
Choosing the right location is key to a successful purchase of property in Thailand. For foreigners planning to buy real estate in Thailand, it’s essential to assess the prospects of popular areas based on factors such as infrastructure, transportation accessibility, safety and tourism potential.
Traditionally, Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya have been among the most popular and profitable areas for housing investments. However, in recent years, the prestige of Koh Samui, previously an overlooked location has been rapidly rising.
Nicknamed "Coconut Island" due to its abundant palm trees lining pristine shores, Samui is home to three of Thailand's five cleanest beaches: Chaweng, Maenam and Lamai.
This idyllic paradise, reminiscent of a tropical commercial, is regarded as one of the most comfortable places to vacation or settle permanently in the Kingdom. Unlike the bustling cities, Samui is free from tourist crowds, noisy nightlife and heavy traffic. The island offers a serene, safe and picturesque environment, abundant in lush greenery. Furthermore, its breathtaking natural beauty and traditional Thai culture blend seamlessly with modern infrastructure. Samui boasts world-class services comparable to the finest resorts worldwide, attracting high-profile investors from Europe and the United States.
Content:
- The most popular types of real estate on Koh Samui
- Housing prices on Samui in 2024
- Properties Under USD 100,000
- Apartments from USD 100,000 to USD 250,000
- Villas from USD 250,000 to USD 500,000
- Penthouses and Private Homes Above USD 500,000
- Advantages of Investing in Real Estate on Samui
The most popular types of real estate on Koh Samui
Samui offers an extensive range of luxury housing options. If you are considering purchasing villas in Thailand’s picturesque and thriving areas, the Coconut Island is the perfect choice.
Villas account for approximately 70% of the local real estate market, with the remaining 30% comprising condominiums and apartments.
The island boasts a diverse selection of properties to suit every preference, whether you're seeking a tranquil retreat or a vibrant urban setting with abundant infrastructure and amenities.
Depending on your goals and preferences, you can choose from the following options:
- Land plots for building your dream home;
- Luxurious beachfront villas with private sea access;
- Charming hillside cottages offering panoramic views;
- Modern condominiums featuring integrated infrastructure;
- Commercial spaces with authentic designs, perfect for starting a business.
Premium apartments are currently at the forefront of customer preferences. Both local and international buyers are attracted to high-end properties, such as villas and luxurious apartments within condominiums. As a result, developers are prioritising the construction of these types of real estate.
Coastal modern homes are especially popular, offering a wide range of properties with panoramic ocean views or private gardens by the sea.
The rise of digital nomads in the Kingdom has also led to a growing demand for small, comfortable apartments that require minimal maintenance. Compact studios and apartments are now highly sought after.
Housing prices on Samui in 2024
Recent data reveals that the average cost of housing on the island is approximately USD 4,500 per square metre:
- A small studio of up to 30 square metres in a new residential complex is priced at around USD 78,000;
- A three-bedroom house built in 2005 near Laem Sor Golden Pagoda costs USD 117,000;
- Luxury villas or properties with panoramic sea views come at a premium, with upscale coastal homes starting at an average of USD 1.7 million.
The most expensive areas on Samui are Chaweng, Choeng Mon and Bophut. However, property prices on the island are 21% lower than in Bangkok. For the cost of an average apartment in Paris or London, you could purchase three properties on Samui!
Properties Under USD 100,000
This category primarily consists of studios and one-bedroom apartments in condominiums. Despite their smaller size, these properties offer significant advantages, particularly their affordability.
For USD 85,600, you can purchase a new, fully furnished one-bedroom apartment with a bathroom and a stunning garden view in a residential complex built in 2024. The complex features turn-key apartments ranging from 28.9 to 54 square metres, boasting modern designs and views of the mountains or sea.
The amenities within the complex include:
- Shared and children's swimming pools;
- A spa centre and gym;
- A tennis court and jogging tracks;
- Parking facilities;
- Well-maintained green areas.
Apartments from USD 100,000 to USD 250,000
In the northeastern part of Samui, near Bang Rak Beach and just 30 metres from the sea, a premium residential complex is currently under construction. Scheduled for completion in early 2027, the complex will feature 564 apartments, surrounded by an enormous 2,077-square-metre pool. Additional facilities will include restaurants, cafês, a fitness centre, a children's pool and playground, a spa salon, a supermarket, parking and more.
Here, you can acquire a fully furnished two-bedroom apartment with a modern design and layout, measuring 63 square metres, for USD 206,027.
Villas from USD 250,000 to USD 500,000
This range offers truly luxurious housing that meets high standards without the exorbitant pricing.
For USD 321,000, you can purchase a comfortable 262-square-metre villa with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, located near one of the island’s best beaches, Chaweng. The house features an infinity pool, an open terrace and a private garden.
Penthouses and Private Homes Above USD 500,000
This category encompasses the most elite and prestigious properties on the island, situated in picturesque areas with breathtaking views. Prices for two-level beachfront villas start at USD 800,000. These homes typically offer living areas of at least 300 square metres on plots of 500 square metres or more. They often include 3 to 5 bedrooms, spacious open terraces and large swimming pools. Tropical plants such as papaya, banana and mango trees are commonly found in the landscaped gardens.
For USD 784,000, you can purchase a three-bedroom penthouse in a new residential complex featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning panoramic views of the Gulf of Siam and Koh Phangan. The complex is located near Maenam Beach, one of the island’s cleanest and most beautiful beaches.
Advantages of Investing in Real Estate on Samui
Profitability
Over two million tourists visit Samui's beaches annually, generating consistent demand for vacation and long-term rental properties. This steady rental income potential attracts numerous foreign investors. Approximately 60% of buyers on the island are foreigners, predominantly from Europe, Australia and the United States. Owning prestigious apartments in one of the world’s most beautiful locations provides access to a flourishing market with significant profit potential.
Investors can expect returns of 6–8%, from short-term rentals, which is higher than in many other tourist destinations in Thailand.
On average, a house within walking distance of the beach rents for USD 250 per day, while luxury villas rent for USD 600 to USD 1,250 per day.
Property value appreciation
The value of real estate on Samui has been steadily increasing for many years. In recent years, average apartment prices have risen by 5–10%, depending on location and amenities. Given the stable tourist influx and limited land availability, further price growth is expected. This trend makes investing in premium real estate on the island not only an opportunity for a comfortable lifestyle but also a sound financial decision, offering high profit potential in the near future.
Sustainability of new residential complexes
There is growing demand in the Kingdom for eco-friendly apartments. The trend toward building resource-efficient homes is influencing housing demand on Samui, with an increasing number of foreign investors favouring eco-homes.
In the future, more residential complexes featuring natural materials, solar panels and resource-saving systems are expected to emerge.
Simplified ownership rules for foreigners
Thailand is exploring measures to stimulate the economy and attract foreign investments. The government is working on increasing the foreign ownership quota in condominiums from 49% to 75%.
Chinese citizens currently dominate condominium transactions, accounting for 45.8% of total purchases and 46.7% of the overall property value. Following them are citizens from the United States, Myanmar and other countries.
Today, Samui stands out as one of Thailand’s most prestigious investment destinations, attracting international buyers from around the globe. With modern, comfortable and relatively affordable housing, authentic culture, abundant attractions, stunning natural beauty and extensive tourist infrastructure, buying property on the island is considered an exceptionally profitable investment.