Updated: 22-Jul-11
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Legal |
Q. What types of ownership are available?
A. The various types of ownership available depend upon the type of property purchased and are set out in
more detail below:
- Laguna Village Townhomes and Laguna Village Residences
These 2 types of property are available on a leasehold basis. According to Thai Law, foreigners may
have an ownership of buildings developed upon the land leased by them, but not the land itself.
Therefore, we offer a 120–year lease of land for our customers, being 4 terms of consecutive 30–year
leases (each 30-year lease term is allowed for registration at land department under current Thai Law).
- Laguna Village Villas
This development project is under the Condominium Act of 1979 whereby condominiums can be
acquired on both a leasehold and freehold basis. However, the number of freeholds held by foreigners in
a condominium is limited to 49% of the total area of the units, excluding the area of the registered
common property. Upon the completed construction, an application will be made to register the
development under the terms of the Condominium Act.
- Lofts at Laguna Village
The Lofts at Laguna Village is a development project consisting of leasehold apartments offering the
same lease as described above in the Laguna Village Townhomes and Laguna Village Residences
reference.
- Banyan Tree Villas
As these villas are an integral part of the exclusive Banyan Tree Phuket Resort, land is offered on a
leasehold basis only. However, the buildings are sold as freehold.
- Dusit Thani Pool Villas
As these villas are an integral part of the exclusive Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, land is offered on a
leasehold basis only. However, the buildings are sold as freehold.
Q. What are the costs associated with the lease / freehold registration?
A. These are outlined below:
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Leasehold title
Lease registration fees and stamp duty (currently 1.1% of the land rental or lease premium) is payable to the Land Department upon registration of the lease.
- Freehold title
Freehold registration fee (2% of the appraisal price of property) is payable to the Land Department upon
transfer and registration of title of the property. The appraisal price is calculated relative to the
government's tax assessment value which is generally well below market value. Other applicable taxes
upon transfer and registration of freehold title are:
- Corporate Income Tax (currently 1.0% of the selling price or appraisal price, whichever is
higher)
- Special Business Tax (currently 3.3% of the selling price or appraisal price, whichever is
higher)
The burden between the seller and the purchaser for the above costs will be specified in the Lease
and/or Sale & Purchase Agreements.
The burden between the seller and the purchaser for the above costs will be specified in the Lease
and/or Sale & Purchase Agreements.
Q. Is leasehold land transferable?
A. Leasehold land may be transferred subject to the terms and conditions of the agreements. Generally, an
assignment fee is payable. In addition, the assignee must agree to be bound by the terms and conditions
contained in the original lease agreement.
Q. Can leasehold be upgraded to freehold title?
A. This depends upon particular circumstances and is set out in more detail below:
- Laguna Village Townhomes and Laguna Village Residences
Upgrading from leasehold to freehold title will be available should the law change allowing us to have
separate title deed for each plot, and it will be considered on a case by case basis, provided that the
lessee is eligible under relevant Thai laws and regulations to take transfer of and own the land
(Currently, foreigner is prohibited to acquire the land).
- Laguna Village Villas
This may be possible provided that the foreign ownership quota is not exceeded. Where applicable, an
option fee may also be payable (generally based upon the lease premium) to upgrade the title.
- Lofts at Laguna Village
An apartment may not be upgraded to freehold since the unit is a partial lease of the relevant building.
Upgrading to a freehold basis will only be available should the law change to allow the apartment to
have separate title deed for each unit or if a condo license is later obtained.
- Banyan Tree Villas
As these villas are an integral part of the exclusive Banyan Tree Phuket Resort, the option to purchase
the land on a freehold basis is not available.
- Dusit Thani Pool Villas
As these villas are an integral part of the exclusive Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, the option to purchase
the land on a freehold basis is not available.
Q. Is leasehold land ownership secure?
A. Our land titles are free from mortgage and any encumbrances and this is the preferred method of
ownership for foreign buyers. Once the lease is registered at the Land Department, the right of use to the
land will be vested with the lessee.
Q. Should I appoint a lawyer to review the agreements?
A. Our agreements have been used for a number of years and have been reviewed by major international
law firms. We have our own in-house legal team which will assist to clarify any questions you may
have concerning the agreements. However, should you wish to obtain specific advice regarding the
structuring of your investment, we recommend you consult with a professional legal and/or financial
adviser.
Q. What is the measurement of square wah?
A. Our agreements indicate the property's areas with land measurement under the Thai system set by the
Land Department. The most commonly used land measurements are as follows:
- One rai equals 1,600 square meters
- One ngan equals 400 square metres
- One square wah equals 4 square metres
Q. When will be the lease / house transfer registration take place?
A. Approximately 90 days after full payments of the Rental and Purchase Price of the land and buildings
have been made, we will notify the lessee / buyer of any required documents and fees which will be
incurred upon registration. In case of the condominium developments, the property will be transferred
once the title deeds have been registered and issued by the Land Department.
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Construction |
Q. How long does construction take?
A. All construction works are subject to receiving the appropriate Government approvals. Generally, it will
take approximately 18 months to complete the building and landscaping from the date of commencement of construction. In the case of Lofts at Laguna Village, the construction will take longer
time due to buildings height, facilities and infrastructure required.
