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
The Koh Samui property market has experienced remarkable growth since 2020, with condo and villa prices rebounding 18-30% from pandemic lows.
Current data shows condo prices averaging 59,250-88,500 THB per square meter while villas command around 60,600 THB per square meter, with beachfront properties commanding significant premiums. The market is experiencing a supply surge with over 1,097 new condo units under construction, while rental yields remain attractive at 6-8% for villas and 5-7% for condos.
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.
Koh Samui's property market shows strong momentum with prices rebounding significantly since 2020 and rental yields outperforming mainland Thailand markets.
Foreign buyers dominate 60-70% of purchases, while new supply additions and infrastructure improvements signal continued growth potential through 2030.
| Market Indicator | Current Status (September 2025) | 5-Year Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Condo Prices per sqm | 59,250-88,500 THB | 5-7% annual growth |
| Villa Prices per sqm | ~60,600 THB | 5-7% annual growth |
| Rental Yields (Villas) | 6-8% | Stable to improving |
| Holiday Rental Occupancy | 71.5% | Improving with infrastructure |
| Foreign Buyer Share | 60-70% | Stable |
| New Supply Pipeline | 1,097+ condo units | Continued expansion |
| Time on Market | 60-120 days | Shortening trend |
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Daniel Rouquette 🇫🇷
CEO & Co-Founder at Villa Finder
What's the current average price per square meter for condos and villas in Koh Samui, and how has that changed over the past 5 years?
As of September 2025, condos in Koh Samui average 59,250-88,500 THB per square meter, while villas command around 60,600 THB per square meter.
The market has experienced dramatic price recovery since the pandemic lows of 2020-2021. Condo prices have rebounded 18-30% from their lowest points, with some segments seeing even steeper increases of 25-75% depending on location and quality. Luxury beachfront villas have seen the most substantial appreciation, with select high-end properties increasing 35-40% over the five-year period.
Basic inland villas now start from 5 million THB, while luxury beachfront estates exceed 80 million THB. The median price for landed properties sits around 60,600 THB per square meter, representing significant appreciation from the 40,000-50,000 THB per square meter range seen in 2020 for condominiums.
This price recovery reflects the island's tourism rebound, increased foreign buyer interest, and limited supply of prime beachfront properties. The market has essentially returned to pre-pandemic levels and exceeded them in many segments.
It's something we develop in our Thailand property pack.
How many new residential projects are under construction or approved in Koh Samui right now?
Koh Samui has multiple large-scale residential projects currently under construction, with at least 1,097 new condominium units coming online from major developments.
The two largest projects driving this supply surge are Anava Samui with 564 units and Wing Samui contributing 533 units. These developments represent a significant shift in the island's property landscape, as the market is now 52% condominiums by unit count, marking a notable change from its previous villa-dominated structure.
This supply expansion reflects developer confidence in the market and strong pre-sales activity. The villa rental supply alone grew by 34% year-on-year as of January 2025, indicating robust developer activity across both condo and villa segments.
Additional smaller projects are also under development, though exact unit counts for all projects aren't publicly available. The focus remains on premium and luxury segments, catering to the strong foreign buyer demand that dominates the market.
What is the average rental yield for villas and condos, and how does it compare to Phuket and Bangkok?
Koh Samui offers competitive rental yields with villas typically generating 6-8% gross annual returns and condos yielding 5-7%.
Compared to other major Thai destinations, Samui remains attractive for holiday-oriented investments. Phuket sees similar or slightly lower gross rental yields for prime villas, while Bangkok condos typically yield 4-6% gross, making Samui's returns notably stronger than the capital.
The higher yields in Samui stem from the island's premium positioning as a luxury holiday destination, strong seasonal demand, and limited supply of quality rental properties. Holiday rental occupancy currently stands at 71.5% island-wide, up 5.7 percentage points year-on-year.
Seasonal variation significantly impacts returns, with high season (December-March) occupancy rates reaching 80-90% versus 50-60% during the low (monsoon) season. This seasonality is more pronounced than in Bangkok but comparable to other island destinations like Phuket.
