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
Wondering whether January 2026 is the right time to buy property in Koh Samui?
This article breaks down everything you need to know about current housing prices in Koh Samui, market conditions, and what the data actually tells us about timing your purchase.
We constantly update this blog post with fresh information, so you always have the latest picture of what is happening on the island.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Koh Samui.
So, is now a good time?
As of early 2026, buying property in Koh Samui is "rather yes" a good time, meaning conditions favor buyers who negotiate well and choose the right property.
The strongest signal is that policy support remains in place until mid-2026, with Thailand's benchmark interest rate at 1.25% and reduced transfer fees, which lowers your buying costs and financing burden.
Another strong signal is that tourism arrivals on Koh Samui have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with airport passenger numbers up 9% in early 2025, which supports rental demand and long-term property values.
Other helpful signals include villa rental supply growing 34% year-on-year (giving buyers more negotiating power), occupancy rates holding firm at around 71% in prime areas, and broadening inventory with over 2,800 units across 117 projects to choose from.
The best strategy right now is to target villas or condos in prime neighborhoods like Bophut, Choeng Mon, Bangrak, or Chaweng, with strong rental track records and clean legal titles, then plan to hold for at least three to five years while generating rental income.
This is not financial or investment advice, we do not know your personal situation, and you should always do your own research or consult a professional before making any property purchase.
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Daniel Rouquette 🇫🇷
CEO & Co-Founder at Villa Finder
Is it smart to buy now in Koh Samui, or should I wait as of 2026?
Do real estate prices look too high in Koh Samui as of 2026?
As of early 2026, property prices in Koh Samui are not in bubble territory, but they are not cheap either, with median condo prices around THB 88,500 per square meter and median villa prices around THB 60,600 per square meter, which suggests prices are above pre-pandemic levels but still supported by solid tourism demand.
One clear signal in listings data is that nightly rental rates for villas dropped about 11% year-on-year even while occupancy increased, which tells us there is more competition and sellers or landlords cannot simply name their price anymore.
Another indicator is that villa rental supply jumped 34% in a single year according to C9 Hotelworks, meaning there are many more options for buyers to consider and negotiate on, which typically happens when prices are stretched in specific segments.
You can also read our latest update regarding the housing prices in Koh Samui.
Does a property price drop look likely in Koh Samui as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the likelihood of a meaningful island-wide price crash in Koh Samui is low, though softer segments like investor-heavy condos could see 5% to 10% corrections.
The plausible price change range over the next 12 months in Koh Samui is between a 5% decline in weaker segments and a 5% to 7% gain in prime areas, which means a broadly flat to slightly positive market overall.
The single most important factor that could increase the odds of a price drop in Koh Samui is a sharp pullback in tourism arrivals, because the island's property demand is heavily tied to visitor numbers and rental income potential.
However, this factor is unlikely to materialize strongly in 2026 because Koh Samui airport arrivals already exceeded pre-pandemic levels in 2024 and continued growing 9% year-on-year into early 2025, and European source markets remain very strong.
Finally, please note that we cover the price trends for next year in our pack about the property market in Koh Samui.
Could property prices jump again in Koh Samui as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the likelihood of a renewed price surge across all of Koh Samui is medium, but in prime segments with scarce attributes like beachfront or sea-view villas, the chance of meaningful price jumps is higher.
The plausible upside price change range over the next 12 months in Koh Samui is between 5% and 12% for prime, well-located properties, especially those with strong rental track records and legal compliance.
The single biggest demand-side trigger that could drive prices to jump again in Koh Samui is a combination of continued tourism growth and lower borrowing costs, as the Bank of Thailand has already cut rates five times in the past year to 1.25%.
Please also note that we regularly publish and update real estate price forecasts for Koh Samui here.
Are we in a buyer or a seller market in Koh Samui as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Koh Samui is in a mild buyer's market or at least a buyer-leaning neutral, meaning buyers have more negotiating power than they did in previous years, especially outside of prime pockets.
The estimated months-of-supply in Koh Samui is difficult to pin down precisely, but with over 2,800 primary market units and broadening resale inventory, the market has more than enough choice to give buyers leverage, which typically means four to six months of supply in balanced segments.
