Buying Villa on Koh Samui

A Foreigner’s Guide to Buying Villa on Koh Samui Island

People dream of living in an island paradise like Koh Samui. Escaping to a tropical getaway where you gaze out over calm turquoise water, feel the soft white sand between your toes, and lay back to bask in the warm sun.

The sun sets as you walk up the beach, through coconut trees, and stroll along homely streets, soaking in that local feel while dining on exquisite local cuisine, or buying fresh local produce to cook in your ocean view kitchen.

You dive into your private pool as the sun’s final rays from the horizon. You wash away your worries of the day, relax, and enjoy the peace.

Koh Samui is the idyllic place to create your island lifestyle. Sheltered from the famous Thai monsoons, its warm currents and temperate climate make every day feel like summer.

Island life is peachy, and as a foreigner, it can be yours.

Covid changed the way we looked at world travel

With the pandemic looming over everyone’s head, more people dreamed of escape while feeling trapped. How were they supposed to enjoy the places they love when they can’t even leave their neighborhoods?

People who knew the Thai “life” and returned year after year found it taken away. Planned trips with friends were placed on hold, and with no end in sight, the dream became harder to hold on to.

As we enter 2022 and the world adapts to our new “normal”, Thailand is opening its arms to welcome its visitors back.

But travel has changed and now requires some dedication and planning. “Just getting away for the weekend” is a thing of the past and as people adopt a mindset of ‘long stay’ vacations, buying a slice of island paradise makes more sense.

Purchasing a property in Thailand

There are many types of property and forms of ‘legal ownership’ in Thailand. Though the buying process is simple with the right help, the laws of legal ownership for foreigners in Thailand can be complex.

In this article, we will show you how to own your own property in Thailand, specifically the unique location that is Koh Samui. We will explain the different property and ownership options available to you.

We will break down the buying and legal process to give you a better understanding of what is involved, and explain the benefits of those who are there to help.

In the end, we will highlight some of the beautiful existing properties and future buying opportunities available to foreign investors.

Whether you are a seasoned investor or looking to dip your toe into the lifestyle property market for the first time, it pays to remember that you are looking to invest in a country that has different laws, regulations, and cultures.

If you take one thing away from this article, let it be that finding a good real estate agent will make your home hunting enjoyable, and getting the right legal advice from a trusted property lawyer will protect you in your endeavor.

Lifestyle and Investment

Koh Samui feels exclusive while losing none of its local charms. Entering the tourist market later than in many other parts of Thailand is one of those “worst-kept secrets” as people see the beauty and potential of buying here. Local markets and restaurants mingle with world-class accommodation and amenities.

World-famous names like Four Seasons, Hyatt Regency, Hilton, and The Ritz-Carlton have established a presence here. Many celebrities and affluent investors are interested in the area and setting down roots. Yet you can still escape to your own secluded piece of paradise while taking advantage of this blossoming commercial ecosystem.

Koh Samui is working hard to develop its infrastructure as investment grows. It has its own airport for travel convenience and offers world-class education, medical and commerce facilities.

It is a rich blend of chic and local. Spend your time at exclusive spas, yoga retreats, wellness centers, and restaurants, or immerse yourself in true Thailand as you wander through lush nature, swim on a secluded beach, eat at local food stalls, and get a Thai massage from a lady whose family has lived on the island for generations.

Koh Samui understands what people want, but what people don’t want to lose. They don’t want to lose the authentic island feel that made Thailand and Koh Samui famous in the first place. The island blends itself into the old and the new, the tourist and the local, the nature and the innovation. It caters to every potential property investor.

Long-Term Lifestyle

If you are seeking a long-term lifestyle change for you and your family, the market is open to buying beautiful villas nestled in the mountains or steps away from golden beaches. Whether you are single seeking excitement, a couple enjoying the free life, a family with education priorities for the kids, or retirees seeking sunshine for the rest of your days; you can take advantage of a burgeoning tourist infrastructure while living as a local.

Koh Samui has a well-established expat community of diverse ages and demographic. Many people consider it a family mingling in a rich foreign culture with friendly locals who treat you like a local.

Mixed Investor

If you are not ready for a complete change in lifestyle but want to escape during the year and create a potential income stream, then buying a property in Koh Samui is a sound investment. You benefit from its facilities and attractions during your stay, while being able to fund your vacations from ongoing rental returns in a location that enjoys a much longer ‘high season’ than many other parts of Thailand (or the world).

