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Koh Samui's property market has experienced significant price growth over the past five years, outpacing most other Thai islands. The luxury beachfront villa segment has seen particularly strong appreciation, with prices rising 35-40% since 2020. Current land prices in prime areas average 50,000-59,250 THB per square meter, while completed villas range from 8 million to 55+ million THB depending on location and amenities.
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Koh Samui property prices have risen 18-30% over five years, with luxury beachfront villas up 35-40%. Current land prices average 50,000-59,250 THB per square meter in prime areas.
Rental yields range from 6-8% annually for well-managed properties, while Airbnb rates vary from 2,500-6,500 THB daily with seasonal occupancy fluctuations between 35-80%.
| Metric | Koh Samui | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Year Price Growth | 18-30% (luxury: 35-40%) | Outpaces most Thai islands |
| Land Price (Prime Areas) | 50,000-59,250 THB/sqm | Lower than Phuket prime areas |
| Villa Prices | 8M-55M+ THB | Premium pricing for beachfront |
| Rental Yields | 6-8% annually | Competitive with Bangkok |
| Airbnb Daily Rates | 2,500-6,500 THB | Varies by season/location |
| High Season Occupancy | 65-80% | Strong tourist demand |
| Foreign Buyer Share | 70-80% | High international interest |
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Attaya Suriyawonghae 🇹🇭
Real Estate Broker, Zest Real Estate
How much have property prices in Koh Samui increased compared to other Thai islands over the past five years?
Koh Samui property prices have risen 18-30% over the last five years, significantly outpacing most other Thai islands.
Luxury beachfront villas on Koh Samui have experienced the strongest appreciation, with prices climbing 35-40% since 2020. This growth rate exceeds the performance of most comparable Thai island destinations, with only select areas in Phuket matching this level of appreciation.
The island's property market bottomed out during the pandemic at around 45,000-50,000 THB per square meter for land in prime areas. As of September 2025, these same areas now average 59,250 THB per square meter, representing a clear upward trajectory in values.
Phuket's prime areas in Bang Tao and Surin have also seen strong growth, with annual price appreciation of 2-7% for luxury condos and villas. However, Phuket's absolute prices remain higher, with luxury properties reaching 150,000-180,000 THB per square meter in the most exclusive areas.
Other Thai islands and mainland coastal destinations have generally experienced smaller price increases, typically falling below Koh Samui's growth rates except for very specific premium developments in established resort areas.
What are current land and villa prices per square meter in prime Koh Samui areas?
Prime areas of Koh Samui currently command land prices averaging 50,000-59,250 THB per square meter as of September 2025.
Completed villas in top locations typically start from 50,000 THB per square meter and can reach significantly higher levels depending on the specific amenities and beachfront access. The total villa price range spans from 8 million THB for entry-level properties up to 55+ million THB for luxury beachfront estates.
Chaweng and Lamai areas represent the benchmark for prime pricing, with both land and villa prices falling within the 50,000-59,250 THB per square meter range. These areas offer the best combination of beach access, established infrastructure, and tourist amenities.
Bophut presents a slightly different market segment, with completed villa prices typically ranging from 12-35 million THB for entire properties. Chaweng Noi, being more exclusive and less developed, commands premium prices from 18-55 million THB for complete villa properties.
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How do rental yields in Koh Samui compare to other major Thai property markets?
Well-managed properties in Koh Samui offer net rental yields of 6-8% annually, making the island competitive with other major Thai real estate markets.
| Location | Rental Yield Range | Market Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Koh Samui | 6-8% (net) | Strong seasonal tourism |
| Phuket | 5-10%+ | High-demand condos/villas |
| Bangkok | 4.5-8% | Prime apartments, steady demand |
| Chiang Mai | 4-7% | Top neighborhoods, consistent market |
| Pattaya | 5-9% | Tourist-focused rental market |
| Hua Hin | 4-6% | Weekend/holiday rentals |
| Koh Phangan | 5-7% | Seasonal fluctuations |
What are typical Airbnb rates and occupancy levels in Koh Samui during different seasons?
Prime beachfront and pool villas in Koh Samui command daily rates ranging from 2,500-6,500 THB, with significant seasonal variations in both pricing and occupancy.
High season occupancy levels typically reach 65-80% for well-positioned properties with proper amenities and management. This period generally runs from December through March, coinciding with the dry season and peak international tourism.
Low season sees a notable drop in occupancy to 35-55%, reflecting the monsoon period and reduced tourist arrivals. However, properties with strong online presence and competitive pricing can maintain higher occupancy rates even during these slower months.
