Phuket: British buyers flock to the dream island for their new home!

Phuket: British buyers flock to the dream island for their new home!

The “Land of Smiles” is again attracting visitors in droves, especially the picturesque island of Phuket. The start of peak season brings record numbers of tourists as Phuket increasingly establishes itself as a top investment destination for British buyers. Loud Bangladesh Post Phuket is one of the preferred choices for Brits looking for a second home. This preference is reflected in the over 250,000 British travelers who visited the island in 2024, many of whom explored the attractive long-term property opportunities.

Of particular note is the cost of living: Phuket offers remarkable savings of 50 to 70 percent compared to major British cities. Private healthcare costs can even be up to 80 percent cheaper, making the island extremely attractive for retirees, families and digital nomads.

Lifestyle and costs

The cost of living in Phuket can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle. A simple lifestyle requires about 35,000 baht per month for an individual and 90,000 baht for a family of four. If you like it more comfortable, you should budget 60,000 to 150,000 baht. For luxury living, expenses can range from 100,000 baht per month. The rental prices are also varied. In Rawai, for example, studios cost between 12,000 and 18,000 baht, while a 3-bedroom pool villa can cost up to 70,000 baht. Now Phuket offers a detailed overview.

The food offering also varies depending on your preference. In local restaurants you can enjoy a meal from 80 baht, while in western restaurants the prices can range between 400 and 800 baht. The weekly shopping range ranges from rice at prices starting at 30 baht per kilo to chicken for 80 baht equivalent.

Real estate market and investment opportunities

The real estate market in Phuket offers strong value for money. An investment of £750,000 will secure the buyer a luxurious 213m² apartment, which is a real draw compared to just 33m² in London. Banyan Group, known for its high-quality hotel and residential developments, has already developed over 5,000 luxury apartments in the Laguna Phuket Resort, an area covering over 1,000 hectares. Bangladesh Post reports that property prices typically rise by 5 to 10 percent annually and over 60 percent of buyers are from abroad, with Brits in the top ten.

The relaxed visa policy, convenient travel connections and a strong expat community also make Phuket a highly attractive location for investors and those dreaming of a sunny lifestyle. The options for property buyers are attractive, even if foreigners are not allowed to own property; However, they can purchase condominiums, which makes access to the real estate market easier.

In conclusion, it can be said that Phuket offers more than just dream beaches. The combination of a low cost of living, luxurious living conditions and a rising property market makes the island a magnet for investors and those looking to escape the UK's cold winter. While there are some challenges such as traffic and weather-related risks, the benefits outweigh the benefits for many expats new and old who have settled in this tropical oasis. For more information on facilitating long-term settlement in Phuket, visit Expat.