Phuket property market update, October 2026

Visitors: a high plateau. Phuket received 9.2 million visitors from January to August 2026, 1.76% fewer than a year earlier. Revenue was THB 356 billion and hotel occupancy averaged 66%. New direct flights from London, Zurich, Kuwait and Minsk start in October. Read more

Investment: moving north. Siam Piwat’s THB 10 billion ICONPHUKET, the centre of a THB 50 billion district between the airport and Phuket Town, is due in 2029. Read more

Roads: the Patong tunnel is moving, slowly. The Kathu–Patong expressway goes to Cabinet in December 2026, with opening targeted for October 2031. Read more

Rules: no change. The 49% condo quota and 30-year land lease still apply. The 75% quota and 99-year lease ideas are not law. Read more

What this means for buyers and investors

Which areas have the most potential? The north-west — Bang Tao, Layan and Kamala — has the strongest mix of beach, international services and new investment, and Thalang benefits most from ICONPHUKET. Patong and Kathu gain if the tunnel is built.

What rental returns are realistic? It depends on the property far more than the market. A well-located pool villa that is professionally let can earn a high single-digit net yield. Many condos in areas with a lot of new supply earn less after fees. Ask for the nightly rates and occupancy behind any figure, and be careful with “guaranteed” returns that are built into the price.

Is now a good time? Demand is steady, not surging, so buyers can negotiate on price, payment terms or furniture. Off-plan projects due in 2027–28 will hand over just as ICONPHUKET and the airport-side investments take shape.