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What is the average rent in Phuket?

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Thailand Property Pack

property investment Phuket

Yes, the analysis of Phuket's property market is included in our pack

Phuket's rental market in 2025 offers diverse opportunities for both investors and tenants, with monthly rents ranging from 14,500 THB for studios to over 200,000 THB for luxury beachfront villas.

The island's prime tourist areas like Bang Tao and Patong command premium rents, while emerging digital nomad-friendly locations provide attractive yields for savvy investors targeting the growing expat population.

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.

How this content was created ๐Ÿ”Ž๐Ÿ“

At BambooRoutes, we explore the Thai real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distanceโ€”we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

photo of expert attaya suriyawonghae

Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert

โœ“โœ“โœ“

Attaya Suriyawonghae ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ

Real Estate Broker, Zest Real Estate

Attaya is a certified Thai Real Estate Broker who knows the Phuket market inside and out. With years of experience, she can guide you through the intricacies of the island's vibrant real estate scene, whether you're seeking a luxurious beachfront villa or a high-growth investment opportunity. After speaking with her, we reviewed the blog post, corrected a few points, expanded on others, and added her personal experience.

What's the current average rent in Phuket by property type?

As of September 2025, Phuket's rental market shows clear segmentation by property type with condos leading the market.

One-bedroom condos in central Phuket average 17,500 THB monthly, while prime tourist areas like Bang Tao and Patong command 50,000-60,000 THB for similar units. Studios in standard locations rent for approximately 14,500 THB per month.

Villas represent the premium segment with three-bedroom properties in Pasak averaging 103,000-190,000 THB monthly. Luxury beachfront villas frequently exceed 200,000 THB per month, reflecting their exclusive positioning and amenities.

Townhouses offer middle-market options with 2-3 bedroom units in Patong and Kata ranging from 20,000-50,000 THB monthly. Budget-conscious renters can find townhouse options starting around 15,000-30,000 THB in less touristy neighborhoods.

It's something we develop in our Thailand property pack.

How does rent vary by location within Phuket?

Location significantly impacts rental prices across Phuket's diverse neighborhoods, with tourist-focused areas commanding substantial premiums.

Area Studio/1BR Condo (THB) Villa/House (THB)
Patong/Kata/Karon 10,000 - 45,000 38,000 (apartments)
Rawai 10,000 - 65,000 75,300 (median)
Phuket Town 28,400 - 30,400 47,000 (median)
Bang Tao/Laguna 50,000 - 60,000 140,000 - 175,000
Cherngtalay 45,000 - 55,000 120,000 - 160,000

What are the average rents based on property size?

Property size directly correlates with rental prices, showing predictable scaling across different unit configurations.

Studios around 45 square meters average 14,500-23,400 THB monthly, providing entry-level options for single occupants. One-bedroom condos spanning 50-60 square meters command 17,500-60,000 THB depending on location and quality.

Two-bedroom units averaging 75 square meters rent for approximately 58,000 THB monthly in standard locations. Premium areas add 30-50% to these base rates for similar-sized properties.

Three-bedroom villas ranging from 175-400 square meters show wide variation from 103,000-190,000 THB monthly. The substantial size range reflects different villa categories from compact family homes to luxury estates with extensive grounds and amenities.

What's the total monthly cost including all fees and utilities?

Total monthly housing costs extend beyond base rent to include utilities, management fees, and various service charges that significantly impact budgets.

Studio apartments typically add 4,450 THB monthly for utilities including electricity, water, and internet. Two-person apartments around 85 square meters average 3,285 THB for utilities plus 529 THB for internet connectivity.

Management and maintenance fees for condominiums average 5,600 THB monthly, while Common Area Management (CAM) fees range from 1,000-4,000 THB depending on building amenities and services.

For a typical one-bedroom condo, total monthly costs reach 22,500-26,000 THB including base rent, utilities, and management fees. Three-bedroom villas total 110,000-140,000 THB monthly when including base rent, utilities, and pool or garden maintenance services.

