Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Thailand Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Phuket's property market is included in our pack
If you're thinking about buying an apartment in Phuket to rent out, you're probably wondering what kind of return you can actually expect.
Phuket's mix of year-round tourism, expat communities, and digital nomads makes it one of Southeast Asia's most attractive rental markets, but yields vary a lot depending on location, apartment type, and whether you go long-term or short-term.
This article breaks down everything you need to know, from gross and net yields to neighborhood comparisons and running costs, so you can make a smart decision.
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 Phuket.
We constantly update this blog post with the latest data and market insights to keep it relevant and useful for you.
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Attaya Suriyawonghae 🇹🇭
Real Estate Broker, Zest Real Estate
What rental yields can I realistically get from an apartment in Phuket?
What's the average gross rental yield for apartments in Phuket as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for apartments in Phuket sits around 5% to 7% for most long-term rental properties, though well-positioned units in tourist hotspots can push higher.
The realistic range that covers most apartment investments in Phuket stretches from about 4.5% in premium beachfront locations like Cherngtalay to around 9% in value-oriented areas like Si Sunthon or Wichit where entry prices are lower.
The biggest factor driving yield variation in Phuket is actually the purchase price relative to consistent rental demand, because areas like Rawai offer solid tenant interest at mid-range prices, while Bang Tao commands higher rents but also significantly higher purchase costs that compress your percentage return.
Compared to Bangkok, where gross yields average around 6%, Phuket apartments can deliver similar or better returns, and the island generally outperforms other Thai resort markets like Pattaya or Koh Samui because of its stronger international tourism infrastructure and year-round expat presence.
What's the average net rental yield for apartments in Phuket as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield for apartments in Phuket falls between 3.5% and 4.5% for typical long-term rentals after deducting operating costs but before personal income tax considerations.
The realistic range most apartment investors can expect in Phuket spans from around 2.5% for poorly structured deals with high common fees and vacancy issues, up to about 5% for well-bought units in buildings with reasonable service charges and strong occupancy.
The single biggest expense that eats into your gross yield in Phuket is the condominium common area fee, which typically runs between 70 and 150 THB per square meter per month and can represent 11% to 23% of your rental income depending on the building's amenities and management style.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Phuket.
What's the typical rent-to-price ratio for apartments in Phuket in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical rent-to-price ratio for apartments in Phuket ranges from about 0.45% to 0.60% per month, which translates to roughly 5% to 7% annually in gross yield terms.
The realistic range covering most Phuket apartment transactions sits between 0.40% monthly for premium Cherngtalay condos and 0.75% monthly for value-priced units in inland areas like Wichit or Si Sunthon where purchase prices are considerably lower.
Apartments in Rawai and Nai Harn tend to have some of the highest rent-to-price ratios in Phuket because purchase prices remain moderate compared to Bang Tao while the long-stay expat demand keeps rents stable throughout the year rather than just during peak tourist season.
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How much rent can I charge for an apartment in Phuket?
What's the typical tenant budget range for apartments in Phuket right now?
In early 2026, the typical tenant budget for renting an apartment in Phuket ranges from about 15,000 to 45,000 THB per month (roughly 480 to 1,430 USD or 410 to 1,230 EUR), which covers everything from basic studios to comfortable two-bedroom units in good locations.
Tenants targeting mid-range apartments in Phuket, like a decent one-bedroom condo near Bang Tao or Rawai, typically budget between 22,000 and 35,000 THB per month (around 700 to 1,115 USD or 600 to 960 EUR), and this segment includes most digital nomads and long-stay expats.
For high-end or luxury apartments in Phuket, including sea-view units in branded residences or resort-managed buildings near Laguna, tenant budgets jump to 50,000 to 100,000 THB per month or more (approximately 1,590 to 3,185 USD or 1,370 to 2,740 EUR), though this segment has a thinner pool of renters.
We have a blog article where we update the latest data about rents in Phuket here.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bed apartment in Phuket as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bed apartment in Phuket is around 22,500 THB per month for long-term leases (approximately 715 USD or 615 EUR), though short-term rentals average closer to 26,600 THB monthly.
