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
Phuket's property market in 2026 remains one of the most active in Southeast Asia, with foreign buyers accounting for over 60% of high-end transactions and prices continuing to climb after years of strong demand.
Whether you have $100,000 or $500,000 to spend, the type of Phuket property you can afford varies dramatically by neighborhood, and the gap between a small condo in a value area and a pool villa in a premium location is bigger than most buyers expect.
This guide breaks down exactly what you can buy at each budget level in Phuket in 2026, using verified data from Knight Frank, C9 Hotelworks, and Colliers Thailand, and we update this blog post regularly as the market evolves.
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.
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Attaya Suriyawonghae 🇹🇭
Real Estate Broker, Zest Real Estate
What can I realistically buy with $100k in Phuket right now?
Are there any decent properties for $100k in Phuket, or is it all scams?
Yes, there are decent options at $100,000 (around 3.1 million Thai baht at early 2026 exchange rates), but at this budget in Phuket you are shopping for a small resale condo, typically a studio or compact one-bedroom unit between 25 and 35 square meters, rather than a villa or house.
The neighborhoods in Phuket that give the best value and most legitimate options for a $100,000 budget include Wichit, which is closer to Phuket Town and hospitals, outer Rawai and Chalong-adjacent areas where expats have long settled, and parts of Phuket Town itself where you get more daily-life convenience per baht than in beach zones.
Buying in popular or upscale areas of Phuket like Bang Tao, Laguna, Cherng Talay, Kamala, or Surin for $100,000 is generally not realistic unless you accept a very small unit, an older building, or a location that is not walkable to the lifestyle hotspots, because Knight Frank research shows these areas are where luxury development concentrates and prices per square meter are significantly higher.
To avoid scams at this budget, always confirm that the property is a registered condominium, ask the juristic office to verify that the foreign ownership quota (capped at 49% of sellable area) is still available, and use a lawyer to check the title and any encumbrances before transfer.
What property types can I afford for $100k in Phuket (studio, land, old house)?
For $100,000 (around 3.1 million baht) in Phuket, the most realistic property types are a studio condo of about 25 to 30 square meters or a compact one-bedroom condo of around 28 to 35 square meters if you target better-value zones like Wichit or outer Rawai, rather than land or a house.
At this budget in Phuket, buyers should typically expect older buildings or resale units that may need some refreshing, and budgeting an additional 150,000 to 500,000 baht (roughly $5,000 to $16,000) for aircon replacement, kitchen updates, paint, and minor repairs is realistic for many properties in this price range.
For long-term value at the $100,000 level in Phuket, a well-located condo in a building with good juristic management and a healthy sinking fund tends to be the safest bet, because land ownership is restricted for foreigners and houses typically require lease structures or company setups that add complexity.
What's a realistic budget to get a comfortable property in Phuket as of 2026?
As of early 2026, a realistic minimum budget to get a comfortable property in Phuket starts around 5 to 7 million baht (approximately $160,000 to $225,000 or 150,000 to 210,000 euros), which typically buys a solid one-bedroom condo of 35 to 50 square meters in livable areas like Rawai or Karon.
Most foreign buyers in Phuket find they need to reach a budget of 8 to 12 million baht (around $255,000 to $380,000 or 240,000 to 355,000 euros) to access a comfortable two-bedroom condo in good areas, or an entry-level pool villa inland using a leasehold structure.
In Phuket, "comfortable" generally means a unit with enough space to live daily (typically 40 square meters or more), a building with reliable facilities like a pool and gym, responsive juristic management, and a location where restaurants, shops, and beaches are reasonably accessible without fighting traffic for every errand.
The required budget in Phuket varies dramatically by neighborhood, with Wichit and Phuket Town offering more space for money, Rawai and Karon sitting in the mid-range, and premium areas like Cherng Talay, Bang Tao, and Kamala requiring significantly higher budgets for the same comfort level.