The share of listings with price reductions or extended time-on-market in Koh Samui has increased, particularly for villas and condos that are not in top-tier locations, which suggests sellers are having to adjust expectations to close deals.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Thailand. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Are homes overpriced, or fairly priced in Koh Samui as of 2026?
Are homes overpriced versus rents or versus incomes in Koh Samui as of 2026?
As of early 2026, homes in Koh Samui are roughly fairly priced versus rents in prime areas where you can achieve 5% to 8% gross yields, but they can look overpriced in average locations where yields drop to 3% to 5%.
The price-to-rent ratio in Koh Samui for well-managed villas sits around 12 to 16 years of gross rent, which is reasonable for a resort market where rental income is seasonal, compared to a "balanced" benchmark of around 15 to 20 years for tourism-driven islands.
The price-to-income multiple in Koh Samui versus local incomes is very high, but this metric is less relevant here because most buyers are foreign second-home purchasers or Bangkok-based investors, not local salary earners.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Koh Samui.
Are home prices above the long-term average in Koh Samui as of 2026?
As of early 2026, property prices in Koh Samui are likely above the pre-COVID long-term average, but not dramatically so, as the island has seen steady appreciation rather than a speculative spike.
The recent 12-month price change in Koh Samui has been modest, with market analysts forecasting 5% to 9% annual land value appreciation, which is roughly in line with the long-run pace and not a sign of overheating.
In inflation-adjusted terms, prices in Koh Samui are above their prior cycle peak from 2019, but this is supported by genuine fundamentals like stronger tourism arrivals, limited new hotel supply, and improved infrastructure rather than pure speculation.
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What local changes could move prices in Koh Samui as of 2026?
Are big infrastructure projects coming to Koh Samui as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the biggest planned infrastructure project in Koh Samui is the new cruise terminal, which could meaningfully boost tourism capacity and support property values in nearby areas once completed.
The cruise terminal is scheduled to begin construction in 2029 with completion targeted for 2032, and it is expected to handle 120 cruise ships and 180,000 passengers annually, so this is a medium-term tailwind rather than an immediate price catalyst.
For the latest updates on the local projects, you can read our property market analysis about Koh Samui here.
Are zoning or building rules changing in Koh Samui as of 2026?
The most important zoning discussion in Koh Samui right now relates to stricter enforcement of hillside slope restrictions and building height limits, which aim to protect the island's environmental character and manage overdevelopment.
As of early 2026, the net effect of these zoning rules on prices is likely positive for already-compliant, well-permitted properties because they become scarcer, while properties with questionable permits or non-compliant builds could face pressure on resale value and financing.
The areas most affected by these rule changes in Koh Samui are hillside zones in Bophut, Chaweng, and Lamai where sea-view villas are concentrated, as well as any new developments seeking permits in environmentally sensitive corridors.
Are foreign-buyer or mortgage rules changing in Koh Samui as of 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign-buyer and mortgage rules in Koh Samui are temporarily more favorable because Thailand's central bank relaxed loan-to-value (LTV) limits and the government reduced transfer and mortgage registration fees, both running until June 30, 2026.
The most relevant mortgage rule change is the LTV relaxation, which now allows loans up to 100% of collateral value for first homes over THB 10 million and second homes under THB 10 million, making it easier for Thai buyers and those with local financing structures to purchase.
For foreign buyers specifically, the key rule remains unchanged: foreigners can own condo freehold within the 49% foreign quota, while villas require leasehold or Thai company structures, so legal due diligence remains essential.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Thailand.
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.
Will it be easy to find tenants in Koh Samui as of 2026?
Is the renter pool growing faster than new supply in Koh Samui as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the balance between renter demand and rental supply in Koh Samui is roughly even, with tourism arrivals growing 9% year-on-year but villa rental supply also jumping 34%, which means landlords face more competition.
The clearest renter demand signal in Koh Samui is the 9% increase in airport passenger arrivals in early 2025 and the full 2024 figure of 2.78 million arrivals, which exceeded pre-pandemic levels and supports short-term rental demand.
On the supply side, C9 Hotelworks reports over 3,000 villas now available for rent on Koh Samui, representing a one-third increase year-on-year, which is a significant jump that landlords must account for when pricing their properties.
Are days-on-market for rentals falling in Koh Samui as of 2026?
