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Purchasing property in Thailand, particularly in Phuket, can be a wise long-term decision for lifestyle or investment. The market has strong rental demand, international appeal, and a variety of development opportunities.
However, for foreign buyers, the greatest risk is often not the property itself, but the agent who represents it.
Here are five red flags to watch out for when choosing a Phuket real estate agent, along with what a reputable, local agency should provide in its place.
1. No Real On-Ground Presence in Phuket
Many agents promote projects in Phuket without routinely going to the sites, checking on the status of construction, or having direct conversations with developers.
As a result, marketing claims and actual circumstances diverge.
Why this is important:
Unit availability, construction schedules, and specifications are subject to frequent changes. Buyers might rely on inaccurate or out-of-date information in the absence of on-site verification.
What to look for instead:
An agency that makes regular site visits, monitors construction progress, and maintains direct contact with developers.
2. Unclear or Hidden Property Pricing
Some agents only show one headline price, ignoring developer promotions, stacked discounts, or alternative units in the same project.
Why this matters:
Buyers may overpay or overlook more suitable unit options due to a lack of transparency.
What to look for instead:
Clear pricing breakdowns, unit-by-unit comparisons, and thoroughly explained release structures enable informed decision-making.
3. Commission-Driven Recommendations
When all recommendations point to the same developer or project, it is possible that commission incentives are driving the decision rather than buyer fit.
Why this matters:
The ideal property is determined by personal objectives, not by agent pay, such as lifestyle use, rental demand, investment horizon, and exit strategy.
What to look for instead:
An organization that works with several developers and assesses choices according to long-term value, ROI potential, and location fit.
4. Weak Understanding of Rental Yield and ROI
Some real estate brokers market "investment units" without being able to describe occupancy rates, tenant demand, or the factors that make some units perform better than others.
Why this matters:
In Phuket, rental returns are not determined by general yield claims, but rather by unit layout, location, management structure, and demand cycles.
What to look for instead:
data-driven understanding of demand patterns, rental pools, yield forecasts, and consistently profitable unit configurations.
5. Limited After-Sales Support
Contracts, transfers, and rental setup may be delayed by an agent who slows down or vanishes after a reservation.
Why this matters:
For overseas buyers, after-sales execution is just as important as the purchase itself.
What to look for instead:
Clear procedures and ongoing assistance from reservation to handover, transfer, and rental preparation.
Purchasing Real Estate in Phuket Needs Clarity, Not Coercion
Thailand's real estate market rewards buyers who adopt a methodical, long-term strategy.
The appropriate realtor offers:
- Clear pricing
- Verified local expertise
- ROI-focused analysis
- Expert communication
- Continuous after-sale assistance
These factors are far more important than short-term hype or sales strategies.
For further insights into the Phuket property market, ownership structures, and buyer considerations, explore our research and guides.
👉 superagent.co/blog
Written by
Thanakorn Chaiyapruk is a regional market navigator. He’s spent years exploring Thailand’s key property markets including Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya. Well connected with local developers and agents, he writes about regional trends, hidden gems and what to watch out for if you are considering making the move or the investment.