Koh Samui Villa Rentals | Renting Beach Villas on the Island Guide

Renting a villa or bungalow on Koh Samui Island is certainly doable although it can be difficult to find what one wants. Below some considerations and frequently asked questions about this topic are explored.

How much money is required?

Well, if you want a real villa, complete with swimming pool, gardens, and several bedrooms, then at least 60,000 to 80,000 baht a month is required. If one simply wants a reasonably sized house or nice bungalow, then 15,000 to 25,000 baht a month should be satisfactory. It is certainly possible to find houses and bungalows in the 10,000 baht a month range.

Is it possible to find a place from overseas?

Yes, it is possible. This is best accomplished through the luxury and high level resorts, of which there are many on Koh Samui Island. Many of them have villas and bungalows, and they will be happy to rent them out if they are available.

Most of them have listings on the internet and are accustomed to dealing with people who want villas and bungalows. The resorts are basically honest although it must be remembered that one will always be renting something without the ability to examine it first hand. Realtors are not as helpful or reliable as the resorts.

Why aren't realtors as helpful as the luxury resorts?

Realtors are basically interested in selling luxury condominiums, not helping people who are overseas find houses to rent. If you contact realtors, they will probably try to sell you a condominium! Generally, they will not try to help someone from overseas unless a lot of money is involved.

Will I have to make a deposit once I find something I want?

Eventually, it is necessary to make a deposit. It is not generally necessary to make a deposit until one actually assumes residency although it might be necessary to make a deposit to insure the property will be available when wanted.

How large a deposit is required?

Generally, one to two months rent is required for a deposit along with payment of the first month's rent. When renting from individuals or through realtors, one should try hard to agree to a one month deposit as it is often difficult to get the deposits returned! Resorts are much more reliable in terms of returning deposits.

Can I rent villas or bungalows directly from individuals?

Yes, you can, but if you are overseas, then you will have a difficult time locating them.

Is it easier to find a place if I am already on the island?

It is much easier, and probably cheaper, too. One can actually visit the resorts, and visit the realtors, too! The realtors are much more helpful if a real, live person drops in to visit them in their offices from time to time. One can also visit other places such as small restaurants and guest houses on and near the beaches.

These places often have bungalows and small houses, or know people that do. Some of these places can be contacted through the internet – check for them on www.travelfish.com - but many can't. This is how one gets the best deals.

How can I find a realtor?

Many realtors are listed on the internet and in the island phone directory, if you can find an English language copy! Their offices are located on the beach roads of all the major tourist beaches, especially in Chaweng and Lamai Beaches. They can be identified by the pictures of available properties they post on their windows and doors!

The word “"property" usually appears in the business name. Most large realtors employ native speakers who can easily communicate with English speaking visitors. Many are owned by Westerners. It is best to get a word of mouth referral before choosing a realtor.

What is the minimum length of time I must agree to rent a villa or bungalow?

Generally, bungalows can be rented daily, although luxury resorts might insist on a minimum rental of one month. Villas or small houses must generally be rented for periods of no less then 30 days.

Does it matter where on the island I rent a villa or bungalow?

Generally, the villas and bungalows on the island for rent are located in the northeast corner of the island, which is where almost all the tourist beaches are. Some beaches, such as Bophut Beach, are almost completely controlled by the large resorts and thus, will have nothing available except that which is available through the resorts and it will be relatively expensive.

Other beach areas, such as Big Buddha Beach and Lamai Beaches, have more guesthouse facilities and thus, one can hope for more variety and cheaper prices in these places. If one wants to make a special effort to find a place outside of the tourist dominated parts of the island, one could try realtors in Nathon, the island's largest town and administrative center, which is located on the western side of the island.

Does it matter when I want to rent a villa or bungalow?

Yes, it does. If one's period of rental begins during the tourist or high season, then the rent will certainly be higher. It will also be more difficult to find what one wants. If possible, it is best to begin the period of rental a month or two before the major tourist season begins. This is somewhat difficult, however, as tourist season lasts a long time in Koh Samui, roughly from December through August. The peak time, however, is December and January.

What is the maximum amount of time I can generally rent a villa or bungalow for?

Ironically, neither luxury resorts nor guest houses are really interested in having someone become a long term resident and so they generally don't want to have a formal rental agreement for more than a few months. They will continue to rent on a month-to –month basis.

Private individuals, which include some guesthouse owners, are willing to make formal agreements for a year in duration but usually no longer. The general attitude among property owners is that someone who wants to rent for a long period of time should buy something instead.