Skypark Elara vs Laguna Lake Residences Aster: Which Laguna Lakelands Project to Buy?
Skypark Elara vs Laguna Lake Residences Aster compared: $265K vs $338K, Oct 2026 vs Dec 2027, lake view vs 60m rooftop pool. Full head-to-head for Lakelands buyers.
Skypark Elara vs Laguna Lake Residences Aster: Which Laguna Lakelands Project to Buy?
Skypark Elara and Laguna Lake Residences Aster are both part of the $2 billion Laguna Lakelands masterplan in Phuket — both co-developed by Banyan Group and Laguna Property, both with lake views, and both targeting the $265K–$1.5M investor profile. But there are meaningful differences: Elara delivers October 2026 at $265K entry; Aster delivers December 2027 at $338K entry with a 60m infinity rooftop pool and full furnishing package. This is the head-to-head guide for buyers deciding between the two.
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Side-by-Side Overview
| Feature | Skypark Elara | Laguna Lake Residences Aster |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Banyan Group + Laguna Property | Laguna Property + Banyan Group |
| Location | Cherng Talay, Laguna Phuket | Laguna Phuket (~1.6km from beach) |
| Units | 220 (3 buildings, 7 floors) | 180 (3 buildings, 7 floors) |
| Construction | Under way (2025) | January 2026 – December 2027 |
| Delivery | October 2026 | December 31, 2027 |
| Wait from March 2026 | ~7 months | ~21 months |
| Price range | $265K–$1.52M | $338K–$1.11M |
| Average price/sqm | ~$6,100 | ~$6,200 |
| Unit types | 1BR (57 sqm), 2BR (85 sqm), 3BR (141 sqm+) | 1BR (55–57 sqm), 2BR (83–85 sqm), 3BR (112–113 sqm) |
| Entry price (1BR) | ~$265K | ~$338K |
| 3BR top price | Up to $1.52M | Up to $1.11M |
| Key amenity | Lake views, Lakelands masterplan | 60m infinity rooftop pool + full furnishing |
| Furnishing | TBC (confirm with developer) | Yes — fully furnished |
| Payment plan | 0% interest, 20% x 5 stages | TBC |
| Views | Lake | Lake / garden |
| Laguna Golf access | Short drive | Short drive |
| Banyan Tree Spa access | Short drive | Direct access (specified) |
| Beach distance | ~1.5km | ~1.6km |
| Brand | Banyan Group + Laguna | Laguna + Banyan Tree Spa emphasis |
Price Analysis: Elara vs Aster Per Sqm
The price per sqm is almost identical:
- Skypark Elara: ~$6,100/sqm average
- Laguna Aster: ~$6,200/sqm average (implied from $338K for 55 sqm)
The $73K premium for Aster over Elara at the 1BR entry level ($338K vs $265K) reflects:
- The 60-metre infinity rooftop pool — a specific, marketable, valuable amenity
- Full furnishing package — eliminates post-delivery furniture investment
- Banyan Tree Spa direct access — a brand differentiation vs “short drive”
- 14-month later delivery — buyers pay a modest premium for these features
The per-sqm premium is minimal ($100/sqm). The absolute premium is $73K. The question is whether the additional amenities and features justify $73K.
Delivery Timeline: The 14-Month Gap
The most significant practical difference between the two projects for many buyers is the 14-month delivery gap:
Skypark Elara delivers October 2026:
- Buyers contracting in March 2026 have approximately 7 months to delivery
- Income generation begins Q4 2026
- Personal use possible during the 2026–2027 Phuket high season (November–April)
Laguna Aster delivers December 2027:
- Buyers contracting in March 2026 have approximately 21 months to delivery
- Income generation begins Q1 2028
- Personal use possible during the 2027–2028 Phuket high season
The cost of waiting 14 additional months (on $338K Aster vs $265K Elara):
Opportunity cost of Aster’s higher entry price and later delivery combined:
- Extra capital deployed ($73K more) at 5% opportunity cost for 21 months: approximately $6,400
- Foregone rental income for 14 extra months on Elara equivalent at $13,250/year net: approximately $15,500
- Total effective premium of Aster over Elara (14 months): approximately $21,900
Against this, Aster offers:
- 60m rooftop pool value (ADR premium)
- Full furnishing (saves $15,000–$25,000 fit-out cost)
- Banyan Tree Spa direct access positioning
On a net basis, the rooftop pool and furnishing package largely offset the waiting cost premium — but only if the pool actually drives material ADR premium.