Entry-level 1-bed apartments in Phuket rent from about 15,000 to 18,000 THB per month (roughly 480 to 575 USD or 410 to 495 EUR), and these are typically older buildings in areas like Kathu or Phuket Town with basic furnishings and limited resort-style amenities.
Mid-range 1-bed apartments in Phuket go for around 20,000 to 30,000 THB per month (approximately 640 to 955 USD or 550 to 820 EUR), and you can expect a modern condo with a pool, gym, and security in areas like Rawai, Chalong, or the outer parts of Cherngtalay.
High-end 1-bed apartments in Phuket command 35,000 to 60,000 THB per month (around 1,115 to 1,910 USD or 960 to 1,645 EUR), typically featuring sea views, branded building management, premium finishes, and locations within walking distance of Bang Tao Beach or Laguna.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bed apartment in Phuket as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bed apartment in Phuket is around 33,700 THB for long-term leases (approximately 1,070 USD or 925 EUR), with short-term rentals averaging about 40,500 THB monthly.
Entry-level 2-bed apartments in Phuket rent from about 25,000 to 30,000 THB per month (roughly 795 to 955 USD or 685 to 820 EUR), typically in older buildings in Kathu, Wichit, or inland Chalong with functional but basic interiors and shared pool access.
Mid-range 2-bed apartments in Phuket go for around 35,000 to 50,000 THB per month (approximately 1,115 to 1,590 USD or 960 to 1,370 EUR), and these usually feature newer construction with modern kitchens, good common areas, and locations in popular areas like Rawai or the Kamala hillside.
High-end 2-bed apartments in Phuket command 55,000 to 90,000 THB per month (around 1,750 to 2,865 USD or 1,510 to 2,465 EUR), offering premium finishes, resort-style management, and desirable locations near beaches or international schools that attract families on longer stays.
What's the average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment in Phuket as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment in Phuket is around 80,000 THB for long-term leases (approximately 2,550 USD or 2,190 EUR), though short-term rentals can average as high as 175,000 THB monthly during peak season.
Entry-level 3-bed apartments in Phuket rent from about 45,000 to 60,000 THB per month (roughly 1,430 to 1,910 USD or 1,230 to 1,645 EUR), typically in older buildings or less central locations in areas like Kathu or inland Thalang where families prioritize space over beach proximity.
Mid-range 3-bed apartments in Phuket go for around 65,000 to 90,000 THB per month (approximately 2,070 to 2,865 USD or 1,780 to 2,465 EUR), and these often feature modern layouts suitable for families, with good proximity to international schools in Cherngtalay or Laguna.
High-end 3-bed apartments in Phuket command 100,000 to 200,000 THB per month or more (around 3,185 to 6,370 USD or 2,740 to 5,480 EUR), typically located in branded residences or penthouse units with sea views that attract high-net-worth families or executive relocations.
How fast do well-priced apartments get rented in Phuket?
A well-priced apartment in Phuket typically finds a long-term tenant within 2 to 6 weeks during high season, though units priced 10% or more above market rate can sit for 8 to 12 weeks or longer, especially outside the November to April peak period.
Vacancy rates for well-managed apartments in Phuket's popular areas like Cherngtalay and Rawai tend to hover around one month equivalent per year, which is why most yield calculations assume about 8% to 10% vacancy for long-term rentals.
The main factors that make some apartments rent faster than others in Phuket are walkability to lifestyle amenities like cafes and co-working spaces, building reputation among the expat community, and whether the unit layout works for remote workers who need a proper desk setup rather than just vacation-style furnishing.
And if you want to know what should be the right price, check our latest update on how much an apartment should cost in Phuket.
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.
Which apartment type gives the best yield in Phuket?
Which is better for yield between studios, 1-bed, 2-bed and 3-bed apartments in Phuket as of 2026?
