Phuket, Rayong, and Samui have kicked off 2025 with impressive post-transfer growth in Q1. But what’s driving this surge? Whether it’s booming tourism, infrastructure upgrades, or shifting investor interest, these destinations are clearly on the rise.
This article dives into the numbers behind their growth, breaks down the key factors at play, and explores what it means for travellers and investors alike. From Phuket’s luxury market rebound to Rayong’s industrial boom and Samui’s sustainable tourism push, there’s plenty to unpack. Ready to see how these hotspots are shaping up? Let’s get into it.
Regional Growth in Residential Transfers
Phuket, Rayong, and Samui stood out in Q1 2025 as the only Thai destinations with positive growth in residential property transfers. Phuket led with a 9% year-on-year increase, followed by Surat Thani (Samui) at 6.2% and Rayong at 3.8%.
What Factors Contributed to the Growth in These Regions?
The Central Investigation Bureau’s (CIB) crackdown on nominee ownership played a key role. Stricter enforcement led to more legal property transfers, encouraging foreign buyers and Thai facilitators to comply with regulations. This shift boosted official figures, with Rayong recording 2,171 transfers worth 4.58 billion baht, a 2.7% rise in value. For deeper insights, explore CBRE Property Thailand.
How Did Foreign Demand Influence the Market?
While overall foreign condo demand dipped by 0.5% to 3,919 units nationwide, legal transfers increased. The total value fell by 9% to 16.4 billion baht, but foreign buyers accounted for 18% of units and 29.3% of value—a sign of growing transparency in ownership structures.
Impact of Legal Reforms on Property Transfers
Thailand’s crackdown on nominee ownership has reshaped property transfers in Phuket, Rayong, and Samui. Legal reforms since November 2024 have boosted transparency, driving a surge in official transactions.
How Did the Crackdown Affect Buyer Behaviour?
Foreign buyers, previously unaware of nominee ownership restrictions, shifted towards legal transfers once authorities clarified the rules. This change contributed to Phuket’s 9% year-on-year growth in residential transfers, with Samui and Rayong following at 6.2% and 3.8% respectively.
The Department of Business Development and Royal Thai Police’s joint enforcement discouraged illegal structures, increasing confidence in legitimate transactions. Many investors now prefer direct ownership, ensuring compliance and long-term security.
Did this impact foreign demand? While condo purchases dipped slightly, foreign buyers still accounted for a significant market share, proving that transparency attracts serious investors. The crackdown didn’t deter interest—it redirected it towards legal avenues.
Next, we’ll examine how these reforms influenced regional market trends.
Comparative Analysis with Other Provinces
While Phuket, Rayong, and Samui saw growth in Q1 2025, the remaining 74 provinces faced declines. Residential transfers in these provinces dropped by 11.9% in units and 15.4% in value year-on-year, totalling 20,855 transfers worth 37 billion baht.
What Does This Indicate About the National Market?
The contrasting performance highlights the impact of foreign demand and regulatory reforms. Phuket, Rayong, and Samui benefited from legal clarity and investor confidence, while other provinces struggled with weaker demand. The national market shrank overall, but regions with robust tourism and industrial expansion bucked the trend.
Key takeaways:
- Regulatory influence: Legal reforms since November 2024 boosted transparency, redirecting foreign buyers towards compliant transactions.
- Market polarisation: Growth concentrated in high-demand areas, exposing vulnerabilities in less competitive provinces.
- Investor priorities: Foreign buyers favoured regions with clear ownership rules, reinforcing the link between regulation and market resilience.
This divergence underscores how targeted policies and economic drivers shape Thailand’s property world.
Summary
The standout growth in Phuket, Rayong, and Samui during Q1 2025 proves how regulatory clarity and tourism appeal can drive property markets forward. While other Thai provinces struggled, these regions thrived thanks to legal reforms and foreign investor confidence.
Their success highlights the importance of transparency in attracting buyers and sustaining long-term market health. If you’re considering property in Thailand, these areas offer compelling opportunities backed by solid growth and compliance. Keep an eye on how these trends evolve as policies continue to shape the world.