Samui

Why buy property on Koh Samui?

Koh Samui is a mature island resort in the Gulf of Thailand with its own airport, private hospitals and international schools, and a property market dominated by pool villas. It suits buyers who want a quieter, lower-density island than Phuket while keeping good services.

The market is smaller and more villa-focused than Phuket's, so choice at any moment is narrower and due diligence on land matters more. Our Samui selection is currently compact; see what is available on the Samui properties page and in Samui projects.

Which areas of Koh Samui are best for buying property?

The north and north-east are the most popular with foreign buyers for their services and sunset or sea views, while the south and west are quieter and more residential. Each area has a different feel.

• Chaweng, the island's main resort area on the east coast with the longest beach, restaurants and nightlife; condos and villas with strong holiday demand, busy in season.
• Bophut and Fisherman's Village, north coast, a walkable village with restaurants, close to the airport; popular with families and long-stay owners.
• Choeng Mon and Plai Laem, north-east bays with calmer water, hillside sea-view villas and upscale resorts.
• Maenam and Bang Po, north coast, quieter and more local, with sunset views towards Koh Phangan and more affordable villas.
• Lamai, second largest beach area on the east coast, relaxed, with villas and growing services.
• Taling Ngam, Lipa Noi and the south, west and south coasts, sunsets, larger plots and a slower pace, further from main services.

What types of property are available and how much do they cost?

Samui is mainly a villa market, with a smaller supply of condos and apartments; indicative prices run from around 3–4 million THB for an apartment to 30 million THB and more for sea-view villas. Prices depend heavily on view, land size and road access.

Property type	Indicative price
Condos and apartments	roughly 3–10 million THB, mostly in Chaweng, Bophut and Lamai.
2–3 bedroom pool villas	roughly 8–25 million THB depending on view and location.
Larger sea-view villas	from around 25 million THB and upward, especially in Choeng Mon, Plai Laem and Bophut hills.
Land plots	priced per rai or per square wah; value depends on view, slope and access.

All figures are indicative; the market includes both cheaper and much more expensive homes, and current prices are shown on each listing.

Can foreigners own property on Koh Samui?

Foreigners can own condominium units freehold within the 49% foreign quota, but cannot own land directly. Because Samui is mostly a villa market, most foreign purchases involve a land lease.

• Condominiums: under the Condominium Act, foreigners may own up to 49% of a registered building's total unit area, with funds transferred from abroad in foreign currency and documented by the receiving bank.
• Villas and land: a lease of up to 30 years can be registered at the Land Office under section 540 of the Civil and Commercial Code. The building itself can be owned separately by a foreigner with the right structure. Pre-agreed renewals (for example "30+30") are contractual promises, not registered rights, and Thai courts have declined to enforce them as a way around the 30-year limit. Proposals to allow longer leases have been discussed but are not law.
• Companies: Thai company structures involving foreigners are regulated; use an independent licensed lawyer.

Transfer fees and taxes are paid at the Land Office; read more in our buyer guides.

What costs come on top of the price?

Budget for transfer costs at the Land Office (a transfer fee, plus withholding tax and either specific business tax or stamp duty, split as agreed in the contract), lease registration fees where a lease is used, legal fees for independent due diligence, furniture, and ongoing common-area or estate fees. Owners who let their property should also allow for management fees, maintenance, insurance and Thai tax on rental income. Ask for a written cost estimate before signing, and compare the total, not only the headline price.

Is there rental demand for property on Koh Samui?

Yes, Samui has steady holiday-villa demand, but it is seasonal and depends on flight capacity and management. No rental return is guaranteed.

Samui's weather differs from Phuket's: the main rainy period is usually October to December, while January to August is generally drier, which gives the island a longer high season for holiday rentals. Villas with sea views, private pools and professional management tend to let better; long-term demand comes from families, remote workers and people working in hospitality.

Under the Hotel Act B.E. 2547 (2004), letting a home for periods shorter than 30 days generally requires a hotel licence, which most condominium buildings and private villas do not hold. Treat any rental guarantee as a contract with the developer and check that party's ability to pay.

What is it like to live on Koh Samui?

Samui offers island living with essential services: an airport, private hospitals, international schools and supermarkets. Access is more limited and costlier than Phuket, and some goods are more expensive.

• Airport: Samui International Airport is privately owned and operated by Bangkok Airways, with direct flights to Bangkok and several regional routes. Ferries also connect to the mainland at Surat Thani (Don Sak) and to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
• Healthcare: private hospitals include Bangkok Hospital Samui and Thai International Hospital; serious cases may be transferred to Bangkok.
• Education: international schools on the island include the International School of Samui (ISS) and Panyadee – The British International School of Samui (PBISS).
• Transport: a ring road circles the island; most residents drive or use taxis.

What should you check before buying property on Koh Samui?

On Samui, land checks come first: title, access, slope and permits. Do not pay beyond a refundable reservation until independent checks are complete.

• Land title type (Chanote preferred) and the exact plot boundaries.
• Legal road access and utilities (water, electricity), which vary on hillside plots.
• Building permits and height or slope restrictions in hillside and coastal zones.
• Lease registration at the Land Office and the ownership of the building.
• Developer track record and construction quality, including drainage and waterproofing.
• Contract terms: payment milestones, completion date, penalties, warranty.
• Water supply: many areas rely on wells or delivered water in the dry season.
• Management, maintenance fees and resale costs.

How can Private Office Property help you buy on Koh Samui?

Private Office Property represents the buyer: we help shortlist villas and condos, coordinate independent due diligence and manage the property after purchase. We do not promise returns.

• Buyer representation: shortlisting from listings, projects and developers on Samui, viewings and negotiation.
• Due diligence coordination: working with independent lawyers on title, lease and permits.
• After purchase: handover, furnishing and rental management.