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Koh Samui's rental market offers diverse opportunities, from affordable condos starting at ฿13,200 monthly to luxury villas commanding over ฿400,000 per month.
The island's rental yields range from 5-10% annually, with beachfront properties typically delivering the highest returns and strongest appreciation potential.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Thailand, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
As of September 2025, Koh Samui's rental market shows strong performance with condos averaging ฿13,200-฿39,300 monthly, villas ranging ฿70,000-฿400,000+, and rental yields between 5-10% annually.
Chaweng commands the highest rents, while Maenam offers more affordable options, with the market showing 5-9% annual appreciation and favorable forecasts for continued growth.
| Property Type | Average Monthly Rent (฿) | Typical Yield (%) | Best Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Condo | 13,200 - 42,400 | 6-8% | Chaweng, Bophut |
| 2-Bedroom Condo | 39,300 - 73,100 | 6-8% | Chaweng, Lamai |
| 3-Bedroom Villa | 120,000 - 180,000 | 7-9% | All prime areas |
| Luxury Villa | 260,000 - 400,000+ | 8-10% | Chaweng, Bophut beachfront |
| Townhouse | 15,000 - 60,000 | 5-7% | Maenam, inland areas |
| 4-Bedroom Villa | 150,000 - 250,000 | 7-9% | Lamai, Bophut |
| 5-Bedroom Villa | 300,000 - 500,000+ | 8-10% | Chaweng beachfront |
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Daniel Rouquette 🇫🇷
CEO & Co-Founder at Villa Finder
What are the typical monthly rents for different property types in Koh Samui?
As of September 2025, Koh Samui's rental market shows distinct pricing tiers across property categories.
Condos and apartments typically rent for ฿13,200 to ฿39,300 monthly in popular beachside projects, with larger units reaching ฿42,400 for 1-bedroom, ฿73,100 for 2-bedroom, and ฿136,000 for 3-bedroom apartments.
Mid-range villas command ฿70,000 to ฿150,000 per month, while luxury beachfront or hillside properties reach ฿260,000 to ฿400,000+ monthly. Ultra-premium estates can exceed ฿1 million monthly for the most exclusive locations.
Townhouses and standard houses offer more affordable options, starting from ฿15,000-฿25,000 for modest properties in local neighborhoods, with larger or upscale homes ranging ฿30,000-฿60,000 monthly.
How do rental prices differ between Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, and Maenam?
Chaweng Beach area commands the highest rental rates across all property types on the island.
In Chaweng, condos range ฿13,200-฿39,300 monthly, while villas start from ฿47,000 and can reach ฿260,000+ for beachfront properties. The median rent for homes in this prime area sits around ฿100,000 monthly.
Lamai offers similar premium pricing to Chaweng, with annual appreciation rates of 6-9% supporting strong rental values. Villa rents and yields match Chaweng levels, though inland townhouses cost slightly less.
Bophut and Maenam provide more affordable alternatives while maintaining quality. These areas typically offer 15-25% lower rents than Chaweng's prime beachfront locations, making them attractive for budget-conscious renters and investors seeking better value.
How does property size affect rental pricing in Koh Samui?
Rental pricing in Koh Samui increases substantially with property size, averaging ฿402 per square meter for houses as of September 2025.
| Bedrooms | Average Monthly Rent (฿) | Typical Size (sqm) | Price per sqm (฿) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom | 42,400 | 50-70 | 600-850 |
| 2-bedroom | 73,100-74,500 | 80-120 | 600-930 |
| 3-bedroom | 136,000-137,000 | 150-250 | 550-900 |
| 4-bedroom | 186,000-188,000 | 200-350 | 530-940 |
| 5-bedroom | 400,000+ | 300-500+ | 800-1,300+ |
Larger properties and prime location villas command premium per-square-meter rates due to luxury amenities, private pools, gardens, and ocean views that smaller units cannot offer.
What additional costs should property owners expect beyond rental income?
Property owners in Koh Samui face several ongoing expenses that reduce net rental income.
Utility costs typically run ฿3,500-฿8,000 monthly per average villa or condo, with air conditioning usage being the primary driver. Most rental agreements exclude utilities, making tenants responsible for these costs.
Condo owners pay monthly service and maintenance fees of ฿30-฿60 per square meter. Villa owners face estate charges, pool and garden maintenance, security services, and cleaning fees that often exceed ฿5,000 monthly.
Tax obligations include relatively low land and property taxes, plus progressive income tax up to 35% on rental income when operating as a business. Additional expenses include internet, cable TV, and property insurance.
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How do mortgage payments impact net rental returns?
Financing a Koh Samui property significantly affects monthly cash flow and overall investment returns.
Monthly mortgage payments covering interest and principal must be deducted from gross rental income to determine actual profitability. The gap between mortgage costs and net rental yield determines whether the investment generates positive cash flow.
Well-managed properties in Koh Samui typically generate rental yields of 6-8%, with prime vacation villas reaching up to 10%. Properties with mortgage financing need to ensure rental income exceeds monthly loan payments plus operating expenses.
Investors should calculate the debt service coverage ratio before purchasing, ensuring rental income provides adequate buffer above mortgage obligations to maintain profitability during vacancy periods or market downturns.
What are specific rental examples across popular areas?
