Island Properties Bounce Back 
Island Properties Bounce Back
As Thailand welcomes visitors from around the globe for its peak holiday season, property experts are predicting an imminent return to form for the country's resort property market, which has been relatively quite since booming on islands like Phuket and Koh Samui back in the noughties.
A recent announcement from Bangkok Airways, the major carrier serving Thailand's popular boutique destination of Koh Samui that it is increasing number of flights to the island is a clear indication that the Thai islands remain a a sought after destination, and more flights means more visitors. What this also means for property investors renting out their holiday villas is that island properties are becoming an increasingly lucrative investment.
"The majority of holiday villas on Koh Samui are situated within easy reach of the most popular beach resort areas," explained Michael Ashcroft, a private agent that works with European investors looking to buy resort properties in Asia. "Cheong Mon on the west coast, for example, boasts around 200 villas thanks to its close proximity to the island's tourism capital, Chaweng."
Another location that is particularly popular is the area around the northern beach of Bophut, home to some 58 properties, all within easy reach of the much visited seaside strip of shops and restaurants known as Fisherman's Village.
When it comes to investing in property in Koh Samui, location is therefore key. Savvy investors, whether they are searching for investment or lifestyle purposes, look for stunning ocean views and easy access to tourist facilities in the surrounding area. Selling prices are often based on such factors, as well as distance to the beach, the quality of the views, and of course unit and land plot size.
"A villa that cost USD 300,000 to build ten years ago could be worth three times that now," added Ascroft. "Islands like Samui are no longer considered bargain basement options, although the property prices still compare very favorably with other resort destinations around the world."
If an island home on Samui ticks all the boxes, it is likely to sell for well above prices achieved for equivalent properties elsewhere in Thailand – even the capital Bangkok. In fact, as has happened in other tropical island destinations like the Caribbean, multi-million dollar transactions are becoming increasingly common occurrence.
This means cash rich buyers with an eye on lifestyle who are also seeking a return on their investment enjoy the best of both worlds in Thailand's main residential resort markets.
Source: http://Island-Properties-Bounce-Back.html
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