Understanding the Real Estate Sale Purchase Agreement (SPA)


In the bustling world of real estate, the Sale Purchase Agreement (SPA) stands as a cornerstone document that can make or break a transaction. For anyone involved in buying or selling property in Thailand, understanding the intricacies of an SPA is not just beneficial—it's essential. This legally binding contract outlines the terms and conditions agreed upon by the buyer and seller, ensuring that both parties are on the same page regarding the sale of the property.

The Importance of the SPA

The SPA is crucial because it provides a clear framework for the transaction, detailing everything from the purchase price to the closing date. It also includes important clauses about the responsibilities of each party, contingencies, and what happens if either party fails to meet their obligations. In Thailand, where real estate transactions can be complex due to varying laws and regulations, a well-drafted SPA helps prevent misunderstandings and disputes.

Consequences of Mistakes in the SPA

Mistakes in the SPA can lead to severe consequences. For instance, if the terms are not clearly defined, it could result in legal disputes, financial losses, or even the collapse of the deal. Misunderstandings about the property’s condition, payment schedules, or legal obligations can cause delays and additional costs. In the worst-case scenario, a poorly constructed SPA might lead to litigation, which is both time-consuming and expensive.

REMAX Thailand's Recommendation for Real Estate Agents

REMAX Thailand advises real estate agents to work closely with legal professionals when drafting or reviewing an SPA. This collaboration ensures that the agreement is comprehensive and compliant with Thai laws. Agents should also educate their clients about the importance of each clause in the SPA, helping them understand their rights and obligations. By doing so, agents not only facilitate smoother transactions but also build trust and credibility with their clients.

SPA Q&A

What is a Sale Purchase Agreement (SPA)?

An SPA is a legal contract between a buyer and a seller that outlines the terms and conditions of a real estate transaction.

Why is the SPA important in real estate transactions?
The SPA is important because it ensures that both parties agree on the transaction details, helping to prevent disputes and misunderstandings.

What happens if there is a mistake in the SPA?
Mistakes in the SPA can lead to legal disputes, financial losses, and delays in the transaction process.

How can real estate agents help with the SPA?
Real estate agents can assist by working with legal professionals to ensure the SPA is accurate and by educating clients about the agreement's terms.


Real Estate Definitions 

“Time is of the essence”
Agent
Agreement of sale
Alienation
Alienation clause
Amendments
Amenities
Appraisal
Appreciation
Arbitration
Assessment
Balloon payment
Beneficiary
Breach of contract
Broker
Broker Agent (Salesperson)
Brokerage Owner
Building restrictions
Business plan
Capital Gain
Capital investment
Capitalization
Capitalization Rate
Cash flow
Closing
Closing or Completion
CMA
Code of Ethics
Collateral
Commercial Property
Commercial Zone
Commission
Comparable (Comps, Sales Comps)
Comparable Market Analysis
Contingencies
SaleContract
Contract for deed
Cost approach
Counteroffer
Debt
Deed
Default 
Deposit or Down Payment
Down Payment
Earnest Money
Endorsement
Equity
Escrow
Exclusive Listing Agreement
Exclusive right  to sell listing
Exclusive-agency listing
Execution 
Executor
Expenses
Fixture
For Sale By Agent
For Sale By Owner (FSBO)
Foreclosure
Foreign Quota
Franchise
Fraud 
Freehold estate
Future interest
Grantee
Grantor
Heir
Highest and best use
Identity 
Income approach
Independent contractor
Industrial property
Inspection
Instalment Contract
Installment sale
Interest-in-real-estate
Joint tenancy
Joint venture
Judgment
Judgment clause
Land
Lease
Leasehold estate
Lessee
Lessor 
Lessor, Landlord, Property Owner
Letter of Intent (LOI)
Lien
Listing 
Listing Agreement
Loan
Management Agreement
Market price
Market value 
Market/data approach
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Mortgage
Mortgage lien
Multi-Family
Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
Negligence
Net Income
Net lease
Net operating income
Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
Notary public
Novation
Open listing
Open Listing Agreement
Option
Ownership
Partnership
Power of attorney
Preliminary Deposit
Premises
Prepayment clause
Prepayment penalty
Priority
Property
Property Investment
Property management
Property Tax
Quota Letter
“Ready, willing, and able” 
Real estate
Real Estate Broker
Real Estate Property
Real Estate Purchase/Sale Agreement
REALTOR®
Rent
Rent schedule
Replacement cost
Resale
Residential 
Rights Over Leasehold Asset
Sales contract
Salesperson
Short sale / Fire Sale
Single Family
Specific Business Tax 
Spouse Consent

Stamp Duty
Subletting
Substitution
Survey
Tenant
Termination (lease)
Termination of listing
The original amount
The Terms “Agent” and “Broker” 
Title
Title Deed
Title Insurance
Transfer Fee
Value
Viewing Form
Withholding Tax
Yield
Zoning