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 has become one of Southeast Asia's most sought-after destinations for villa buyers, attracting affluent foreigners from Europe, Hong Kong, and Australia who are drawn to its blend of tropical beauty and strong rental potential.
The island's strict building regulations have preserved its exclusive feel, keeping villa supply limited while demand from foreign buyers continues to grow, especially for beachfront and sea-view properties.
We constantly update this blog post to ensure you have the freshest data available on Koh Samui villa prices.
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.
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Daniel Rouquette 🇫🇷
CEO & Co-Founder at Villa Finder
How much do villas cost in Koh Samui in 2026?
What is the median and average price for villas in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, the median villa price in Koh Samui sits at around 16.3 million Thai Baht (approximately $480,000 USD or €440,000 EUR), while the estimated average villa price is closer to 24 million Thai Baht ($705,000 USD or €650,000 EUR).
The gap between median and average exists because Koh Samui has a significant luxury segment, with high-end beachfront and sea-view villas priced between 80 and 400 million Baht pulling the average upward, while the median reflects what a typical buyer actually pays.
Compared to Phuket, where prime beachfront land has reached price ceilings in many areas, Koh Samui still offers slightly better value per square meter while benefiting from stricter building regulations that preserve the island's exclusive character and long-term investment appeal.
What is the typical price range for villas in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, most Koh Samui villas for sale fall between 10 million and 30 million Thai Baht ($295,000 to $880,000 USD or €270,000 to €810,000 EUR), which represents the core of the market where foreign buyers actively search.
The median price per square meter for villas in Koh Samui is around 78,800 Thai Baht ($2,320 USD or €2,130 EUR per sqm), though prime sea-view locations can push this figure to 140,000 Baht or higher per square meter.
The minimum budget for a livable villa that meets typical foreign buyer expectations in Koh Samui starts at around 7 to 9 million Thai Baht ($205,000 to $265,000 USD or €190,000 to €245,000 EUR), usually getting you a 2-3 bedroom inland property with a small pool.
A villa in Koh Samui is generally considered "luxury" when priced above 40 million Thai Baht ($1.18 million USD or €1.08 million EUR), with ultra-luxury beachfront estates often starting at 80 to 100 million Baht and above.
You'll find much more detailed data in our pack about the property market in Koh Samui.
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How do villa prices vary by area in Koh Samui in 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the most expensive villas in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, the priciest villa neighborhoods in Koh Samui are Choeng Mon, Plai Laem, Bophut (including the hills behind Fisherman's Village), and Chaweng Noi, all located in the island's prestigious northeast corridor where foreign demand concentrates.
Villas in these premium Koh Samui neighborhoods typically range from 30 million to over 100 million Thai Baht ($880,000 to $2.9 million USD or €810,000 to €2.7 million EUR), with true beachfront properties often exceeding 200 million Baht for trophy-quality estates.
What makes these Koh Samui neighborhoods command such premium prices is the combination of limited remaining beachfront land, proximity to the airport and amenities, and protected sea views that cannot be built out, creating genuine scarcity that foreign buyers are willing to pay for.
Where are the most affordable villa areas in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, the most affordable areas for villas in Koh Samui include Nathon on the west coast, inland pockets of Lamai and Maret, inland Maenam and Bang Por in the north, and the quieter southern areas around Laem Sor.
Villas in these more affordable Koh Samui areas typically range from 5 million to 15 million Thai Baht ($147,000 to $440,000 USD or €135,000 to €405,000 EUR), with price per square meter often between 40,000 and 75,000 Baht ($1,175 to $2,200 USD or €1,080 to €2,025 EUR).
The trade-offs in these budget-friendly Koh Samui areas include longer distances to beaches and tourist amenities, fewer dining and shopping options nearby, steeper or less convenient road access, and generally lower rental income potential if you plan to rent out your villa.
You should know that we have a page with a list of best areas to buy real estate in Koh Samui.
How big are price gaps between villa neighborhoods in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, the price gap between Koh Samui's most affordable inland areas (around 50,000 Baht per sqm) and prime beachfront zones (around 250,000 Baht per sqm) represents roughly a 5x multiplier, which translates to a difference of millions of dollars for comparable-sized villas.
Between neighboring areas in Koh Samui, such as inland Bophut versus sea-view Bophut hillside, you can expect price differences of 30% to 80%, or roughly 5 to 15 million Thai Baht ($147,000 to $440,000 USD or €135,000 to €405,000 EUR) on a typical villa.
The main factor creating these Koh Samui price disparities is view quality combined with proximity to the beach, since sea-view and beachfront land is finite while inland plots remain more available, making coastal premium the dominant pricing driver.
These neighborhood price gaps in Koh Samui have been widening in recent years as foreign-led demand concentrates in the prime northeast corridor while stricter building regulations limit new beachfront supply, pushing premium zone prices up faster than inland areas.
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 types of villas exist in Koh Samui and how do prices differ?
What are the different villa types in Koh Samui?
The main villa types in Koh Samui include inland garden pool villas, hillside sea-view villas with tropical modern or Thai-contemporary design, beach-access villas within walking distance of sand, true beachfront villas, and managed or branded residence villas with hotel-style services.