As of early 2026, studios and 1-bed apartments typically offer the best rental yield in Phuket because they have the deepest tenant pool, including digital nomads, single expats, and couples who represent the bulk of long-term rental demand on the island.
The typical gross rental yield by apartment type in Phuket breaks down roughly as follows: studios at 5.5% to 7.5%, 1-beds at 5% to 7%, 2-beds at 4.5% to 6.5%, and 3-beds at 4% to 6%, though actual yields depend heavily on purchase price and location within each category.
The main reason smaller units outperform in Phuket is that the island's tenant base is heavily weighted toward single remote workers and couples rather than families, and because entry-level buyers can acquire studios and 1-beds at lower absolute prices in prime rental zones rather than settling for larger units in weaker locations.
Which features are best if you want a good yield for your apartment in Phuket?
The features that most positively impact rental yield in Phuket are walkability to lifestyle clusters (cafes, gyms, co-working spaces around Bang Tao or Rawai), layouts designed for 1 to 12 month stays with a proper workspace area, and buildings that actually permit your intended rental strategy rather than just looking the other way on enforcement.
Mid-floor apartments in Phuket tend to rent easiest because they balance sea or pool views with practical considerations like avoiding ground-floor humidity and top-floor heat, and because many tenants specifically request floors 3 to 6 for the combination of views and elevator convenience.
Apartments with balconies or outdoor space in Phuket do command meaningfully higher rents, typically 5% to 15% more than comparable units without, because the tropical climate makes outdoor living space genuinely usable year-round and very appealing to the remote worker demographic.
Building amenities like pools, fitness centers, and 24-hour security do justify their common fees in Phuket's rental market because these features are essentially expected by foreign tenants, and buildings without them struggle to compete even at lower rents.
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Which neighborhoods give the best rental demand for apartments in Phuket?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rental demand for apartments in Phuket as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest rental demand for apartments in Phuket are Cherngtalay and Bang Tao (including the Laguna area), Rawai and Nai Harn, Kamala, and to a lesser extent Patong, though each attracts quite different tenant profiles.
The main demand driver in these high-demand Phuket neighborhoods is the concentration of lifestyle infrastructure that remote workers and long-stay expats actually need, meaning walkable access to quality cafes, restaurants, fitness facilities, and co-working spaces rather than just beach proximity alone.
In these high-demand areas, well-priced apartments typically rent within 2 to 4 weeks during high season, and even shoulder season vacancy is relatively manageable because these neighborhoods attract year-round residents rather than purely seasonal tourists.
One emerging area gaining rental momentum in Phuket is the Si Sunthon corridor, which offers significantly lower purchase prices while still providing reasonable access to Cherngtalay's amenities, making it attractive to yield-focused investors willing to trade prime location for better percentage returns.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Phuket.
Which neighborhoods have the highest yields for apartments in Phuket as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest rental yields for apartments in Phuket are value-oriented areas like Si Sunthon, Wichit, and parts of Rawai where purchase prices remain moderate while rental demand stays reasonably consistent.
The typical gross rental yield in these higher-yielding Phuket neighborhoods ranges from about 6.5% to 9%, compared to 4.5% to 6% in premium areas like Cherngtalay or the Laguna zone where purchase prices are significantly higher relative to achievable rents.
The main reason these neighborhoods offer better yields is simply the mathematics of entry price: using C9 Hotelworks' data, a 1-bed apartment renting at the island-wide average of 22,500 THB per month delivers around 4.8% gross yield in Cherngtalay (median price around 5.6 million THB), but the same rent against a Si Sunthon purchase price of 3 million THB produces approximately 9% gross yield.
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.
Should I do long-term rental or short-term rental in Phuket?
Is short-term rental legal for apartments in Phuket as of 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rentals under 30 days are generally treated as hotel business under Thailand's Hotel Act and require proper licensing, which means running a typical Airbnb-style operation from a standard condo is legally gray at best and potentially problematic.
The main legal restrictions for short-term rental apartments in Phuket include the requirement that stays under 30 days comply with hotel licensing rules, plus many condominium juristic persons explicitly prohibit short-term rentals in their building regulations regardless of the broader law.