As of early 2026, days-on-market for rentals in Koh Samui is mixed, with well-priced properties in prime areas like Bophut and Chaweng placing within two to six weeks, while average rentals in less desirable locations can take one to three months.
The difference in days-on-market between prime and weaker areas in Koh Samui is significant, with beachside Choeng Mon and Bangrak villas leasing quickly during high season while inland or south-west properties often sit longer.
A common reason days-on-market falls in Koh Samui is the strong seasonal demand pattern, where February typically sees peak occupancy around 76% and properties get snapped up fast if priced correctly for the high season rush.
Are vacancies dropping in the best areas of Koh Samui as of 2026?
As of early 2026, vacancy trends in the best-performing rental areas of Koh Samui like Bophut, Choeng Mon, Bangrak, and Chaweng are stable to slightly improving, with year-round average occupancy around 56% and peak season occupancy reaching 71% to 76%.
The current vacancy rate in these prime areas is lower than the island-wide average, because these neighborhoods benefit from proximity to beaches, restaurants, and the airport, which attracts the most consistent tenant demand.
A practical sign that the best areas are tightening first in Koh Samui is when property managers start raising nightly rates in Bophut and Choeng Mon while keeping rates flat or discounting in less popular zones, which is exactly the pattern we are seeing.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current rent levels in Koh Samui.
Buying real estate in Koh Samui can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
Am I buying into a tightening market in Koh Samui as of 2026?
Is for-sale inventory shrinking in Koh Samui as of 2026?
As of early 2026, for-sale inventory in Koh Samui is not shrinking, as the primary market alone has over 2,800 units across 117 projects, plus ongoing resale listings, which gives buyers plenty of choice.
The months-of-supply in Koh Samui is difficult to estimate precisely without official transaction volume data, but the breadth of available inventory suggests it is closer to a balanced or buyer-favorable level rather than a tight seller's market.
Are homes selling faster in Koh Samui as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the median time-to-sell for homes in Koh Samui is not dramatically speeding up, with our estimate for prime, correctly priced properties at around two to four months and average stock taking four to nine months.
The year-over-year change in median days-on-market for Koh Samui is likely flat to slightly longer, because supply has increased and buyers have more options to compare, which typically extends decision timelines rather than shortening them.
Are new listings slowing down in Koh Samui as of 2026?
As of early 2026, new for-sale listings in Koh Samui are not slowing down, as the market has seen ongoing development activity and new branded projects scheduled to open in 2025 and 2026, including Nivata Koh Samui and Fivelements Samui.
The seasonal pattern for new listings in Koh Samui typically sees more activity in the lead-up to high season (November through February) when developers want to capture buyer interest, and current listing levels appear consistent with this pattern.
Is new construction failing to keep up in Koh Samui as of 2026?
As of early 2026, new construction in Koh Samui is generally keeping pace with demand, as the island has seen steady but controlled supply growth with a five-year compound annual growth rate of just 1% in hotel keys, which prevents oversupply.
The recent trend in permits and completions in Koh Samui shows continued activity, with new condo projects and branded villa developments adding to inventory, though environmental and zoning constraints limit how fast supply can grow.
The single biggest bottleneck limiting new construction in Koh Samui is the island's strict building regulations around hillside development, height limits, and proximity to the shoreline, which protect the environment but also create scarcity for compliant properties.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Thailand compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Will it be easy to sell later in Koh Samui as of 2026?
Is resale liquidity strong enough in Koh Samui as of 2026?
As of early 2026, resale liquidity in Koh Samui is moderate, meaning well-located, properly priced properties with clean titles sell within a reasonable timeframe, but this is not a high-volume market like Bangkok or Phuket.
The median days-on-market for resale homes in Koh Samui that are priced correctly is around two to four months for prime properties, compared to a "healthy liquidity" benchmark of under three months, so the best stock trades reasonably quickly.
The property characteristic that most improves resale liquidity in Koh Samui is location in a proven rental area like Bophut, Choeng Mon, or Bangrak, combined with foreign-quota eligibility for condos or clean leasehold documentation for villas.
Is selling time getting longer in Koh Samui as of 2026?
