Those buying Phuket villas last year focused on Cherng Talay with Knight Frank Thailand reporting that 57 residences were sold here in 2020. There were 38 villas sold in Kamala, best known for the famed Millionaire’s Mile, while another 34 transactions occurred in Bang Tao.

The rise in popularity of Cherng Talay is not surprising as this area has seen significant development over the past decade. Improvements started when Boat Avenue opened in 2012 and has carried on with the launch Porto de Phuket from Central Group, Thailand’s largest retail player, in 2019.

Investors buying Phuket villas in Cherng Talay have a number of options to choose from. However, Shambhala Grand Villa just might be the area’s most notable developments. The pool villa project caters towards those who want an eye-catching property with solid investment returns, a combination Knight Frank Thailand believes is important.

“Although Phuket is a small island, it has been able to generate considerable revenue for Thailand. Villas in Phuket not only serve as holiday homes, but they are also investments with good returns for buyers, as the prices of villas in Phuket have continuously risen,” Khun Nattha Kahapana, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Knight Frank Phuket, explained. “In addition, villas are able to generate rental income for buyers when they themselves are not in residence.”

More investors buying Phuket villas in Kamala and Bang Tao

It is not surprising that people were buying Phuket villas in Kamala and Bang Tao last year as these have been two of the island’s most popular destinations for quite some time.

Villa developments in Kamala tend to focus on high-end buyers with limited land and stunning ocean views making it a playground for the wealthy. An example of this is Avadina Hills by Anantara, a collection of 11 pool villas overlooking Layan Beach. The recently launched branded residences are adjacent to the 5-star Anantara Layan Phuket Resort and promise investors unmatched exclusivity.

Related: Explore Southeast Asia’s most exclusive branded residences

Bang Tao has a more diverse range of villas available in terms of both pricing and size. Anchan Hills is perhaps the most popular villa development in this part of Phuket at the moment.

The residences feature natural materials, quality fittings and Balinese-style architecture that creates a striking appearance that embraces the island’s tropical charm. These design features allow Anchan Hills to capture the Phuket holiday lifestyle experience.

Read more: Phuket’s best residential investment is Anchan Hills

More activity expected in 2021

There may have been a decrease in the number of people buying Phuket villas last year, but Knight Frank Thailand expects activity to ramp up in 2021 after travel restrictions are lifted. In particular, buyers from China are said to be eager to invest.

“There will be more buyers than before the COVID-19 outbreak; we are seeing many signs that Chinese buyers would like to purchase property in Thailand and Phuket as second residences rather than as investments as they did in the past,” Khun Nattha said. “Chinese people are of the view that, should there be a spread of an infectious disease such as COVID-19, Thailand, including Phuket, would be a safe, liveable place, with good public health systems and measures against the spread of infection diseases.”

This article appeared on Thailand-property.com