Property taxes represent a smaller portion calculated on cadastral values, varying by ownership structure and property type.

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investing in real estate in  Phuket

How do mortgage costs compare to rental yields for investors?

Phuket property investment shows attractive dynamics between financing costs and rental returns, particularly in prime locations.

Prime areas consistently achieve gross annual yields exceeding 10%, with general market averages ranging 6-10% across different property types and locations. Property values have appreciated 30-40% over the past five years in desirable neighborhoods, enhancing total returns.

Thai mortgage rates for foreign buyers typically exceed local rates, creating monthly payment obligations that generally surpass immediate rental yields. However, the combination of strong appreciation, high rental demand, and attractive yields makes investment compelling for long-term strategies.

Properties in Bang Tao, Laguna, and Cherngtalay demonstrate the strongest yield-to-cost ratios, with established rental demand supporting consistent occupancy and income generation.

What's the difference between short-term and long-term rental strategies?

Rental strategy choice significantly impacts both returns and legal compliance in Phuket's regulated market environment.

Short-term rentals theoretically offer higher returns exceeding 10% annually during peak seasons, but face strict Hotel Act regulations requiring hotel licenses for stays under 30 days. Most condominiums and villas legally permit only 30+ day leases, limiting true short-term rental opportunities.

Long-term rentals provide lower volatility with stable yields typically ranging 5-7% for non-prime locations and 7-10% for premium areas. This strategy offers easier legal compliance and appeals to the growing expat and digital nomad population seeking extended stays.

Current market conditions favor long-term rental strategies in prime areas like Bang Tao, Rawai, and Laguna, offering legal stability while maintaining strong yield potential. The regulatory environment makes long-term leasing the preferred approach for most foreign investors.

Can you give specific examples of typical property rents?

Concrete rental examples illustrate market positioning across Phuket's diverse property categories and locations.

A one-bedroom condo in Patong commands 25,000-45,000 THB monthly, reflecting the area's tourist appeal and beach proximity. Similar units in less central locations might rent for 17,500-25,000 THB monthly.

Three-bedroom villas in Bang Tao, a premium beachfront location, typically rent for 140,000-175,000 THB monthly. These properties often include private pools, gardens, and high-end finishes appealing to affluent tenants.

Two-bedroom townhouses in Kathu offer middle-market options at 20,000-30,000 THB monthly, providing family-friendly accommodation away from tourist congestion. Studio apartments in Phuket Town average 14,500 THB monthly, serving budget-conscious renters and local workers.

It's something we develop in our Thailand property pack.

Who are the main renters in Phuket and how do they affect demand?

Phuket's rental market serves diverse tenant categories, each contributing distinct demand patterns and preferences.

Local Thai residents typically occupy affordable apartments and townhouses in suburban areas away from tourist zones, providing steady baseline demand for budget and mid-range properties. Their preferences focus on value and practical locations near employment centers.

The estimated 115,000 expats on the island choose mid-to-high range condos and houses, particularly in Laguna, Chalong, and Rawai areas. This substantial population creates consistent demand for quality properties with international standards and amenities.

Digital nomads represent a growing segment preferring short and medium-term leases in Patong, Kamala, or Phuket Town. Thailand's new Digital Nomad Visa introduced in 2024-2025 has boosted this demographic, increasing demand for flexible, well-connected accommodations.

Tourists drive demand for vacation rentals, especially in Patong, Karon, and Bang Tao, though legal restrictions now limit very short stays. This segment influences seasonal pricing but has reduced impact on long-term rental strategies.

infographics rental yields citiesPhuket

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 are the current vacancy rates across different areas?

Vacancy rates in Phuket vary significantly by location and property type, reflecting local demand dynamics and seasonal patterns.

Prime tourist areas show distinct seasonal variations with condos experiencing low vacancy during high season but potentially reaching 20% vacancy in off-season periods. Laguna and Bang Tao maintain consistently low vacancy rates below 5% due to strong expat and long-term rental demand.

