Why Buy Property on Koh Samui
Koh Samui, a jewel in the Gulf of Thailand, is a perfect location with its myriad scenic view points and varied terrain, from green valleys to easy beaches surrounded by sand dunes. There are several opportunities for both the cultural Thai vacation to the luxurious hotel and villa options. Like an oasis in an urban jungle, Koh Samui gives you modern benefits with the hidden pleasures of an island stay. Different from Phuket with no land link, Samui is buffered with calm seas around it and a constant access to the ocean. The island’s development precludes the urbanization of other seaside towns and focuses on environment, keeping a rustic and tranquil atmosphere intact, avoiding the crush of mainstream Pattaya and Phuket.
Koh Samui Today
Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand and located in the Gulf of Thailand. The literal translation is “island of safe haven”. Discovered by the Chinese and Malay hundreds of years ago, the proliferation of fish and produce attracted many to the small island with a geographic area of 228 km2 and a population of approximately 60, 000 people. This combination of size and demographics preempts further development into an urban tourist area, keeping the image of a tropical paradise. Over the years, recognition as a holiday destination have brought many awards along with five star resorts and properties to Koh Samui. The rich and famous venture there along with the backpacker for the simple pleasures of quiet island life as well as the charm of a setting sun on a beautiful beach. There are close to 700 properties to choose from such as two World class golf courses along with premium Hotels such as the Conrad, Hilton, and Four Seasons. Samui is truly a place to visit today.
Koh Samui Property Opportunities
Client purchasing property on the island include the expats of Hong Kong, the French, Israeli, Singaporeans, Malay, Russians, and Australians value the opportunities. Plai Laem and Chaweng Noi has become an area of investment with the older, wealthy tourists and investors. The opening of direct international flights from China offer easy access to Koh Samui with hourly international airlines and cheaper flight options to Surat Thani from Bangkok as low as $30 USD with a van/ferry/speedboat option. This further encourages people to live on Samui and invigorates the real estate opportunities. Easy access
Investment Report
Samui is much cheaper than European options in Spain, Portugal, and Italy that are clear targets for European buyers. The value of Samui is seen when comparing it to Hong Kong and Singapore, where equivalent property is priced much higher.
The luxury property rental market benefits in two ways. First, the island has a longer high season than other islands in Thailand. Second, investors can make a rental yield in the 7-10%, with the villas producing in the upper 25-30% range; compared to lower yields of 3-5% in other areas, due to the real estate expansion and cost of living increases in Pattaya and Phuket. Finally, the new building laws in Koh Samui create a haven for investors, stabilizing infrastructure, economic development, and preserving the environment. These are the reasons Koh Samui is a place to invest, attracting the international investor and holidaymaker, and providing a lifestyle and vacation opportunity to retire in a global market.
