Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui, Phangan, and Bangkok: What’s the Difference and Where Is It Best to Buy a House Based on the Purpose of Your Purchase?

Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui, Phangan, and Bangkok: What’s the Difference and Where Is It Best to Buy a House Based on the Purpose of Your Purchase?

The influx of tourists and migrants to Thailand continues to grow each year. The most popular areas in the Kingdom are Bangkok, Pattaya, and the islands of Phuket, Phangan, and Koh Samui. These are the locations where foreigners typically purchase property. When choosing a home for permanent residence or vacation, buyers often make decisions based on emotions. However, if the goal is to generate income, it’s important to understand how each location differs before making a purchase.

CONTENT:

• Bangkok
• Accommodation in Bangkok
• Pattaya
• Real Estate in Pattaya
• Koh Samui
• Apartments and Villas on Koh Samui
• Phuket
• Accommodation in Phuket
• Phangan
• Accommodation on Phangan
• Summary

BANGKOK

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the fastest-growing cities in Southeast Asia. With a population exceeding 5.5 million people, Bangkok is a bustling business and financial hub. Residents believe the city is on track to compete with Hong Kong and Singapore.

There is strong demand for rental properties, with returns on investment in rental housing ranging from 4% to 6% per year.

Accommodation in Bangkok:

• A 257 m² penthouse in the Khlong Toei area is priced at $963,000.
• A 110 m² penthouse in the central Khlong Toei district costs $1.08 million.
• A 36 m² duplex in the Bang Phlat area is available for $177,000.
• A 55 m² condominium in Khlong Toei is priced at $640,000.
• A 22 m² condominium in Khlong Toei costs $640,000.

PATTAYA

Pattaya has a population of around 116,000 people and offers a wide range of residential complexes. High-rise buildings are permitted in the city, and supply currently exceeds demand. Properties are available from both construction companies and individual sellers.

Pattaya also offers good air connectivity and well-developed social infrastructure, including international schools, kindergartens, and medical clinics. Foreigners typically buy apartments here for permanent residence and vacation purposes. However, it’s challenging to earn significant income by renting or reselling properties in Pattaya due to high competition.

Real Estate in Pattaya:

• A 24 m² condominium costs $70,000.
• A 35 m² apartment is priced at $43,000.
• A 35 m² studio is available for $28,000.
• A 250 m² penthouse costs $575,000.
• A 220 m² penthouse is priced at $857,000.
• A 77 m² apartment costs $109,000.
• An 80 m² condominium is available for $129,000.

PHUKET

Phuket is home to over 360,000 people and is known for its stunning natural beauty, featuring mountains and pristine white beaches.

The number of tourists visiting the island from around the globe continues to grow each year, thanks to its year-round beach season, excellent climate, and rich natural surroundings. Phuket also has an international airport that welcomes flights from various parts of the world.

Living in Phuket is convenient due to its well-developed infrastructure, which includes international kindergartens and schools, medical clinics, as well as courses, yacht clubs, and tennis courts.

Many foreigners purchase property on the island either for rental income or for personal use.

The price range for houses in Phuket varies widely, from $3,000 to $20 million. Experienced investors often put significant amounts into purchasing multiple apartments under hotel management, which can yield an annual income of 10–15% of the property value.

Accommodation in Phuket:

• A 46 m² condominium costs $185,000.
• A 26 m² studio is priced at $111,000.
• A 4,500 m² villa is available for $11.32 million.
• A small 33 m² studio in a condominium is listed for $197,000.
• A 70 m² penthouse costs $382,000.
• A 150 m² penthouse is priced at $273,000.
• A 128 m² duplex can be purchased for $109,000.
• A 3,680 m² villa costs $6.86 million.

PHANGAN

Phangan, with a population of 12,000, is the fifth-largest island in Thailand.

This location is often chosen for permanent residence by nightlife enthusiasts. The island is famous for its Full Moon Party, held monthly, attracting thousands of visitors.

Luxury villas for both permanent residence and investment can typically be found on the west coast of the island.

It's worth noting that property prices on Phangan have been rising rapidly, with an increase of 20% in recent years, making it a popular spot for foreign investors looking to buy villas as soon as possible.

Accommodation on Phangan:

• A 200 m² villa costs $114,000.
• A 195 m² house is listed for $215,000.
• A 125 m² villa can be bought for $186,000.

SUMMARY

Experienced investors in Thailand often select apartments and villas after carefully researching the location. The choice of where to buy depends on the purpose of the purchase.

Luxury apartments in Bangkok are typically selected by business owners in Asia, who also invest in local apartments for rental income.

Affordable apartments for permanent residence can be found in Pattaya.

For a luxury villa by the sea, Koh Samui is the preferred location.

Phuket is ideal for family holidays and generating income through rentals.

Phangan is favored by party lovers looking for a permanent residence. Property prices are expected to rise, providing opportunities for profit by reselling properties in the coming years.