Phuket

Phuket’s property market is experiencing a remarkable boom. CBRE Thailand reported that condominium sales jumped 201% year-on-year in 2024, with villa sales up 148%. The island maintains steady absorption of approximately 1,000 condominium transfers to foreign buyers annually, with 10% year-on-year growth continuing into 2025.

Yields are among the highest in the HPA portfolio. Short-term rental properties regularly achieve 8–15% gross returns, significantly outperforming the 6–8% typical of long-term lets. Phuket’s tropical climate drives 365-day tourism demand, with average occupancy rates above 75% across the island’s prime rental zones.

Foreign ownership in Thailand is straightforward for condominiums — you can own freehold, with your name on the title, provided the building’s foreign ownership quota (49%) isn’t exceeded. For villas, the standard approach is leasehold structures of 30+30+30 years, with the first 30 years guaranteed by Thai law.

The Thailand Elite Visa provides a practical long-term residency solution, starting from ฿600,000 for 5 years. This grants multiple-entry privileges and eliminates the need for visa runs. However, investors should note that since late 2023, the Thai government has increased enforcement against illegal short-term rentals — proper hotel licensing is essential, and HPA only sources properties with compliant rental arrangements.