You will be established when ready to transition to a permanent island lifestyle.

Full-Time Investor

As a property investor, a downturn in the market caused by Covid-19 allows you some buying power. Koh Samui is seeking fresh investment as it develops its infrastructure and reputation.

The market is still relatively fresh so not yet subject to over-inflated prices, and with many new projects launching, you have the choice of investing in an existing property or buying off-the-plan in the latest developments.

You can expect strong rental returns and longevity as tourism restrictions ease and people return (for longer periods) to the island.

The low down of buying your island dream

Essential Questions to Ask Before Purchasing

Before looking to invest in property, especially in a foreign country, it is important to ask a few questions. These questions help determine your motives, lifestyle choice, strategies, and budget.

If you are a seasoned property investor, you know there are many steps from thinking, “I want to buy a property”, to settlement and handover.

If you are looking to buy your first property, then you will need all the help you can get, especially in another country like Thailand. Don’t worry, there are professionals that can help make this easy for you.

“What is my purpose in buying?”

Are you looking for a holiday escape each year? Do you seek an investment property that generates income between your visits? Are you seeking to move permanently?

“What type of property am I looking to buy?”

There are many styles of property in Thailand. You can buy a condominium (condo), an apartment, a villa, a townhouse, or even a house.

Each property type has its own level of ownership rights and clauses, which we will explore. A popular purchase for foreigners is a condominium, but Koh Samui has a rather small condo presence because of its development regulations.

We will look at the Villa market of Koh Samui and how the legal structure works.

“Do I want to buy an older villa, a new villa, or invest in new development and buy off-plan?

This is an important question to ask when determining your budget and time frames.

“What is my budget?”

Few Thai banks offer property financing for foreigners. As a foreign investor, you will rely on cash, whether that is savings or equity in your property at home.

It is easy to dream big and overextend when you see what is available. You must have a realistic budget that you can stick to. Your budget will play a large part in deciding where you might live on the island.

“Do I Need the Help of a Real Estate Agent and Property Lawyer?”

Yes! No matter your experience, remember you are looking to buy property in a country with different laws, regulations, and culture.

In fact, we will break down these service professionals before we dive into the buying and legal process. No matter the complexity, once you understand how an agent and lawyer can help you, you will enter the Koh Samui property market with confidence.

Your real estate agent

Reputation and “keeping face” are important in Thai culture. Koh Samui is fast becoming an exclusive location. A real estate agent will open many doors and be your language and cultural liaison.

A knowledgeable agent knows the best existing property opportunities and upcoming developments. They will have a diverse network across the island.

A reputable agent works in the best interest of you and the seller.

An efficient agent saves you time and money.

They look at properties you’ve researched, ask the right questions, and cut properties or offer unlisted alternatives.

Your agent negotiates viewings, and transportation, and can give a history of buildings, developers, managers, and areas.

They translate with sellers to help negotiate prices and conditions of purchase.

Being on an island, your agent works with an exclusive market and will be worth their weight in silver.

Your property lawyer (Conveyancer)

If your real estate agent is worth silver, then your lawyer is worth gold.

A trusted law property lawyer will save you time, prevent frustration, and help you avoid potential financial loss or litigation. They are the experts.

A reputable law firm remains impartial through law while protecting your interests.

What Does Your Lawyer Do?

During the buying process, they will:

• Investigate under due diligence.

This involves researching the background and history of sellers, development companies, buildings, and potential legal complications with any of the above.

• Conduct Title Searches.

This includes confirming title details match registered Land Office records; that the seller legally owns the property and is entitled to sell. They check there are no existing mortgages, liens, debts, or legal proceedings held against the property.

• Review contracts (Purchase & Sales Agreement) to make sure details are correct and fair for the seller and the buyer.

Unlike contracts in Western culture, which are dry, detailed and list numbers, many contractual agreements in Thailand focus on the relationship between buyer and seller. Think of it as the “Gentleman’s Agreement” or “Handshake deal”.

Unfortunately, this means they may omit several important conditions or clauses. Your property lawyer will translate and recommend important conditions you should include to protect yourself. Reviewing contracts is essential when buying villas, as you will be dealing with the purchase of physical structures and leasing the land it rests on.

• Reconcile transfer and payment of funds.

