23 July, 2008 – Colliers International Thailand, a leading property consultancy company, released a report on the real estate market in Phuket.

Mr. Patima Jeerapaet, Managing Director of Colliers International Thailand, said that Phuket now attracts professional investors and international hotel brands and the fast-growing Phuket real estate market is supported by the strong tourism market. Phuket is also an attractive retirement destination, where the living environment will feel familiar. Thus, the increase in overseas interest in property purchase has helped to create an economic recovery in Thailand .

Miss Risinee Sarikaputra, Head of Colliers International Research said that the number of residential units for sale in Phuket recorded a peak in 2006, with 1,473 units for sale. The trend dropped in 2007, with 44% decrease over 2006, due to the political instability in . In 2008, the trend has reversed from 2007.

The majority of property investors in Phuket are expatriates based in Asia, particularly Hong Kong and . Phuket is becoming popular for property purchasers from many new markets, such as , , the Middle East and . Their decision to purchase a villa or condominium tends to be investment-led, and they are looking for good potential capital appreciation and possibly rental income. Property sales transactions by foreigners in Phuket tends to be in the form of 30 years leasehold; there are some sales transaction in the form of freehold, especially for condominiums.