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
This guide breaks down everything a foreign buyer needs to know about the Koh Samui property market in 2026, including current housing prices in Koh Samui and how the market actually behaves for non-professional individuals.
We update this blog post regularly because the Koh Samui real estate market keeps evolving, especially for foreigners navigating ownership rules and local dynamics.
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's the real estate market going in Koh Samui in 2026?
What's the average days-on-market in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average days-on-market for residential properties in Koh Samui sits around 110 days for typical resale homes, though this number varies significantly depending on property type and pricing accuracy.
The realistic range in Koh Samui spans from roughly 45 to 80 days for well-priced condos near Bophut or Bangrak, up to 150 to 240 days or more for luxury sea-view villas that often wait for the "right" international buyer.
Compared to one or two years ago, properties in Koh Samui are now moving at a similar pace, since the market remains a thin, negotiation-heavy island environment where inventory can linger unless priced correctly from day one.
Are properties selling above or below asking in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated median sale-to-asking price ratio for residential properties in Koh Samui is approximately 95%, meaning most homes sell about 5% below their initial asking price.
Roughly 70 to 80% of properties in Koh Samui sell at or below asking, while only about 10 to 15% of homes in prime locations with strong rental potential actually trade at or slightly above the listed price, though this estimate carries moderate confidence given the island's opaque transaction data.
Properties most likely to see above-asking sales in Koh Samui include well-priced homes within walking distance of Fisherman's Village in Bophut, units near Samui Airport in Bangrak, and villas with proven short-term rental income in Choeng Mon or Plai Laem.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Koh Samui.
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 kinds of residential properties can I realistically buy in Koh Samui?
What property types dominate in Koh Samui right now?
In Koh Samui, the residential property market breaks down roughly into 48% villas and landed houses, and 52% condominiums or apartment-style units, though villas remain the island's signature product and attract most foreign buyer attention.
Villas, particularly pool villas and sea-view hillside properties, represent the property type that most defines Koh Samui's real estate identity, even as condo supply has grown in recent years.
This villa dominance developed because Koh Samui built its reputation on privacy, tropical living, and holiday rental potential, with strict building regulations limiting high-rise development and preserving the island's exclusive, low-density character.
If you want to know more, you should read our dedicated analyses:
- How much should you pay for a house in Koh Samui?
- How much should you pay for a villa in Koh Samui?
- How much should you pay for lands in Koh Samui?
Are new builds widely available in Koh Samui right now?
New-build properties account for an estimated 30 to 40% of all residential listings currently available in Koh Samui, with new villa projects more common than new condo developments due to the island's character and buyer preferences.
As of early 2026, the highest concentration of new-build developments in Koh Samui can be found in Bophut (including Bophut hills and areas near Fisherman's Village), Plai Laem, Bangrak, Choeng Mon, and pockets of Mae Nam, with Bophut alone accounting for roughly 70% of new project supply.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Koh Samui
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
Which neighborhoods are improving fastest in Koh Samui in 2026?
Which areas in Koh Samui are gentrifying in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top neighborhoods in Koh Samui showing the clearest signs of gentrification include Bophut (especially around Fisherman's Village and the surrounding hills), Mae Nam and the Ban Tai to Bang Por corridor, and parts of Bangrak and Plai Laem.
Visible changes indicating gentrification in these Koh Samui areas include the opening of boutique cafes, wellness centers, and co-working spaces in Mae Nam, the expansion of upscale beachfront dining and lifestyle shops along Fisherman's Village, and the arrival of branded villa developments targeting affluent expats in Plai Laem.
Over the past two to three years, these gentrifying neighborhoods in Koh Samui have seen estimated price appreciation of roughly 5 to 12% annually, with Bophut and Plai Laem at the higher end due to their combination of accessibility, beach appeal, and strong short-term rental demand.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Koh Samui.
Where are infrastructure projects boosting demand in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top areas in Koh Samui where major infrastructure projects are boosting housing demand include zones near Samui Airport (Bangrak, Plai Laem), the Nathon port area on the west side, and coastal zones that would benefit from improved mainland connectivity.
The specific infrastructure projects driving demand in Koh Samui include the multi-hundred-million-baht Samui Airport expansion (adding gates and capacity), the proposed Samui sea-bridge connecting the island to the mainland, and the government-backed cruise terminal development aimed at attracting higher-spending tourists.
The Samui Airport expansion is expected to be completed in phases through 2027, while the Samui sea-bridge project is anticipated to reach cabinet approval in late 2026 at the earliest, and the cruise terminal has an official target completion of 2032.