In any property transaction, the most important aspect is money. We will dissect this further, but your lawyer will confirm what monies are due (including registration, default clauses, and fees); which party pays the money and fees; and how funds are to be paid (payment schedules).

Your lawyer will make sure that all payments and time frames are fair for both parties and scrutinize any hidden or ongoing costs with you.

• Attend settlement and registration of title at the Land Office.

Your lawyer will give and receive all relevant documents at the time of settlement. They can then act as your liaison with the Thai Land Office to register all documents and pay the fees and taxes as per your contract.

• Help protect your assets.

A trusted Legal firm can help you look to the future. What happens in the worst-case scenario of your passing?

We often create a will in our home country to make sure our estate is secure in the event of death. Thailand does not recognize foreign wills and can be contested in Court.

Thai lawyers can help draft a Will that is recognized in Thailand. Though not part of the buying process, it is an important aspect that is often overlooked when we think of protecting assets and providing for our spouses or dependents.

You have now asked yourself some important questions and have a better understanding of how your property lawyer and real estate agent can help you.

Let’s look at the buying and legal process of acquiring your new dream villa and show you some of the best buys available.

Legally owning property in Thailand? Freehold vs. Leasehold

It is important to understand the different levels of property ownership available to foreign investors. Different ownership types determine the legal process and security of your purchase.

Freehold – Foreigners can hold a freehold title in their own name. The Thai Land Office issues a title deed similar to a strata title and freehold property can be used as collateral in Thailand.

Leasehold – A foreigner can own a physical structure (property) as a Superficie or Usufruct entity, but the land it rests on is owned by a Thai national or Thai Limited company.

They then lease the land to the property owner for up to 30 years, with a possibility to extend it for up to 90 years.

During the term of the lease, the property owner maintains the structures and land.

The lease is registered with the Thai Land Office and if the land is sold during this term, the new land owner takes over the lease.

Thai Limited Company – Land and structures can be owned through a Thai Limited company.

A foreigner can be a shareholder in the company, but the company must have at least two Thai National shareholders who hold a majority share (51%). The company must conduct a legitimate business within Thailand or it can be unregistered.

The company then leases the land as above

Pay close attention to the level of ownership when discussing due diligence with your lawyer. Because of Koh Samui’s geographic structure, you may find a few different methods of ownership.

Freehold + Leasehold – A freehold title is issued in your name for the physical Villa, but you will have a separate leasehold title for the land.

Leasehold + Leasehold – The property is bought with a leasehold title for the physical structure (this is often the case in ‘resort’ areas) and a separate leasehold title for the land.

Thai Company – With a Thai company owning the land, you may have a freehold or leasehold title for the physical structure and a separate leasehold title for the land which is owned by your company.

What types of property can I buy?

Our focus is purchasing a villa, but we will also summarise property types available to buy in Koh Samui.

Villa – Villas are classified as a house, so will fall under the same ownership and purchase laws as House & Land. They may be part of a resort, or freestanding on their own land.

The defining factor of a villa is its offer of ‘exclusivity’. It can be part of a gated community with shared facilities (pools, restaurants, gyms, etc) that all owners can use. As a buyer, you will enjoy these facilities and be part of a community.

Koh Samui is a little different because many residents are designed and built to feel like free standing homes.
There are a few more details to be aware of in the buying process and contract, like common area obligations and community rules. When a villa is part of a resort, the 49% foreign ownership quota similar to a condominium may restrict a purchase.

Your property lawyer will help streamline this process and point out any potential issues.

Condominium – A condominium is defined as a building featuring privately owned property and common property. The owners of condominiums own the land through a Juristic person of condominium. (The Condominium Act – The Commonly Owned Housing Act of 2522).

In layman’s terms, a “condo” is a living space (unit) that is part of a larger complex. The owner holds legal freehold title over the private residence and a joint interest in common areas of the property. Under Thai law, only 49% of any complex can be owned by foreigners.

Though the condo market is not large in Koh Samui, there are opportunities available if you are looking for a secure freehold title to own.

Apartment – An “apartment” is a condominium that cannot be owned under freehold title by a foreigner. Apartments sell as leasehold only and fall under the terms of Thailand’s 30-year leasing regulations.

Keep an eye out for this when looking at potential properties in Thailand.

On the surface, condos and apartments are the same. Same living space, same fees, and common area obligations. You will enjoy the same facilities and comforts, but you will not own your property outright.