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What can I get with a $200k budget in Phuket as of 2026?
What "normal" homes become available at $200k in Phuket as of 2026?
As of early 2026, $200,000 (around 6.3 million baht) moves you from small or older condos into what most buyers would consider a "normal-feeling" Phuket condo, typically a well-sized one-bedroom with generous living space or a compact two-bedroom unit in south or central areas of the island.
At this budget in Phuket, the typical size you can expect ranges from around 40 to 60 square meters depending on whether you choose a newer building in a less premium location or a resale unit in a more established area like Rawai, Karon, or the Wichit side of the island.
By the way, we have much more granular data about housing prices in our property pack about Phuket.
What places are the smartest $200k buys in Phuket as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the smartest areas to buy at $200,000 in Phuket include Rawai for its consistent expat and long-stay demand, Chalong if you are comfortable being slightly inland for better space-for-money, and Sri Sunthon which gives you access to the Cherng Talay lifestyle orbit without paying the full premium.
These areas are smarter $200,000 buys compared to other Phuket options because they balance liquidity (meaning your property can actually sell or rent when needed), year-round livability with amenities nearby, and enough rental demand to make investment sense if you choose not to live there full-time.
The main growth factor driving value in these smart-buy areas of Phuket is the concentration of long-stay expats and digital nomads who rent year-round, combined with steady infrastructure improvements and their proximity to lifestyle hubs without the premium pricing of beachfront locations.
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 can I buy with $300k in Phuket in 2026?
What quality upgrade do I get at $300k in Phuket in 2026?
As of early 2026, the quality upgrade when moving from $200,000 to $300,000 (around 9.4 million baht) in Phuket is typically location and bedrooms, meaning you can access a proper two-bedroom condo with a real layout (not a cramped conversion) in the 60 to 85 square meter range in many good areas.
At $300,000 in Phuket, buying a property in a newer building becomes realistically possible, especially in areas like Rawai, Karon, Wichit, and parts of Sri Sunthon, where you have more choice between slightly smaller units in newer developments or larger units in well-maintained older buildings.
Specific features and finishes that typically become available at this budget in Phuket include better common facilities like larger pools and proper gyms, more professional juristic management, higher-quality interior finishes, and sometimes sea or mountain views depending on the exact location and building.
Can $300k buy a 2-bedroom in Phuket in 2026 in good areas?
As of early 2026, finding a two-bedroom property for $300,000 (around 9.4 million baht) in good areas of Phuket is very realistic for condos, and this budget is often described as "2BR in good areas" money by local agents and market analysts.
Specific good areas in Phuket where two-bedroom condos are available at this budget include Rawai and the Nai Harn corridor for livability and rental demand, Karon for better value than the northwest premium belt, Kathu for practicality between town and Patong, and parts of Cherng Talay or Sri Sunthon depending on how close to Laguna you need to be.
A $300,000 two-bedroom condo in Phuket typically offers around 60 to 85 square meters depending on the specific area and building age, with Rawai and Karon generally stretching your space further than Cherng Talay where you pay a premium for lifestyle proximity.
Which places become "accessible" at $300k in Phuket as of 2026?
At $300,000 (around 9.4 million baht), parts of Phuket's premium northwest lifestyle orbit start to become accessible, including Cherng Talay which is the lifestyle hub behind Bang Tao with strong amenities, edges of Bang Tao proper though not prime beachfront, and select options in Surin or Kamala-adjacent locations if you accept smaller size or older stock.
What makes these newly accessible areas desirable compared to areas available at lower budgets in Phuket is primarily their proximity to the island's best lifestyle infrastructure, including international restaurants, beach clubs, high-end retail at Boat Avenue and Porto de Phuket, international schools, and the Laguna Phuket integrated resort community.
The type of property buyers can typically expect in these newly accessible areas for $300,000 is usually a one-bedroom or compact two-bedroom condo in a quality development, rather than a villa or large unit, because the per-square-meter pricing in Cherng Talay and Bang Tao remains significantly higher than island average.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Phuket.