Villas in premium zones like Bang Tao and Cherngtalay typically maintain vacancy below 10%, supported by affluent tenants seeking luxury accommodations and stable rental demand from high-net-worth individuals.

Townhouses and older apartments outside tourist hubs experience higher vacancy rates, potentially reaching 20-30% in non-prime neighborhoods. These properties compete primarily on price and location convenience rather than amenities or prestige.

The vacancy patterns indicate strong performance for well-located, quality properties while highlighting challenges for properties in secondary locations or with outdated amenities.

Which property types and locations offer the best investment returns?

Investment returns in Phuket concentrate in specific property types and prime locations that combine strong rental demand with capital appreciation potential.

Prime beachfront condos and villas in Bang Tao, Laguna, and Cherngtalay deliver the highest yields at 8-10% annually, supported by consistent demand from both short and long-term tenants. These areas benefit from established infrastructure, beach access, and international appeal.

Emerging value opportunities exist in Patong, Kamala, and Chalong, offering more affordable entry points with decent yields ranging 5-7%. These locations provide growth potential as infrastructure develops and tourism patterns evolve.

Long-term rental investments in legally-compliant condominiums outperform short-term strategies for foreign investors, avoiding regulatory complications while maintaining steady returns. The strategy proves particularly effective in expat-preferred locations with established communities.

Properties targeting the digital nomad market in well-connected areas show increasing promise, supported by Thailand's evolving visa policies and growing remote work trends.

How do current rental yields compare to previous years?

Phuket rental yields have shown consistent improvement over the past five years, reflecting tourism recovery and supply-demand dynamics.

Prime area yields have increased from 6-7% in 2020 to 8-10% in 2025, while average market yields improved from 5-7% to 6-8% over the same period. The 2024-2025 period shows particular strength with yields reaching 8-10% in prime areas.

The yield improvement stems from tourism recovery post-pandemic, supply shortages in desirable locations, and growing foreign demand driven by lifestyle migration and remote work trends. Current performance significantly outperforms developer-guaranteed schemes from previous years.

Property values have appreciated 30-40% in prime areas over five years, enhancing total returns beyond rental yields alone. This appreciation, combined with improved yields, creates compelling investment propositions for well-positioned properties.

Market dynamics suggest yield improvements reflect fundamental demand growth rather than temporary market distortions, supporting sustainability of current return levels.

It's something we develop in our Thailand property pack.

What's the forecast for Phuket rents and yields in the coming years?

Phuket property market forecasts indicate continued strength through 2035, supported by sustained foreign interest and limited developable land.

Expected annual price growth of 5-7% through 2026-2035 should support rental increases, while prime rental yields are projected to remain in the 7-10% range. Yields may normalize if supply increases significantly, but current infrastructure constraints limit development potential.

Compared to regional competitors, Phuket maintains advantages over Bali (6-10% yields, lower property costs but rising fast), Chiang Mai (6%+ yields, more modest appreciation), and Pattaya (6-10% yields, higher affordability with 2BR condos around $178,000). Pattaya anticipates 30-40% price increases over 2-3 years, but Phuket's premium positioning supports continued outperformance.

The digital nomad population growth, combined with limited land availability and strong tourism fundamentals, positions Phuket as the top Thai island destination for property investors. Rising infrastructure investment and international connectivity support long-term demand sustainability.

Market forecasts suggest Phuket will maintain yield leadership among Thai destinations while providing capital appreciation through controlled supply and growing international demand.

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.

Sources

  1. Siam Real Estate - Cost of Living in Phuket Thailand
  2. Expatistan - Cost of Living in Phuket
  3. Bangkok Post - Phuket Posts Over 10% Rental Yield
  4. Siam Real Estate - Condo Rent Phuket Buyers Guide 2025
  5. Property Scout - Phuket Pasak Villa Rentals
  6. Hipflat - Villa for Rent Phuket
  7. Fazwaz - Property for Rent Phuket
  8. Thai Residential - Short Term Rentals Phuket
  9. Crown Continental - Life as an Expat in Phuket
  10. BrightTax - Thailand Digital Nomad Visa