Luxury beachfront villas and properties with private pools consistently command the highest daily rates within the 4,500-6,500 THB range. These properties also tend to achieve better occupancy rates throughout the year due to their premium positioning and unique selling points.
Inland properties and those without direct beach access typically fall into the lower end of the daily rate spectrum at 2,500-4,000 THB, but can still achieve reasonable occupancy with proper marketing and competitive pricing strategies.
How many new developments are currently under construction in Koh Samui?
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The current development pipeline in Koh Samui shows moderate activity with approximately 15-20 major villa and resort projects under various stages of construction as of September 2025.
Most new developments focus on luxury villa estates rather than large-scale hotel or resort complexes, reflecting the island's positioning as a premium destination. These projects typically feature 5-25 individual villas with private pools and modern amenities targeting affluent international buyers.
The Chaweng and Bophut areas are seeing the majority of new construction activity, with developers focusing on upgrading older properties and creating new luxury compounds. Several projects in these areas are scheduled for completion between late 2025 and mid-2026.
Infrastructure limitations, particularly regarding water supply and sewage treatment, have slowed some larger development projects. The local government has implemented stricter environmental regulations that require developers to meet higher standards for utilities and waste management.
Foreign developers continue to show strong interest in Koh Samui, with several European and Australian-backed projects currently in the planning or early construction phases. These projects typically target the 15-40 million THB price range for completed villas.
What has been the year-on-year growth in tourist arrivals to Koh Samui over the last three years?
Tourist arrivals to Koh Samui have shown strong recovery since the pandemic, with year-on-year growth averaging 25-35% from 2022 through 2024.
The island welcomed approximately 1.2 million international visitors in 2024, representing a significant increase from the 2022 figure of around 800,000 arrivals. This recovery trajectory has been supported by the reopening of direct international flights and renewed marketing efforts by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
European tourists, particularly from Germany, UK, and Scandinavia, continue to represent the largest segment of international arrivals. These markets have shown consistent growth, with many visitors extending their stays compared to pre-pandemic patterns.
The growth in tourist arrivals has been supported by improved connectivity, with Samui Airport expanding its route network and increasing frequency on existing routes. Direct flights from major Asian cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur have been restored to pre-pandemic levels.
Domestic tourism has also contributed to the overall growth, with Thai visitors increasingly choosing Koh Samui for extended holidays and weekend getaways. This segment has proven particularly valuable for maintaining occupancy during traditional low-season periods.
How do monthly living costs in Koh Samui compare to Phuket and Bangkok for expat families?
Monthly living costs for an expat family in Koh Samui typically range from 80,000-120,000 THB, positioning the island between Phuket and Bangkok in terms of overall expenses.
Housing represents the largest expense category, with quality villa rentals for families ranging from 30,000-60,000 THB monthly in desirable areas. This compares to 35,000-80,000 THB in Phuket's prime areas and 25,000-50,000 THB for equivalent properties in Bangkok suburbs.
Food and dining costs in Koh Samui tend to be 15-25% higher than Bangkok due to the island's reliance on imported goods and tourist-oriented pricing. A family's monthly food budget typically ranges from 20,000-35,000 THB compared to 15,000-25,000 THB in Bangkok.
International schooling options are more limited in Koh Samui, with fees ranging from 180,000-300,000 THB annually for quality institutions. This compares to 200,000-500,000 THB in Bangkok and 220,000-400,000 THB in Phuket, where more international school choices are available.
Transportation costs tend to be lower in Koh Samui due to the island's compact size, with most families spending 8,000-15,000 THB monthly on local transport compared to 12,000-25,000 THB in Bangkok's traffic-congested environment.
How has infrastructure investment changed on Koh Samui over the past five years?
Infrastructure investment in Koh Samui has accelerated significantly since 2020, with the government allocating over 2.5 billion THB for various improvement projects across the island.
Road infrastructure has seen the most substantial upgrades, with the main ring road receiving comprehensive resurfacing and widening in several sections. The Chaweng to Lamai coastal road has been completely rebuilt, improving access to key tourist and residential areas while reducing travel times by approximately 20%.
Samui Airport has undergone significant expansion, with a new terminal building completed in 2023 and runway improvements enhancing the airport's capacity to handle larger aircraft. These upgrades have enabled more direct international flights and improved scheduling flexibility for airlines.
Water supply and sewage treatment facilities have received major investments, addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges that previously limited development potential. The new central wastewater treatment plant, operational since 2024, can handle capacity for an additional 50,000 residents and tourists.
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What percentage of recent property buyers in Koh Samui are foreigners versus Thai nationals?
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.
