What Every Buyer & Owner Should Know
When buying a condominium in Thailand, you’ll hear two important terms:
“Condo fees” and “sinking fund.”
These are standard charges for all condo owners, and understanding them will help you manage your property more effectively and avoid surprises down the road.
📘 What Are Condo Fees?
Also known as common area maintenance fees, condo fees are monthly or annual payments used to maintain the shared areas of the building.
This includes:
- 🧼 Cleaning & landscaping
- 🔐 Security services
- 🛠️ Repairs and maintenance of elevators, pool, gym
- 💡 Electricity for hallways, lobby, and shared facilities
- 🧑💼 Salaries for building management staff
📊 Typical Condo Fee Rates
| City / Area | Typical Rate (THB/sq.m./month) |
|---|---|
| Bangkok (city center) | ฿50 – ฿80 |
| Chiang Mai / Pattaya | ฿30 – ฿60 |
| Phuket / Samui (luxury) | ฿70 – ฿120 |
| Budget condos (nationwide) | ฿25 – ฿40 |
💡 Example:
If you own a 50 sq.m. unit in a Bangkok condo with a ฿60/sq.m. monthly fee:
👉 50 × 60 = ฿3,000/month condo fees.
💰 What Is a Sinking Fund?
The sinking fund is a one-time payment collected from each unit owner when the building is newly completed (or during major renovations).
It’s used to cover long-term repairs or upgrades that don’t fall under daily maintenance — such as:
- 🏗️ Roof repairs
- 🚰 Pipe replacements
- 🚪 Elevator system upgrades
- 🧱 Major repainting or structural repairs
📝 Think of it like a condo’s emergency savings account.
💼 Sinking Fund Summary Table
| Fund Type | When Paid | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sinking Fund | One-time (upon purchase) | Major repairs, long-term capital improvements | ฿300–฿600/sq.m. (varies) |
| Condo Fees | Monthly or annually | Daily upkeep of building and common areas | ฿25–฿120/sq.m./month |
🔎 How Are These Fees Calculated?
Fees are usually based on your unit’s size (square meters).
So larger units pay more — both for condo fees and the sinking fund.
📬 Who Collects and Manages These Funds?
All funds are managed by the building’s juristic office or a building management company, which must report how they use these funds and usually hold annual meetings for owners to vote on budgets.
🧠 Pro Tips
- 📄 Always ask for the exact condo fee and sinking fund rate before you buy.
- 🧾 Request receipts and financial reports during resale or due diligence.
- 🏢 Choose buildings with transparent and well-managed juristic offices.
- 💸 Factor these fees into your annual return calculations if investing.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Condo fees and sinking funds are essential for maintaining the quality, safety, and value of your Thai condo. They protect your investment and ensure smooth living for all residents.
Before you buy, make sure you understand:
- How much you’ll be paying
- What those funds are used for
- Whether the building has a healthy reserve