Townhouse – A terraced structure with two or more stories. The Thai variation is called a “shop house” because they have a shop on the ground floor, with living quarters on the upper floors.

Townhouses and Shop houses are common in Thailand. You will often see this style in older residential areas or beachfront market areas.

For a foreigner with a Thai spouse who wants to be in the middle of it all, these properties are appealing. With a smaller land footprint, taxes are lower while offering spacious living conditions and an opportunity to generate income from the shop space if prepared to form a Thai Company.

House and Land – It is possible to own a house in Thailand, but the process is more involved.

Under Thai law, a foreigner cannot own land. Any structure built is part of the ‘land’.

Don’t let this deter you. There are several ways you can build your home and own it. The three most common are:

• to lease the land for up to 30 years as a person, Superficies, or Usufruct.
• to be married to a Thai National who can own the land.
• to form a Thai Limited company in which you operate a genuine business.

In each of these cases, you will not own the land you build on, but you will own your house.

Koh Samui has a large market for houses and land.

Should you buy an existing, new, or off-plan villa?

Koh Samui is a blossoming commercial ecosystem. It is a blend of old villas heralding from a time when the island was unknown,  villas that were completed before we felt Covid, and developments that are now relaunching.

It may be one of the hardest places in Thailand to gauge potential price ranges and offerings. On one hand, the island is entering the tourist market and seeking investment to build. This can lead to good buying opportunities as you enter the market early.

On the other hand, you have an island that recognizes its own potential and future. Its reputation of distinction is growing and prices will reflect this. It is an island offering limited space and location plays a large part in asking prices.

Buying a pre-owned villa in a prime location won’t necessarily mean price reductions due to its age. Buying off-the-plan might offer better prices as projects offer competitive rates to boost investment but are in less desirable areas. If you are not in a hurry to move, construction time and scheduling gives you time to save and increase your budget.

Pre-owned – Pre-owned villas give you a variety of choices and locations. They may offer a more authentic feel for Koh Samui. An older villa may have more space and feel closer to nature or be closer to local markets. A pre-owned villa may also feel dated and require renovations or new furnishings.

Newly completed – The joy of being the first person to walk through the door. A newly completed villa will have appliances and furnishing of a more modern design. They may be part of a larger project and offer an established management team to help with potential rent and promotion.

Developers are responsible by law for any defects or structural repairs needed in the first five years of completion. This offers a level of security for your purchase.

Off-the-plan – There are risks and advantages to buying off-plan in a fresh development.

An off-plan project will often have an extended payment schedule with the last payment due at the time of completion. This allows buyers time to save.

Developers seek investment in their projects, so may offer competitive purchase prices. That said, because developers are working for a budget, you may find it does not incline them to negotiate the price.

Fresh projects are aiming to fall within a niche of affluence while maintaining a local feel. You will find state-of-the-art appliances, facilities, and management teams. Many off-the-plan projects are built with an eye to what Koh Samui will look like in the future.

A common risk is, “What if the project doesn’t complete?”

It is paramount to seek legal advice before signing an off-the-plan contract. Your lawyer will make sure that all relevant conditions are in place should the developer (or you) default as per the contract.

Another thing to be aware of is furnishing. New developments will have a show unit. But not all units include furniture and appliances. It is important to confirm if they include furnishings in your contract price, or if this will be an extra cost.

How do I buy a villa in Koh Samui?

As noted above, buying a villa is more complex than purchasing a condo. You will have to look at the different title and ownership structures. You will rely on your property lawyer to help set up the structure you need and implement purchase, transfer, and registration.

That said, the buying process is the same no matter what type of property you buy or where it is.

Do your homework

You must research.

There is a wealth of knowledge on the internet. Your research will highlight areas, price ranges, developers, and attractions. It will give you a visual of what is available in the market right now.

Keyword searches (nature, markets, transport, education, nightlife, dining) help discover areas that offer what you want.

Keep in mind the questions you asked in the beginning. Your answers will help narrow down search queries and keep things realistic.

Be aware not only of places you might buy but also other development plans. Koh Samui is developing towards its future, so there are a lot of potential building developments or infrastructure upgrades.

Here a good sites to help get you started:

• FazWaz – FazWaz is a great resource for new and existing developments. Its map will give you a visual overview of locations and potentials.

