not operating remotely from abroad;
— understands districts, developers, and real market prices;
— can personally visit sites, check construction progress, documents, and legal status.
If an agent works only online and is never in Thailand — this is a risk.
Thailand is a market where many things must be verified locally.
Criterion #2 — The Agency Works With the Whole Market, Not One Developer
If you are offered only one or two projects, this is a warning sign.
A professional agency:
— works across the entire market, not with a single developer;
— can objectively compare projects;
— explains pros and cons of different locations;
— does not push one project at any cost.
A professional agency:
— works across the entire market, not with a single developer;
— can objectively compare projects;
— explains pros and cons of different locations;
— does not push one project at any cost.
- If you hear: “This is the best project in Thailand, there’s no need to look at anything else” — the focus is likely on commission, not your goals.
Criterion #3 — The Agent Asks You Questions
A good agent first understands your needs — and only then makes recommendations.
They will ask:
— are you buying for living, rental income, or investment;
— short-term or long-term goals;
— whether price appreciation or rental yield is more important;
— whether you plan to use the property personally;
— what budget is comfortable — not just the maximum possible.
If you receive a property list without any questions, it’s not a selection — it’s a broadcast.
They will ask:
— are you buying for living, rental income, or investment;
— short-term or long-term goals;
— whether price appreciation or rental yield is more important;
— whether you plan to use the property personally;
— what budget is comfortable — not just the maximum possible.
If you receive a property list without any questions, it’s not a selection — it’s a broadcast.
Criterion #4 — Transparency With Numbers
A trustworthy agency is not afraid of numbers.
They clearly explain:
— how the price is structured;
— additional purchase costs;
— what the common fee is and how much it actually costs;
— applicable taxes and registration fees;
— realistic returns, not marketing promises.
If you hear only “8–10% guaranteed, no risk” — be cautious.
Professionals always discuss risks and scenarios.
They clearly explain:
— how the price is structured;
— additional purchase costs;
— what the common fee is and how much it actually costs;
— applicable taxes and registration fees;
— realistic returns, not marketing promises.
If you hear only “8–10% guaranteed, no risk” — be cautious.
Professionals always discuss risks and scenarios.
Criterion #5 — Legal Support
Property transactions in Thailand are legally clear but follow a different logic.
A reliable agency:
— checks the developer and legal documents;
— verifies foreign ownership quota availability (freehold);
— accompanies registration at the Land Department;
— explains every document you sign and why;
— does not disappear after the reservation is paid.
This is especially important when buying off-plan.
A reliable agency:
— checks the developer and legal documents;
— verifies foreign ownership quota availability (freehold);
— accompanies registration at the Land Department;
— explains every document you sign and why;
— does not disappear after the reservation is paid.
This is especially important when buying off-plan.
Criterion #6 — The Agency Stays With You After the Purchase
The purchase is not the end — it’s the beginning.
A good agency helps with:
— unit handover and inspection;
— furniture and interior setup;
— property management connections;
— rental strategy;
— resale in the future.
If an agent disappears after contract signing, they are a seller — not a partner.
A good agency helps with:
— unit handover and inspection;
— furniture and interior setup;
— property management connections;
— rental strategy;
— resale in the future.
If an agent disappears after contract signing, they are a seller — not a partner.
Common Mistakes When Choosing an Agency
❌ Focusing only on price
Developer prices are the same across agencies. Promises of “cheaper deals” usually mean misinformation or hidden conditions.
❌ Trusting only a beautiful website
A website is not proof of expertise. Real experience and market understanding matter more.
❌ Working with the first agent who contacts you
It’s better to speak with 2–3 agencies and compare their approach — not their promises.
Developer prices are the same across agencies. Promises of “cheaper deals” usually mean misinformation or hidden conditions.
❌ Trusting only a beautiful website
A website is not proof of expertise. Real experience and market understanding matter more.
❌ Working with the first agent who contacts you
It’s better to speak with 2–3 agencies and compare their approach — not their promises.
Questions to Ask an Agency Before You Start
Can foreigners own apartments outright?
— Where are you physically based?
— Which developers do you work with?
— How do you select properties?
— Who pays your commission?
— What does your service include?
— Do you assist after the purchase?
The answers usually make everything clear.
— Where are you physically based?
— Which developers do you work with?
— How do you select properties?
— Who pays your commission?
— What does your service include?
— Do you assist after the purchase?
The answers usually make everything clear.
Why a “Human” Approach Matters in Thailand
Thailand is not a market of rushed transactions. Trust, calm communication, and understanding local logic are essential.
A good agency doesn’t pressure, rush, or scare you. It helps you make an informed decision — not just close a deal.
A good agency doesn’t pressure, rush, or scare you. It helps you make an informed decision — not just close a deal.
Conclusion
Choosing a real estate agency in Thailand is a critical step. It determines whether your purchase will be smooth and transparent — or stressful and confusing.
Focus on:
— local presence;
— full-market access;
— transparency;
— legal support;
— post-sale assistance.
Request a consultation and a tailored property shortlist in Thailand.
We work in Pattaya and Phuket, select properties based on specific goals, manage transactions from start to finish, and stay connected after the purchase.
Focus on:
— local presence;
— full-market access;
— transparency;
— legal support;
— post-sale assistance.
Request a consultation and a tailored property shortlist in Thailand.
We work in Pattaya and Phuket, select properties based on specific goals, manage transactions from start to finish, and stay connected after the purchase.