Budget dictates product, zone, and risk. This guide maps $80K to $1M+ strategies, what to buy, where, and how to think about returns at each tier.
Indicative numbers, verify live listings with an agent.
$80K-$120K: yield-first entry
Trade-off: Lifestyle use is modest, you invest for cash flow, not trophy views.
$120K-$180K: balanced 1BR
Why it works: Sweet spot for solo and couple travelers, broad demand.
$180K-$250K: balanced upgrade
Decision fork: international resort infrastructure vs dense tourist footfall.
Process notes
- Verify foreign quota for condos.
- Verify lease terms for villas.
- Model net yield, not brochure gross.
Your budget is not your destiny, product is
We refuse bad inventory at any price point, 0% buyer commission.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, studios and compact units exist, but quality and management matter more than squeezing the cheapest listing. Cheap can be expensive.
If lifestyle and brand infrastructure matter, yes for some buyers. If pure yield per dollar is the goal, other zones can win.
They offer different economics, higher absolute income, higher operational load. Match product to willingness to manage complexity.
No, add roughly 6-7% for transfer and professional fees, confirm with lawyer, when planning liquidity.
Possible diversification, but doubles management overhead. Some investors prefer one great unit over two mediocre ones.
Maksim Shchegolev
Founder, MORE Group
Founder of MORE Group. Four years in investment banking before moving to Phuket, where he has worked in the local property market since 2018. Oversees developer relationships and every engagement above $300K.
About MORE Group →Get a Focused Phuket Property Shortlist
Share budget, area and goal. We will reply with suitable live projects, not a generic catalogue.