Ko Samui market resembles Phuket’s 2022 peak
Momentum driven by foreign demand
The Samui property market now mirrors Phuket’s 2022 peak, with newly launched villas reaching a 15-year high and land prices up 10%, according to property consultancy Colliers Thailand.
Phattarachai Taweewong, the firm’s research and communication director, said the island’s momentum is being driven by foreign demand in the mid- to upper-end condo and villa segments.
“Samui remains a global destination for both tourists and investors, supported by a strong tourism rebound and increasing interest in long-stay and investment properties,” he said.
Over the past two years, the island has recorded at least two major condo launches totalling more than 360 units, alongside more than 400 newly released villas.
Colliers expects 2025 to mark the strongest year for new villa launches on the island in 15 years, led by key areas such as Bo Phut, Mae Nam, Chaweng, Choeng Mon and Lamai.
FOREIGN DEMAND
Samui’s evolution from a leisure-focused destination to a high-potential investment hub has expanded its global buyer base, said Mr Phattarachai.
Key markets include Europe, Russia, France, Australia, China and Israel, with most buyers seeking either lifestyle properties or long-term investment opportunities.
Locations with strong tourism appeal continue to attract both holiday-home buyers and investors focused on rental yields and capital appreciation.
“Despite rising demand, Samui’s condo and villa prices remain comparatively attractive versus major tourist destinations in Thailand and abroad,” he said.
Colliers expects the market to maintain strong momentum, supported by ongoing interest from foreign buyers and improving global travel conditions.
RAMPING UP LAUNCHES
Several developers are accelerating their project pipelines to tap Samui’s growing investor base.
Mr Phattarachai said Supalai Plc plans to launch an eight-unit beachfront villa development priced between 17.5 and 26.5 million baht per unit.
In the first half of 2025, Samui had only three active condo projects on the market, comprising 876 units worth 3.66 billion baht.
Most projects are located in high-demand areas such as Chaweng–Bo Phut and Lamai, helping sustain consistent interest from buyers.
This period also saw the entry of a 218-unit project in Bo Phut by a Chinese developer, achieving 73% sales, including foreign buyers purchasing entire buildings.
TIGHT CONDO SUPPLY
According to Colliers, some condo projects sold out within nine months, underscoring the island’s robust housing appetite.
Two additional condo launches are expected in the second half of 2025, bringing new supply for the year to 276 units.
Most condos are priced between 60,000 and 80,000 baht per square metre, though some units exceed 200,000 baht per sq m, reflecting strong demand for premium offerings.
Foreign buyers remain the key driver, supported by both tourists seeking second homes and investors targeting rental returns in a supply-limited market.
Samui’s beachfront appeal, convenient access and strong lifestyle positioning continue to reinforce its status as a global investment destination.
STRONG SALES LIFT OCCUPANCY
As of mid-2025, Samui had recorded a total condo supply of 876 units, with 699 units sold, representing nearly 80%, up 4.4 percentage points from the previous period.
The high absorption rate prompted several developers to prepare additional phases to capture demand from both Thai and foreign buyers.
Thai purchasers account for only 10-15% of the market, mainly comprising local business owners and professionals.
Foreigners represent 85-90% of buyers, with Europeans accounting for over half of all transactions.
This buyer profile highlights Samui’s increasing alignment with international investment trends.
VILLA SEGMENT ACCELERATES
The villa market remains particularly vibrant, with 52 active projects offering 597 units worth over 14.8 billion baht as of mid-2025, a surge of 63.5% from the previous half.
During the same period, 18 new villa projects with 179 units were launched, spanning a wide range of layouts and price points.
Colliers forecasts over 15 additional villa projects, totalling more than 120 units, to debut in the second half of 2025, pushing total new supply above 330 units for the year.
Some leasehold villa projects recorded exceptional performance, with one selling 46 units within two months of the launch.
Sales rates vary across the island, with Chaweng–Bo Phut posting the highest take-up at nearly 68%, followed by Lamai at 49% and Mae Nam at 36%.
More than 90% of villa buyers are foreigners, led by investors from Australia, Europe, Israel, South Africa, Czechia and France.
High-end locations continue to command the strongest interest, particularly those offering sea views, privacy and convenient access.
Developers are diversifying villa designs to appeal to a broader range of lifestyle and investment preferences.
“Samui remains one of Thailand’s top destinations for luxury holiday homes and property investment, supported by rising demand, increasing prices and sustained international interest,” Mr Phattarachai added.
Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/property/3146049/samui-market-resembles-phukets-2022-peak
