Developer instalments in Phuket: how they work
Mortgages are hard for foreigners to get in Thailand, so the main financing tool in Phuket is developer instalments. We break down how payment schedules work, what post-handover means and when it’s better to pay upfront.
Updated 11 July 2026 · 6 min read · BURO Phuket
- The standard: a 20–30% first payment, the rest in instalments during construction. Stronger developers offer more flexible schedules.
- Post-handover — part of the sum is paid after completion and keys; the property can start earning rent and partly cover the instalments.
- Mortgages for foreigners are possible but hard; a 100% payment often gets a discount — but a flexible schedule is sometimes better.
How construction-period instalments work
Most Phuket developers offer instalments during construction. A typical scheme: a 20–30% first payment at signing, with the balance split into payments tied to construction milestones or a calendar. At the sales launch the schedule is often more flexible and favourable — one reason to enter a project early.
Formally this is interest-free financing from the developer: you pay in parts until completion, without paying loan-style interest. But terms vary a lot between projects, so always review the schedule before reserving.
Post-handover: paying after completion
Post-handover payment is the part of the price you pay after receiving the keys: monthly, quarterly or annually. In some projects this instalment runs 3–5 years after completion.
For an investor it’s convenient: a completed property can start being rented out, and the income partly covers the remaining instalments. The stronger the developer and the more premium the project, the more attractive the post-payment terms can be.
Mortgages and financing for foreigners
Mortgages for foreigners are possible in Thailand but harder to get than in Europe, and terms depend on status, income, visa, bank and property. In practice the most workable tool for foreign buyers is developer instalments, not a bank loan.
So the developer’s payment schedule is often the main way to spread a purchase without involving a local bank.
A 100% discount or a flexible schedule
For early or full payment developers often give a discount — but not always, and the size depends on the sales stage and demand. Sometimes it’s better not to chase the discount and keep a flexible schedule: your money stays with you and works while the property is already being built.
What to check in the schedule. The consequences of a late payment (penalty, grace period, deferral or termination with partial loss of funds), the option of early repayment and the post-handover terms. Read these before signing, not after.
Frequently asked
What is the typical first payment on instalments?
Often 20–30% of the price at signing, though terms depend on the project. At the sales launch the schedule can be more flexible and favourable.
What is post-handover payment?
It’s part of the price the buyer pays after completion and receiving the keys — usually in monthly, quarterly or annual instalments. In some projects post-payment runs 3–5 years after completion.
Are mortgages available to foreigners in Thailand?
They’re possible but harder to get than in Europe, and terms depend on status, income, visa, bank and property. More often foreign buyers use developer instalments or pay with their own funds.
Is there a discount for paying 100%?
Often yes, but not always — the size depends on the sales stage, demand and the developer’s policy. Sometimes keeping a flexible payment schedule is better than chasing the discount.
More answers in the full 90-question FAQ.
Projects with flexible instalments
For each we’ll confirm the current schedule: first payment, construction-period instalments and the post-handover option.
We’ll work out a payment schedule for your project
We’ll send the current instalment terms for your chosen property: first payment, construction-period payments, post-handover and the 100%-payment discount. Free, on WhatsApp.