Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Condo in Phuket in 2026
Phuket has long been Thailand’s crown jewel for tourism, but recently, it has evolved into something much more significant: a mature, year-round residential and investment hub. Gone are the days when the island was purely a seasonal resort destination. Today, with major infrastructure projects breaking ground and a global community putting down roots, the island offers stability and growth potential that few other tropical destinations can match.
If you are considering reasons to buy a condo in Phuket, this guide is for you. Whether you are an investor seeking high returns or an expat looking for a slice of paradise, 2026 presents a unique window of opportunity to enter this thriving market.
1. High Rental Yields
One of the most compelling reasons to invest in Phuket is the potential for impressive returns. Unlike many saturated Western markets where yields have compressed, Phuket remains a high-performer in the global rental arena.
In prime areas like Bang Tao and Rawai, professionally managed condominiums are seeing gross short-term yields between 10% and 12% generally. Properties with sea views or those located within branded residences often perform at the top end of this range, especially when managed effectively to capitalize on high occupancy rates.
For those interested in exploring available opportunities, you can view our current selection of condos for sale in Phuket.
2. Rise of Mid-Term Renters
The rental landscape in Phuket has shifted. While short-term holidaymakers still drive peak season revenue, there is a growing demographic of "mid-term" renters. These are often remote workers, digital nomads, or retirees who stay for 6 to 12 months at a time.
This trend is incredibly beneficial for property owners because it stabilizes occupancy during the traditional "green season" (low season). Instead of your condo sitting empty during the wetter months, you can secure a reliable income from tenants who treat the island as a temporary home rather than just a vacation spot. This shift has transformed rental income from a seasonal bonus into a year-round revenue stream.
3. Infrastructure Improvements in Phuket
2026 is a pivotal year for Phuket’s connectivity. The government is investing heavily to ensure the island can handle its growing popularity. Several mega-projects are moving from the planning stages to actual execution, promising to boost property values across the board.
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Airport Expansion (Phase 2): Increasing capacity to handle 18 million passengers annually by 2029, ensuring smoother travel for international and domestic visitors.
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Kathu-Patong Expressway: Construction has begun on this expressway, which will significantly reduce travel time to the west coast and alleviate traffic congestion.
These projects will drastically reduce travel time to the West Coast and ease congestion, making the island more accessible and livable for everyone.
4. Favorable Visa Pathways
In the past, visa hurdles were a major friction point for long-term stayers in Thailand. Now, options like Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) and Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa make it much easier for high-net-worth individuals, digital nomads, and retirees to stay in Thailand for 5 to 10 years. Other pathways, such as Thailand Elite Visa, SMART Visa, and Retirement Visa (O/A or O-X), also support various lifestyles and professional backgrounds.
These choices reduce administrative headaches and have encouraged more people to consider buying rather than renting, fueling genuine demand for residential units.
5. Freehold Ownership for Foreigners
Legal security is often a primary concern for international buyers. Fortunately, Thailand’s Condominium Act offers a straightforward solution. It allows foreigners to own condo units outright in their own name, provided the foreign quota (49% of the building’s total floor area) has not been exceeded.
This "Foreign Freehold" title is the gold standard for ownership security. Unlike buying a villa or land, which typically requires setting up a Thai company or entering into long-term leasehold agreements, buying a condo is simple, transparent, and legally secure. This ease of ownership makes condos highly liquid assets that are easier to resell in the future.
6. Land Scarcity on the West Coast
Phuket is an island, and land is a finite resource. In 2026, prime developable land on the desirable West Coast, home to areas like Layan, Bang Tao, and Surin, is nearly exhausted.
Because new supply is strictly limited by geography and strict zoning laws, existing properties in these prime locations are becoming increasingly valuable. Developers are now having to focus on redevelopment or moving inland, meaning that securing a spot near the beach on the West Coast is a strategic move to hold an asset that cannot be easily replicated.
7. Partnership with Global Hotel Brands
A notable trend in 2026 is the surge in "branded residences." These are condominiums developed in partnership with major global hotel brands such as Banyan Tree, Standard, and MGallery.
Investing in a branded residence offers significant advantages. These units often command rental premiums of up to 30% more than non-branded counterparts due to the trust and luxury associated with the name. Furthermore, they offer "hassle-free" management, where the hotel operator handles everything from marketing to maintenance, making them the preferred choice for overseas investors who want a hands-off investment.
8. Capital Appreciation
While the explosive "fast money" era of emerging markets may have passed, Phuket property is now behaving like a mature, stable asset. Analysts project a steady 5–8% annual capital appreciation for well-located condos through 2030.
This growth is driven by the island’s transformation into a regional aviation and digital nomad hub, alongside the scarcity of prime land mentioned earlier. For a deeper dive into the financial outlook of the region, you can read more about Thailand's economic recovery and property trends.
9. Strong Tourism
Tourism remains the engine of Phuket's economy, and the data is incredibly encouraging. The high season spanning late 2025 through early 2026 marked the best performance in five years, with visitor numbers exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
This resurgence is not just about quantity but quality, with higher spending per head from diverse markets including Russia, Europe, and India. A booming tourism sector directly translates to high occupancy rates for short-term rentals, ensuring that demand for holiday accommodation remains robust.
10. Consistent Expat and Nomad Interest
Beyond the typical two-week tourist, Phuket attracts a steady stream of expats and digital nomads. This demographic requires high-quality, long-term accommodation.
Condo rentals in Phuket deliver reliable returns of 6-8% for long-term leases, providing a safety net for investors who prefer stability over the fluctuation of short-term letting. However, for those willing to manage short-term stays, yields can reach up to 10-12% gross. This flexibility allows owners to adapt their strategy based on market conditions.
If you are interested in seeing what the rental market looks like currently, browse our properties for rent in Phuket.
Your Next Steps in Phuket
From high rental yields and secure legal ownership to massive infrastructure upgrades and booming tourism, the case for investing in Phuket in 2026 is strong. The island offers a perfect blend of lifestyle appeal and financial sense, making it a top choice for global investors.
If you are ready to explore your options or have specific questions about the market, our team is here to help. You can learn more about our services and expertise on our About Us page.
Don't wait for the prime opportunities to disappear. Contact La Maison Coral today to start your journey toward owning a piece of tropical paradise.