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Buying property in Phuket: is it worth it?

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Thailand Property Pack

property investment Phuket

Yes, the analysis of Phuket's property market is included in our pack

Phuket's property market has experienced remarkable growth since the pandemic, with prices rising 3-7% annually and some hotspots seeing up to 10% yearly appreciation. Property prices now range from 90,000-180,000 THB per square meter for condos, while villas average 70,000-95,000 THB per sqm, and land plots start at 15,000-20,000 THB per sqm in standard areas.

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.

How this content was created ๐Ÿ”Ž๐Ÿ“

At BambooRoutes, we explore the Thai real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distanceโ€”we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

photo of expert attaya suriyawonghae

Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert

โœ“โœ“โœ“

Attaya Suriyawonghae ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ

Real Estate Broker, Zest Real Estate

Attaya is a certified Thai Real Estate Broker who knows the Phuket market inside and out. With years of experience, she can guide you through the intricacies of the island's vibrant real estate scene, whether you're seeking a luxurious beachfront villa or a high-growth investment opportunity. After speaking with her, we reviewed the blog post, corrected a few points, expanded on others, and added her personal experience.

How much does property cost right now in different parts of Phuket?

Property prices in Phuket vary significantly based on location, with premium beachfront areas commanding the highest rates as of September 2025.

Condos range from 90,000 to 180,000 THB per square meter, with sea-view units in Bang Tao, Cherng Talay, Kata, and Surin reaching the upper price bracket. City condos in Phuket Town and Chalong typically cost between 90,000-120,000 THB per sqm, while older units fall at the lower end of this range.

Villas average 70,000 to 95,000 THB per square meter across the island. Entry-level villas in Rawai, Nai Harn, and inland areas start around 4-12 million THB total, while luxury sea-view properties in Bang Tao, Layan, and Cherng Talay can exceed 100 million THB for premium locations.

Land plots show the widest price variation, with median prices at 15,000-20,000 THB per square meter for standard locations. Prime beachfront land ranges dramatically from 66,000 THB per sqm up to over 500,000 THB per sqm for the most exclusive waterfront positions.

Inland and less-developed areas like Phru Champa and Mai Khao offer significantly lower entry points for all property types.

What's the price difference between condos, villas, and land plots?

Property Type Price Range (THB/sqm) Typical Total Price Premium Locations Budget-Friendly Areas
Sea-view Condos 140,000-180,000 8-25 million THB Bang Tao, Cherng Talay Older buildings, city areas
City Condos 90,000-120,000 3-8 million THB Phuket Town center Chalong, outskirts
Luxury Villas 80,000-95,000 20-100+ million THB Bang Tao, Layan Rawai, Nai Harn
Entry Villas 70,000-85,000 4-12 million THB Rawai with pool Inland developments
Beachfront Land 66,000-500,000 Variable by size West coast beaches East coast, inland
Development Land 15,000-20,000 Variable by size Near infrastructure Remote locations

How have property prices moved in the past 5 years, and what's the short-term trend?

Phuket property prices have risen consistently at 3-7% annually since 2019, with some hotspots experiencing up to 10% yearly appreciation.

Villas have outperformed condos in price appreciation due to land scarcity and post-COVID demand for larger living spaces. Median villa prices nearly doubled in several submarkets over the five-year period, particularly in Bang Tao and Cherng Talay areas.

The supply surge that occurred in 2024-2025 has been absorbed by continued strong foreign demand, preventing any significant price corrections. Developers have shifted focus toward bigger, higher-end units to maintain profit margins despite increased construction costs.

For the short-term trend through late 2025, prices are expected to stay firm or rise modestly by 2-7% as the market digests inventory from the late-pandemic construction boom. Pre-sales and off-plan discounts remain common, especially for condo developments, providing some entry opportunities for buyers.

It's something we develop in our Thailand property pack.

What do experts predict for the next 5 to 10 years in Phuket's real estate market?

Experts forecast continued steady growth for Phuket's property market over the next decade, driven by hospitality demand and major infrastructure investments.

The planned light rail system and airport upgrades are expected to boost property values across the island, particularly in areas with improved connectivity. Beachfront and west-coast areas including Bang Tao, Cherng Talay, and Layan are predicted to maintain their premium pricing position due to limited developable land near the shore.

New "inland" clusters such as Bang Jo and Phru Champa are likely to see faster appreciation rates as beachfront land becomes increasingly scarce and expensive. These areas offer better value entry points while benefiting from infrastructure improvements and spillover demand from premium coastal areas.

