Koh Samui – FAQ for Buying Property

Is buying property in Koh Samui a good investment?

Yes, but only if you do your research and choose wisely. Koh Samui’s property market is less regulated than those in many buyers’ home countries, so thorough due diligence is essential.

Alongside a solid understanding of the most desirable areas, particularly if short-term rental income is one of the goals, investors should also consider what represents value for money, how to identify potential for capital gain, what the developer has delivered in the past, and which types of property are best suited to the holiday rental market.

For the right type of property in the right location, net rental yields of 6 to 8 percent are achievable from short-term let, in prime areas with sea views, coastal proximity, or strong holiday demand.

Impressive capital appreciation is also possible, with the largest potential gains often achieved by buying off-plan. In well-located developments, resale values can be 15 to 25 percent higher upon completion. Over longer periods, gains can be more significant. At Ocean 180 in Bo Phut, for example, villas that initially sold for around 12 to 13 million THB are now reselling at approximately 20 million THB, a rise of roughly 50 percent over five years, not including rental income.

Ocean 180 ticks all the key boxes for a high-return investment: a central north-east location, contemporary design, large outdoor living areas, and private pools. These are the features that drive demand in the luxury short-term rental market.

Koh Samui is not a speculative market, but a lifestyle-led investment destination with real income potential. Buyers who focus on location, quality, and long-term use can enjoy the property and achieve a strong return.

Read more about why Koh Samui villa prices remain so strong in 2025:
https://charlesdel.com/why-koh-samui-villa-prices-arent-falling/

What are the best locations in Koh Samui to buy property?

This depends on your lifestyle preferences and goals – please read our concise guide: Best Locations to Buy Property in Koh Samui.

Are properties in Koh Samui cheaper than in Phuket?

When you look at entry-level condominiums and apartments, both Koh Samui and Phuket offer options from around 2 million THB, making it possible to get on the property ladder at a similar starting point. However, the gap widens as you move up the market.

For mid-range homes, Koh Samui offers a reasonable number of garden pool villas in the 7 to 9 million THB range, while in Phuket, comparable offerings are increasingly rare at that price point. A medium-sized sea view villa in Koh Samui might cost around 20 to 25 million THB, whereas in Phuket, equivalent sea view properties are rarely priced below 30 million THB.

In the super-luxury segment, the difference is even more pronounced. The most expensive villas in Koh Samui tend to top out at around 8 to 10 million USD, while in Phuket, ultra-prime homes can exceed 20 million USD.

For more details on pricing and trends, visit our Koh Samui Property Market page.

Can foreigners still buy villas in Koh Samui?

Yes, they can either be bought on leasehold or via corporate structures. However, Thai law still restricts direct land ownership by foreigners, and enforcement is now much stricter. Since 2024, authorities have cracked down on the use of nominee shareholders and shell companies. Buying a villa through a Thai company is only permitted if it is a genuine, profit-making business with legitimate Thai shareholders. Leasehold has become the more common route, particularly at lower price points. For full legal guidance, see our page on Property Ownership in Thailand.

Why are there so few freehold condos in Koh Samui?

Koh Samui has a limited supply of freehold condominiums for two main reasons. First, the island has traditionally been a villa-led market. Buyers are typically lifestyle-driven, and favour privacy, space, and outdoor living, all of which lend themselves more to standalone homes than to high-density condo blocks. This preference became even stronger after the pandemic, as more investors began looking for second homes and longer-stay options.

Second, there is very limited land in Koh Samui that meets the zoning requirements necessary to obtain a condominium licence. This contrasts with Phuket, where there is far more land classified for condo development, especially in urban and tourism-focused zones. As a result, developers in Koh Samui are far more likely to bring villas or housing projects to market, whereas Phuket supports a broader mix of both villas and freehold apartments.

For more context on property types and market structure, see our Koh Samui Property Market page.

Are most buyers in Koh Samui cash buyers?

Yes, the Koh Samui property market is largely cash-based. Foreigners cannot get mortgages from Thai banks, except in rare cases involving freehold condominiums, and virtually all transactions are cash purchases. Occasionally, developers offer in-house financing, but this is typically short term, usually up to five years. Even among Thai buyers, leverage levels are low due to the high-net-worth profile of the investor base. This structure helps insulate the market from interest rate volatility and short-term financial shocks.

Learn more on our Koh Samui Property Market page.

What are the building regulations in Koh Samui?

Zoning rules on the island vary depending on how close the land is to the beach, how high it sits above sea level, and how steep the slope is. Building height, footprint, roof style, and green space requirements all change based on these factors. For full details, see our page on Koh Samui building regulations.