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What does a $500k budget unlock in Phuket in 2026?
What's the typical size and location for $500k in Phuket in 2026?
As of early 2026, $500,000 (around 15.7 million baht) in Phuket typically buys either a large, well-located condo of around 90 to 140 square meters (sometimes with sea views depending on building and location), or an entry-to-mid-level pool villa inland, with villas often using leasehold or structured ownership rather than simple foreign freehold because of land restrictions.
At $500,000 in Phuket, buying a family home with outdoor space becomes possible, especially inland in areas like Sri Sunthon, Thepkrasattri, Bang Jo, or Phru Champa where Knight Frank notes increased villa development, though closer to Bang Tao or Laguna this budget may still mean a smaller villa or non-prime plot.
The typical number of bedrooms and bathrooms available at $500,000 in Phuket ranges from a spacious two-bedroom or three-bedroom condo to a two or three-bedroom pool villa inland, with villa buyers typically getting private pools and gardens while condo buyers access shared resort-style facilities.
Finally, please note that we cover all the housing price data in Phuket here.
Which "premium" neighborhoods open up at $500k in Phuket in 2026?
At $500,000 (around 15.7 million baht), the premium neighborhoods that properly open up to buyers in Phuket include Laguna and Bang Tao for beach proximity and lifestyle, Cherng Talay as the lifestyle hub with strong amenities, Layan for a quieter premium feel close to the Laguna ecosystem, and Kamala where sea-view pockets are expensive but this budget gets you into the conversation.
What makes these neighborhoods considered premium in Phuket is their combination of beach access or proximity, concentration of five-star hotels and branded residences, quality of restaurants and retail (like Boat Avenue and Catch Beach Club), access to international schools, and the presence of an established expat community that supports year-round lifestyle.
The type of property buyers can realistically expect in these premium Phuket neighborhoods for $500,000 is typically a quality two-bedroom condo in a well-managed development with good facilities, or a compact villa inland within the premium zone's orbit, though beachfront villas in these areas generally require budgets starting at 25 million baht or more.
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What counts as "luxury" in Phuket in 2026?
At what amount does "luxury" start in Phuket right now?
In Phuket in 2026, luxury condos generally start around 12 to 15 million baht (approximately $380,000 to $480,000 or 355,000 to 450,000 euros) or properties priced at 180,000 to 250,000+ baht per square meter in premium zones like Laguna, Bang Tao, Kamala, and Surin, while luxury villas more commonly start around 25 million baht (approximately $800,000 or 745,000 euros) in the true prime belts.
The features and standards that define the entry point to Phuket luxury real estate include branded or hotel-managed residences with concierge services, premium finishes and imported materials, sea views or direct beach access, private pools for villas, and professional property management with rental programs that can generate income when owners are away.
Compared to other resort island markets in Southeast Asia, Phuket's luxury threshold is roughly similar to Bali's premium segment but generally lower than Singapore or Hong Kong waterfront properties, and the island offers strong value relative to Mediterranean resort destinations like Ibiza or the French Riviera.
The typical price range for mid-tier luxury in Phuket runs from about 20 to 50 million baht ($640,000 to $1.6 million or 600,000 to 1.5 million euros), while top-tier luxury properties with prime locations and exceptional features can reach 100 million baht ($3.2 million or 3 million euros) and well beyond for the most exclusive sea-view estates.
Which areas are truly high-end in Phuket right now?
The truly high-end neighborhoods in Phuket in 2026 are Laguna and Bang Tao as the established luxury hub, Cherng Talay and Layan for lifestyle-focused premium living, Surin for its limited supply and exclusive feel, Kamala especially the sea-view hillsides, and Naithon as a more niche premium coastal option.