As of early 2026, selling time in Koh Samui is likely getting slightly longer compared to the immediate post-pandemic rebound period, because supply has broadened and buyers have more options to compare.
The current median days-on-market in Koh Samui ranges from around two to four months for prime, well-priced properties, to four to nine months for average stock, and nine to eighteen months or more for overpriced or legally complicated properties.
A clear reason selling time can lengthen in Koh Samui is affordability pressure and buyer caution, especially when sellers anchor to peak asking prices from 2022 to 2024 while buyers see more inventory and feel less urgency to close quickly.
Is it realistic to exit with profit in Koh Samui as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the likelihood of exiting with profit in Koh Samui is medium to high if you hold for at least three to five years and buy at or below fair value, especially if you generate rental income during the holding period.
The minimum holding period in Koh Samui that most often makes exiting with profit realistic is around three to five years, which allows time for capital appreciation to cover transaction costs and for rental income to contribute to total returns.
The total round-trip cost drag in Koh Samui, including transfer fees, taxes, and agent commissions on both sides, is roughly 6% to 10% of the property value, which equals approximately THB 900,000 to THB 1.5 million on a THB 15 million villa, or around USD 25,000 to USD 42,000, or EUR 23,000 to EUR 39,000.
The factor that most increases profit odds in Koh Samui is buying below market or during a soft period, targeting high-demand segments like turnkey sea-view villas or foreign-quota condos, and maintaining the property well for rental and resale appeal.
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Koh Samui
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Koh Samui, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can, and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of Thailand (BOT) - Property Price Index | Thailand's central bank with transparent, method-based housing indicators. | We used it to anchor Thailand-wide house and condo price trends. We also referenced their hedonic regression methodology for baseline price direction. |
| Bank of Thailand - Policy Interest Rate | Official source for Thailand's benchmark rate and MPC decisions. | We used it to frame the borrowing cost environment facing buyers in early 2026. We translated rate direction into affordability and demand implications. |
| C9 Hotelworks - Samui Property Market Update | Well-known hospitality and real estate research firm with published data sources. | We used it as the backbone for Koh Samui-specific supply, median pricing, and villa rental performance. We relied on their clear neighborhood segmentation. |
| Reuters - BOT Rate Cut Coverage | Top-tier wire service with strong standards and direct quotes from officials. | We used it to pin the January 2026 rate backdrop at 1.25%. We also used their macro context on household debt to balance the "lower rates = bullish" narrative. |
| Nishimura & Asahi | Leading law firm summarizing official Ministry of Interior notifications. | We used it to quantify the 2025-2026 transaction cost subsidy affecting buyer timing. We treated it as a policy lever pulling demand into early 2026. |
| Tilleke & Gibbins | Leading law firm with precise regulatory summaries. | We used it to triangulate the same fee reduction from a second independent legal source. We reflected it in the buy-now versus wait analysis. |
| Nation Thailand - Property Market | National outlet explicitly attributing claims to REIC reporting. | We used it to triangulate the cost-push versus demand dynamic. We explained why prices don't always crash quickly even when demand softens. |
| REIC (Government Housing Bank) | Thailand's dedicated real estate information center under a state institution. | We used REIC as the official housing market lens and triangulated findings through reputable secondary reporting. |
| Bangkok Post - LTV Rules | Major English-language Thai newspaper with detailed policy coverage. | We used it to detail the LTV relaxation through June 2026. We explained how the rule change affects buyer eligibility and financing options. |
| Hospitality Net - Samui Tourism | Industry publication compiling C9 Hotelworks data and expert commentary. | We used it to cross-check tourism arrival figures and hotel performance metrics. We referenced expert quotes on market outlook. |
| Conrad Properties - Market Forecast | Local real estate agency with boots-on-the-ground market knowledge. | We used their yield and appreciation estimates to sanity-check our return projections. We referenced their scarcity value observations. |
| Sukhothai Interlaw - Zoning Law | Legal firm specializing in Thai property law with detailed regulatory updates. | We used it to explain zoning and building rule discussions specific to Koh Samui. We highlighted the impact on permit compliance and property values. |
| RE/MAX Thailand | Major real estate agency with clear foreign ownership guidance. | We used it to explain the 49% foreign quota system for condos. We referenced it when discussing ownership structures for foreign buyers. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Thailand. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.