Samui, Phangan are new property hotspots

Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are emerging as global property investment hotspots, driven by surging foreign demand, rising land prices and a wave of new project launches, according to property consultancy Colliers Thailand.

Phattarachai Taweewong, research and communication director at the consultancy, said the two islands are evolving into an international investment hub, with foreign buyers dominating demand, particularly in the residential leasehold market.

"Over the past two years, land prices on both islands have risen sharply, mirroring Phuket's rapid appreciation several years earlier," he said.

"Despite the increase, land values remain significantly lower than in Phuket, leaving substantial room for further growth."

At the end of the first quarter of 2026, Samui and Phangan had a combined 154 residential projects on the market, comprising 2,860 units with a total development value exceeding 61 billion baht.

Many resort home and condo projects achieved strong absorption rates, particularly those targeting foreign buyers. Leasehold ownership remains the dominant structure, allowing overseas investors to drive market growth.

Mr Phattarachai said the strong performance has attracted major Bangkok-based developers, many of whom have begun acquiring land on both islands in preparation for future projects.

Competition is expected to intensify this year as Supalai Plc and Chiang Mai-based developer Ornsirin Holding enter the market to capture demand in high-potential resort destinations.

SAMUI DRIVES GROWTH

Samui remains one of Thailand's strongest international resort property markets, with 113 projects comprising 2,422 units worth an estimated 53.2 billion baht as of the first quarter.

Mr Phattarachai said the market posted strong growth in new villa launches over the past two years, reflecting developers' confidence in long-term demand.

Resort villas remain the dominant segment, with 65 projects and 749 units valued at nearly 30 billion baht. Prime locations include Mae Nam, Chaweng-Bophut and Lamai.

There were nine condo projects with 1,214 units and 39 housing projects with 459 units, reflecting a diversified supply base and continued expansion, noted the consultancy.

Condo prices generally range between 60,000 and 80,000 baht per square metre, while some luxury projects command prices greater than 200,000 baht per sq m.

Foreign buyers account for 85-90% of purchases, while Thai buyers represent 10-15% of the market.

More than half of demand comes from European investors, followed by buyers from Russia, Israel, China, Australia, the Czech Republic and France.

PHANGAN GAINS MOMENTUM

Mr Phattarachai said Phangan is evolving from a tourist destination into an international residential and investment market.

The island had 41 residential projects with 438 units worth a combined 7.94 billion baht as of the first quarter of 2026.

Resort villas dominate the market, accounting for 26 projects and 294 units valued at 6.83 billion baht. The market recorded rapid growth over the past two years, with annual new supply exceeding 100 units in 2024 and 2025.

"Demand is driven overwhelmingly by foreign buyers, particularly from Israel, Europe and Australia, many of whom seek long-stay residences, retirement homes or rental investment properties," he said.

More than 90% of buyers are foreigners, while Thais account for roughly 10% of the market.

Areas such as Sri Thanu and Hin Kong are popular with European buyers and digital nomads due to their focus on wellness lifestyles and established expatriate communities, said Mr Phattarachai.

Meanwhile, Haad Yao, Haad Salad and Mae Haad attract affluent buyers seeking privacy, sea views and luxury villas.

"Phangan is entering a structural growth phase, supported by quality tourism, growing expat communities and increasing international demand for second homes and investment properties," he said.

Mr Phattarachai cautioned developers to conduct thorough due diligence on land titles and focus on locations with proven demand, as project success will increasingly depend on site quality, pricing and product positioning.