Stop Waiting: Why Phuket’s Resale Condos Offer Superior Value in 2025

The Market Reality: $140,000 THB/sqm vs. $100,000 THB/sqm

Phuket's real estate boom is undeniable, driven by record tourism, foreign investment, and critical infrastructure growth. However, this growth has led to a significant and persistent price gap between newly launched, off-plan condominium projects and established, ready-to-move-in resale units.

If you are currently on the sidelines, waiting for the "perfect moment" to invest, you may be missing out on substantial, immediate value. New condo pricing in prime areas now averages around $140,000 THB per square meter (sqm), yet high-quality resale units in established neighborhoods often trade for closer to $100,000 THB/sqm.

This $40,000 THB/sqm difference is not just a discount; it's a strategic investment opportunity. This guide breaks down the core reasons for this gap and shows you where to find the absolute best immediate value in Phuket's market today.

1. The Drivers of High New Development Prices

Why are developers commanding such a premium for new launches? The answer lies in a combination of scarcity, cost, and marketing:

• Soaring Land Costs: Prime beachfront and west coast land is nearly exhausted. Developers must pay a massive premium for the last remaining parcels, and this cost is immediately baked into the sale price of every square meter.

• Branding and Amenities: Many new projects are Branded Residences, luxury resorts, or come with sophisticated, high-end common areas (rooftop pools, integrated wellness centers, etc.). Buyers are paying a premium for international brand credibility, turnkey maintenance, and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Construction Inflation: The cost of quality building materials, specialized labor, and adherence to new environmental impact assessment (EIA) standards has risen sharply, further pushing up the initial offering price for off-plan units.

• Developer Margin: New projects include the developer's full profit margin, marketing costs, and commissions, which can often be higher than the equity an individual seller aims to recoup in the resale market.

2. The Resale Advantage: Immediate Value and Location

The resale market, sometimes referred to as the secondary market, offers value primarily because of two factors: liquidity and maturity.

• Lower Price per Square Meter (The Value Gap): The core advantage. An individual seller who bought a condo five to eight years ago at $70,000 THB/sqm is often happy to sell at $100,000 THB/sqm to secure their profit and move capital, effectively undercutting the developer's current $140,000 THB/sqm price tag.

• Immediate Income Generation: Unlike waiting 18–24 months for an off-plan unit, a resale condo is ready-to-move-in. You can begin generating rental income or living in the property immediately, offering a faster ROI timeline.

• Established Infrastructure: Resale condos are typically located in mature neighborhoods where roads, convenience stores, management systems, and community atmosphere are already established. You know exactly what the finished product, the neighbors, and the building management are like before you buy.

3. Where to Find the Best Resale Value Today

To capitalize on the $40,000 THB/sqm value gap, smart investors should look at mid-to-high-end properties in mature communities that appeal to long-term renters and expats:

Neighborhood	Resale Appeal	Best Unit Type for Value
Rawai/Nai Harn	Established community, high density of international schools and family expats. Focus: Larger 2-bedroom units that appeal to long-term family rentals.	2-Bedroom Condos
Kathu/Phuket Town	Excellent urban connectivity, close to hospitals, schools, and business hubs. Focus: Smaller, affordable 1-bedroom units for digital nomads or local professionals seeking convenience over beachfront glamour.	1-Bedroom Condos
Kamala	Situated near the luxury hub of Millionaire’s Mile, but features older, mid-tier condos that are excellent for capital gain if renovated slightly. Focus: Units with partial sea views or established resort amenities.	Studios or 1-Bedroom Apartments
Chalong	Central location, highly practical for boating enthusiasts and residents, offering solid year-round rental demand. Focus: Ground-floor units with garden access in established residential complexes.	1- or 2-Bedroom Condos

4. Final Verdict: Resale vs. New

While new, off-plan projects offer higher potential capital appreciation during the construction phase, the resale market provides superior immediate value and a lower entry point for comparable quality and location.

Factor	New Development ($140k/sqm)	Resale Property ($100k/sqm)
Initial Cost	High premium paid for new build	Significantly lower entry point
Time to Income	18–36 months (Waiting period)	Immediate rental income
Risk	Construction delay and completion risk	Minimal; immediate inspection of property
Negotiation	Fixed, non-negotiable pricing	High potential for negotiation with motivated sellers

If your investment goal is to secure a turnkey property in a premium location at the most competitive price point available today, the resale market is your strongest bet. Stop waiting for prices to drop; the value you seek is already there.

Disclaimer: All pricing is approximate average based on market trends in Q3 2025. Consulting with a local real estate attorney for due diligence is always recommended.