How many property transactions were recorded in Koh Samui last year, and what's the year-on-year growth rate?
While exact transaction counts for 2024 aren't published in available sources, market indicators show substantial year-on-year growth in transaction volumes.
The villa rental supply surge of 34% year-on-year as of January 2025 reflects significant developer and investor activity. This growth, combined with rising occupancy rates and the substantial new supply pipeline, indicates robust transaction volumes, particularly for rental properties.
Average time-on-market has shortened from 90-180 days three years ago to 60-120 days in 2025, suggesting increased transaction velocity and stronger buyer demand. Premium beachfront properties move fastest in the current market conditions.
The combination of new project launches, strong foreign buyer interest, and tourism recovery has created an active transaction environment, though comprehensive transaction data would require access to Land Department records.
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What percentage of buyers are foreign investors versus Thai nationals, and from which countries are most foreign buyers coming?
Foreign nationals dominate the Koh Samui property market, representing approximately 60-70% of villa and new condo buyers.
The key foreign buyer demographics include investors and end-users from Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Australia, the United Kingdom, and various European countries. These buyers are attracted by the island's lifestyle offering, rental yield potential, and relatively accessible ownership structures for condominiums.
Thai nationals primarily purchase entry-level condominiums or participate as developer-investors in larger projects. The local buyer segment is smaller partly due to the premium pricing levels and the island's positioning as an international destination.
This foreign buyer dominance is sustainable due to Thailand's condo ownership laws allowing foreigners to own up to 49% of total building area on a freehold basis, making condos more accessible than villas which require leasehold or corporate ownership structures.
What's the current occupancy rate for holiday rentals on the island, and how does it vary between high and low season?
Holiday rental occupancy in Koh Samui currently averages 71.5% island-wide as of Q1 2025, representing a 5.7 percentage point increase year-on-year.
Seasonal variation is pronounced, with high season (December-March) occupancy rates reaching 80-90% for well-positioned properties, while low season (monsoon period) drops to 50-60%. This seasonal pattern reflects the island's weather cycles and international tourism patterns.
The occupancy recovery follows the easing of travel restrictions and the return of international tourism to pre-pandemic levels. Villa properties in prime beachfront locations typically achieve higher occupancy rates than inland or less premium properties.
This occupancy performance supports the rental yield expectations of 6-8% for villas and 5-7% for condos, making Koh Samui attractive for investors focused on holiday rental income streams.
How have land prices in prime beachfront areas like Chaweng and Lamai changed compared to inland areas?
Prime beachfront areas in Chaweng and Lamai have experienced more aggressive price appreciation than inland locations over the past five years.
Beachfront land prices have gained 25-35% over five years, significantly outpacing inland areas which have seen more moderate growth of 15-20%. This premium reflects the scarcity of developable beachfront land and strong demand from luxury villa developers and international buyers.
The price differential between beachfront and inland continues to widen, with beachfront land commanding substantial premiums over hillside and flat inland plots. Environmental regulations and limited beachfront availability contribute to this pricing pressure.
Inland areas, particularly flats and hillsides, remain more affordable but still participate in the overall market appreciation. These areas attract buyers seeking larger plots or more budget-conscious investors.
It's something we develop in our Thailand property pack.
What's the forecasted annual growth rate in property values over the next 3 to 5 years, according to market analysts?
Market analysts forecast annual property value growth of 5-7% over the next 3-5 years for the Koh Samui market.
This projection is supported by several factors including limited supply of prime beachfront properties, increasing international tourist arrivals, and planned infrastructure upgrades. The beachfront and luxury segments are projected to outperform standard inland properties due to continued demand and scarcity.
The growth forecast assumes continued political stability, sustained tourism growth, and completion of planned infrastructure projects. Environmental regulations that limit new beachfront development also support price appreciation through supply constraints.