Current rental rates vary significantly between areas and property types across Koh Samui's main districts.
| Area | 1-Bed Condo (฿) | 3-Bed Villa (฿) | Luxury Villa (฿) | Townhouse (฿) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chaweng | 13,200-39,300 | 137,000 | 260,000-400,000+ | 25,000-60,000 |
| Lamai | 18,000-45,000 | 130,000-180,000 | 200,000+ | 20,000-50,000 |
| Bophut | 15,000-35,000 | 120,000-160,000 | 250,000+ | 18,000-55,000 |
| Maenam | 10,000-28,000 | 85,000-150,000 | 180,000+ | 18,000-40,000 |
These examples reflect September 2025 market rates and demonstrate the premium commanded by beachfront locations versus inland or quieter coastal areas.
What are the vacancy rates across different property types?
Vacancy rates in Koh Samui vary significantly between short-term and long-term rental strategies.
Short-term vacation rentals and Airbnb properties average 39-50% occupancy rates in popular areas like Bophut, Chaweng, and Choeng Mon. High-end villas experience higher vacancy during low season months but command premium rates during peak periods.
Long-term rental properties maintain notably lower vacancy rates, especially affordable units targeting expat families and digital nomads. These properties benefit from year-round demand and stable tenant profiles.
Seasonal fluctuations significantly impact short-term rentals, with December-March showing peak occupancy while May-September typically sees reduced demand and higher vacancy rates across all property categories.
Who are the typical renters in Koh Samui's market?
Koh Samui attracts three distinct renter demographics with different preferences and budgets.
Short-term tourists form the largest segment, primarily renting luxury villas and premium condos during peak season. These renters pay premium rates for beachfront access, amenities, and short-stay flexibility.
Digital nomads increasingly favor affordable condos or small 1-2 bedroom homes with reliable internet and flexible lease terms. This growing segment prefers mid-range properties with modern amenities in areas like Bophut and Maenam.
Long-term expat families seek multi-bedroom homes, townhouses, or villas in quieter, family-friendly areas. These renters prioritize space, safety, schools proximity, and longer lease agreements typically spanning 6-12 months.
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We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Thailand versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
What rental strategy works best in today's market?
The optimal rental strategy in Koh Samui depends on your investment goals and management capacity.
Short-term vacation rentals generate higher monthly income, especially for beachfront villas during peak season. These properties can achieve gross yields of 8-10% but require active management, marketing, and higher operational costs.
Long-term lease strategies offer lower maintenance, more predictable income, and stable tenant relationships. These work particularly well for expat families and digital nomads seeking year-round housing in residential areas.
Hybrid approaches combining both strategies allow owners to maximize peak season rates while maintaining base income during slower periods. Many successful investors rent short-term during December-March and switch to monthly leases during off-season months.
What rental yields can investors expect by property type and area?
Koh Samui's rental market delivers competitive yields ranging from 5-10% annually across different property categories.
Beachfront villas typically achieve the highest yields at 8-10% due to premium vacation rental rates and strong demand. Mid-range villas in popular areas generate 7-9% yields with good management and occupancy rates.
Condos and apartments deliver 6-8% yields, with newer projects in prime locations performing at the upper end of this range. Townhouses generally produce 5-7% yields, making them suitable for conservative investors seeking steady returns.
Location significantly impacts yields, with Chaweng and beachfront Bophut properties commanding premium rates while Maenam and inland areas offer moderate but stable returns for value-conscious investors.
How have rents and yields evolved over recent years?
Koh Samui's rental market has experienced significant volatility and recovery over the past five years.
During 2020-2022, rents dropped substantially due to COVID-19 impacts, reduced tourism, and expat outflows. Many properties saw 20-40% rental declines during the worst periods of travel restrictions.
The recovery began in 2023, with rents and yields rising again at 5-9% annual appreciation rates in key areas. Increased foreign ownership, extended lease terms, and recovering tourism have boosted demand and investment activity.
Current projections for 2026 indicate 5-7% rental growth for beachfront and luxury properties, with steady performance expected for standard condos and houses. The five to ten-year outlook suggests continued steady appreciation at 5-7% annually, supported by limited supply and increasing demand.
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How does Koh Samui compare to other island destinations?
Koh Samui offers competitive rental rates and yields compared to similar tropical island markets.
Property prices average ฿59,250 per square meter, significantly lower than Phuket's ฿80,000+ per square meter, while delivering similar or higher rental yields of 5-10% versus Phuket's 5-8% range.
Compared to Bali, Koh Samui generally offers more affordable entry points while achieving comparable high-end Airbnb income for luxury properties. The island provides easier foreign ownership processes than many competing destinations.
Against Pattaya, Koh Samui commands higher yields due to stronger tourism appeal and limited supply constraints. The island's luxury market particularly outperforms regional competitors in terms of rental income potential and capital appreciation prospects.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Koh Samui's rental market in September 2025 presents compelling opportunities for both short-term vacation rental investors and long-term lease strategies.
With yields ranging 5-10% annually and continued market recovery, the island offers competitive returns compared to other popular Asian destinations while maintaining relatively affordable entry points.
Sources
- Samui Times - Property for Rent
- Fazwaz - House for Rent Koh Samui
- 108 Siam - Property for Rent
- Fazwaz - Property for Rent Koh Samui
- Buy Samui - Real Estate Investment Hotspot
- Airroi - Koh Samui Market Report
- Statista - Average House Rent Koh Samui
- Anava Samui - Market News
- Charles Del - Rental Market Guide
- Global Property Guide - Thailand Price History