The tourism recovery and Thailand's appeal to digital nomads and remote workers are expected to sustain rental demand, supporting both capital appreciation and rental yields over the medium to long term.

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investing in real estate in  Phuket

Which areas of Phuket are seeing the fastest growth in value?

Bang Tao, Cherng Talay, Phru Champa, and Layan are experiencing the highest capital value appreciation and sales volume for both condos and villas as of September 2025.

Bang Tao leads the market with consistent 8-10% annual appreciation driven by its established luxury resort infrastructure and proximity to Laguna Phuket. The area benefits from high-end amenities, international schools, and strong rental demand from affluent tourists and expats.

Cherng Talay has emerged as a hotspot due to its central west-coast location and ongoing development of mixed-use projects. The area offers better value than Bang Tao while maintaining easy beach access and modern infrastructure.

Phru Champa represents the fastest-growing emerging area, with land prices increasing rapidly as developers target this inland location for new residential projects. The area benefits from lower entry costs while capturing spillover demand from saturated beachfront markets.

Rawai and Nai Harn provide the best value appreciation for villa buyers, with steady 5-7% annual growth and increasing popularity among expat families seeking a more relaxed lifestyle away from tourist crowds.

Where are rental yields the highest, and how do they compare by property type?

Condo investments deliver the highest rental yields in Phuket, averaging 5.8-10% gross returns, with the best performers reaching up to 10% in prime locations.

One-bedroom sea-view condos in Bang Tao, Laguna, Kamala, and Surin consistently achieve the highest yields at 8-10% due to strong short-term rental demand from tourists and business travelers. These properties benefit from professional management companies and established booking platforms.

City condos in Phuket Town and Chalong generate more modest 5-7% yields but offer greater stability and lower management complexity, appealing to long-term renters including local professionals and expat workers.

Villas generally produce lower yields at 3-6%, but luxury pool villas in Rawai, Cherng Talay, and Bang Tao can achieve 7-8% returns when managed as high-end short-term rentals targeting affluent tourists and families.

Land plots generate no direct rental income unless developed, but some investors use land banking strategies in growth areas like Phru Champa and Bang Jo for medium-term capital appreciation of 5-15% annually.

How long does it typically take to resell a property in different parts of Phuket?

Resale periods vary significantly by location and property type, with prime areas offering much faster liquidity than secondary locations.

Bang Tao, Cherng Talay, and Layan properties typically resell within 6-12 months due to high demand from both investors and end-users. These areas benefit from established expat communities, strong rental markets, and proximity to amenities that appeal to international buyers.

Rawai and Nai Harn properties generally require 6-18 months for resale, with villas moving faster than condos due to the family-oriented market in these locations. Properties with pools and modern finishes command premium prices and sell more quickly.

Less popular and inland areas commonly require 1-2 years for successful resale, particularly for properties priced above market average. Proper staging, professional photography, and realistic pricing make a major difference in reducing time on market.

City properties in Phuket Town and Chalong fall in the middle range at 8-15 months, depending on condition and pricing strategy.

What are the total costs involved beyond the purchase price, like taxes and fees?

Cost Type Rate/Amount Who Pays When Applied Notes
Transfer Fee 2% of appraised value Split buyer/seller At registration 0.01% for units under 3M THB (2025 promo)
Specific Business Tax 3.3% of value Seller (affects offer) If held <5 years Waived for personal residence
Stamp Duty 0.5% of value Buyer At registration Applied to all transactions
Withholding Tax 1% of value Seller (affects offer) At registration Can be reclaimed if Thai tax resident
Sinking Fund 500-1,500 THB/sqm Buyer One-time at purchase Condos only, for maintenance reserve
HOA Fees 50-100 THB/sqm/month Owner Monthly ongoing Condos and some villa developments
Land/Building Tax 0-0.1% annually Owner Annual Primary homes under 50M THB get lower rates

How does buying for personal living differ financially from buying to rent out or to resell?

Buying for personal living offers the lowest tax burden and highest personal satisfaction but requires different financial considerations than investment strategies.

Personal residence purchases benefit from lower annual land/building taxes (0-0.1% for homes under 50 million THB) and exemption from Specific Business Tax when reselling, provided the property serves as your primary residence. The focus shifts from yield optimization to lifestyle factors like location convenience, amenities, and long-term comfort.

