From vacation to a second home. Why Phuket is becoming interesting to real estate buyers from Uzbekistan

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From vacation to a second home. Why Phuket attracts interest from real estate buyers from Uzbekistan

Just a few years ago, a trip to Phuket looked very simple for most tourists: flight, hotel, beach, several excursions, and a return flight. Now this format is gradually changing. People come to the island not only for one or two weeks, but also for longer periods. And often — already to their own home.

Families look at schools and medical infrastructure, entrepreneurs — at work opportunities, while potential real estate buyers evaluate not only the view from the window, but also how their everyday life will be organized outside the apartment. Phuket is gradually transforming from a purely tourist destination into an international living environment.

Against this backdrop, another notable market emerges — Central Asia. For buyers from Uzbekistan, Phuket is becoming noticeably closer thanks to direct flights between Tashkent and the island. The idea of owning an apartment or house here no longer looks like just a dream of a distant resort.

But before moving on to specific properties, it is important to understand why the very perception of real estate in Phuket is changing.

## Phuket, where you can do more than just relax

Phuket has long been among Thailand's key tourist destinations. But the island's development is gradually going beyond the usual resort boundaries.

Here you can choose almost any vacation format — from complete privacy on the beach to vibrant nightlife, gastronomic routes, sports, yachting, and trips to neighboring islands.

Numerous beaches, diving, snorkeling, surfing, and water sports are available for sea lovers. For those who prefer land activities, trekking and other pastimes are suitable. For golf enthusiasts, there are modern courses; for yachtsmen — marinas and marine routes of the Andaman Sea.

Restaurants with various world cuisines, beach clubs, spa and wellness centers, shops, markets, and food courts operate on the island. If desired, you can take a trip to neighboring provinces.

It is this diversity that makes Phuket interesting not only for a short vacation, but also for long-term stays: you don't necessarily have to spend every day by the pool. The island can adapt to the lifestyle of its residents.

Therefore, some travelers gradually face another question: not "where to spend the next vacation?", but "where could our family spend part of the year?"

## Bang Tao and Laguna Phuket: resort life as an everyday routine

Bang Tao has become one of the most famous areas on Phuket's west coast. Its main feature is a long sandy beach lined with hotels, restaurants, and beach venues. Compared to the island's more bustling tourist zones, Bang Tao is perceived as a calmer and more relaxed location, making it especially popular with families, couples, and those who value a comfortable vacation without constant hustle and bustle.

In the central part of the district lies Laguna Phuket — a large resort complex combining several hotels, villas, restaurants, spas, and a golf course. Famous properties include Banyan Tree, Angsana, Dusit Thani, SAii Laguna, and others.

Laguna Phuket is not an individual hotel or residential project, but a large resort area with its own infrastructure and several residential and hospitality brands. It is here that Banyan Group has been developing various real estate formats for many years — from apartments to spacious villas and beachfront residences.

One of the key features of Laguna Phuket for families is the ability to build an everyday life without almost ever leaving the area. The territory features SILK kindergarten, supermarkets, cafes and restaurants, spa salons, sports infrastructure, and other services. The BDMS medical center operates here, which is especially important for families considering Phuket not only as a vacation spot, but also as a second home.

For older children, international educational opportunities are available outside Laguna. British International School Phuket, offering an international school education, is located approximately 20 minutes away by car. Thus, during a long-term stay, a family can maintain their usual level of education, medical care, and daily infrastructure.

Nearby is Cherng Talay — an area with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Boat Avenue and Porto de Phuket are also located here. Boat Avenue resembles a small open-air neighborhood with restaurants, bars, shops, and markets, while Porto de Phuket is a modern shopping and dining center with a supermarket and a wide selection of establishments.

The main feature of this part of the island is the ability to combine resort infrastructure with regular daily life. Therefore, a property owner does not need to leave the area every day: in the morning you can head to the sea, spend the afternoon by the pool or at a spa, and in the evening choose a restaurant to your taste.

It is this combination of nature, developed infrastructure, and service that has made Laguna Phuket one of the most recognizable resort areas in Phuket — and at the same time one of the locations that can be considered not only for recreation, but also for full-fledged family living.

## Uzbekistan and Thailand: a direct route and growing interest

In 2025, the UN World Tourism Organization included Uzbekistan among the seven fastest-growing markets for outbound tourism. The number of departures by Uzbek citizens reached 11.68 million — 47% more than a year earlier, and approximately six times higher than in 2021.

Thailand also entered the top ten most popular foreign destinations for citizens of Uzbekistan.

Regular flights between Tashkent and Phuket are operated twice a week by Centrum Air and Uzbekistan Airways. Direct flight time is about 6.5 hours.

## Why buyers look at Laguna Phuket

The growing segment of affluent Uzbek buyers is gradually entering the international real estate market. The typical journey starts with a tourist trip, followed by repeat visits, longer stays, and interest in buying their own home.

Laguna Phuket is attractive to buyers who view real estate not only as a vacation spot, but also as a second home. Professional management allows the owner to keep the property ready for arrival, even if they spend most of the year in another country.