What makes these areas considered truly high-end in Phuket is the presence of branded hotel residences (like Banyan Tree and Anantara), concentration of villas with infinity pools and panoramic sea views, proximity to Phuket's best beaches, established high-end retail and dining, and the presence of yacht clubs and international schools that wealthy residents expect.
The typical buyer profile for these high-end Phuket areas includes Russian and Chinese high-net-worth individuals seeking holiday homes or rental investments, European and Australian families relocating for lifestyle, Hong Kong and Singapore executives purchasing second homes, and increasingly, Indian buyers entering the mid-to-high segment as the market diversifies.
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How much does it really cost to buy, beyond the price, in Phuket in 2026?
What are the total closing costs in Phuket in 2026 as a percentage?
As of early 2026, total closing costs for a typical condo purchase in Phuket range from about 2.5% to 4.0% of the property value for the buyer side, though deal-level costs including buyer and seller taxes can reach 2.5% to 6%+ depending on whether Specific Business Tax applies and how the parties negotiate who pays what.
The realistic low-to-high percentage range that covers most standard Phuket transactions is 2.5% to 6%, with foreign buyers typically ending up closer to the middle of that range because the reduced transfer fees available to Thai nationals (0.01% instead of 2% until June 2026) do not apply to foreigners.
The specific fee categories that most commonly make up Phuket closing costs include the transfer fee (normally 2%, often split), Specific Business Tax (3.3% if the seller owned less than five years) or stamp duty (0.5% otherwise), withholding tax on the seller, and legal fees for due diligence which typically run 50,000 to 150,000 baht for straightforward condo purchases.
To avoid hidden costs and bad surprises, you can check our our pack covering the property buying process in Phuket.
How much are notary, registration, and legal fees in Phuket in 2026?
As of early 2026, the combined cost for registration and legal fees on a typical Phuket condo purchase runs between about 100,000 to 300,000 baht ($3,200 to $9,600 or 3,000 to 9,000 euros) depending on property value and complexity, noting that Thailand does not use notaries at closing the same way some Western countries do.
The typical percentage of property price these fees represent in Phuket is around 2% to 3% for registration-related costs (primarily the transfer fee) plus 50,000 to 150,000 baht as a flat legal fee range, which on a mid-priced property works out to roughly 3% to 4% of the purchase price all-in for administrative and legal expenses.
Of these fee types, the transfer fee at 2% (or 1% if split with the seller as is common practice) is usually the single largest line item for Phuket buyers, while legal fees for due diligence, contract review, and title verification typically come second unless you are dealing with a complex structure like a lease or company ownership.
What annual property taxes should I expect in Phuket in 2026?
As of early 2026, annual property tax for a typical residential condo in Phuket falls in the range of a few thousand baht to perhaps 20,000+ baht per year ($60 to $650 or 55 to 600 euros) depending on the appraised value, with Thailand's Land and Buildings Tax calculated as a percentage of government-appraised value rather than market price.
The typical percentage of property value that annual taxes represent in Phuket for residential properties is around 0.02% to 0.1% effective rate based on usage category and value bands, which is low by international standards and makes Phuket one of the more tax-efficient places to own property in Asia.
Property taxes in Phuket vary based on how the property is used, with properties registered as primary residences potentially qualifying for higher exemption thresholds, while properties used commercially or left vacant may face different rate bands under the Land and Buildings Tax structure.
There are exemptions and reductions available for certain buyers in Phuket, including a "first home" exemption threshold for Thai citizens and potential reductions depending on how the property is classified, though foreign buyers typically do not qualify for the same preferential treatment available to Thai nationals.
You can find the list of all property taxes, costs and fees when buying in Phuket here.
Is mortgage a viable option for foreigners in Phuket right now?
Obtaining a mortgage as a foreigner in Phuket is viable but limited, with most foreign buyers still purchasing with cash because Thai banks have restrictive lending criteria for non-residents, and financing tends to be most feasible for completed condos in established projects rather than villas or off-plan purchases.
