What are Title Deeds?

Title deeds are documents that show who owns a piece of land or property. In Thailand, the most common type is the Chanote, which provides full ownership rights. Holding the title deed is important because it proves your ownership, protects your property.

More than 75% of non-Chanote title deeds are owned by the Thai Government as part of Thailand. If you’re thinking about buying property in Thailand, especially if you’re from another country, it’s really important to understand the various types of land title deeds there. 

Let’s talk all about title deeds and why they’re so important when you buy or sell property

title deeds

What are Title Deeds?

Title Deeds are documents that prove ownership of property. They contain important information about the property, such as its location, boundaries, and any restrictions or rights associated with it. Having a title deed is very important because it provides evidence of ownership and can be used in transactions like buying, selling, or transferring property. In simpler terms, title deeds are like certificates that say you own a piece of land or a building.

Why Do You Need It?

You need title deeds because they serve as proof of ownership for your property. Without them, it can be difficult to claim your rights to the land or building you own. Title deeds are necessary for various reasons:

  • They confirm that you are the rightful owner of the property.
  • Title deeds are required for buying, selling, or transferring property legally.
  • They provide protection against any disputes or claims on your property by others.
  • Title deeds are often required when applying for services like utilities (water, electricity) or obtaining permits for construction or renovation.
  • Lenders usually require title deeds as collateral when providing loans or mortgages secured against the property.
Someone signing a title deed with the lawyer

Types of Title Deeds in Thailand

In Thailand, there are different types of land title deeds you need to know about when buying property there.

Sor Kor Nung

There’s the Sor Kor Nung, also called SK1. It’s like having possession of the land, but it doesn’t give you full rights. Usually, it’s used for farming or inheritance. You can’t sell, lease, or mortgage this land unless you upgrade it to a better title deed.

Tor Bor Tor

The Tor Bor Tor title, which is below the Chanote title. It’s like a claim over the land made by squatters or settlers. But you can’t sell or lease this land, and banks won’t accept it as collateral for loans.

Por Tor Bor Ha

The Por Tor Bor Ha title deed is just proof that you’re using the land and paying taxes on it. It doesn’t mean you own the land. Sometimes, you can upgrade it to a better title, depending on where the land is.

Chanote

The Chanote title deed , also known as Nor Sor 4. This is the best one because it means you really own the land. You can sell, lease, or mortgage it without any problems. Just be careful that the land size mentioned matches, or you might end up paying more than you should.

A sample of what a title deed looks like

What Information Does a Title Deed Have?

A title deed is an important paper that usually has many important details, like:

Property Description

This tells you where the land or house is and what it looks like. It might include measurements and details about what it looks like.

Owner’s Information

This tells you who owns the property right now.

Title Details

This part talks about how the property was bought and any other important history about it, like who owned it before.

Encumbrances

This means any limits or rules on the property, like if there’s a loan on it or if someone else has a right to use it.

Responsibilities

This part tells you what you can and can’t do with the property, like if there are rules about what you can build or if you have to pay taxes.

A wax seal with the words your signature on it

Legal Description

This is a very exact description of where the property’s lines are, often using special measurements and points.

Date of Issuance

This is the date when the title deed was given out.

Seal or Signature

Usually, there’s a stamp or a signature from the people who gave out the title deed to show it’s real.

Witness Signatures

Sometimes, other people have to sign to make sure the title deed is valid.

Any Additional Conditions or Clauses

Sometimes, there might be extra rules or details in the title deed, depending on the area or the situation.

Learn More About Title Deeds 

Title deeds are very important legal papers that show who owns a piece of land or a house. Knowing about title deeds helps people feel more sure when they buy or sell property and helps them keep their rights to their property safe. By learning about what title deeds are, how to get them, what’s written in them, and why they matter, people can make sure they own their property securely and can make smart choices about buying or selling homes by using property management companies like ourvillas. 

A title deed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a title deed?

A title deed is a legal document that shows who owns a piece of land or property.

Why do I need a title deed?

You need a title deed to prove that you own the land or property. It’s like a certificate that shows it belongs to you.

How do I get a title deed?

Usually, when you buy land or property, the seller gives you the title deed. You can also get it from the government office that handles land records.

What information is on a title deed?

A title deed includes details like the owner’s name, a description of the land or property, and any rights or restrictions related to it.