The Expert Guide On Buying Property In Phuket In 2025

Are you contemplating whether buying property in Phuket is a solid investment?

The real estate market is experiencing phenomenal growth, with many opportunities for significant returns.

Consequently, many expats have taken the route of buying a luxury villa for sale in Phuket as a way to increase passive income and take advantage of this investment potential.

If you’re an expat in Thailand or plan to stay here long-term, you can capitalise on this growing trend and secure a private villa, whether it’s for renting or personal purposes.

Understand Legal Ownership Options for Foreign Buyers in 2025

Are you captivated by Phuket’s coastal landscapes? You’ll be pleased to know that you can take the necessary steps to make this island your new home. However, it’s essential to understand your rights and obligations regarding foreign ownership of property in Phuket.

• Villa ownership through leasehold:

Under the Land Code Act, foreigners can achieve freehold ownership of a villa's structure, but direct ownership of the land beneath it is not permitted. Instead, you can secure long-term use of the land through leasehold agreements, which offer extendable leases (base period of 30 years, normally extendable twice). The good news is that as the owner of the villa structure, you’re still able to renovate, design your dream villa and rent it out, as long as it’s within your lease agreement.

• Freehold ownership of a condominium (under Condominium Act):

If you’re interested in investing in a high-end condo in Phuket, the Condominium Act allows foreigners to own condominium under full freehold (with the provision that condos sold to foreigners in any given building don't amount to more than 49% of total sellable area). As Phuket is undergoing new and exciting property developments, there’s an array of stunning options for you to explore!

• Ownership through a Thai limited company

Another avenue some foreign buyers in Phuket explore is establishing a Thai Limited Company. While this allows the company to own land, a minimum of 51% of the company's shareholders must be Thai nationals. We recommend that you seek legal advice to fully understand the implications, legal obligations, and potential risks involved.

Why Local Expertise Makes a Difference in Property Selection

Navigating the real estate world is complex. With so many desirable options and crucial factors to consider, it’s natural to feel unqualified, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the island and its most attractive areas.

There are several advantages to choosing a local real estate agent in Phuket, including:

• Local knowledge:

A local agent has a wealth of experience manoeuvring the Phuket real estate scene. They are aware of market trends, price fluctuations, which neighbourhoods meet your needs, and property values. Furthermore, if you’re looking for a stunning villa nestled in a secluded, lesser-known haven, a local real estate agent in Phuket may have exclusive access to properties that aren’t publicly listed.

• Strong connections:

Networking is crucial in real estate. From negotiating deals to connecting you with other professionals, a local agent, through their years of experience, would have built a strong network of contacts within the community.

• Lower risks:

No investment comes without a certain degree of risk. However, a local real estate agent can leverage their knowledge to strategically orient you towards lower-risk opportunities.

Key Steps to a Smooth and Secure Property Purchase in Phuket

Purchasing a new property, especially on an extremely attractive island such as Phuket, is an exciting venture. You could be enjoying the mesmerising views from the comfort of your private villa or residence in no time.

To make this process as smooth as possible, here are some property buying tips in Phuket:

• Define your goals and budget:

Clearly understanding your property objectives—be it a holiday home, rental income, or long-term living—and your financial capacity will greatly narrow down your search.

• Partner with a local real estate agent:

A knowledgeable local agent is essential for discovering the most advantageous property options.

• Prioritise sight visits:

In this day and age, it’s still advisable to visit the properties first-hand. This will help you gauge the neighbourhood and allow you to ask any lingering questions.

• Navigating negotiation and offers:

Your local real estate agent can provide invaluable strategic advice during negotiations, leveraging their market knowledge and experience.

• Consult a lawyer:

As an expat, understanding the risks and implications of purchasing a property is vital. While consulting a lawyer is not a necessity, it can make your process even more straightforward.

• Contracts and payment

The final steps are signing the contract, completing the necessary payments, and ultimately, securing your dream villa in Phuket – your highly sought-after beach paradise!

Sunway Estates offers an expansive selection of some of the most prestigious luxury villas in Phuket.

As your local real estate agent in Phuket, your needs are our top priority. Whether you’re searching to buy a property in Phuket as a lucrative investment or a family vacation home, we’re here to make the process easy and stress-free.

Contact us today and explore our curated luxury properties for sale in Thailand!