Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Thailand Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Koh Samui's property market is included in our pack
Koh Samui's rental yields range from 5% to 8% gross, making it one of Thailand's most attractive property investment destinations. Villas deliver the highest returns at 5-8% with 70-80% occupancy rates, while condos offer more stable yields at 5-6% with 80-90% occupancy. Prime areas like Chaweng and Bophut command premium rental rates, with villas averaging 182,000 THB monthly and condos around 61,000 THB monthly as of September 2025.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Koh Samui, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Koh Samui property rental yields average 5-8% gross for well-managed properties, with villas outperforming condos in both rental rates and returns. Net yields typically settle at 6-8% after accounting for management, maintenance, and ownership costs.
The market shows strong fundamentals with limited land supply, high tourism demand, and occupancy rates reaching 70-90% depending on property type and location.
| Property Type | Gross Rental Yield | Average Occupancy | Monthly Rental Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Villas | 5-8% | 70-80% | 30,000-400,000+ THB |
| Condos/Apartments | 5-6% | 80-90% | 15,000-170,000 THB |
| Houses/Townhouses | 4-5% | 60-70% | 25,000-150,000 THB |
| Luxury Villas | 6-8% | 60-75% | 200,000-600,000+ THB |
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Daniel Rouquette 🇫🇷
CEO & Co-Founder at Villa Finder
What property types are available in Koh Samui and how do their rental yields compare?
Koh Samui offers four main property types, each delivering different rental performance levels.
Villas represent the most profitable investment category, generating gross rental yields between 5-8% with occupancy rates of 70-80%. These properties include hillside villas, beachfront locations, tropical garden settings, and luxury pool villas. Premium amenities like sea views and private pools command higher rental rates, making villas the preferred choice for investors seeking maximum returns.
Condos and apartments provide more stable returns with gross yields averaging 5-6% and higher occupancy rates of 80-90%. The condo market includes studio units, low-rise developments, and high-rise buildings with amenities. Monthly rental prices for condos range from 15,000 to 170,000 THB, with a median of 61,000 THB. The stability comes from consistent demand from both short-term tourists and long-term expat renters.
Houses and townhouses serve as affordable entry points but deliver lower yields at 4-5% with occupancy rates of 60-70%. These properties appeal to budget-conscious investors and typically attract long-term tenants rather than short-term vacation renters.
Land plots offer development potential but generate no immediate rental income until construction is completed.
Which Koh Samui neighborhoods deliver the strongest rental performance?
Chaweng leads Koh Samui's rental market performance due to its vibrant nightlife and status as the island's main tourist hub.
The strongest performing areas include Chaweng, which attracts high demand for both short and long-term rentals thanks to its central location and entertainment options. Bophut ranks second with stable long-term rental demand, particularly popular with families and retirees seeking quieter environments. Lamai offers balanced market conditions with strong demand across short-term and mid-term rentals. Maenam represents an emerging market with increasing demand as the area develops. Choeng Mon caters to the luxury segment with upscale properties commanding premium rates.
Less developed inland zones and remote western or southern beaches show weaker performance due to limited infrastructure and accessibility issues. These areas typically experience lower occupancy rates and reduced rental income potential. Properties in these locations may struggle to achieve the island's average yields due to their distance from main tourist attractions and amenities.
It's something we develop in our Koh Samui property pack.
How does rental yield change based on property size in Koh Samui?
Property size significantly impacts rental yields in Koh Samui, with smaller units generally delivering higher percentage returns.
Smaller condos and apartments achieve the highest rental yields due to their low entry prices and wide tenant pool. These properties appeal to budget-conscious tourists, digital nomads, and young expats, ensuring consistent demand throughout the year. The lower acquisition costs mean rental income represents a higher percentage return on investment.
Mid-sized villas and boutique properties often represent the optimal balance between yield and stability. These properties command solid rental rates while maintaining reasonable purchase prices and operating costs. They attract family groups and mid-range tourists who want space and privacy without luxury pricing.
Large luxury villas offer high absolute rental income but may deliver comparable or slightly lower percentage yields due to higher acquisition and maintenance costs. These properties also experience more pronounced seasonality, with peak demand during high tourist seasons and potential vacancy during quieter periods. The luxury segment requires significant upfront investment and ongoing maintenance expenses that can impact overall returns.
What are the total costs to buy property in Koh Samui?
Property acquisition costs in Koh Samui extend beyond the headline purchase price by approximately 6-8% in additional fees and taxes.
| Property Type | Price Range (THB) | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR Condos | 2-4 million | 120,000-320,000 |
| High-end Condos | 4-12+ million | 240,000-960,000+ |
| Quality 3-4BR Villas | 18-30 million | 1.08-2.4 million |
| Luxury Villas | 30-100+ million | 1.8-8+ million |
Villas range from 8 million to over 100 million THB depending on location, size, and amenities. Quality 3-4 bedroom villas near beaches typically sell for 18-30 million THB. Luxury beachfront properties with premium locations command significantly higher prices.
