Koh Samui is an island off the southeast coast of Thailand. It is the country’s third largest island but has rapidly become almost as popular as Thailand’s largest, Phuket Island. The island has all the beauty and tropical charm that you would expect in this part of the world. Koh Samui is shaped like a rounded square with a mountainous and relatively inhabitable central region. Thus, beachfront property developments are packed in on all four sides of the island. Koh Samui offers high-class tropical paradise living appealing to those who are accustomed to luxury.
Property investors and developers are attracted to Koh Samui for a couple of reasons. The first feature that makes this island attractive is the pleasant weather. Rainy seasons typically slow the rate of tourism but this is not the case on Koh Samui. The island’s rainy season is mostly confined to the month of November. However it does rain throughout the remainder of the year, with the least amount of rainfall between December and February, but these are typically short rainstorms with sunshine the rest of the day. Of course it is warm the entire year. The other reason that makes Koh Samui attractive is because it has an airport making it convenient for travelers to get here from Bangkok. Bangkok Airways is the carrier operating flights between the nation’s capital and the island. So, a combination of pleasant weather which allows for property development and air access which brings in the tourists explains why resorts, villas, and apartments are carpeting the land close to the beaches.
Koh Samui attracts mostly investors in the luxury property market. The real estate industry on the island is classified at the high end of the price spectrum. In spite of the recent economic downturn, the island still continues to attract those looking to build or buy luxury villas, condominiums, and resorts. Of course, property prices are not cheap but they are still lower than most of the world’s high-value property market. Prices for villas in the 3 to 5 bedroom design range from 50,000,000 Thai Baht (about $1.6 million US) to 200,000,000 Thai Baht ($6.6 million US). However, it has been reported that there are some small villas available for sale for around 15,000,000 Thai Baht ($500,000 US).
Much of the properties offered on the island are villas. However, hotel development has been on the rise with increasing availability of property for this purpose. There are different leasing options available as well. The more popular property option appears to be leasehold apartments. Since foreigners are not allowed to own land in Thailand, a 30-year leasehold with the option to extend for 2 additional 30-year periods makes it an attractive choice. There are some freehold properties available where the buyer can own the land either because of Thai citizenship or ownership by a Thai corporation.
The future continues to look bright for Koh Samui. Napasai, one of the island’s private beach resorts under the ownership of Orient Express, is going to make improvements to attract even more tourists. Annual tourist arrivals continue to exceed the 1 million mark.
Koh Samui has a mixture of western conveniences while maintaining the exotic feel of an island. Since this is mostly a luxury island, you will find all of the recreational facilities, dining, and entertainment venues that appeal to the upper social class. There is the Sanburi 18-hole golf course plus water sports activities like diving and snorkeling. There is also availability of drivers, cooks, and maids who are available for hire at a reasonable rate.
There are plenty of realtors servicing the island. Call one today and see all the luxurious properties that you can be a part of. Get your slice of this tropical paradise while you can because Koh Samui is rapidly becoming Thailand’s premiere island living destination.
