Property Due Diligence is an important process for identifying and addressing potential risks in a real estate investment. It includes a legal background check and a survey of the property’s condition.
A good property practitioner should be able to execute proper due diligence when buying immovable properties in Thailand. This should include checking the land title deed to verify the legal owner and whether he or she has the right to sell.
Title Search
The Title Search is one of the most important aspects of property due diligence in Thailand. The process ensures that you are dealing with the right owner and that you don’t run into any legal issues after your purchase. For instance, you need to make sure that the land you are purchasing is free from liens or debts. You also need to check whether buildings constructed on the land have received construction permits. In addition, you need to check if the property encroaches on government land. It’s also essential to check if there is any usufruct, superficies or lease agreement on the property.
The property due diligence process is a precautionary measure that any reasonable person takes before committing to a business investment. It helps you identify potential risks and liabilities, allowing you to take corrective action and avoid costly mistakes. As such, it is a necessary process for investors seeking a safe and successful investment in Thailand.
Building Permits and Zoning Restrictions
One of the key factors in any property investment is checking whether any buildings on the land have obtained construction permits. It is also a good idea to check zoning restrictions and environmental regulations.
Lastly, it is important to make sure that the seller actually owns the property and has the right to sell it. This is particularly crucial if you are considering buying a villa on a mountain or other remote area. In the past there have been cases where land has been illegally sold and then developed without permission. This is not only a risk for the buyer but can be very expensive for the developer who may be required to tear down the development at a later date.
As you can see, the property due diligence process is vital to any prospective buyer of real estate in Thailand. It can prevent a buyer from being taken advantage of by dishonest sellers or even protect them from a genuine oversight that could be very costly.
Environmental Impact Study
Property Due Diligence is a vital part of the process when buying a piece of real estate in Thailand. It helps to protect against dishonest sellers as well as genuine oversights that could result in costly mistakes further down the line.
An Environmental Impact Study (EIA) is required for construction or development that may have significant effects on the environment. This includes projects in environmentally sensitive areas such as rivers, lakes, national and historical parks, steep hillsides, or near airports. It is also required for some large industrial projects such as mining, oil and gas exploration, and power plants.
A EIA should be conducted by a qualified environmental engineer and submitted to the local ERC for approval. A thorough and comprehensive EIA will help to identify adverse impacts and formulate mitigation measures. It will also help to identify any potential health and safety risks associated with the project. Moreover, it will determine whether the site has passed building control regulations and has a valid construction permit.
Legal Issues
As with any investment, property due diligence is the best way to ensure that you are not a victim of fraud. The process includes physical inspection of the property, reviewing title documents, government permits, and lien status as well as checking the developer’s background and experience.
In Thailand, it is particularly important to check legal issues as there are many land scams and fraudsters who will take your money and run. A thorough title deed search is essential to make sure that the seller actually owns the property and has the legal right to sell it. Also, checking for usufructs, servitudes, and other restrictions on the property can lower your risks as these could limit the development potential of the property.
Lastly, it is important to review any contracts or agreements between you and the seller. This can include rental or service contracts as well as any other existing agreements related to the property. A lawyer in Thailand will be able to help you make sense of these and ensure that they are fair and reasonable.