Invest in a place we built and still run.

Yes, with the right structure. A foreigner can own the building outright and hold the land on a long lease, or buy through a Thai company set up for it. Each route has rules, so we walk you through them before you commit. Read how buying or building works for a foreigner on Koh Samui.

Freehold means you own the land and the building. Leasehold means you own the building and rent the land for a fixed term, usually 30 years with options to renew. Most foreign buyers on Koh Samui use leasehold or a company structure for the land. The buy-or-build guide explains both.

It can be, if you can check the developer. Ask to see finished buildings, dated progress photos and real guests, not renders. We publish our build record for exactly this reason. Read how to vet a Koh Samui developer before you buy off-plan (buying before the building is finished).

It depends on the area, the season and who runs it. A well-run villa near a beach can be busy most of the year; a poorly run one sits empty. We do not quote a return, because nobody honest can promise one. Read what Koh Samui rental yields look like in practice.

The north and east are busier and closer to the airport. The south and west are quieter and face the sunset. We have built in nine areas, so we can tell you what each one is like to own in. Read our area-by-area guide.