For value seekers, inland garden pool villas in Koh Samui offer the best price per square meter because you pay primarily for the build quality and land size rather than view premiums, making them ideal for buyers who prioritize living space over panoramic scenery.
Among foreign buyers in Koh Samui, hillside sea-view villas with private infinity pools are the most popular choice because they combine the dramatic ocean vistas that attract tourists to the island with the privacy and rental income potential that investors seek.
Are off-plan villas cheaper than completed ones in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, off-plan villas in Koh Samui typically sell at a 5% to 12% discount compared to equivalent completed properties, which on a 20 million Baht villa means savings of roughly 1 to 2.4 million Baht ($29,000 to $70,500 USD or €27,000 to €65,000 EUR).
Many foreign buyers in Koh Samui actually prefer completed villas over off-plan purchases because island construction quality can vary significantly, and seeing the finished product eliminates uncertainty about workmanship, materials, and actual views from the property.
As of early 2026, new villa developments in Koh Samui are concentrating in Bophut, Maenam, and Lamai/Maret, where developable land remains assemblable and tourism demand is proven, with Bophut alone accounting for about 70% of new supply by unit count.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Koh Samui
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Which features increase villa prices the most in Koh Samui?
How much does sea view increase villa prices in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, a good unobstructed sea view typically adds 15% to 35% to a Koh Samui villa's price compared to an otherwise identical property without the view, with panoramic sunset-facing views commanding the higher end of that premium range.
In concrete terms, this sea-view premium in Koh Samui translates to roughly 3 to 8 million Thai Baht ($88,000 to $235,000 USD or €81,000 to €216,000 EUR) on a mid-range villa, making view quality one of the most significant price drivers on the island.
Is private pool a major price driver for villas in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, a private pool adds approximately 8% to 18% to a Koh Samui villa's price, though in this market a pool is more of an expected feature than a luxury add-on, especially for properties targeting foreign buyers or the rental market.
This pool premium in Koh Samui typically amounts to 1.5 to 4 million Thai Baht ($44,000 to $118,000 USD or €40,500 to €108,000 EUR), depending on pool size, design complexity, and whether it includes features like an infinity edge or integrated terrace.
The vast majority of villas marketed to foreign buyers in Koh Samui, estimated at over 80%, already come with private pools as standard, making a pool almost a baseline requirement rather than a differentiating feature in this market segment.
Infinity pools and larger swimming pools in Koh Samui do command additional premiums of 5% to 10% over standard plunge pools, particularly when combined with sea views where the infinity edge creates that seamless horizon effect tourists love to photograph.
Does beachfront location multiply villa prices in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, true beachfront villas in Koh Samui command prices 1.8 to 3.0 times higher than comparable inland properties, making beachfront location by far the strongest price multiplier on the island.
This beachfront premium in Koh Samui often means paying an additional 20 to 60 million Thai Baht ($590,000 to $1.76 million USD or €540,000 to €1.62 million EUR) compared to a similar-quality villa set back from the beach.
What are other features adding a lot of value to villas in Koh Samui?
Beyond sea views and pools, the top five value-adding features for Koh Samui villas are easy paved road access (steep hillside roads hurt resale), clean title documentation (especially important for foreign buyers), proximity to Bophut or Chaweng amenities, professional property management setup, and privacy from neighboring construction.
Large private gardens with mature tropical landscaping in Koh Samui typically add a 5% to 12% premium to villa prices, partly because established gardens signal a well-maintained property and partly because lush grounds photograph beautifully for rental listings.
The features that provide the best return on investment for Koh Samui villa owners are rental management agreements with proven operators and solar panel installations, both of which directly improve net income and appeal strongly to the eco-conscious travelers now dominating the high-end rental market.
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.
What extra costs are hidden behind villa prices in Koh Samui?
How much are purchase taxes and fees for villas in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, total purchase taxes and fees for villas in Koh Samui typically range from 1% to 6% of the property's assessed value, with the exact amount depending on deal structure, ownership history, and how costs are negotiated between buyer and seller.
The main cost categories for Koh Samui villa buyers include the transfer fee (commonly 2% of appraised value), stamp duty or Specific Business Tax (varying by seller's holding period), withholding tax (often seller-side but negotiable), and for foreigners, company setup or leasehold structuring fees that can add 50,000 to 150,000 Baht ($1,470 to $4,410 USD or €1,350 to €4,050 EUR).
Legal fees for a Koh Samui villa purchase, including due diligence on titles, contract review, and registration assistance, typically run between 30,000 and 100,000 Thai Baht ($880 to $2,940 USD or €810 to €2,700 EUR), though complex foreign ownership structures can push this higher.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a page detailing all the property taxes and fees in Koh Samui.
What are typical annual maintenance costs for villas in Koh Samui?
A standard 3-bedroom pool villa in Koh Samui typically costs between 200,000 and 400,000 Thai Baht ($5,880 to $11,760 USD or €5,400 to €10,800 EUR) per year to maintain, which represents roughly 1% to 2% of property value for a mid-range villa.
