By Hero Realtor · Updated 13 October 2026
The listing price is only part of what a condo costs. This guide breaks down the recurring and one-off costs for owners and tenants in Bangkok, with a worked example, so you can budget accurately. Figures are indicative as of October 2026 and vary by building.
What is a condo common fee in Bangkok, and what does it cover?
The common fee (central maintenance fee) pays for shared services run by the building's juristic person: security and CCTV, lobby and corridor cleaning, lifts, pool, gym and gardens, building insurance and management staff. It is charged per square metre, so larger units pay more, and is often billed in advance for several months or a year. Older buildings with extensive facilities can charge more than newer, simpler ones.
What is a sinking fund?
The sinking fund is a reserve for major future repairs, such as replacing lifts, repainting the façade or large plumbing work. It is usually paid once at transfer, typically around 300–500 baht per sqm, and some buildings collect top-ups later. It generally stays with the juristic person and is not refunded when you sell. Who pays it, buyer or seller, is negotiable, so confirm it in the contract.
What costs do condo owners in Bangkok pay?
| Cost | Who pays | Typical amount | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common fee | Owner | 30–100 THB/sqm/month | Recurring |
| Sinking fund | Usually buyer (negotiable) | 300–500 THB/sqm | At transfer |
| Transfer fee and taxes | Often split, negotiable | Use the transfer tax calculator | At transfer |
| Utilities and internet | Whoever lives there | Metered or by plan | Monthly |
| Parking | Owner or tenant | Varies by building | Monthly or one-off |
| Insurance | Owner (optional) | Varies | Yearly |
| Special assessment | Owners | Varies | If a major repair is approved |
| Furnishing and repairs | Owner | Varies | One-off or as needed |
Indicative ranges compiled from published market information. Confirm exact amounts with the building's juristic person.
For purchase taxes and transfer fees, read our guide to taxes and fees when buying or selling property in Thailand.
Worked example: first-year extra costs for a 35 sqm condo
| Item | THB |
|---|---|
| Common fee (50 THB/sqm × 35 sqm × 12 months) | 21,000 |
| Sinking fund (500 THB/sqm × 35 sqm, one-off) | 17,500 |
| Total in the first year | 38,500 |
Excludes the purchase price, transfer fee and taxes, utilities, insurance and any land and building tax.
What do tenants pay in a Bangkok condo?
Tenants typically pay monthly rent, a security deposit (commonly two months), the first month in advance, and their own electricity, water and internet. The common fee is usually the owner's cost, but check the lease for key card deposits, move-in fees and parking charges. Our guides to renting a property in Thailand as a foreigner and renting a Bangkok condo cover what to expect, and affordable Bangkok condo rentals shows what lower-priced units cost.
What should you ask the juristic person before buying?
- The current common fee, when it last changed, and any planned increase.
- The sinking fund balance and the building's recent financial statements.
- Any planned major repairs or special assessments.
- Whether the unit has unpaid fees. Overdue amounts can carry penalties and may need to be cleared before transfer.
- Parking, pet and short-term rental rules.
How do condo fees affect your investment return?
Fees reduce net yield directly because they are due whether or not the unit is rented. Use the figures above in our guide to Bangkok condo rental yield, and test financing in the mortgage calculator. If you are comparing ownership with renting, read renting vs buying a condo in Bangkok and whether to buy or rent in Bangkok. Landlords can find more in the landlord's guide to renting out Bangkok condos, and foreign buyers in condo ownership for foreigners.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the common fee for a condo in Bangkok?
Typically about 30–100 baht per sqm per month, depending on the building's age, facilities and location. A 35 sqm unit at 50 baht per sqm pays 1,750 baht a month, or 21,000 baht a year.
What is a sinking fund and is it refundable?
A sinking fund is a reserve held by the juristic person for major repairs such as lifts, façades and plumbing. It is usually paid once at transfer and generally is not refunded when you sell.
Who pays the sinking fund, the buyer or the seller?
It is usually paid by the buyer, but it is negotiable and should be agreed in the sale contract.
Do tenants pay the common fee in a Bangkok condo?
Normally not. The owner pays the common fee, and tenants pay rent, a deposit and their own utilities, plus any parking or internet charges they agree to.
Can condo fees increase over time?
Yes. Fees are set by the juristic person and can change, so ask for the fee history, the financial statements and any planned major repairs before you buy.
