A reservation agreement (also called a booking agreement) is often the first step when buying a condo, house, or villa in Thailand. It holds the unit for you while the full Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) is being prepared.

But before signing, it’s crucial to review the fine print to protect your rights and your money.

📄 What Is a Reservation Agreement?

It’s a short contract between you (the buyer) and the seller (or developer) to:

Reserve the property for a limited period (usually 15–30 days)
Secure your intent to buy with a booking deposit (commonly 50,000–150,000 THB)

⚠️ In most cases, the deposit is non-refundable.

🔍 Key Points to Check Before Signing

1. ✅ Correct Property Details

Check This	Why It Matters
Unit number, size (sq.m.), floor, view	Ensures you’re reserving the exact unit you want
Land or title deed number (for houses)	Confirms legal ownership and location

2. 💸 Deposit Terms

Check This	Why It Matters
Amount of deposit	Avoid surprises – some developers ask for more than expected
Refundability	Most deposits are non-refundable unless the developer fails their obligations
Payment methods accepted	Wire transfer, Thai bank account, cash, etc.

3. 🕒 Reservation Period

Check This	Why It Matters
Timeframe to sign the Sales & Purchase Agreement	Typically 15–30 days; delays may result in losing your deposit
Extension options	Some developers allow extensions upon request (in writing)

4. 🛠️ Developer/Seller Obligations

Check This	Why It Matters
Unit must be removed from the market	Ensures no one else can reserve it during the booking period
Title check or due diligence	The developer may agree to let you verify ownership or title before SPA signing

5. ⚖️ Legal Ownership & Foreign Quota (for condos)

Check This	Why It Matters
Unit is within the 49% foreign ownership quota	Foreigners can only own 49% of total sellable condo area
Unit is free from liens or mortgage	Prevents legal headaches during transfer

6. 🖋️ Sales & Purchase Agreement Timeline

Check This	Why It Matters
SPA delivery date	Should be stated clearly
SPA signing deadline	Typically within 30 days of reservation signing
What happens if either party defaults	Ensures both sides are protected legally

7. 🛑 Exit or Cancellation Clauses

Check This	Why It Matters
Is there a “cooling-off” period?	Rare, but sometimes offered (7–14 days to cancel)
Under what conditions is refund allowed?	Breach by seller/developer may entitle you to full refund

8. 👨‍⚖️ Language & Legal Review

Check This	Why It Matters
Is the contract in English and Thai?	Thai version prevails in court — ensure it matches the English version
Has it been reviewed by a property lawyer?	Strongly recommended before signing or paying any deposit

📌 Quick Checklist Summary

✅ Before Signing, Confirm…
✔ Correct property/unit details
✔ Deposit amount and refund rules
✔ Reservation period and deadline to sign SPA
✔ Foreign quota eligibility (if buying condo)
✔ Title deed or ownership status
✔ SPA timeline and what happens if delayed
✔ Exit clauses or breach-of-contract protection
✔ Contract reviewed by a lawyer

👩‍⚖️ Pro Tip:

Even if it’s “just a booking,” the reservation agreement is legally binding in Thailand. Once signed, backing out often means losing your deposit — so make sure everything is clear and correct before paying.

About to sign a reservation agreement — or want someone in your corner before you do?

Having an experienced agent review the details before you commit can save you from costly mistakes down the line. We work closely with buyers at every stage of the process, from that first booking all the way through to key handover, making sure nothing gets missed and you always know exactly where you stand.

📧 Email:
💬 WhatsApp: +66 95 992 0345
🔵 Line: https://lin.ee/NNRglgs

What to check before signing a reservation agreement