Property prices start at approximately $200,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and go up to luxury beachfront penthouses.

Banyan Group Residences assists buyers from Asia and Central Asia, as well as aids with obtaining Thailand Privilege for buyers who meet the program's requirements.

## What does an owner get?

Purchasing real estate in Laguna Phuket is more than just square meters. Depending on the specific project and program terms, owners have access to additional services and privileges:

- **RAVA Beach Club** — privileged access to a private beach club;

- **Sanctuary Club** — access to special conditions and benefits across Banyan Group's global network of hotels and resorts;

- **Banyan Living** — professional property rental management when the owner is not living in their residence;

- **Thailand Privilege** — assistance in obtaining long-term visa status for buyers who meet the program requirements;

- **On-site infrastructure** — international kindergarten, 24/7 security, concierge service, and professional property management;

- **Laguna Advantage Programme** — free property management and insurance for the first year for new buyers, as well as a range of additional benefits and services within the complex.

## What projects are presented in Laguna Phuket

Banyan Group is developing several new residential projects in the Laguna Phuket area at once. They vary in format, area, and cost — from relatively compact apartments to large residences and beachfront villas.

|---|---|---:|---|---:|

| Banyan Tree Beach Residences Sirena | Apartments and Penthouses | 40 | 354–498 sq. m | $2.73m |

| Banyan Tree Beach Residences Varuna | Beach Townhouses | 8 | 539–638 sq. m | $4.55m |

| Banyan Tree Beach Residences Oceanus | Beach Residences / Penthouses | 16 | 416–786 sq. m | $6.37m |

| Banyan Tree Beach Residences Aegir | Villas | 10 | 792 sq. m | $8.83m |

Prices are converted based on a nominal exchange rate of 1 USD = 30 THB. Prices in dollars are also indicative.

## Villas, apartments, and more

Behind the development of projects in Laguna Phuket is Banyan Group Residences, the residential real estate arm of Banyan Group. Banyan Group is listed on the stock exchanges of Thailand and Singapore. The company has over 30 years of experience in development and a portfolio of residential brands designed for different lifestyles and budgets.

Today, Banyan Group is developing several directions at once in Laguna Phuket, so a potential buyer can choose not only the area and budget, but also the living format itself — from compact apartments near lagoons to spacious residences right by the sea.

### Skypark Elara Lakelands

A modern low-rise complex with views of the lagoons. The first phase offers about 220 residences ranging from 54 to 186 square meters with one, two, or three bedrooms.

The rooftop features an infinity pool, a terrace, a BBQ area, and relaxation spaces.

220 residences in Phase 1 | 1–3 bedrooms | 54–186 square meters | from 300 thousand dollars | completion date TBD.

### Laguna Lakeside Residences

Low-rise residences located among landscaped gardens and near lagoons at the entrance to Laguna Phuket. The project includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and each building has its own rooftop infinity pool.

159 residences | 1–3 bedrooms | 55–113 square meters | from 400 thousand dollars | completion — Q4 2027

### Bellaguna Lake Residences Lotus

The first project of the new Bellaguna brand is located by a lake in Laguna Phuket, not far from Bang Tao Beach.

It features one-to-three-bedroom condominiums and two-to-three-bedroom penthouses, including options with private rooftop pools. The property provides gardens, lounge areas, family spaces, and a jetty with access to Laguna Phuket shuttle boats.

1–3 bedrooms / penthouses 2–3 bedrooms | 58–353 square meters | from 533 thousand dollars | completion date TBD

### Laguna Beach Residences Bayside

Modern apartments and penthouses near the beach set around canals and connected by pedestrian bridges. The project has 237 units with one, two, and three bedrooms. The residences feature spacious terraces, while the penthouses offer private rooftop pools.

237 residences | 1–3 bedrooms | 75–358 square meters | from one million dollars | completion date TBD

### Banyan Tree Beach Residences Sirena

Three-bedroom residences situated between Bang Tao Beach, the Andaman Sea, and jungle-covered mountains. All residences feature private terraces and pools, while top-floor penthouses offer panoramic sea and sunset views.

40 residences | 3 bedrooms | 354–498 square meters | from 2.73 million dollars | completion date TBD

### Banyan Tree Beach Residences Varuna

A collection of eight four-level townhouses directly on Bang Tao Beach. Each residence has four bedrooms, a private elevator, a garden terrace, and a west-facing rooftop pool.

8 residences | 4 bedrooms | 539–638 square meters | from 4.55 million dollars | completion date TBD

### Banyan Tree Beach Residences Oceanus

16 residences located directly on the beachfront of Laguna Phuket. Areas range from 416 to 786 square meters, and all units feature four bedrooms.

Ground-floor residences feature private pools, while penthouses offer pools and spacious rooftop terraces overlooking the Andaman Sea.

16 residences | 4 bedrooms | 416–786 square meters | from 6.37 million dollars | completion date TBD

### Banyan Tree Beach Residences Aegir

A collection of ten spacious beachfront villas. Each 792-square-meter villa has four bedrooms, a large terrace, a private pool, a jacuzzi, and a multi-purpose room that can be used as a home cinema, game room, or home office.