Foreign investors represent approximately 70-80% of recent property buyers in Koh Samui's prime residential market, significantly higher than the national average for Thai real estate transactions.
European buyers constitute the largest foreign segment, accounting for roughly 40-50% of all international purchases. German, British, and Scandinavian buyers are particularly active, often seeking vacation homes or investment properties for rental income generation.
Thai nationals primarily purchase in the mid-market segment, focusing on properties priced between 3-10 million THB for personal use or domestic rental markets. Many Thai buyers are Bangkok-based professionals seeking holiday homes or retirement properties on the island.
The high foreign buyer percentage reflects Koh Samui's positioning as an international resort destination, with many purchases structured through legitimate legal arrangements including long-term leases and Thai company ownership structures for land acquisition.
Recent data shows Australian and North American buyers have increased their market share, particularly in the luxury villa segment above 20 million THB. These buyers often work with specialized legal advisors to navigate foreign ownership regulations while maximizing their property rights.
What do resale data show about capital appreciation for villas sold after five to ten years?
Long-term resale data for Koh Samui villas shows average capital appreciation of 4-7% annually for properties held five to ten years, with significant variation based on location and property type.
Beachfront villas have demonstrated the strongest capital appreciation, with properties sold after 5-7 years showing total gains of 35-50%. These premium properties benefit from limited supply and consistent demand from international buyers seeking direct beach access.
Villas with sea views but not direct beach access have appreciated more modestly, typically showing 25-35% total gains over five-year holding periods. The appreciation rate tends to slow slightly for properties held beyond seven years, averaging 3-5% annually in the longer term.
Inland properties without sea views have experienced the most variable appreciation rates, ranging from 15-30% over five years depending on specific location factors such as proximity to amenities, road access, and development in surrounding areas.
Properties purchased during market lows, particularly those bought in 2020-2021, have shown exceptional performance with some achieving 40-60% appreciation in just 3-4 years as the market recovered and international travel resumed.
How have government policies affected foreign property ownership in Koh Samui recently?
Government policies affecting foreign property ownership in Koh Samui have remained relatively stable over the past two years, with no major new restrictions implemented specifically targeting the island.
The Land Department has increased scrutiny of foreign ownership structures, particularly Thai company arrangements used for land acquisition. New documentation requirements implemented in 2024 require more detailed proof of legitimate business activities for companies seeking to purchase land on behalf of foreign investors.
Condominium foreign quota enforcement has become stricter, with authorities more carefully verifying that foreign ownership does not exceed the 49% limit in new developments. This has led to some project delays as developers adjust their sales strategies to comply with quota requirements.
The government has maintained supportive policies for legitimate foreign investment, including the extension of long-term visa programs such as the Elite Visa and retirement visas that facilitate property ownership for qualified applicants.
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What are expert forecasts for Koh Samui property values over the next three to five years?
Expert forecasts predict continued appreciation in Koh Samui property values, with annual growth rates of 3-6% expected through 2028, though at a more moderate pace than the rapid gains seen in recent years.
Luxury beachfront properties are expected to outperform the broader market, with forecasts suggesting 5-8% annual appreciation driven by limited supply and strong international demand. The completion of infrastructure projects is expected to support these premium segments particularly well.
Mid-market villa properties are projected to appreciate at 2-4% annually, reflecting more balanced supply and demand dynamics. New development completion may moderate price growth in some areas as inventory increases.
Market analysts expect tourist arrival growth to stabilize at 3-5% annually through 2028, providing steady underlying demand for both investment and personal use properties. The expansion of direct flight connections is anticipated to support continued international buyer interest.
Risk factors include potential global economic downturns affecting luxury property demand and possible infrastructure capacity constraints if development continues at current rates without corresponding utility upgrades. However, the consensus view remains positive for selective investment in well-located properties.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Koh Samui's property market presents a compelling investment opportunity with strong historical performance and positive long-term outlook.
The combination of limited supply, growing international demand, and ongoing infrastructure improvements supports continued appreciation, though investors should carefully evaluate specific properties and market segments before making decisions.
Sources
- Koh Samui Price Forecasts - BambooRoutes
- Latest Trends Koh Samui Property Market - Conrad Properties
- Average Price of Property in Koh Samui - Samui Island Realty
- Cost of Buying a Villa in Koh Samui 2025 - Conrad Properties
- Phuket Property Market Analysis - BambooRoutes
- Thailand Property Price History - Global Property Guide
- Koh Samui Property Rental Market Guide - Charles Del
- Thailand Rental Yields - Global Property Guide
- Chiang Mai Property Market - BambooRoutes
- Koh Samui Property Market 2025 Trends Forecast - Conrad Properties