Q. What is the warranty period offered?
A. This depends upon the particular product offered and is set out in more detail below:
- Laguna Village Townhomes, Laguna Village Residences, Laguna Village Villas and Lofts at
Laguna Village
For all new construction projects we offer a five year warranty on the main structural parts of the
building, piles, footing, slab, roof structure and load bearing walls which are in accordance with
Government regulations. A one year warranty is offered on component parts or accessories which are
major parts of the building.
- Banyan Tree Villas
A one year warranty is offered on the building.
- Dusit Thani Pool Villas
A one year warranty is offered on the building.
Q. Is customization of the building allowed?
A. All of our residential properties have been professionally designed by leading architects and engineers
and construction must be in accordance with building permits issued by the Government authorities.
However, we will consider minor modifications which do not breach the construction permit and do not
impact the building structure such as internal partitions, built-in furniture, wall and floor tiles, and do
not affect the overall aesthetics of a development.
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Rental Options |
Q. Is there a rental programme available and what are the potential returns?
A. Yes, various rental programs are available. The terms and conditions of rental programs and the returns
may differ depending upon the type of property. However, Laguna Phuket has a proven track record in
generating excellent rental returns in addition to the capital appreciation potential that exists from
owning a Laguna property within Asia's leading resort. Please contact the Property Sales Centre for
further details.
Q. What are the taxes levied on the rental programme that an owner will be subject to?
A. Tax will be levied on the rental, which owners earn under The Rental Scheme Agreement. Rental
earned by foreign owners who rent out their properties are subject to 15% withholding tax. Rental
earned by Thai tax residents are subject to 5% withholding tax. We are not in position to advise
customers on taxes. We strongly suggest you consult with an independent legal and/or tax adviser.
Note: Note that those certain applicable tax rates rely upon the relevant Thai tax laws at the date of issue of this FAQ and
changes in law or circumstances may occur after the issue date.
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Property Management |
Q. What types of property management services are offered and what is the approximate cost?
A. In addition to common area property management, optional property management services are available
to individual owners. For properties in a rental program, these services (such as housekeeping, pool
cleaning, gardening, routine and preventative maintenance, general repairs and pest control) will
normally be provided as part of the rental program. However, these services are also available to nonrental
program properties. Please contact the Property Sales Centre for further details.
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Privileges |
Q. What privileges will I receive as an owner of a Laguna Phuket property?
A. As an owner of a property in Laguna Phuket, you may be entitled to a regular membership of Laguna
Phuket Golf Club. In addition, owners will receive a Resident's Privilege Card which entitles holders to
generous discounts in all hotels within Laguna Phuket and access to resort facilities (terms and
conditions apply). One and two bedroom units with the Lofts at Laguna Village project do not include a
Golf membership. Only Penthouse units within the Lofts receive the membership.
Q. Who will be entitled to the Golf Club membership?
A. Our current policy is that if you buy the property in your name: you; your legal spouse and your
children (who are not over 21 years of age) will be entitled to the Golf Club membership. However,
only one person can be registered for the Golf Club membership. If the owner of the property is a
company, a director must nominate which person will receive the membership.
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Infrastructure & Common Areas |
Q. What infrastructure facilities and services are provided?
A. Being an owner in Asia's leading resort, the destination resort comprising a collection of world-class hotels and luxury villa properties with their restaurants, rejuvenating spas,
recreation facilities (including the acclaimed Laguna Phuket Golf Course) and Canal Village shops are
all within easy reach via the free inter-resort shuttle bus and ferry services.
The infrastructure facilities and services meet the same high standards of the hotels and include:
- Security – 24-hour security guards stationed at the entrance gates to each project.
- Roads and fences – each gated community contains a private internal road and a perimeter
wall.
- Electricity – power is provided by the Provincial Electricity Authority of Thailand.
- Water – each project contains its own supply from either a reservoir and/or deep well.
- Landscaped area – at least 5% of the total project area is provided for common use of the
owners.
- Communications – each house is provided with two external telephone lines. Broadband and cable TV connections need to be separately arranged.
- Garbage collection – provided on a daily basis by Laguna Service Company.
- Estate Management – a dedicated estate management office is provided to oversee the 24-hour
security, garbage collection, gardening and landscaping, general cleaning and ongoing
maintenance of common areas in the project. Our dedicated staff are also happy to assist
owners with any reasonable request.
Q. What are the estimated common area charges?
A. Common area charges are the costs the owners pay for ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the
common infrastructure and facilities, which are provided for their benefit. These are set out in more
detail below:
- Laguna Village Residences and Laguna Village Townhomes
The common areas are managed on behalf of owners by our dedicated estate management office. The
annual charges that apply differ from project to project depending upon the total expenses and the total
number of properties within a project among which the expenses will be proportionately divided.
Details of the estimated annual fees for a particular project can be provided upon request. In addition, a
sinking fund will be established for each project. The purpose of the sinking fund is to accumulate
funds for major infrastructure repairs and/or improvements which may be undertaken in the future.