Thailand updated its hotel-related ministerial regulations in 2023, but these changes do not automatically make typical condo-based short-term rentals clearly legal, so most cautious foreign investors structure their rentals as 30-day minimum stays or invest in buildings with proper hospitality licensing already in place.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Phuket.
What's the gross yield difference short-term vs long-term in Phuket in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rentals in Phuket can generate roughly 15% to 30% higher gross income than long-term leases for the same apartment, with C9 Hotelworks data showing 1-bed short-term averages around 26,600 THB monthly versus 22,500 THB for long-term.
The typical gross yield range for Phuket short-term rentals spans 8% to 12% (or higher for prime units with excellent occupancy), while long-term rentals generally deliver 5% to 7%, though the gap narrows considerably once you account for higher operating costs on the short-term side.
The main additional costs that reduce short-term rental net yield in Phuket include management fees of 20% to 30% of revenue (versus 8% to 12% for long-term), plus higher cleaning costs, utility consumption, platform fees, furnishing wear, and more frequent vacancy days between bookings.
To actually outperform a long-term rental after costs, a Phuket short-term rental typically needs to achieve at least 65% to 70% occupancy at competitive nightly rates, which is achievable in prime locations but requires active management and realistic expectations about shoulder season performance.
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What costs will eat into my net yield for an apartment in Phuket?
What are building service charges as a % of rent in Phuket as of 2026?
As of early 2026, typical building service charges (common area fees) for Phuket condos represent about 11% to 23% of monthly rental income, with the absolute cost ranging from 2,450 to 5,250 THB per month (roughly 78 to 167 USD or 67 to 144 EUR) for a standard 35 square meter 1-bedroom unit.
The realistic range of building service charges in Phuket spans from 70 THB per square meter monthly for basic buildings to 150 THB per square meter monthly for resort-style condos with extensive amenities, meaning your 35 square meter apartment could cost anywhere from 2,450 to 5,250 THB monthly just in common fees.
In Phuket specifically, the features that justify higher-than-average service charges include resort-style infinity pools with beach-like design, 24-hour security with CCTV systems that appeal to foreign tenants, landscaped tropical gardens requiring constant maintenance in the humid climate, and lobby air conditioning that runs continuously.
What annual maintenance budget should I assume for an apartment in Phuket right now?
A conservative annual maintenance budget for an apartment in Phuket is around 0.5% of the property value, which works out to about 25,000 THB per year (roughly 795 USD or 685 EUR) for a 5 million THB condo.
The realistic range of annual maintenance costs in Phuket spans from about 15,000 to 40,000 THB per year (480 to 1,275 USD or 410 to 1,095 EUR) depending on apartment age, whether you furnish for short-term or long-term use, and how proactively you address small repairs before they become expensive problems.
The most common maintenance expenses apartment owners face annually in Phuket are air conditioning servicing and repairs (the humid tropical climate means AC units work hard and corrode faster), water heater maintenance, furniture and appliance replacement due to salt air corrosion, and repainting or mold treatment driven by the island's persistent humidity.
What property taxes should I expect for an apartment in Phuket as of 2026?
As of early 2026, annual property tax on a Phuket apartment is typically a small percentage of the property's assessed value under Thailand's Land and Buildings Tax Act (2019), generally working out to a few thousand THB per year (around 100 to 500 USD or 85 to 430 EUR) for a typical condo.
The realistic range of property taxes in Phuket depends on assessed value and usage classification, with rental properties potentially taxed at different rates than owner-occupied units, but the absolute amounts are generally modest compared to property taxes in Western countries.
Property taxes in Thailand are calculated based on the assessed value of the land and building, with rates varying by use category (residential, commercial, agricultural), and local authorities handle assessment and collection annually.
Thailand does offer some property tax exemptions and reductions, including lower rates for owner-occupied primary residences and certain value thresholds below which taxes are minimal, though foreign owners using their Phuket apartment as a rental investment may not qualify for all exemptions.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Phuket.