The main recurring expense categories for Koh Samui villa owners include pool and garden maintenance, air conditioning servicing, general cleaning, pest control, minor repairs, property insurance, and the Land and Buildings Tax (typically 0.02% to 0.3% of government appraised value).
Pool maintenance alone in Koh Samui's tropical climate runs approximately 30,000 to 60,000 Thai Baht ($880 to $1,760 USD or €810 to €1,620 EUR) per year for chemicals, cleaning, and pump upkeep, with saltwater pools at the higher end due to specialized equipment needs.
The often-overlooked maintenance costs that surprise Koh Samui villa owners include rapid mold growth during monsoon season requiring professional treatment, termite prevention treatments essential in tropical climates, and salt air corrosion on metal fixtures and electronics that accelerates replacement cycles.
Get to know the market before buying a property in Koh Samui
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What insider pricing realities should foreigners know in Koh Samui?
Are villa asking prices usually negotiable in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, villa asking prices in Koh Samui are almost always negotiable, with sellers typically building in a margin above their true target price, especially for resale properties and villas that have been listed for several months.
Foreign buyers in Koh Samui can realistically expect to negotiate 5% to 12% off the asking price on most resale villas, with motivated sellers or overpriced listings sometimes accepting discounts of 15% to 20%, while correctly priced prime beachfront or sea-view villas may move at close to asking price.
Are real estate agents reliable for villas in Koh Samui right now?
Real estate agent reliability in Koh Samui varies significantly, with established agencies offering professional service and transparent dealings, while some smaller operators may prioritize quick commissions over buyer interests, making careful agent selection essential for foreign buyers.
The most common complaints about villa agents in Koh Samui involve incomplete disclosure of title issues or ownership structures, pressure to make quick decisions without proper due diligence, and limited knowledge of the specific legal requirements that apply to foreign buyers under Thai law.
Agent commission rates for villa transactions in Koh Samui typically range from 3% to 5% of the sale price, paid by the seller, though this cost is effectively built into listing prices, and beachfront or luxury properties often command the higher 5% rate.
Dealing with a bad agent is one of the mistakes people sometimes make when buying a property in Koh Samui.
Do foreigners usually overpay for villas in Koh Samui?
Foreigners purchasing villas in Koh Samui do tend to pay a premium of roughly 5% to 15% compared to what informed local buyers might pay, primarily due to unfamiliarity with neighborhood micro-pricing and emotional decision-making driven by vacation-mode property tours.
The main reasons foreigners overpay in Koh Samui include comparing prices across incomparable neighborhoods, undervaluing road access quality on hillside properties, and failing to verify that asking prices align with actual recent comparable sales rather than aspirational seller expectations.
Hiring a local property lawyer or independent buying representative in Koh Samui can save foreigners significantly more than the fee cost by identifying overpriced listings, negotiating more effectively, and catching title or structural issues that would be expensive to resolve after purchase.
By the way, we have built our pack covering the property buying process in Koh Samui also because a lot of foreign buyers make big mistakes (such as overpaying for a villa).
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.
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 (RPPI) | Thailand's central bank publishes standardized housing price indices. | We used it to anchor the macro direction of housing prices in southern Thailand. We treated it as a reality check so Koh Samui estimates stay grounded in regional trends. |
| Colliers Thailand | Global real estate consultancy with formal Koh Samui market coverage. | We used it to identify prime villa zones and pricing drivers. We relied on it for neighborhood-level conclusions and appreciation differentials. |
| FazWaz | Large Thai property portal with transparent listing counts and medians. | We used it as the villa-specific quantitative backbone for median prices. We derived 2026 pricing ranges by analyzing live inventory patterns. |
| DDProperty | PropertyGuru's Thailand brand, one of Southeast Asia's biggest platforms. | We used it to cross-check FazWaz medians against another major portal. We especially examined upper-end villa listings to calibrate luxury thresholds. |
| C9 Hotelworks | Recognized hospitality research consultancy with transparent tourism metrics. | We used it to validate the tourism rebound supporting villa demand. We cited it as context for why prime coastal villa pricing stays resilient. |
| Thailand Revenue Department | Official tax authority for Thailand. | We used it as the official reference for stamp duty and transfer fee categories. We grounded the fees section in government sources before using practical summaries. |
| Thailand Fiscal Policy Office | Government finance site hosting the Land and Buildings Tax Act text. | We used it to ground annual holding costs in actual Thai law. We kept the annual costs section from relying on informal sources. |
| Forbes & Partners | Legal practice with clear breakdowns of official fees and taxes. | We used it to translate tax categories into a buyer-friendly checklist. We applied it only after anchoring components in Revenue Department sources. |
| Charlesdel | Property platform with 15+ years of Koh Samui market experience. | We used it for market structure insights and listing analysis. We cross-referenced their price band data with other portal sources. |
| Conrad Properties | Established Koh Samui agency with detailed ownership cost breakdowns. | We used it for maintenance cost ranges and ROI calculations. We cited their pool and garden upkeep estimates for annual expense guidance. |
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.
