Phuket’s Residential Surge: Why Buyers Are Choosing Private Villas Over Hotels

Phuket’s high-end property landscape is experiencing a remarkable shift, with private villa sales jumping 12.9% year-over-year. According to recent market reports, affluent international buyers and long-stay travellers are increasingly bypassing traditional resort stays in favour of permanent lifestyle investments along the island’s coveted western coast. Key enclaves like Bang Tao, Kamala, and Cherng Talay are witnessing unprecedented demand for spacious, low-density living. Developments such as Layan Residences by Anantara exemplify this transition, offering ultra-private layouts that blend seamless indoor-outdoor living with elevated coastal views. As prime coastal land becomes scarcer, high-net-worth individuals are prioritising privacy, space, and long-term capital appreciation. This steady influx of global residents continues to solidify Phuket luxury villas as one of Southeast Asia’s most resilient real estate assets, redefining how luxury travellers engage with the island.