When financing is available to foreign buyers in Phuket, typical loan-to-value ratios are lower than for Thai nationals (often 50% to 70% rather than 80%+), and interest rates for eligible foreigners generally run around 6.5% to 8.0% per annum compared to 5.5% to 7.0% for Thai citizens, according to 2025 market data.
Foreign buyers who wish to qualify for a Phuket mortgage typically need to provide extensive income documentation, proof of work permit or long-term visa status in Thailand, strong international credit history, and often a relationship with a specific bank that has foreign-buyer programs, with UOB and a few others being commonly mentioned though policies vary.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Thailand.
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 should I predict for resale and growth in Phuket in 2026?
What property types resell fastest in Phuket in 2026?
As of early 2026, the property types that resell fastest in Phuket are one-bedroom condos in proven demand hubs, particularly in Cherng Talay and Rawai, because these match the deepest pool of both buyers and renters, with C9 Hotelworks research showing one-bedrooms as the most sought-after rental type for both short and long-term stays.
The typical time on market to sell a property in Phuket varies significantly, with well-priced one-bedroom condos in liquid areas like Rawai, Cherng Talay, or Karon often selling in 2 to 5 months, two-bedroom condos or niche layouts taking 4 to 9 months, and villas requiring 6 to 12+ months due to smaller buyer pools and heavier due diligence requirements.
What makes certain property types sell faster than others in Phuket is their alignment with what the island's rental market actually demands, meaning units sized for digital nomads, couples, and short-stay tourists outperform because buyers know these properties generate income and can be flipped more easily.
Property types that tend to be slowest to resell in Phuket include oversized condos without compelling views, villas without private pools or too far from beaches, and generic inland developments that lack the unique positioning (beach proximity, views, branded management) that Phuket buyers specifically seek.
If you're interested, we cover all the best exit strategies in our real estate pack about Phuket.
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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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of Thailand (BOT) | Thailand's central bank with official exchange rate data. | We used it to convert USD budgets into Thai baht at real January 2026 rates. We then expressed all budgets in both currencies for realistic local comparisons. |
| Knight Frank Thailand | A global real estate consultancy with formal Phuket research. | We used its Phuket-wide condo price per square meter and villa ranges as a base layer. We also used its neighborhood segmentation to identify premium versus growth areas. |
| C9 Hotelworks | A specialist hospitality research consultancy with data-heavy Phuket reports. | We used its submarket price medians to turn budgets into neighborhood-specific examples. We also used its rental demand notes to explain what resells faster. |
| Colliers Thailand | A major international real estate firm with consistent research. | We used its market absorption and demand-band notes to check which budget segments are most liquid. We used it as a second opinion alongside Knight Frank and C9. |
| Thailand Revenue Department | The official tax authority for Thailand. | We used it to explain Specific Business Tax and when it applies. We translated that into what buyers typically see in closing cost negotiations. |
| Thailand Fiscal Policy Office | A Ministry of Finance site with the translated Land and Buildings Tax statute. | We used it as the legal backbone for annual property tax guidance. We paired it with practical rate ranges from secondary sources for usable estimates. |
| Bangkok Post | A major national newspaper with clear references to official tax frameworks. | We used it to confirm effective residential rate bands and exemption thresholds. We used it as a check against statute translations for practical budget estimates. |
| Forvis Mazars Thailand | A major international tax and audit firm with Thailand expertise. | We used it to cross-check timing and administration details of tax changes. We used it to keep tax explanations practical while consistent with official law. |
| CBRE Thailand | One of the largest global real estate consultancies with formal market outlooks. | We used it as a macro cross-check that Phuket's market is cash-driven with selective demand. We used it to keep advice realistic rather than hype-driven. |
| Lawzana | A legal information platform with clear Thailand property ownership guidance. | We used it to verify foreign condo ownership rules including the 49% quota. We used it to ensure our ownership structure advice is legally accurate. |
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.