Additional acquisition costs include government transfer taxes at 2-3%, business tax, stamp duty, legal fees, and agent commissions. These combined costs typically add 6-8% to the purchase price. Legal fees alone can range from 50,000-200,000 THB depending on transaction complexity. Agent commissions usually run 3-5% of the purchase price.
Don't lose money on your property in Koh Samui
100% of people who have lost money there have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.
What ongoing ownership costs affect net rental yields in Koh Samui?
Ongoing ownership costs can reduce gross rental yields by 2-3 percentage points, bringing net yields to approximately 6-8% for well-managed properties.
Maintenance costs typically run 1-2% of property value annually for villas, with condos requiring less but incurring common area fees. Villas with pools and extensive air conditioning systems face higher utility costs. Professional property management takes 10-25% of gross rental income but ensures consistent bookings and maintenance. Utilities vary significantly based on property size and usage, with luxury villas potentially spending 10,000-30,000 THB monthly during peak occupancy periods.
Common area and estate fees range from 1,500-5,000 THB monthly for condos or villas in managed developments. Property taxes remain modest at 0.02-0.10% annually for residential properties. Insurance costs typically range from 5,000-25,000 THB yearly depending on property size and coverage level.
These combined expenses can significantly impact net returns, particularly for properties with low occupancy rates or inefficient management. Properties with vacancy issues or high maintenance requirements may see net yields drop below 4%, making careful property selection and management crucial for investment success.
How does mortgage financing impact Koh Samui rental yields?
Mortgage financing typically reduces net rental yields due to Thailand's high interest rates for non-resident borrowers, currently ranging from 5-8% annually.
Cash buyers benefit from direct gross-to-net yield comparison without interest expenses. Their returns depend solely on rental income minus operating costs and taxes. This approach provides clearer investment analysis and higher net yields, particularly important in a market where gross yields average 5-8%.
Financed buyers face interest costs that often exceed or equal rental yields, potentially resulting in negative cash flow during low occupancy periods. For example, a property with 6% gross yield becomes marginal when carrying a 6-7% mortgage rate. The leverage magnifies both gains and losses, making financed purchases riskier in markets with high interest rates and seasonal occupancy patterns.
Mortgage qualification requirements for foreigners are stringent, typically requiring 30-40% down payments and proof of substantial income. Local Thai banks prefer lending to residents with established local income sources, making financing challenging for international investors.
What are current rental rates for different property types in Koh Samui?
Koh Samui rental rates vary significantly between property types and rental duration, with short-term rates generally commanding premium pricing over long-term arrangements.
Condos and apartments rent for 15,000-170,000 THB monthly with a median of 61,000 THB. Studio and one-bedroom units typically rent for 15,000-40,000 THB monthly for long-term arrangements, while luxury penthouses can command 100,000-170,000 THB monthly. Short-term nightly rates for condos range from 1,500-8,000 THB depending on location and amenities.
Villas command significantly higher rates at 30,000-400,000+ THB monthly, with an average median of 182,000 THB. Standard 3-bedroom villas rent for 30,000-80,000 THB monthly for long-term leases, while luxury beachfront properties can exceed 400,000 THB monthly during peak season. Premium villas with pools and sea views achieve nightly rates of 8,000-25,000 THB during high season.
Short-term Airbnb properties show strong performance with median nightly rates around 319 USD (approximately 11,200 THB) as of September 2025. Peak season rates can increase by 50-100% over low season pricing, with Christmas and New Year periods commanding premium rates.
Who rents properties in Koh Samui and what do they want?
Koh Samui attracts diverse renter profiles, each with specific property preferences that shape market demand.
1. **Short-term tourists** from Europe, East Asia, and domestic Thailand seek villas for family groups and condos near nightlife for singles and couples2. **Long-term expats, remote workers, and retirees** prefer affordable condos and mid-size villas in quiet neighborhoods like Bophut and Maenam3. **Digital nomads and wellness tourists** drive demand for modern condos with strong WiFi and flexible lease terms in tranquil settings4. **Business travelers and medical tourists** require serviced apartments with hotel-like amenities and professional management5. **Seasonal residents** typically wealthy individuals maintaining second homes, preferring luxury villas with full management servicesTourist preferences center on proximity to beaches, restaurants, and nightlife, with families prioritizing space and privacy while younger travelers seek social environments. Expat renters value long-term stability, reasonable pricing, and community amenities. The growing digital nomad segment specifically seeks properties with reliable internet, workspace areas, and flexible rental terms allowing stays of 1-6 months.
Property features in highest demand include swimming pools, air conditioning, modern kitchens, and reliable WiFi. Beachfront or sea view properties command premium rates across all renter categories.
What vacancy rates should investors expect in Koh Samui?
Vacancy rates in Koh Samui vary significantly by property type and location, directly impacting investment returns.