Rather than charge a large upfront amount, contributions will be sought on a regular basis so that the
fund is built up over time.
- Laguna Village Villas
The common area is managed by the Condominium Juristic Person (CJP). The annual charges are based
on the total expenses incurred and are divided by the total number of properties on a proportionate
basis. Details of the estimated annual fees for a particular project can be provided upon request. In addition, a sinking fund will be established for each project. The purpose of the sinking fund is to
accumulate funds for major infrastructure repairs and/or improvements which may be undertaken in the
future. Rather than charge a large upfront amount, contributions will be sought on a regular basis so that
the fund is built up over time.
- Lofts at Laguna Village
The common areas are managed on behalf of owners by our dedicated estate management office. The
annual charges are based on the total expenses incurred and are divided by the total number of
properties on a proportionate basis. Details of the estimated annual fees for a particular project can be
provided upon request. In addition, a sinking fund will be established for each project. The purpose of
the sinking fund is to accumulate funds for major infrastructure repairs and/or improvements which
may be undertaken in the future. Rather than charge a large upfront amount, contributions will be
sought on a regular basis so that the fund is built up over time.
- Banyan Tree Villas
Common area costs are absorbed by the Banyan Tree as part of their normal operating costs.
- Dusit Thani Pool Villas
Common area costs are absorbed by the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket as part of their normal operating
costs.
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Financing |
Q. What are the terms of payment?
A. For all new properties sold, we offer 2 options of payment plans. Payment terms are as follows:
Option 1: 100% Payment Term
Reservation Deposit |
USD 8,500**** |
| 1st Payment upon signing contract |
20% of selling price |
| 2nd Payment when construction is 25% complete* |
20% of selling price |
| 3rd Payment when construction is 50% complete** |
20% of selling price |
| 4th Payment when construction is 75% complete*** |
20% of selling price |
| 5th Payment upon completion of construction |
20% of selling price |
Notes:
- Concrete structure substantially complete*
- Roof, brickwork and rendering substantially complete**
- Electrical conduits, pipework and plastering substantially complete***
- Reservation deposit of USD 8,500 is not apply to Banyan Tree Villas****
Option 2: Deferred Payment Term**
| Selling Price |
Reservation Deposit |
50% Payment During Construction |
Post Construction Payments |
Post Construction - Monthly Installment |
1 year plan 3% interest |
3 year plan 5% interest |
5 year plan 7% interest |
| 200,000 |
8,500 |
100,000 |
91,500 |
7,750 |
2,742 |
1,812 |
| 300,000 |
8,500 |
150,000 |
141,500 |
11,984 |
4,241 |
2,802 |
| 400,000 |
8,500 |
200,000 |
191,500 |
16,219 |
5,739 |
3,792 |
| 500,000 |
8,500 |
250,000 |
241,500 |
20,454 |
7,238 |
4,782 |
| 600,000 |
8,500 |
300,000 |
291,500 |
24,688 |
8,737 |
5,772 |
| 700,000 |
8,500 |
350,000 |
341,500 |
28,923 |
10,235 |
6,762 |
| 800,000 |
8,500 |
400,000 |
391,500 |
33,158 |
11,734 |
7,752 |
| 900,000 |
8,500 |
450,000 |
441,500 |
37,392 |
13,232 |
8,742 |
| 1,000,000 |
8,500 |
500,000 |
491,500 |
41,627 |
14,731 |
9,732 |
| 1,100,000 |
8,500 |
550,000 |
541,500 |
45,862 |
16,229 |
10,722 |
| 1,200,000 |
8,500 |
600,000 |
591,500 |
50,096 |
17,728 |
11,712 |
| 1,300,000 |
8,500 |
650,000 |
641,500 |
54,331 |
19,226 |
12,702 |
| 1,400,000 |
8,500 |
700,000 |
691,500 |
58,566 |
20,725 |
13,693 |
| 1,500,000 |
8,500 |
750,000 |
741,500 |
62,800 |
22,223 |
14,683 |
| 1,600,000 |
8,500 |
800,000 |
791,500 |
67,035 |
23,722 |
15,673 |
| 1,700,000 |
8,500 |
850,000 |
841,500 |
71,270 |
25,221 |
16,663 |
| 1,800,000 |
8,500 |
900,000 |
891,500 |
75,504 |
26,719 |
17,653 |
Notes:
- All amounts are stated in United States Dollar.
- The above table sets out the estimated payments required under the respective payment plans for selling prices between USD 200,000 – 1,800,000.
- The estimated payments are indicative only and the developer / seller does not accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever for any inaccuracies or omissions.
- One year deferred plan is 12 equal monthly installments (3% interest applies).
- Three year deferred plan is 36 equal monthly installments (5% interest applies).
- Five year deferred plan is 60 equal monthly installments (7% interest applies).
- Payment terms are subject to change without notice.
Updated: 22-Jul-11
Whilst every care has been taken in preparing this FAQ, the developer does not guarantee its accuracy nor intends it to form part of any offer or contract. All statements are believed to be correct
but are not to be regarded as statements or representations of facts. The developer reserves the right at any time to make changes to the project at its own discretion.
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