The 60-Metre Rooftop Pool: Does It Pay Off?
This is the central investment question for the Elara vs Aster decision.
What the 60m rooftop pool delivers in rental markets:
- Specific search filter: Guests searching “rooftop pool” and “infinity pool” on Airbnb and Booking.com convert at higher rates
- Photography premium: A 60m rooftop pool produces visually stunning listing photography that drives click-through rates vs standard podium pool photos
- ADR premium: Comparable studies in luxury rental markets suggest pool amenity drives 15–25% ADR premium vs properties without premium pool
Practical ADR premium estimate for Aster vs Elara:
If Elara 1BR achieves $160/night blended ADR and Aster 1BR achieves $185/night (15.6% premium for rooftop pool), at 55% occupancy over a year:
- Elara gross: $32,120
- Aster gross: $37,143
- ADR premium contribution: $5,023/year gross
At 65% owner share: approximately $3,265/year additional net income from rooftop pool premium.
Over a 10-year hold, this is approximately $32,650 additional cumulative income from the pool amenity — well below the $73K initial premium paid. The pool adds real but moderate rental value, not a transformative yield difference.
The stronger case for choosing Aster over Elara is the full furnishing package ($15,000–$25,000 in savings) combined with the rooftop pool premium — which together approach the $73K price gap justification over a 5–10 year hold.
Unit Size Comparison
Interestingly, Aster’s 3BR top unit ($1.11M for 112–113 sqm) is significantly more affordable than Elara’s 3BR large ($1.52M for up to 186 sqm). This inversion creates a decision point:
For 3BR buyers:
- Aster 3BR at $1.11M gives 112–113 sqm with rooftop pool and furnishing
- Elara 3BR large at $1.52M gives up to 186 sqm — 65% more space at 36% more cost
If space per dollar is the priority: Elara 3BR wins definitively. If amenity and contained specification matters: Aster 3BR wins on absolute price and rooftop pool.
Which Buyer Should Choose Which
Choose Skypark Elara if:
1. October 2026 delivery is essential You want to start generating rental income in Q4 2026, use the property personally in the 2026–2027 high season, or simply minimise the dead-capital period between payment milestones and income start.
2. Budget is $265K–$400K and space matters Elara’s 57 sqm 1BR at $265K vs Aster’s 55 sqm 1BR at $338K: you get almost the same size at $73K less. For buyers whose budget ceiling is around $300K–$350K, Elara is the clear logical choice.
3. You want maximum space at upper budget levels Elara’s 3BR at up to 186 sqm ($1.52M) offers significantly more space than Aster’s 3BR at 112–113 sqm ($1.11M). For buyers who prioritise space per dollar: Elara’s large 3BR is the better value proposition.
4. You’re a first-time Laguna buyer and want lower risk exposure Lower total investment, shorter delivery window, and nearest-term income generation all reduce holding risk relative to Aster.
Choose Laguna Lake Residences Aster if:
1. The 60m infinity rooftop pool is a specific rental strategy You have analysed your target tenant profile (international wellness and lifestyle travellers, long-stay professionals) and determined the rooftop pool drives material ADR premium for your unit. You have factored the pool into rental marketing materials.
2. You want a fully furnished, turnkey investment Aster’s fully furnished package eliminates post-delivery furniture investment and ensures your unit is professionally presented from day one of rental. This is particularly valuable for international absentee buyers who cannot oversee furnishing projects remotely.
3. Banyan Tree Spa direct access is important for marketing Aster’s specified Banyan Tree Spa access is a stronger marketing anchor than Elara’s “proximity to” Laguna amenities. For wellness-oriented tenant targeting, this is a meaningful differentiator.
4. You prefer the smaller, more exclusive scale 180 units vs 220 units is not dramatically different in scale, but Aster’s 180-unit count creates slightly more scarcity — relevant for resale positioning and rental pool management.
5. December 2027 delivery timing works for your plans You have other investments generating income through 2026–2027 and can comfortably wait for Aster’s December 2027 delivery.