Condos and apartments experience 10-20% vacancy rates, translating to 80-90% occupancy throughout the year. This stability comes from diverse tenant demand including tourists, expats, and business travelers. Well-located condos in areas like Chaweng and Bophut often achieve occupancy rates above 85%, particularly those with modern amenities and professional management.
Villas face higher vacancy rates of 20-30%, resulting in 70-80% occupancy. The higher vacancy reflects seasonal tourism patterns and the luxury market's more selective tenant base. Premium villas with unique features and prime locations can achieve occupancy rates above 75%, while properties in remote areas or lacking amenities may struggle with 50-60% occupancy.
Neighborhood differences significantly impact vacancy rates. Chaweng, Bophut, and Lamai generally experience the lowest vacancy due to tourist infrastructure and accessibility. Remote areas in the interior or far western/southern beaches face higher vacancy rates and rental volatility due to limited tourist appeal and infrastructure.
It's something we develop in our Koh Samui property pack.
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.
How have Koh Samui rental prices and yields changed recently?
Koh Samui's rental market has shown remarkable resilience and growth, particularly following the tourism recovery after 2022.
Over the past five years, the market experienced a significant dip during 2020-2022 due to pandemic-related travel restrictions. However, the market rebounded strongly post-reopening in 2023-2025, with some areas experiencing double-digit rental growth as tourism surged back to pre-pandemic levels and beyond. This recovery was driven by pent-up travel demand and Koh Samui's reputation as a safe, well-developed destination.
The past year (2024-2025) has shown particularly strong performance with rents and yields remaining robust. Record tourism numbers and limited new supply in key areas have supported price growth. Market data shows dramatic increases in some segments, with median condo rental prices rising from 22,000 THB to over 69,000 THB monthly within a three-month period in 2023, though this likely represents a market correction following the pandemic low.
Current yields remain in the 6-8% net ROI range for well-managed mid and high-end properties as of September 2025. The strong tourism fundamentals, including Koh Samui's position as a premier tropical destination and limited developable land, continue supporting rental rate growth and occupancy levels.
What rental yield forecasts exist for Koh Samui over the next decade?
Koh Samui rental yield forecasts show cautious optimism balanced against market maturation and potential supply increases.
The one-year outlook through 2026 predicts stable to slightly increasing yields, with continued high tourism demand supporting current performance levels. Well-located villas and condos should maintain their 6-8% net yield ranges, particularly properties with unique features or prime locations. The ongoing tourism recovery and infrastructure improvements support this positive short-term outlook.
Five-year forecasts through 2030 anticipate steady demand as Koh Samui continues developing infrastructure while maintaining its tropical appeal. However, yields may experience moderate compression if property price growth outpaces rental rate increases. New supply additions could impact yields in certain segments, though limited developable land constrains oversupply risks. Successful properties will likely be those adapting to evolving tourist preferences, particularly wellness tourism and remote work trends.
Ten-year projections depend heavily on broader Thai macroeconomic conditions and global tourism trends. Continued international interest in lifestyle destinations supports long-term yield potential, but increasing regulation, environmental concerns, and market maturation could moderate returns. Climate change impacts and sustainability requirements may favor properties with eco-friendly features and resilient infrastructure.
How do Koh Samui yields compare to similar island destinations?
Koh Samui's net rental yields of 6-8% position it competitively within the Southeast Asian island property market.
| Destination | Net Rental Yield | Market Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Koh Samui | 6-8% | High tourism, limited supply |
| Phuket | 5-7% | Mature market, more supply |
| Bali | 5-7% | Large market, regulatory issues |
| Langkawi | 4-6% | Lower tourism density |
| Boracay | 5-7% | Seasonal volatility |
Koh Samui generally outperforms Phuket (5-7% yields) due to its smaller size, more exclusive appeal, and limited land supply constraining property development. Compared to Bali (5-7% yields), Koh Samui offers similar returns but with more stable regulatory environment and easier property ownership for foreigners through proper structuring.
The island's advantages include concentrated tourism in a compact area, strong infrastructure, and established international flight connections. However, like all island destinations, Koh Samui properties face higher volatility than urban markets and exposure to seasonal tourism patterns and geopolitical factors affecting travel.
It's something we develop in our Koh Samui property pack.
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 property market offers compelling rental yields of 6-8% net for well-managed investments, supported by strong tourism fundamentals and limited land supply. Villas consistently outperform condos in both rental rates and returns, though condos provide greater stability and higher occupancy rates.
Success in this market depends on careful location selection, with prime areas like Chaweng and Bophut delivering the strongest performance, and professional property management to maximize occupancy and minimize costs that can significantly impact net returns.
Sources
- Fazwaz - Tips for Maximizing ROI in Koh Samui Property
- Fazwaz - Koh Samui Rental Price Index 2023
- Charles Del - Koh Samui Real Estate Property Types
- Samui Island Realty - Real Estate Guide
- Immolucky - Best Rental Investment Areas Koh Samui
- Charles Del - Koh Samui Property Rental Market Guide
- Conrad Properties - Comparing Property Types Koh Samui
- AirROI - Ko Samui Market Report