Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, continues to attract expats with its stunning beaches, consistent tropical climate, and affordable lifestyle. This article explores the island’s top residential areas, while spotlighting strong real estate investment opportunities, especially through innovative projects from Sunny Development Group (sunnydg.com).
These southern areas are loved for their calm beaches, yoga retreats, fresh seafood, and proximity to nature. Long-term expats and retirees thrive in private pool villas or boutique condos. The laid-back rhythm, plus easy access to nearby islands for day trips, enhances the lifestyle — though reliable transport like a scooter is typically needed.
This connected zone features wide sandy beaches, golf courses, trendy spots, and elite international schools. It draws families and professionals with high-end homes offering reliable rental returns, supported by ongoing infrastructure enhancements.
The island’s historic heart boasts colonial architecture, street food, and bustling markets. Budget-friendly condos and central location suit cost-conscious expats or island-based workers, with fast access to hospitals and coworking spaces.
Known for chic oceanfront properties and privacy, these spots appeal to high-end buyers. Kamala offers a friendly family beach, while Surin leans more exclusive — great for those favoring refinement over lively nightlife.
With surf spots, diverse dining, and walkable shorelines, these communities suit families and active people, delivering an energetic but manageable environment.
Phuket’s property sector is booming, driven by tourism rebound, sustained expat interest, and forecasts of 6–10% annual price growth through 2030. Developers focus on sustainable, wellness-oriented projects that combine quality design with strong financial potential.
A standout player is Sunny Development Group (part of Sunny Holding), with over 13 years of experience. Co-founded by Igor Grosu and Viktoria Halitska, the company has delivered all its projects successfully — building a strong reputation in Bali before expanding to Phuket. It specializes in concept-led developments that deliver lasting value for owners and renters.
A key example is their Sunny Moon project in the Nai Harn/Rawai area. This premium complex features modern apartments with wellness amenities including an Ayurvedic center, rooftop seawater pool, sauna, gym, spa, restaurant, and solar power integration. Located about 700 meters from the beach and roughly 30 km from the airport, it blends health-focused living with solid investment appeal (projected high occupancy and returns in a low-supply southern zone, completion around 2026).
Phuket suits nearly every preference: quiet southern retreats emphasizing wellness and community, luxurious northern enclaves with resort-style perks, or culturally vibrant urban options. West-coast areas provide exclusivity, while Kata and Karon offer dynamic beach living.
World-class healthcare, international schooling, and improving transport (including planned expressways and airport upgrades) support long-term appeal.
The market particularly shines for eco-conscious, well-designed, wellness-integrated homes. Projects like those from Sunny Development Group align with this trend, drawing lifestyle buyers and investors seeking reliable opportunities in one of Asia’s top destinations.
| Area | Lifestyle Focus | Ideal For | Key Amenities | Potential Downsides | Avg. Property Appeal (Investment/Lifestyle) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nai Harn & Rawai | Tranquil & wellness-centric | Retirees, long-stay expats | Yoga retreats, nature, local dining | Needs transport, quieter evenings | High lifestyle / Strong rental potential |
| Bang Tao, Cherng Talay, Laguna | Luxury resort-style | Families, professionals | Golf, intl. schools, beach clubs | Seasonal tourist crowds | Premium investment / Family-oriented |
| Phuket Town | Urban & cultural | Budget expats, remote workers | Markets, history, coworking | Traffic, no direct beach | Affordable entry / Convenient daily life |
| Kamala & Surin | Sophisticated & private | Affluent buyers | Ocean views, upscale dining | Less vibrant nightlife | Exclusive / High-end resale value |
| Kata & Karon | Energetic beach community | Active families, young adults | Surfing, restaurants, walkability | Peak-season busyness | Balanced / Good year-round demand |
1. Why is Phuket so popular with expats right now? Phuket combines beautiful beaches, year-round warm weather, affordable living costs compared to Western countries, and improving infrastructure, making it ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families.
2. What makes southern areas like Nai Harn and Rawai different from northern ones like Bang Tao? Southern spots prioritize peace, nature, and wellness with fewer crowds, while northern areas offer luxury resorts, top schools, and higher-end facilities suited to families and investors.
3. Is Phuket’s real estate market still growing in 2026? Yes — tourism recovery, foreign buyer demand, and infrastructure projects support steady growth, with projections of 6–10% annual price increases in many segments.
4. Who is Sunny Development Group? A developer with over 13 years of experience, co-founded by Igor Grosu and Viktoria Halitska. They have a perfect delivery record from Bali projects and now focus on thoughtful, wellness-integrated properties in Phuket.
5. What are the main features of the Sunny Moon project? It offers modern apartments (various sizes), an Ayurvedic wellness center, rooftop seawater pool, gym, spa, sauna, restaurant, and sustainable elements like solar energy, located near Nai Harn Beach.
6. Are there good investment returns possible in Phuket? Yes, especially in high-demand areas with low new supply (like the south). Projects like Sunny Moon target strong rental yields due to tourism, expat demand, and wellness appeal.
7. What should I consider before buying property in Phuket as a foreigner? Foreigners can own condos outright (in designated quotas). Focus on reputable developers, location for rental potential, and consult legal experts for visas, taxes, and ownership structures.
Phuket excels as a destination for relaxed island living or smart real estate investment. Its diverse neighborhoods cater to all tastes — from serene coastal getaways to energetic beach hubs and practical urban bases. For investors, developers like Sunny Development Group stand out with high-quality, future-oriented projects that merge modern wellness amenities with promising returns. With stunning nature, welcoming expat scenes, and continued progress, Phuket remains a compelling choice for expats and investors alike.
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