We will cover some popular areas, their highlights, and attractions below.

Find your Real Estate Agent

Once you know potential properties, enlist the help of your first professional. Koh Samui real estate agents deal with a compact but diverse market.

Your agent will review your research, offer suggestions, organize viewings, and transportation, and provide a history of buildings, developers, managers, and areas.

They will translate with sellers to help negotiate prices and conditions of purchase.

When you have found your slice of Thailand and are ready to sign a contract… do NOT sign the dotted line.

It is time to find your second professional.

Your Property Lawyer (Conveyancer)

From the above, you have a good understanding of what your lawyer will do for you.

As a Thai Law expert, they will now conduct due diligence and title searches. They will review your contract to make sure it benefits both the buyer and the seller; and include, amend, or remove relevant conditions or clauses.

Your lawyer will confirm payment schedules and how funds will be disbursed at settlement. When it is time, they will attend settlement and register your new title(s) with the local Thai Land Office.

A contract review is a top priority if you are looking to buy off-plan.

Pay your deposit and sign the contract

Before paying any money, be aware that as a foreign investor, you must present evidence that your purchase funds originate from outside Thailand.

All funds must be in foreign currency and show a clear paper trail of where the funds come from (withdrawal from the originating bank), the purpose of the funds (purchase of condominium), and proof of currency conversion in the recipient Thai Bank account (Foreign Exchange Form).

Payment Schedule

Your contract will list the amounts and time frames for all payments. This will include the deposit, the balance of purchase, applicable Government fees & taxes, as well as who is responsible for any payments.

Summary of your payment schedule:

• Deposit: A deposit is paid before finalizing the contract. It is 10-15% of the purchase price but can sometimes be as high as 25%.
• Balance: The purchase balance is paid at the time of settlement unless otherwise specified in the payment schedule.

When purchasing off-plan, the payment schedule may differ with several payments made at certain stages of construction.

• Government Fees: Government fees are paid when documents are registered with the Thai Land Office. The fees depend on property value.

There are 3 types of value given to a property when calculating Government fees and taxes:

• Registered Value (Purchase price registered with the Land Office).
• Assessed Value (property value assessed by the Land Office).
• Market Value (often determined by real estate and current market trends).

Transfer fee: 2% of the registered value of the property.

Stamp Duty:  0.5% of registered value. Only payable if exempt from business tax.

Withholding tax: 1% of the appraised value or registered sale value of the property (whichever is higher and if the seller is a company). If the seller is an individual, withholding tax calculates at a progressive rate based on the appraisal value of the property.

Business tax*: 3.3% of the appraised value or registered sale value of the property (whichever is higher). This applies to both individuals and companies.

* This tax is payable if the property has been owned for less than 5 years as is often the case in fresh developments.

• Ongoing fees.

If you are purchasing a villa that is part of a resort, you may have ongoing fees relating to the upkeep of common areas, facilities, and management teams. The fee may be identical for all owners within the complex or calculated on property size.

Settlement

Your property lawyer will attend settlement for you. Final documents are signed, funds disbursed and keys handed over.

Before settlement can occur with completed off-plan development, the Thai Government & Environmental departments conduct assessments before issuing the new title.

Registration of Title

After settlement, all documents need to be registered at the local Thai Land Office. Remember that when purchasing a villa you may have a freehold title registered in your name and a lease registered on the title of the land owner.

Your lawyer will handle the registration and payment of all applicable fees.

 Who pays what fees?

Where to buy in Koh Samui?

Now that you know what is involved with buying your property in Thailand, let’s look at popular locations to buy on the island.

We will look at each area and its attractions. For each area, we will try to highlight an existing villa, a new villa, and an off-the-plan opportunity.

Maret (south/southeast)

Wake up to beautiful ocean sunrises in the eastern district of Maret. Maret has a good selection of pre-owned, new, and off-the-plan villas. It offers a good selection of beachfront living and laid-back jungle living with ocean views.

It is home to the famous Lamai Beach. Many of Koh Samui’s adventure activities – paintball, elephant experiences, monkey experiences and Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoom are in this area. You can also visit the Grandfather & Grandmother rock formations.

Existing – 4 bedroom villa, Maret

Completed: 2007
Price range: 8,900,000 (14,900,000)

This property is a 200 SqM twin-level villa with 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. It has a sea view, mountain view, park view, private pool, 3 car parking and is furnished.

