Koh Samui

Koh Samui, situated off the East coast in Southern Thailand, is the largest of an archipelago of more than 80 islands, for the greater part uninhabited, the Angthong Marine National Park (The Golden Bowl).

Of a surface area of about 250 square kilometres, it is the third largest island of the Kingdom after Phuket and Koh Chang. The closest continental city is Suratthani at about 60 kilometres westwards.

Discovered at the beginning of the 70s by backpackers when there were only huts without electricity and tap water, and a population which lived mainly on the fishing and coconut plantations. Presently, Koh Samui still sends more than 2 million of coconuts a month to Bangkok.

Tropical island lined with coconut palms and with white sandy beaches, Samui is connected several times a day by boats and planes. It is part of Suratthani province.

Within two decades, Samui became a choice destination in Asia. Today, with its guests, Samui built up itself a robust reputation of small tropical paradise.
 

accommodation for every budget, a varied and delicious local food (sometimes a little bit too spicy for Westerners...), a lushy tropical vegetation, waterfalls, idyllic beaches, numerous Buddhist temples, strolling around with motorbike or car, trek inside the island, a nice population, a whole variegated colourful which makes a destination of it for all the tastes.

Koh Samui Climate   

The climate is very pleasant all year round, with temperatures varying between 25 and 34 degrees Celsius

There are three seasons, warm and dry season from February till May, rainy season from the end of September till November and "cool" season which extends from October till January.
From February till October, the average temperature is from 32 to 38 degrees, but from July till September, there can be some showers, but only for a few hours.

Rainy season often amounts in fact to some "refreshing” showers followed by the return of the sun.

The climate is tropical so very humid all year round, but Samui remains always refreshed by a pleasant sea breeze blowing from the Gulf.

In conclusion, if you love the sun and if you can withstand heights of summer, come from February till May! It is very rare that it rains...

Property Development Market Outlook

Initially the market on Samui consisted of simple constructions occupied by low income travellers.  This was followed by medium range hotels and fine dining restaurants, and with further infrastructure development, luxury arrived on the island

Today more and more buyers come from Europe and North America, but the real boom in the market in investment from Hong Kong, which is increasing by around 20% per year due mainly to newly introduced direct flights from Hong Kong to Samui.

Zoom on Market

Land Sales still dominate the market even though there are an increasing number of villa style projects being launched.  Land prices are still increasing, but this does not seem to be affecting the demand.  The cost of land on the island varies greatly and depends on location and infrastructure.  One rai (1600 sqm) of raw land can cost anywhere from 2 to 20 million Baht.

Property developers have been launching more and more developments across the island.  The areas of Choeng Mon, Bophut and Maenam being the most popular, while there are fewer projects in Chaweng because of the scarcity and costs of land cost.  Of recent projects launched on the island, the north accounts for 91%, the north east (Maenam, Bophut, Chaweng) 49% and north west 42% with the last 9% in Taling Ngam and Hua Thanon.

The value of properties in these projects ranges from as little as 4-5 million Baht to as high as 65 million, with the clear majority of projects sold through freehold contracts.

These properties can generally be divided into 3 main types:

The maintenance charges, as with the cost of purchase totally depend on the type of project and the services they provide and range from 3-4000 Baht to 20,000 Baht or more per month.  These charges include services such as security, cleaning, pool maintenance, rubbish collection services etc

New projects consisting of high-standard apartments are still rare but there is demand for luxury condominiums on Samui.  Gradually we will see luxury condominiums being launched, based on the same principles as in Phuket; featuring tennis courts, golf greens and commercial spaces.  It is not unusual for penthouses in such projects in Phuket to sell for upwards of 30 million Baht.

Trends for 2008:

In the foreseeable future prices for both land and building projects will continue to increase but these will continue to sell well, as such is the demand.  Koh Samui remains cheaper than Phuket, and further development of services and infrastructure and launching of more direct flights to key destinations can only boost the market further.

Why Invest?

There are a growing number of visitors who decide they never want to leave the island, attracted by the unique combination of long, empty beaches, turquoise sea and a range of amenities commonly associated with more established destinations.  With a growing reputation worldwide for its top class spas, hotels and restaurants, Koh Samui is both a tropical paradise and a sophisticated international destination.

Koh Samui now also boasts international class health care facilities.  Further planned developments include private schools and the construction of a marina that will be home to the growing number of yachts that anchor here every year.

Bangkok Airways continues to expand its network and in April 2005 added Hong Kong to its list of direct flights.  The fact that you can be on Koh Samui in the morning and in Hong Kong by the afternoon, will have an incredible impact on Samui, and is set to raise its profile even higher.  The further addition of Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok and Singapore means that Koh Samui will be directly connected to four of Asia’s major cities.

Koh Samui Links

Koh Samui Hotels - Portal to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Information and hotel booking

Samui Property - Real Samui Properties

Other Links

TopTenProperties.net - toptenproperties.net is the famous International Homes Magazine's online advertising media where agents and developers from around the world showcase their ten best homes for sale.