Capital Appreciation Comparison
Both projects are in the Laguna Lakelands masterplan — so both benefit from the area’s progressive infrastructure investment. The key difference:
Skypark Elara (earlier): Earlier buyers (2024–2025) have more construction period to benefit from. By October 2026 delivery, 2–3 years of construction appreciation has accumulated. Buyers entering in 2026 have a shorter window (7 months) — less appreciation remaining but also less risk.
Laguna Aster (later): Buyers entering in early 2026 have approximately 21 months of construction period — more appreciation runway than late Elara buyers. As each Lakelands phase delivers, the area’s value increases — benefiting Aster more than Elara if multiple subsequent phases deliver before Aster’s December 2027 completion.
Net assessment: Aster buyers entering in 2026 likely have stronger appreciation potential than Elara buyers entering in 2026 — the longer construction window and progressive masterplan infrastructure both support this. But Elara buyers who entered earlier (2024–2025) have already captured much of this appreciation.
Comparison Table: Which Is Better By Criterion
| Criterion | Winner | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Lower entry price | Skypark Elara | $265K vs $338K (1BR) |
| Earlier income start | Skypark Elara | Oct 2026 vs Dec 2027 |
| Rooftop pool | Laguna Aster | 60m vs none |
| Furnished | Laguna Aster | Yes vs TBC |
| Banyan Tree Spa access | Laguna Aster | Direct vs proximity |
| Space per dollar (3BR) | Skypark Elara | Up to 186 sqm vs 113 sqm |
| Construction appreciation window | Laguna Aster (for 2026 buyers) | Longer remaining window |
| Scarcity | Laguna Aster | 180 vs 220 units |
| Price per sqm | Very similar | $6,100 vs $6,200 |
Pros and Cons Summary
Skypark Elara:
- Lower entry price at every bracket
- Earliest delivery (October 2026) — minimum dead-capital period
- More space per dollar on 3BR units
- 0% interest payment plan confirmed
- First-mover Lakelands masterplan position
Laguna Aster:
- 60m infinity rooftop pool — genuine rental differentiator
- Fully furnished — turnkey investment, post-delivery hassle eliminated
- Banyan Tree Spa direct access — stronger marketing positioning
- Slightly more scarcity (180 vs 220 units)
- More appreciation runway for 2026 buyers (21-month construction window)
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
At equivalent 1BR price points, Laguna Aster ($338K) offers more amenities (60m rooftop pool, full furnishing, Banyan Tree Spa access) for $73K more than Skypark Elara ($265K). Whether this is better value depends on how much these amenities drive rental ADR premium. If the rooftop pool adds $3,000–$5,000/year additional net rental income and the furnishing saves $20,000, Aster's $73K premium is recoverable in approximately 10–15 years. Elara is better value if you prioritise earlier delivery, larger space, or lower capital deployment.
Skypark Elara delivers in October 2026 — approximately 7 months from March 2026. Laguna Aster delivers in December 2027 — approximately 21 months from March 2026. For buyers who need rental income to start quickly, Skypark Elara is the clear choice. The 14-month earlier delivery advantage translates to approximately $13,000–$18,000 in foregone net rental income for an Aster buyer vs an Elara buyer at comparable price points.
Yes. Both Skypark Elara and Laguna Lake Residences Aster are condominium products, eligible for foreign freehold ownership (Chanote title) under the Thai Condominium Act, subject to the 49% foreign ownership quota limit. Always verify current quota availability for the specific unit you wish to purchase before contracting.
For buyers entering in early 2026: Laguna Aster has more remaining construction window (21 months to December 2027) versus Skypark Elara (7 months to October 2026). More construction time generally means more appreciation potential — though it also means more risk and longer income delay. Historical Laguna Phuket appreciation of 35–50% during construction is the basis — a 21-month window has more room to capture this than a 7-month window.
Yes, and this is a strategy some investors use: buy one Skypark Elara 1BR ($265K) for near-term income starting October 2026, and one Laguna Aster 1BR ($338K) for the 60m pool amenity premium and December 2027 income. Total investment: approximately $603K across two Lakelands projects with different delivery dates, amenity profiles, and income start timelines. This gives both first-mover and second-phase Lakelands exposure. MORE Group covers both projects at 0% buyer commission.
Read Also
- Buying Property in Phuket
- Phuket Rental Yield Guide
- Best Areas to Buy in Phuket
- Bang Tao Property Guide
- Freehold vs Leasehold Thailand
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