Buying or renting property in Phuket is something many visitors start thinking about after a few trips to the island. The market has changed enormously since I first arrived in 1994. Back then, most of the west coast was still rubber plantations and empty hillsides. Today, there are condominiums, pool villas and gated estates in almost every part of Phuket, and the number of real estate agencies has grown to match.
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Phuket?
The most important thing to understand is that foreigners cannot own land in Thailand. You can, however, own a condominium unit outright under foreign freehold, as long as foreign ownership in that building does not exceed 49% of the total floor area. For villas and houses, the most common arrangement is a long-term lease on the land (usually 30 years, sometimes with renewal options) combined with ownership of the structure. Some buyers set up a Thai limited company to hold the land, but the legal requirements around this have become stricter over the years. Getting proper legal advice before signing anything is essential.
Where to Buy in Phuket
The west coast remains the most popular area for foreign buyers. Bang Tao and Laguna attract families looking for established communities with international schools nearby. Kamala and Surin are popular with buyers who want to be close to upmarket beach clubs and restaurants. Kata and Karon appeal to those who prefer the liveliness of the southern tourist coast. Rawai and Nai Harn have become a favourite with long-term expats who want a quieter, more local feel at lower prices. Cherng Talay has seen massive development in recent years and now has a mix of everything from affordable condos to high-end estates.
The east coast and central areas like Kathu, Thalang and Pa Khlok are generally cheaper and attract buyers who do not need to be near the beach every day. These areas suit people who work on the island or have children in school.
Renting Long Term in Phuket
If you are not ready to buy, long-term rentals are widely available across the island. A furnished one-bedroom condo can start from around 8,000 to 15,000 baht per month in areas like Kathu or Phuket Town, while a two-bedroom pool villa in Rawai or Chalong might range from 25,000 to 60,000 baht per month depending on the condition and location. Prices along the west coast beaches are higher. Most landlords ask for a two-month security deposit and one month’s rent in advance. Contracts are usually for one year, but six-month leases are sometimes available outside of high season.
Choosing a Real Estate Agency
Phuket has dozens of real estate agencies, from one-person operations to large firms with showrooms. A good agency should be willing to show you a range of properties across different areas, not just push their own developments. Ask how long they have been operating in Phuket, whether they can connect you with an independent lawyer for contract review, and whether they handle after-sale services like property management and rental if you plan to rent out the property when you are not on the island.
Below is a list of real estate agencies operating in Phuket. I have worked with a few of them over the years, and they offer helpful personal service and guidance through the process.
Lofty Phuket Property Management helps villa and condo owners in Phuket manage, market, and maintain their properties with less stress and more clarity. Read More
Siam Expat Property is a trusted real estate agency conveniently located in the heart of Patong, boasting over 10 years of expertise in real estate brokerage on the beautiful island of Phuket. Read More
Zenithy Development offers meticulously built homes allowing residents to create extraordinary experiences for their families and guests. We understand that this is an investment into spending quality time in a beautiful and well-thought-out space for our buyers. Read More
Heavenly Phuket is a real estate agency focusing on the property market in Phuket. They have a good understanding of the local real estate landscape and offer a range of services for people looking to buy, sell, or invest in property on the island. Read More
Search Estate is your trusted guide to the world of luxury real estate in Phuket. We specialize in selecting, purchasing, and renting apartments and villas, offering a full range of services to make acquiring property in one of Thailand’s most stunning regions both comfortable and secure. Read More
JFTB Real Estate Phuket is an independent boutique agency established in 2013, specializing in Phuket real estate, including luxury villas, sea-view properties, and foreign freehold condominiums. Read More
Phuket Plus is a trusted real estate development and construction company based in Phuket, Thailand, with over 18 years of experience in creating exceptional living and investment opportunities across the island. Read More
Phuket real estate is an agency with condos, apartments & villas for sale and rent in Phuket. Schedule your free property tour with hotel pick-up and drop-off today. Read More
We are a team of professionals specialized in real estate in Phuket, Thailand. We offer our customers the best of Villas and Apartments for their Holiday Rental, Long Term Rental or for Sale. We would be pleased to help you find the perfect home away from home. Read More
Home in Phuket only lists the best properties for sale and rent, handpicked by our professional team. We work hard to find the right property for you so you don’t have to. We stay beside you throughout the entire process from sourcing the property, negotiating the best deal, contracts, and ownership transfer. Read More
Phuket Realtor specializes in helping foreigners make successful real estate investments in Thailand. Our friendly and professional Phuket real estate agents advise and guide foreigners with reliable and honest communication providing a stress-free but efficient step-by-step process for buying or selling real estate in Phuket, Thailand. Read More
Siya Property Management is a hands-on property management company specializing in managing villas, vacation homes and other properties in Phuket, Thailand. Our business is maintaining, managing and protecting your assets. Read More
Inspiring Villas is the premium provider of Thailand luxury villas for vacations and holidays. We specialise in the very best luxury villas in Phuket & Koh Samui villas, in Thailand. Read More
Buying or renting a house, a villa, or a condo in Phuket is a dream for many, and the choice of properties around the island is vast, as well as the number of real estate agencies you can contact to show you what is available around! Read More
I arrived in Phuket in 1994 and have never left. After travelling through 40+ countries and working with Club Med and Expedia, where I created the Hotels.com Go Guides international travel guide with my team, I launched Phuket 101 in 2011 to share what I've explored, discovered and learned. Everything here comes from personal experience, with my own photography and videos from across Thailand. Follow me on Facebook, 1M+ Phuket community and Instagram!View Author posts
