Siam Expat Property says Phuket has shifted to year-round residential hub

Siam Expat Property marked its 10th anniversary on Tuesday, with co-founder Federico Solimeno outlining what he described as Phuket’s shift from a seasonal holiday market to a year-round residential hub. In comments released April 28, the Phuket real estate agency said demand is now broader and more consistent than it was a decade ago, with buyers increasingly coming from Russia, China, India and the Middle East rather than mainly Europe.

Solimeno said buyer behavior has also changed, with clients arriving better prepared and more focused on long-term value. He said they now research online before contacting agents and ask more detailed questions about return on investment, legal structures, rental management and resale strategy.

2026 demand centers on condos, branded projects and luxury villas

Solimeno said the pandemic was a turning point for the sector, pushing agencies to build trust through transparency and long-term relationships rather than one-off sales. He added that virtual tours and video calls made remote transactions easier, but local expertise remains central.

He said Phuket has also become a permanent base for digital nomads and high-net-worth buyers drawn by improved infrastructure and international-standard amenities. For 2026, he identified condominiums as the market leader because they are easier for foreign buyers to own, while branded residences and sustainable luxury projects are gaining ground among investors seeking professional management and environmental standards.

Luxury villas remain strong at the top end, where privacy is a priority, he said. Solimeno added that the market should stay firm for the next two to three years because demand is high while supply in prime locations is becoming limited.

Source: https://www.ryt9.com/s/prg/12810164