These projections position Koh Samui as a steady appreciation market rather than a speculative boom, appealing to long-term investors seeking capital growth combined with rental income potential.
How does Koh Samui's property tax and foreign ownership structure affect demand compared to other Thai destinations?
Koh Samui's property tax and ownership framework creates competitive advantages that sustain foreign buyer demand.
| Ownership Type | Foreign Accessibility | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Condominiums | Freehold (up to 49% of building) | Direct ownership, most accessible |
| Villa with Land | 30-year leasehold | Renewable, common structure |
| Corporate Structure | Effective ownership via company | More complex, requires legal setup |
| Property Taxes | Moderate compared to regional hubs | Lower than Singapore, Hong Kong |
| Transaction Costs | Standard Thai rates | Legal and transfer fees apply |
Thailand's friendly tax regime and accessible condo ownership laws keep demand strong among international buyers. Transaction friction exists through fees and legal costs, but remains moderate compared to other regional investment destinations.
The combination of freehold condo ownership availability and leasehold villa options provides flexibility for different buyer preferences and budgets.
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 infrastructure projects are planned that could impact property values?
Key infrastructure developments planned for Koh Samui include airport expansion and road network improvements that are expected to boost property values.
The proposed Koh Samui airport expansion will enhance the island's accessibility for international visitors, potentially increasing tourist arrivals and supporting rental demand. New and renovated ring roads will improve internal connectivity and open up previously less accessible areas for development.
These infrastructure improvements are expected to have both short-term and long-term positive impacts on property values, especially in newly connected areas that become more accessible to the airport and main beaches.
The infrastructure upgrades support the overall market forecast of 5-7% annual growth by improving the island's fundamental attractiveness as a destination for both tourism and property investment.
What are the average time-on-market figures for villas and condos, and how does that compare to 3 years ago?
Average time-on-market for both villas and condos has shortened significantly from 90-180 days three years ago to 60-120 days in 2025.
This reduction reflects higher buyer demand and more limited supply of quality properties. Premium beachfront homes move quickest in the current market, while less popular inland properties take longer to transact but still sell faster than in previous years.
The shortened sales cycles indicate a seller's market with strong buyer competition, particularly for well-positioned properties in prime locations like Chaweng and Lamai beachfront areas.
This trend supports the overall market strength and suggests continued price appreciation potential as buyer demand outpaces available inventory.
It's something we develop in our Thailand property pack.
What risks or regulatory changes could slow down or accelerate the property market in Koh Samui in the near future?
Several potential risks and accelerators could significantly impact the Koh Samui property market trajectory.
Downside risks include:
- Changes in land lease laws affecting foreign ownership structures
- Stricter enforcement of foreign ownership regulations
- Environmental regulations aimed at preserving the island's ecosystem
- Sudden surges in new supply overwhelming demand
- Currency volatility affecting international buyer purchasing power
- New taxes or capital controls targeting foreign property investment
Upside accelerators include:
- Further airport upgrades beyond current expansion plans
- New direct international flight routes increasing accessibility
- Government incentives specifically targeting foreign property buyers
- Successful completion of planned infrastructure projects
- Continued tourism growth exceeding current projections
The regulatory environment remains the key variable, as changes to foreign ownership rules or land lease laws could significantly impact buyer sentiment and market activity.
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 presents a compelling investment opportunity with strong fundamentals and positive momentum heading into 2026.
The combination of limited supply, strong foreign demand, attractive rental yields, and planned infrastructure improvements positions the market for continued growth, though investors should remain aware of regulatory risks and market cyclicality.
Sources
- Asia Property Awards - Koh Samui's Residential Market
- Bangkok Post - Samui Property Market
- Statista - Thailand Average Apartment Price Koh Samui
- BambooRoutes - Koh Samui Price Forecasts
- KaiBaanThai - Koh Samui Condos
- Conrad Properties - Cost of Buying Villa Koh Samui
- Conrad Properties - Koh Samui Market Trends
- Horizon Homes - Koh Samui Property Market