Koh Samui Real Estate

The real estate market on Koh Samui has attracted large numbers of buyers and sellers from around the globe in the last few years. A diverse range of properties have become available, thanks to widespread development and support from an ever-expanding network of services, both construction and lifestyle related.

Purchasing a home on Koh Samui is now a relatively easy process. Professional agents and developers like Palm Construction offer a full portfolio of designs and specifications, including off plan sales on their own private developments. Legal advice can be easily obtained and for those intending to buy land and build their own home, architects, construction firms and designers can all be sourced on the island. In terms of capital appreciation, Koh Samui has experienced something of a slowdown in the last year, due in part to global economics and also as a result of political instability in Thailand's capital. Having said that, demand for properties on a paradise island continues and prices for finished homes continue to rise year on year. This means investors can still look forward to a respectable return when they buy real estate on Samui, albeit on a longer term basis.

Market analyst’s are waiting for proposed changes to foreign ownership regulations, which may factors such as the length of leases and availability of finance to investors from abroad. Most agents say that rentals and sales are stable following a slow-down in 2007 caused by political uncertainty following a military coup. However, trends are difficult to predict in the current global economic climate.
Although the island's infrastructure remains basic when compared with many western countries, the government is continually working to improve the roads, water and electricity supply. Perhaps more importantly, travel to and from the island is convenient and easy, making Samui ideal for those looking to invest in real estate without re-locating to Samui permanently. The added bonus of a rental income for those that invest in real estate means the island attracts significant numbers of semi-permanent residents who are able to mix business with pleasure by using their property for some of the year and renting out during the busier tourists seasons.