Apartments for sale in Thailand are attracting more and more foreign investors - thanks to affordable prices, strong rental potential and the ability for a foreigner to acquire full freehold ownership. This guide explains what you should know before buying: the types and prices of apartments, how ownership works on Phuket, how much you can earn from renting and how we will guide you through the entire process - commission-free and in your own language.
Why are apartments in Thailand worth your attention?
Thailand - and Phuket in particular - is one of the few markets in the world where a foreigner can legally buy an apartment on full freehold ownership without a Thai partner or company. Add to this the climate, the infrastructure and the steadily growing influx of tourists: the island handles more than 9 million arrivals a year, which translates directly into strong demand for both short- and long-term rentals.
For foreign buyers, the exchange rate is another advantage - prices quoted in baht (THB) remain attractive compared with property in Europe. New developments offer payment schedules spread across the construction stages, which means you can enter the market without committing all of your capital at once.
You will find the broader market context - property types, regions, formalities - in our main guide: Property in Thailand - a buyer's guide. If you are also considering a villa with a pool, take a look at the listings in our villas for sale in Thailand section.
Types of apartment on Phuket - from studio to penthouse
The condominium market on Phuket is diverse - in terms of both size and standard. Before you choose, it is worth knowing your options:
- Studio (25-35 m²) - the lowest entry point, ideal for short-term rental. Usually fitted with a kitchenette and balcony. Popular among investors seeking steady cash flow.
- One-bedroom apartment (35-55 m²) - the most popular segment. A bedroom separated from the living room, often with a bathtub or walk-in shower. It works equally well as a personal retreat or a buy-to-let investment.
- Two-bedroom apartment (55-90 m²) - the choice of families and couples looking for a comfortable stay or long-term rental to expats.
- Three-bedroom apartment (90-150+ m²) - premium segments in quieter locations. High rental rates, with slightly lower seasonal occupancy than studios.
- Penthouse (from 120 m²) - the exclusive top floor that crowns the building, often with a private terrace or jacuzzi. A luxury segment with capital-appreciation potential.
New developments on Phuket go on sale while still at the groundbreaking stage - the developer offers a choice of floors and aspects, and the buyer enters at the pre-launch price, which is lower than once the building is completed.
- Studios and one-bedrooms - the highest rental liquidity, lowest investment threshold.
- Two to three bedrooms - greater comfort, long-term rental to expats.
- Penthouse - the luxury segment, strong appreciation in top projects.
- Buying off-plan = a lower price + a staged payment schedule.
- Indicative rental ROI: 8-12% gross per year (market figure, not a guarantee).
Freehold ownership - how it works for a foreigner buying apartments in Thailand
The key advantage of a condominium in Thailand is the ability to buy on freehold - that is, full, perpetual ownership registered in the Thai land register (Chanote, the title deed). This is equivalent to outright ownership, with the freedom to sell, gift or pass it on through inheritance.
The only restriction stems from the Condominium Act B.E. 2522: a maximum of 49% of the residential floor area in any given building may be owned by foreigners. The remaining 51% is reserved for Thai nationals. In practice, checking the availability of the freehold quota is one of the first things we confirm before placing a reservation.
There is an additional requirement regarding financing: the funds for a freehold apartment purchase must be transferred from abroad in a foreign currency (you will need an FET (Foreign Exchange Transaction Form) from the Thai bank). This matters both when buying and at any future resale - the FET later makes it easier to repatriate the funds.
You will find a detailed description of the rights and restrictions in our guide: Can a foreigner buy property in Thailand?
Prices of apartments for sale on Phuket
Off-plan prices in new Phuket developments start at around 3.3-4 million THB for a studio or a compact one-bedroom apartment in a good location. That is considerably less than in major cities for a comparable standard.
Indicative price ranges by type:
- Studio - from 3.3 to 6 million THB
- One bedroom - from 4 to 9 million THB
- Two bedrooms - from 7 to 15 million THB
- Three bedrooms and penthouses - from 12 million THB upwards
On top of the property price you should budget for transaction costs - usually 2-4% of the value. These include the transfer fee (standard 2%, often split with the developer), a one-off sinking fund and an advance payment into the common-area maintenance fees. The annual property tax in Thailand is very low - in the region of 0.02-0.10% of the value.
Browse the available apartment and villa listings from the Phuket developments we currently represent.
Locations - where to look for apartments on Phuket
Phuket is an island with a clearly differentiated market: each area has its own character, its own prices and its own rental potential. Here is an overview of the key districts where we handle sales:
- Bangtao - one of the longest beaches on the island (7 km), the Laguna complex, Boat Avenue with restaurants and shops. One of the strongest rental markets on Phuket - ideal for ROI-focused investors.
- Kamala - a quiet, prestigious area with the so-called Millionaires Mile. The choice of those who value privacy and exclusivity while staying close to central Patong.
- Karon - a wide, sandy beach with well-developed tourist infrastructure. Stable year-round rental demand and projects across a range of price brackets.
- Rawai and Nai Harn - the quiet south of the island with a large expat community. Prices are still lower than on the west coast, but the market is maturing fast.
- Layan and Surin - premium locations in the north-west, near peaceful beaches and exclusive hotels. A strong luxury segment.
Each of these areas has its own character - we will explain in detail which one best suits your goals. Start by getting to know the most popular one: Bangtao - beaches, developments and rentals.
How we buy together - apartments for sale in Thailand with no commission
Twins Real Estate is a European agency specialising in the Phuket market. We support foreign buyers from start to finish - in your own language, with no hidden costs and no commission on the buyer's side.
What that means in practice:
- 0% commission for the buyer - our fee comes from the developer; you do not pay us a single baht for our brokerage.
- Project selection - we work only with trusted developers whose projects have passed our vetting in terms of legal title and track record.
- Legal coordination - we put you in touch with a trusted lawyer in Thailand who represents your interests (not the developer's).
- FET support - we help you understand the foreign-currency transfer procedure and the bank documentation required for freehold.
- On-the-ground presence - if you are planning a visit to Phuket, we arrange project viewings and accompany you during inspections.
- After-sales - we help with rental management, recommend trusted property-management companies and translate correspondence with the developer.
We work transparently: before any reservation we explain all the costs, the payment schedule and the terms of the contract. Buying an apartment abroad need not be stressful - all it takes is a good partner on your side.
The prices and ROI ranges given are indicative, based on market data from the first half of 2026 - they may change as a result of currency fluctuations, shifts in supply or the condition of the rental market. This material is for information only and does not constitute investment or legal advice. Last updated: 6 June 2026.