Tucked away in the Gulf of Thailand, but easily accessible by air from Bangkok or from the east coast mainland, Koh Samui is thriving as a property hotspot in Southeast Asia thanks to its appealing geography, year round tropical climate and multifarious attractions. The topography of Samui guarantees eternal ocean views and a choice of idyllic beachside locations, which have proved an invaluable asset for developers and buyers alike.

Koh Samui, like Thailand, has endured an entourage of economic, natural, and political setbacks over the last 10 years, only to emerge as a first class boutique resort island, defined by its distinctiveness and tropical sophistication. Attracted by the picturesque beaches, fine dining, upscale shopping and multifarious island activities, global investors and developers have descended upon the island in numbers. As a result, the range and diversity of properties on offer to investors is vast, with professional agents and developers providing a full suite of services, from legal advice to interior design tips to help potential buyers choose and purchase their dream home.

Koh Samui caters to all real estate budgets with a range of residences, both new builds and resale properties, that includes affordable bungalows, quality condominiums and apartments, as well as stand alone villas featuring the grandest designs and facilities. Since international brands stamped an international seal of approval on Samui, an influx of international developers have created some of the region's most appealing second homes. Yet, unlike some other renowned tourist destinations, whose skylines have been spoilt by high-rise eyesores and stripped of their traditions and unique appeal, Koh Samui has managed to preserve the tropical allure that first made it a top spot for those on search of a natural escape. This, while simultaneously incorporating increasingly sophisticated amenities for visitors and foreign residents alike.

Construction standards, hospitality services, and security in the island's residential properties have risen with the increase in foreign investment into property. Chic and contemporary, state of the art residences now scatter the island, while an improved road infrastructure and award winning airport have made Koh Samui readily accessible and convenient for international travellers and long term residents.

Properties on gated estates are increasingly popular on the residential landscape as developers look to take advantage of trends and offer buyers a combination of capital appreciation and rental yields. Purchasers on such developments have seen solid annual returns and can hand over their home to professional management firms like Horizon Homes to maintain and rent the property out when they are not in residence.

Foreign investors in Thailand increasingly choose to purchase property on a renewable 30-year leasehold basis, extendable up to 90 years. Unfamiliar and ambiguous Thai legislation can seem complex at first, but with the right legal guidance and the services of an established and profession agent like Horizon Homes, it is a relatively simple process for a foreigner to own land and property. The ups and downs that initially characterised Samui's real estate market, with bets placed by hasty investors is now a thing of the past as the market is now more consistent and mature. Returns on Koh Samui property may no longer be as lucrative as when the market first boomed, but the investor base is now made up of many more long-term holiday and retirement home investors, and therefore more secure and stable. A strong rental market on the island will return capital to compensate towards property purchase costs, allowing buyers to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.