In Koh Samui, property prices near announced infrastructure projects typically see a modest 5 to 10% bump upon announcement, with a more substantial 15 to 25% premium once projects near completion, though the sea-bridge and cruise terminal carry significant timing uncertainty that buyers should factor into any premium they pay today.
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.
What do locals and insiders say the market feels like in Koh Samui?
Do people think homes are overpriced in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, the general sentiment among locals and market insiders in Koh Samui is that many properties, especially luxury sea-view villas, are overpriced relative to what the actual buyer pool is willing to pay.
People in Koh Samui commonly cite long listing times (sometimes spanning multiple high seasons), the gap between asking prices and actual closing prices, and the fact that similar properties in Phuket offer better liquidity as evidence that some Samui homes are overvalued.
Those who believe prices are fair in Koh Samui often point to the island's limited developable land, strict building regulations that preserve exclusivity, strong short-term rental yields of 6 to 12%, and the fact that Samui remains 30 to 40% cheaper than equivalent Phuket properties.
The price-to-income ratio in Koh Samui is essentially irrelevant for most buyers because the market is dominated by foreign cash purchasers and lifestyle investors rather than local wage earners, making traditional affordability metrics less meaningful than in typical Thai residential markets.
What are common buyer mistakes people regret in Koh Samui right now?
The most frequently cited buyer mistake people regret in Koh Samui is purchasing a villa with a stunning view but steep, difficult road access that becomes a daily frustration during rainy season and significantly hurts resale value when they try to exit.
The second most common buyer mistake in Koh Samui is not verifying the legal ownership structure early enough, leading to unexpected complexity around land leases, building ownership splits, or discovering that a "simple villa purchase" actually involves a Thai company arrangement with compliance requirements they did not anticipate.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Koh Samui.
It's because of these mistakes that we have decided to build our pack covering the property buying process in Koh Samui.
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Koh Samui
Don't repeat the same mistakes others have made before you. Make sure everything is in order before signing your sales contract.
How easy is it for foreigners to buy in Koh Samui in 2026?
Do foreigners face extra challenges in Koh Samui right now?
Foreigners face a moderately high difficulty level when buying property in Koh Samui compared to local Thai buyers, primarily because they cannot own land directly and must navigate alternative ownership structures like leaseholds or condominiums.
The specific legal restrictions for foreign buyers in Koh Samui include the prohibition on direct land ownership under Thailand's Land Code, the 49% foreign ownership quota for condominium buildings, the maximum 30-year registered lease term (with renewals subject to renegotiation rather than automatic), and the 2024-2025 government crackdown on nominee shareholder arrangements.
Practical challenges foreigners most commonly encounter in Koh Samui include the limited availability of freehold condos on the island (only a handful of mid-market projects exist, unlike Phuket's diverse condo supply), the need to transfer funds from overseas and obtain proper Foreign Exchange Transaction documentation, and the reliance on Thai-language contracts that require professional translation and legal review.
We will tell you more in our blog article about foreigner property ownership in Koh Samui.
Do banks lend to foreigners in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgage financing for foreign buyers in Koh Samui is available in limited circumstances, but the vast majority of foreign purchases remain cash transactions because Thai banks rarely lend to non-residents without strong Thailand-based income documentation.
Foreign buyers who do qualify for financing in Koh Samui can typically expect loan-to-value ratios of 30 to 50% (meaning 50 to 70% down payment required), with interest rates ranging from approximately 5 to 8% depending on the bank and borrower profile.
Banks in Koh Samui typically require foreign mortgage applicants to provide proof of legal Thai residency or a valid work permit, at least 6 to 12 months of Thailand-sourced income documentation, tax filing records, and evidence of funds transferred through official banking channels with proper Foreign Exchange Transaction forms.
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.
How risky is buying in Koh Samui compared to other nearby markets?
Is Koh Samui more volatile than nearby places in 2026?
As of early 2026, Koh Samui shows moderate price volatility compared to nearby markets: it is more volatile than Bangkok's stable urban residential sector, roughly comparable to Phuket's resort zones, and less liquid than Phuket's most institutionalized condo markets due to Samui's smaller buyer pool and unique villa-heavy inventory.
Over the past decade, Koh Samui has experienced price swings of roughly 5 to 12% annually in prime areas, with a notable dip during the 2020-2021 pandemic period followed by recovery, whereas Phuket saw similar patterns but with faster recovery due to deeper foreign buyer liquidity, and Bangkok maintained steadier, lower single-digit annual movements.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing the updated housing prices in Koh Samui.