How much does landlord insurance cost for an apartment in Phuket in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical annual landlord insurance for a Phuket apartment costs between 4,000 and 12,000 THB per year (roughly 130 to 380 USD or 110 to 330 EUR), depending on coverage level, apartment value, and whether you add optional protections like flood or contents coverage.
The realistic range of annual insurance costs in Phuket spans from basic building coverage at the lower end to comprehensive policies including contents, liability, and loss-of-rent coverage at the higher end, with major insurers like AXA offering annual condo policies tailored to landlords.
What's the typical property management fee for apartments in Phuket as of 2026?
As of early 2026, typical property management fees for Phuket apartments range from 8% to 12% of collected rent for long-term leasing services (roughly 1,800 to 2,700 THB monthly or 57 to 86 USD or 49 to 74 EUR on a 22,500 THB rent), while short-term or holiday-style management runs 20% to 30% of revenue.
The realistic range of management fees in Phuket spans from 8% for basic tenant-finding and rent collection services up to 30% or more for full-service short-term rental management including guest communication, cleaning coordination, and platform optimization.
Standard long-term property management services in Phuket typically include tenant sourcing, lease documentation, rent collection, routine property inspections, coordinating basic maintenance, and serving as the tenant's point of contact, though full furnishing management and renovation oversight usually cost extra.
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 Phuket, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| C9 Hotelworks | Leading regional property research firm publishing data-driven Phuket market reports. | We used their Phuket rent benchmarks and median condo pricing to calculate gross yield ranges. We also used their submarket price data to show how yields vary by neighborhood. |
| CBRE Thailand | Global real estate consultancy with dedicated Thailand research practice. | We used their tourism and airport traffic data to validate rental demand drivers. We also referenced their common fee ranges for net yield calculations. |
| Global Property Guide | Independent property research platform tracking yields across 100+ countries. | We used their Thailand gross yield averages as a benchmark for comparison. We cross-checked Phuket figures against their national and regional data. |
| Bank of Thailand | Thailand's central bank and official source for reference exchange rates. | We used their USD/THB and EUR/THB rates to convert all rent and price figures. We ensure currency conversions reflect January 2026 market rates. |
| Knight Frank Thailand | Major global property consultancy publishing standardized market research. | We used their Phuket hotel occupancy and ADR data as a demand proxy. We validated that tourism-driven rental demand remained strong heading into 2026. |
| Cushman & Wakefield | Major global consultancy with standardized MarketBeat research briefs. | We used their Phuket occupancy and RevPAR data to confirm seasonal patterns. We supported our vacancy assumptions with their accommodation market trends. |
| AirDNA | Widely used vacation rental data provider with transparent ADR and occupancy metrics. | We used their Phuket short-term rental data to cross-check tourist demand strength. We illustrated why short-term can earn more before adding legal and cost realities. |
| Thailand DOPA (Hotel Act) | Government body administering hotel licensing with official law text. | We used the Hotel Act to explain the 30-day rule for short-term rentals. We anchored legal guidance in actual regulatory framework rather than blog summaries. |
| Tilleke & Gibbins | Leading regional law firm known for practical regulatory analysis. | We used their 2023 hotel regulation analysis to keep our legal section current. We confirmed that recent changes don't automatically legalize typical condo Airbnbs. |
| Thailand Fiscal Policy Office | Ministry of Finance source for official property tax law text. | We used the Land and Buildings Tax Act to explain annual property taxes. We avoided blog-level summaries when discussing taxes that affect net yield. |
| AXA Thailand | Major global insurer with regulated Thailand products and published coverage terms. | We used their condo insurance products to validate that landlord coverage is available. We included insurance as a real cost factor in net yield calculations. |
| PwC Thai Tax Booklet | Big 4 firm with standardized tax guidance reviewed by specialists. | We used it to cross-check how Thailand treats individual tax residency. We kept our tax discussion conservative and structured rather than speculative. |
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