New – The Pearl Residence

Completed: 2019:
Price: 6,000,000

This property is a 110 SqM villa with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. It has a full western-style kitchen and is private with no neighbors on the left, right, or front of the property.

This villa is fully furnished and boasts a private pool, terrace, and garden with banana trees.

It is 3km from Lamai Beach, and a short drive to Silver beach and convenient shopping facilities.

Off-plan – Oasis Samui

Completion: 2022
Units: 19
Developer: Cascades Estate Company Limited
Price range: 15,000,000 – 30,000,000

Coconut groves and tropical forests surround this luxury villa project on Lamai Beach.

Each Villa contains 3-4 bedrooms, a spacious balcony, a large jacuzzi, a swimming pool, and an outdoor seating area with a 180-degree view of Lamai Beach.

Bo Phut (north/north-east)

The Koh Samui Airport is in BoPhut and is an area of development. The area is quickly growing with modern commercial convenience, and as noted above, world-class facilities. There are many new developments launching in this district.

That said, BoPhut is quite a large district, curving BoPhut beach on the north shore, around the peninsula of Thongson Beach, and down the east side of the island to the picturesque natural coves of Silver Beach.

Bophut Beach is a trendy local area with bustling nightlife. You can walk along the Fisherman’s Village Walking Market and find traditional Thai dance performances, Muay Thai bouts, delicious local food, and handcrafted wares. One of the island’s best-known attractions, the Big Buddha, is located in Bo Phut.

Existing – Newly Built 2-Bedroom Seaview Pool Villa in Chaweng Noi

Completed: 2019
Price range: 9,200,000

This is a single detached Villa on the eastern side of Bo Phut. We included this villa as it is in an area where villas can cost upwards of 50M baht. It has a partial sea view and is in a private area.

It is a 225 SqM twin-level villa with 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It has a private pool, garden, and terrace.

Existing – Unique Residence

Completed: 2018
Units: 20
Developer: Belgian – Thai Development
Price range: 12,500,000 – 38,000,000

Unique Residence is a resort-style mixed-use development on the hill of Bangrak. It comprises apartments and pool villas. With stunning 180-degree sea views, it is close to Chaweng Beach, Fishing Village, Angthong National Marine Park, and the Big Buddha.

It is closer to the airport but offers amazing value with its location and facilities. It includes an infinity-edge pool, jacuzzi, full kitchen, air conditioners, satellite TV, free Wi-FI, cardio zone, 24-hour security, and access to personal training, yoga, and pilates.

New – The Legend Luxury Seaview Villas

Completed: 2021

Price range: 16,200,000

This property is a prime example of what to look for when completing your contract. A 3 bed/4 bath villa with mountain views. It has a cinema/media room, private pool, terrace, jacuzzi, gardens, and covered parking. It is less than 1km from Chaweng Beach.

It comes unfurnished (this would be an extra cost) and can only be owned by a Thai Company or leasehold.

Off-plan – Baansuay Bophut

Completion: 2023
Villas: 8
Developer: Baansuay Land and House Co., Ltd
Price range: 6,900,000 – 8,300,000

Baansuay Bophut is a small project of 8 units with 5 different designs. There are 2 bed/2 bath and 3 bed/3 bath options with private pools. The villas have a central driveway but offer privacy with outward-facing views.

It is a short 10-minute drive to all shopping amenities like Central Festival Samui, Samui Airport, and many of the popular beaches.

Maenam (north)

Maenam is on the northern shore of Koh Samui. Maenam Beach provides waterway access and stunning views of Koh Phangan. There is a wide range of accommodation in the area from affordable backpacker-style bungalows, hostels, and boutique hotels, to five-star resorts, like the Santiburi Koh Samui and the W Koh Samui.

Maenam is often considered ‘quiet residential’ when purchasing. There is a lot to see and do along the beachfront, but the area offers a wonderful feel for those looking at a permanent island lifestyle.

Existing – Coconut Laguna Villas

Completed: 2009
Price range: 17,900,000

Coconut Laguna Villas is an older tropical resort-style project comprising 11 private villas. It is a 3 bed/3 bath villa with stunning mountain views. The price of this villa reflects that even though it has mountain views, it has direct access to Bang Por Beach.