Rental investment strategies prioritize yield maximization and management efficiency. Condos typically outperform villas for rental returns due to lower maintenance costs, professional management options, and higher liquidity. However, short-term rentals under 30 days face increased legal scrutiny in 2025, making mid to long-term rental strategies more reliable.

Resale investment approaches target fast-growth zones for optimal capital appreciation and quick liquidity. These strategies accept higher transaction costs (including 3.3% Specific Business Tax if sold within 5 years) in exchange for potential capital gains of 5-15% annually in emerging areas like Phru Champa and Bang Jo.

It's something we develop in our Thailand property pack.

infographics rental yields citiesPhuket

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 budget levels make sense for different strategies: living, renting, or investing?

Budget requirements vary significantly based on your primary objective and target areas within Phuket.

For personal living, condos require 4-20 million THB depending on size and location, with sea-view units in prime areas commanding the higher range. Villas for living typically start at 10 million THB for basic properties and can reach 50+ million THB for luxury beachfront homes in Bang Tao or Cherng Talay.

Rental investment strategies work best with 3-15 million THB for condos, focusing on one to two-bedroom units in high-demand areas like Bang Tao and Kamala. Villa rental investments require 12-30 million THB to acquire properties capable of generating meaningful yields in competitive rental markets.

Resale investment strategies need minimum budgets of 6-20 million THB for condos and 16+ million THB for villas or land plots. These higher entry points target faster-appreciating areas and property types with better liquidity characteristics.

Recommended areas for living include Rawai, Nai Harn, and Kamala for their balance of amenities and value. Rental strategies favor Bang Tao, Cherng Talay, and Layan for maximum yield potential, while resale investments should target Bang Tao and emerging areas like Phru Champa.

Which areas are best suited for long-term stability versus short-term opportunities?

Long-term stability areas offer established infrastructure, proven track records, and lower volatility, while opportunity areas provide higher growth potential with increased risk.

Bang Tao, Laguna, Kamala, and the established west coast areas provide the highest long-term stability due to mature expat and retirement populations, established amenities, and consistently high resale liquidity. These areas have weathered multiple market cycles and maintain steady 5-8% annual appreciation with minimal downside risk.

Rawai and Nai Harn also offer stability for families and retirees seeking a quieter lifestyle, with steady property appreciation and strong community infrastructure. These areas appeal to long-term residents rather than short-term tourists, creating more stable rental and resale markets.

Short-term opportunity areas include inland expansion zones like Bang Jo, Phru Champa, and areas along Thepkasattri Road where new infrastructure projects and mixed-use developments create price catch-up potential. These locations offer 10-15% appreciation potential but carry higher risks if development plans change or market conditions shift.

Emerging beachfront areas on the east coast and northern sections of the island represent higher-risk opportunities with potential for significant returns if tourism patterns evolve or new infrastructure improves accessibility.

If you were to buy right now, what property type and location give the best balance of risk and return?

Condos in Bang Tao, Cherng Talay, or Kamala with strong management companies offer the optimal risk-return balance for most buyers as of September 2025.

These locations provide excellent rental yields of 8-10%, high liquidity with 6-12 month resale periods, and stable long-term capital growth backed by established tourism infrastructure. Branded developments or properties with professional management make rental compliance easier to manage compared to villa rentals.

One to two-bedroom sea-view units in the 8-15 million THB range target the sweet spot for both personal use flexibility and investment returns. These properties appeal to the broadest range of potential buyers and renters, from affluent tourists to expat professionals and retirees.

For buyers seeking villa investments, smaller luxury properties in Rawai or Nai Harn in the 12-25 million THB range balance lifestyle benefits with rental potential, though yields typically trail condo investments by 2-3 percentage points.

Overall, Bang Tao and Cherng Talay remain the epicenter for both capital appreciation and rental returns, while upcoming areas like Bang Jo and Phru Champa offer attractive entry points for buyers prioritizing medium-term capital growth over immediate rental income.

It's something we develop in our Thailand property pack.

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.

Sources

  1. Phuket Buy House - Property Prices 2025
  2. RE/MAX Thailand Market Report 2025
  3. C9 Hotelworks Phuket Property Market Update
  4. Charles Del Property Market Analysis
  5. Blue Point Condo Market Analysis 2025
  6. Charles Del Real Estate Trends
  7. Thai Residential Villa Buying Guide
  8. Fazwaz Land Sales Phuket
  9. Thailand Real Estate Land Listings
  10. Global Property Guide Thailand Rental Yields