Is Koh Samui resilient during downturns historically?
Koh Samui has shown moderate historical resilience during economic downturns, with prime lifestyle areas holding value better than remote or hard-to-access hillside properties that depend on a narrow luxury buyer pool.
During the most recent major downturn (the 2020-2021 pandemic), property prices in Koh Samui dropped an estimated 10 to 20% in weaker segments, while prime areas like Bophut and Bangrak saw smaller declines of 5 to 10%, with recovery to pre-pandemic levels taking roughly 2 to 3 years as tourism returned.
The property types and neighborhoods in Koh Samui that have historically held value best during downturns include well-located villas in Bophut near Fisherman's Village, practical family homes in Bangrak and Plai Laem with airport access, and properties with proven rental income streams that continued generating returns even when capital values softened.
Get to know the market before you buy a property in Koh Samui
Better information leads to better decisions. Get all the data you need before investing a large amount of money. Download our guide.
How strong is rental demand behind the scenes in Koh Samui in 2026?
Is long-term rental demand growing in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, long-term rental demand in Koh Samui is growing moderately, driven by an increasing number of expats, remote workers, and retirees choosing the island for extended stays of 6 months or longer.
The tenant demographics driving long-term rental demand in Koh Samui include European and Australian retirees seeking tropical lifestyles, digital nomads attracted by Thailand's 5-year DTV visa introduced in 2024, and families with children attending one of Samui's six international schools.
The neighborhoods in Koh Samui with the strongest long-term rental demand right now are Bophut (for its walkable lifestyle and Fisherman's Village amenities), Mae Nam (for its quieter atmosphere and value), Bangrak (for airport proximity and expat services), and select pockets of Lamai with good beach access and dining options.
You might want to check our latest analysis about rental yields in Koh Samui.
Is short-term rental demand growing in Koh Samui in 2026?
Short-term rentals in Koh Samui operate in a regulatory gray area where properties without proper hotel licensing may technically violate Thai hotel laws, though enforcement varies and most villa rentals continue operating with minimal interference as long as they maintain good community relations.
As of early 2026, short-term rental demand in Koh Samui is growing steadily, supported by the island welcoming 2.78 million passengers in 2024 and continuing 9% year-over-year growth into 2025, with villa rental inventory expanding 34% year-over-year.
The current estimated average occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Koh Samui is approximately 71% annually, though this varies dramatically by season, ranging from lows around 38% in September to peaks above 76% in February during high season.
The guest demographics driving short-term rental demand in Koh Samui include European holidaymakers (especially from the UK, Germany, and France) seeking private villa experiences, Australian families during school holidays, and increasingly, affluent Asian travelers from China, Hong Kong, and Singapore looking for beach alternatives to Bali.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Koh Samui.
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 are the realistic short-term and long-term projections for Koh Samui in 2026?
What's the 12-month outlook for demand in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, the 12-month demand outlook for residential property in Koh Samui is steady-to-positive for well-located, correctly priced homes, while aspirational luxury pricing will likely continue to see slower absorption and extended listing times.
The key economic and political factors most likely to influence Koh Samui property demand over the next 12 months include Thailand's tourism recovery trajectory, the Bank of Thailand's temporary LTV relaxation (supportive through mid-2026), potential progress on the 99-year leasehold proposal, and any further government crackdowns on nominee ownership structures.
The forecasted price movement for Koh Samui over the next 12 months is approximately 3 to 7% appreciation in prime areas like Bophut, Choeng Mon, and Plai Laem, with flatter or even slightly negative movement in oversupplied or less accessible segments.
By the way, we also have an update regarding price forecasts in Thailand.
What's the 3 to 5 year outlook for housing in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, the 3 to 5 year outlook for housing prices and demand in Koh Samui is cautiously positive, with cumulative appreciation of 20 to 35% expected in prime areas if infrastructure projects advance and tourism continues strengthening.
The major development projects expected to shape Koh Samui over the next 3 to 5 years include the Samui Airport expansion (completion phases through 2027), the proposed Samui sea-bridge (if approved and funded), the cruise terminal development (targeted for 2032), and continued investment in branded residence and eco-luxury villa projects.
The single biggest uncertainty that could alter the 3 to 5 year outlook for Koh Samui is whether the Thai government will enact meaningful foreign ownership reform (such as the 99-year leasehold proposal or raised condo quotas), as this could dramatically increase or decrease foreign buyer demand depending on the direction of policy.