New – 2 Bedroom Villa for sale in Maenam

Completed: 2022
Price range: 7,500,000

This villa is a 2 bed/2 bath villa in the hills of Maenam. It has ocean views and is a Bali-style architecture with Bali stone time. It has a private pool, gardens, a full western kitchen, and private parking.

Off-plan – APSARA by Tropical Life Residence

Completion: Off-plan (no scheduled date yet)
Units: 7
Developer: Real Estate Engineering Samui Co., Ltd
Price range: 4,900,000 – 8,500,000

Aspara is a secluded, mountain view house and villa project shrouded in lush nature. It is a private pool complex next to Santiburi Golf Course and offers 2-4 bedroom options. It is a short drive to Maenam beach.

Ang Thong (west/north-west)

Experience beautiful sunsets from the northwest. Ang Thong is the perfect location for marine lovers. Home to the breathtaking Ang Thong marine park, Ang Thong is a natural choice to discover surrounding islands in the archipelago.

Many boat tours offer water-based attractions like snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking on adjacent islands.

The Four Seasons resort is in Ang Thong and as you travel down the western side of this area, you can visit Laem Yae beach, Bang Makham Beach, Nathon Town, Nathon Market, and Hin Lat waterfall. Koh Samui hospital is also in Ang Thong.

Existing – 3 Bedroom Villa for sale in Ang Thong

Completed: 2008
Price range: 14,900,000

This property is a 238 SqM villa with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms nestled into the hills of Ang Thong and overlooking the beautiful forests and mountains.

The villa has two levels with a western-style kitchen and is furnished. It has a cinema, private pool, gardens, a wine cellar, maid quarters, and is in a quiet neighborhood.

Taling Ngam (west/south-west)

Taling Ngam continues down the west coast and around to the south. The Conrad resort is on the southwestern peninsula. Taling Ngam is home to many older-style villas, but because of its beautiful western vista, villas can still be priced quite high.

Taling Ngam may be of note for pet owners. This area is home to many animal facilities and services.

Taling Ngam is not famous for its beaches but is on the opposite side of the island to the airport and offers one of the most authentic feelings of island life.

Existing – 4 Bedroom Villa for sale in Taling Ngam

Completed: 2012
Price range: 18,900,000

This property is a 600 SqM villa with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, a private pool, gardens, a terrace, a western kitchen, and is furnished.

With mountain views and partial sea views, this villa is appealing with its size and outward-facing views.

This villa is an example of working with your lawyer to review contracts. It would need to be owned as a leasehold or through a Thai Company.

New – 3-Bedroom Masterpiece of Design

Completed: 2019
Price range: 49,000,000

A truly unique property. A 656 SqM villa with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.

It offers ultimate privacy, space, and a lush tropical garden. It is in the foothills of a coconut plantation and offers stunning sunset views overlooking the Gulf of Thailand and Angthong National Marine Park.

Land Department Office (including address)

Though you will have a reliable conveyance lawyer to help with your purchase and registration, it helps to know where your local Land Office is.

Surat Thani Provincial Land Office, Ko Samui Branch
Address: 18/2 หมู่ที่ 1 Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140
Hours: Mon-Fri 08:30 – 16:30
Phone: +6677423653

Summary of your buying journey

There is a lot of information above. Overloaded with options, here is a simple breakdown of your process.

• Ask yourself questions about what you want.
• Conduct your own research.
• Be aware of areas and potential future developments.
• Hire a good real estate agent.
• View potential properties.
• Hire good legal advice before signing any contracts.
• With purchasing a villa or home, discuss what the title requirements are.
• Sign your contract and pay a deposit.
• Settle and pay balances.
• Register your property with legal aid.
• Enjoy your fresh slice of Bangkok paradise.

Property Lawyers | Conveyancing Lawyers

Reputable legal advice is essential if you are thinking of purchasing your dream in Thailand. Versed in Thai law, a qualified property lawyer will advise and support you through the buying process, dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.

Siam Legal is a registered legal firm with over 17 years of property conveyancing experience. Their team has offices in the key areas of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket, and are well versed in their local areas.

You can contact the Siam Legal office at:

Address: Two Pacific Place Building, 18th Floor, Unit 1806, 142 Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey,
Bangkok 10110 Thailand.
Phone: 02 254 8900
Mobile: 084 021 9800
Website: www.siam-legal.com
Office Hours: 09 AM – 6 PM