The price buys the home; the budget keeps it comfortable.
THE TAKEAWAY
The purchase price is only one part of a condo’s ownership costs. A useful budget separates one-off acquisition costs, recurring building charges and the expenses that depend on how you use the home. For The Element, request current written figures for your chosen unit rather than applying generic Phuket averages.
Understand the common-area fee
Ask what the fee covers, how it is calculated, when it is collected and whether advance payments are required. Confirm the chargeable area used for the calculation. The scope may include shared operations, but services inside your residence or commercial facilities may be billed separately.
Clarify the reserve or sinking fund
A reserve contribution is different from routine operating charges. Ask when it is payable, how it is held and what rules govern its use or replenishment. Do not assume that one contribution prevents every future special assessment. Review the relevant documents and ask how owners receive financial information.
Separate private-pool expenses
If you choose Type C, D or E at The Element, request a specific explanation of pool servicing and equipment responsibility. Include cleaning, consumables, water, electricity and replacement provisions where applicable. Also establish who deals with leaks and how maintenance personnel can access the equipment.
Plan ownership costs for the home itself
Furniture, appliances, air-conditioning service, cleaning, insurance and repairs need their own allowance. A home used only occasionally may still incur regular charges. Decide who will inspect it between stays and what arrangements apply if urgent work is needed while you are overseas.
Keep acquisition charges separate
Transfer-related charges, legal review, initial furnishings and setup belong in the first-year budget but should not be confused with annual running costs. Obtain a written schedule showing who pays each charge and when. Tax and registration amounts depend on the transaction and should be confirmed for the actual transfer.
Use a three-part budget for ownership costs
| Budget section | Items to record |
|---|---|
| Before and at handover | Contract payments, transaction charges, furnishing and setup |
| Regular ownership | Building charges, utilities, servicing and insurance |
| Contingency | Repairs, replacements, special assessments and unexpected vacancy |
Ask for the assumptions behind each figure. A clear budget makes it easier to compare different layouts without underestimating the cost of the features you value most.
Common questions
Are current CAM and sinking-fund rates stated here?
No. Obtain the latest written rates and calculation basis from The Element for your specific unit.
Does a larger unit always cost more to run?
Some charges may depend on area, while others depend on usage, equipment and service arrangements. Compare the complete breakdown.
Should I budget while the home is empty?
Yes. Common charges and some maintenance or insurance expenses can continue even when you are not occupying the unit.
In short: ownership costs cover more than the purchase price. Ask for written figures for the common-area fee and reserve fund, and keep a contingency so ownership costs stay predictable.
Related reading: Rental Yield in Kamala: A Realistic Guide for Condo Investors and Condo vs. Villa in Kamala: Which Fits Your Phuket Investment Goals?.
Explore your options at The Element
Ask The Element team about the current plans, availability and details relevant to your visit.
Sources & further reading. The Element — official project information · Revenue Department — property sale tax.
Project information and references reviewed on 15 October 2026. Published areas and travel times are indicative; request current unit-specific plans, terms and availability.
General information only. Legal, tax, banking and immigration requirements depend on individual circumstances; confirm the requirements relevant to you before acting.