Are demographics or other trends pushing prices up in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, demographic and lifestyle trends are having a meaningful positive impact on Koh Samui housing prices, primarily through "imported demand" from international buyers rather than local population growth.
The specific demographic shifts most affecting prices in Koh Samui include the wave of European and Australian early retirees seeking warm-climate second homes, the growing population of location-independent workers taking advantage of Thailand's Digital Nomad Visa, and increased interest from Hong Kong and Singaporean investors seeking regional alternatives.
Non-demographic trends also pushing Koh Samui prices include the post-pandemic preference for private villa accommodations over hotels, the rise of wellness and eco-tourism positioning Samui as a health-focused destination, and the flow of investment capital seeking rental yields in the 6 to 12% range that Samui villas can deliver.
These demographic and trend-driven price pressures are expected to continue in Koh Samui for at least the next 5 to 10 years, as global remote work adoption shows no signs of reversing, Thailand continues welcoming long-stay visitors, and Samui's limited developable land ensures supply constraints that support pricing.
What scenario would cause a downturn in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, the most likely scenario that could trigger a housing downturn in Koh Samui would be a sustained drop in tourism (from a global recession, geopolitical disruption, or another pandemic-scale event) combined with aggressive enforcement actions that make foreign ownership structures significantly riskier or more expensive.
Early warning signs that would indicate such a downturn is beginning in Koh Samui include a sharp decline in flight arrivals to Samui Airport, a noticeable increase in villa inventory without corresponding buyer absorption, falling short-term rental occupancy below 50% across multiple consecutive months, and reports of forced property sales due to nominee structure enforcement.
Based on historical patterns, a potential downturn in Koh Samui could realistically result in price declines of 15 to 25% in weaker segments (remote hillside villas, oversupplied areas) while prime locations with strong rental fundamentals might see declines limited to 5 to 15%, with recovery taking 2 to 4 years depending on how quickly tourism returns.
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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 - Residential Property Price Index | It's Thailand's central bank and publishes a transparent, methodology-based housing price index covering all regions. | We used the "South" regional index to anchor Koh Samui's broader price direction. We then adjusted with Samui-specific demand drivers like tourism and foreign transfers. |
| Bank of Thailand - Housing Loans Statistics | It's official credit data showing lending conditions across the Thai banking system. | We used the latest housing loan data to gauge credit tightness for Thai buyers. We used it to explain why foreign buyers in Koh Samui typically need cash or large down payments. |
| Real Estate Information Center (REIC) | It's the government-linked housing research arm under Thailand's Government Housing Bank ecosystem. | We used REIC as the reference point for transfer market momentum nationally and by province. We triangulated Koh Samui narratives against REIC-reported transfer growth for Surat Thani. |
| AirDNA - Koh Samui | It's a widely used short-term rental data provider with consistent methodology across global markets. | We used it to estimate occupancy rates and average daily rates for Koh Samui's holiday rental market. We used it to separate "rental demand is strong" from realistic income expectations. |
| C9 Hotelworks - 2025 Samui Property Market Update | It's a respected hospitality consultancy led by a 30-year industry veteran with deep Samui expertise. | We used their market valuation (30.3 billion THB) and condo-villa supply breakdown. We used their inventory growth data to understand rental market competition dynamics. |
| Bangkok Post - REIC Transfer Data | It's a major national newspaper that clearly attributes key numbers to official REIC sources. | We used the REIC-cited transfer growth showing Koh Samui as a key driver in Surat Thani. We used it as evidence that Samui demand is disproportionately foreign and upper-end focused. |
| Bangkok Post - Samui Sea-Bridge | It's based on statements from the Expressway Authority of Thailand, the responsible state agency. | We used it to identify where infrastructure narratives are real versus speculative. We used it to map which areas could see price pressure and why timing risk is significant. |
| BIS via FRED - Thailand Residential Property Prices | It's an established international macro dataset from the Bank for International Settlements distributed through FRED. | We used it to discuss Thailand's historical housing cycle behavior and volatility context. We used it for resilience analysis showing cycle depth and recovery patterns. |
| Thailand Land Code Act | It's a complete translated statute text widely used in legal referencing contexts. | We used it to explain why foreigners generally cannot own land outright in Thailand. We used it to frame why leasehold plus building ownership structures are common on Koh Samui. |
| CharlesDel - Koh Samui Property Market | It's a detailed market analysis with specific Samui data including listing prices and ownership structure guidance. | We used their listing price analysis (average villa price 30.5 million THB, median 17.2 million THB). We used their legal structure guidance on the 2024-2025 nominee crackdown. |