Where can I find the best value for money condominiums in Phuket?

As the condominium market has grown substantially over the last decade, there is now an abundance of great options around and each area offers something different.

If we were to talk about the North of Phuket, this would generally be considered as the areas of Patong, Kalim, Kamala, Surin, Bang Toa, Laguna, Layan, Nai-Ton and Nai-Yang. These locations are all situated close to the beach and prime locations for developments. Some areas have developed more than others during the condominium boom. If we take for example Patong. This area is a real tourist hub. Just about anybody who visits Phuket for the first time will stay somewhere near Patong. The area is vibrant with night life, markets, shopping centers and various other entertainments. As you can imagine there is huge demand for serviced apartments and the condominium sector has done well in this part of town, although now days it isn’t easy find a good deal as the entry price for an apartment starts at approximately 5 million Thai baht. With steady increases in land prices since 2008, developers are finding it costly to build there and looking to other areas.

Kamala and Surin have become popular alternatives. Not only do they offer lovely beaches but they too have their own form activities and great entertainment. Kamala which was once a sleepy town, has since seen a tremendous growth in the condominium sector. The area is becoming a real hotspot with many new luxury developments being built along the beachfront and if you purchase in the early stages of development you can get in on the entry level prices for as little 3.6 million baht. Surin just a few minutes’ drive from Kamala was once villa territory, however there is now a good mix of four star condominiums as well as villas. These entry prices are from 3.5 million baht in early stages. Bangtao & Laguna see as good mix of holiday and residential developments. Layan and Nai-Ton tend to offer higher end luxury condominiums, however Nai-yang is starting to offer some good options and the fact that it is just 5 minutes from the airport, is very attractive. Here entry level prices are from as little as 3.3 million baht.

In the South of Phuket we find the areas of Karon, Kata, Chalong, Rawai and Nai-harn. In recent years these were the first areas to really introduce the idea of the condominium projects. Other than Patong these were touristy areas and had quite a different vibe from up North Phuket. Back then the North of Phuket had more of a stigma attached to it and was more thought of as high end. Of course things have since changed. Kata & Karon kind of resemble a mini Patong with its vibrant night life, shops, restaurants and beaches. The condominium market in these areas, generally caters to the holiday makers, with Kata Noi being a bit more up market and offering luxury style condos. Typically in early stages of a project, entry level units are from approximately 4.8 million baht. A bit more further south we find the areas of Chalong , Rawai and Nai-harn , these areas tend to be a mix of residential and holiday residences. Here you have plenty of options as there are many developments available, also along the beachfront or very close to the beach. These areas Nai- harn in specific has a certain island charm about it, offering a nice mix of bars, local restaurants and coffee shops. Here entry level prices range from 2.5 million baht to 3.2 million baht in early stages.