PATTAYA, Thailand – Koh Samui’s real estate market is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, driven by strong demand from foreign investors from Europe, Russia, Australia, China, and Israel. The island, which saw a slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, is now shining as a prime destination not only for tourism but also for high-end property investment. Condominiums and villas in mid-to-high-end segments are witnessing unprecedented growth, with new launches reaching levels not seen in the past 15 years.
Report shows that in the first half of 2025, more than 21 new condo and vacation home projects totaling nearly 400 units were launched on Koh Samui, with many already showing absorption rates above 70%, reflecting strong demand.
Hot Spots: Bophut, Chaweng, and Lamai
The most popular locations for buyers and investors are the Bophut, Chaweng, and Lamai areas. These beachfront locations offer proximity to tourist attractions, comprehensive amenities, and lifestyle conveniences that appeal to both long-term residents and vacation rental markets.
Currently, three condo projects with a total of 876 units are available for sale on Koh Samui, valued at over 3.66 billion baht. Average sales rates are around 79.8%, leaving just 177 units unsold. In some cases, new projects in Bophut developed by Chinese investors have sold more than 70% of units within a year, with some projects fully sold in just nine months.
While the average condo price on Koh Samui ranges between 60,000–80,000 baht per square meter, premium beachfront or resort-style developments can exceed 200,000 baht per square meter, highlighting the growing appeal of luxury properties.
Villa Market Reaches Highest Level in 15 Years
The villa market is also booming. In the first half of 2025, 18 new villa projects totaling 179 units were launched, with expectations of more than 15 additional projects in the second half of the year. Total villa inventory for sale on the island now stands at 597 units from 52 projects, with a combined investment value of 14.8 billion baht—an increase of 63.6% from the previous six months.
Bophut and Chaweng areas show the highest villa sales, with rates exceeding 67%, followed by Lamai at 48.8% and Mae Nam at 36.3%. Many projects offer leasehold options, enabling foreigners to purchase properties more easily, with some developments selling out entire units in as little as two months.
Foreign Buyers Dominate the Market
Despite Koh Samui being Thailand’s second-largest island after Phuket, foreign buyers account for over 90% of real estate purchases. Investors from Europe, including Germany, France, and the Czech Republic, as well as Australia, Russia, and Israel, dominate the market. Thai buyers are mostly local business owners or self-employed individuals, making up only 10–15% of the market.
Experts say Koh Samui properties are not just vacation homes but long-term investment assets capable of generating annual returns of 5–8%, depending on location and project quality.
Big Developers Enter the Market
The sustained investor interest has attracted major developers. Supalai, for example, plans to launch a luxury beachfront villa project priced between 17.59–26.59 million baht per unit, catering to high-end buyers seeking privacy and exclusivity.
Despite global economic uncertainties, Koh Samui’s property market continues to show confidence, reflected in rising sales, new project launches, and increasing prices. Factors such as the recovery of tourism, ongoing infrastructure development, and strong foreign investor confidence, particularly for second homes in safe and quiet locations, support continued market growth.
Koh Samui is now firmly established as a global destination for luxury property investment, offering attractive opportunities in both condominiums and villas for domestic and international buyers alike.