10 villas | 4 bedrooms | 792 square meters | from 8.83 million dollars | completion date TBD

## Real estate as a second home and an investment asset

For some buyers, a residence in Phuket becomes both a place for personal vacations and an asset that can be profitably rented out through professional management via Banyan Living. Another attractive factor is the possibility of phased payment depending on the specific project and developer terms. This allows spreading payments over time rather than paying the full amount at once.

At the same time, considering real estate solely as a guaranteed source of income would be incorrect: final profitability depends on the purchase price, payment terms, maintenance and management expenses, occupancy rate, rental rates, and market conditions.

## How a foreigner can register property in Phuket

For a foreign buyer in Phuket, there are several main forms of property ownership. The most common options are freehold (full ownership) and leasehold (long-term lease). Certain structures involve using a Thai corporate entity.

Freehold means full and perpetual ownership rights to a property. For foreigners, this option is most commonly used when purchasing apartments in registered condominiums.

However, Thai law imposes a limitation: foreigners collectively can own no more than 49% of the total area of apartments in a specific condominium.

Ownership rights are registered at the Land Department of Thailand. The owner can sell, inherit, or gift the property. When buying an apartment, it is important to check in advance whether a specific unit is available for freehold registration within the established foreign quota.

At the same time, land plots generally cannot be registered directly in a foreign citizen's name. Therefore, for villas and houses, other ownership structures are used, particularly leasehold.

Leasehold is not land ownership, but a long-term registered right to use real estate based on a lease agreement. The standard term for registered lease is up to 30 years, and the possibility of extension must be provided by contract and comply with applicable law.

This format is applied when purchasing villas, houses, and properties tied to a land plot. Long-term lease agreements are registered with the Land Department.

One of the advantages of leasehold is the ability to acquire property that a foreigner cannot register directly under freehold. The cost of such properties may also differ from similar freehold properties depending on the specific project and deal conditions.

## Thai legal entity

Another option is purchasing property through a Thai Company Limited. Such a structure can be used to own property with land, but requires compliance with Thai laws regarding ownership structure and company operations.

Traditionally, at least 51% of shares in a Thai company must belong to Thai citizens; however, the specific ownership structure, shareholder rights, and corporate control require professional legal arrangement. Using nominee shareholders to bypass legislation may entail legal risks.

Company ownership involves additional expenses and obligations — registration and maintenance of a legal entity, accounting, reporting, and compliance with Thai legal requirements.

## What is important for a buyer to know?

The choice of ownership form depends primarily on the type of property. Villas and properties with land are arranged taking into account the restrictions of Thai law and the specific transaction structure.

Therefore, before buying, it is important to check not only the property itself, but also the legal form of its acquisition, land status, contract terms, and the possibility of right registration at the Land Department of Thailand.

## Visas and long-term stay

Property ownership and the right to stay in Thailand are two separate legal matters. The mere fact of buying an apartment or villa does not automatically give a foreigner a long-term visa or residence permit.

For short-term trips, entry rules apply depending on citizenship and Thailand's current regime. For citizens of Uzbekistan, staying in the country is available on a visa for up to 30 days.

For longer stays, separate visa programs exist, including Thailand Privilege, Long-Term Resident (LTR), retirement, work, student, and other categories.

### Thailand Privilege

Thailand Privilege is suitable for those who want to obtain long-term visa status without a direct tie to a property purchase. As of September 2026, the following tiers are officially presented: Bronze — around $21,000 for 5 years, Gold — around $30,000 for 5 years, Platinum — around $50,000 for 10 years, Diamond — around $83,000 for 15 years, Reserve — around $165,000 for 20 years. Reserve is available by invitation.

Thus, a real estate buyer in Laguna Phuket can separately secure ownership rights to a property and then choose a suitable long-term stay regime. Thailand Privilege is not a condition for buying real estate and does not replace property ownership rights.

### Long-Term Resident — LTR

Another option is the Long-Term Resident Visa, designed for up to 10 years for certain categories of wealthy individuals, investors, retirees, and qualified professionals. The key condition is compliance with the established program requirements, not the property purchase itself.

Thus, for a person considering Phuket as a second home, the logic can be quite simple: first determine a suitable form of property ownership, and then — if necessary — select a visa status corresponding to the goal and duration of stay.

## Phuket as a place to live

The story of Phuket is gradually changing. The island remains one of Thailand's main tourist destinations, but at the same time, an environment is forming here for those who want to spend months, not just a few weeks a year.

For buyers from Uzbekistan, this process is becoming especially noticeable thanks to direct flights to Phuket, growing interest in international travel, and the emergence of new residential projects.

And Laguna Phuket demonstrates how a resort can transform into a full-fledged living environment. Ultimately, it is no longer just about buying real estate on an island. For some buyers, this is an opportunity to create their own point of attraction — a place where the whole family can return for a few weeks, months, or longer, while maintaining the ability to use the property as a rental asset during periods of absence.