About this guide

Properties Away is a free, independent guide to renting and living long-term on Koh Samui. It answers the questions people have before they move: what a house or apartment really costs, what the lease rules say, what to expect from utilities — and how to avoid the usual traps.

How we work

Every guide combines two things. First, first-hand knowledge from people who live on the island and see the rental market every day. Second, a structured fact check: each question is researched independently by several sources and cross-checked, with official Thai sources — ministries, embassies, the Immigration Bureau, the consumer protection office — taking priority over blogs and listing sites.

Where sources disagree, we say so instead of picking the most convenient answer. Every article shows the date it was last checked, because rules, tariffs and prices in Thailand change.

What we don't do

We don't rent out, broker or sell property, and we don't give individual advice. We don't accept payment for placing listings or agents in our articles. For a specific property or legal question, please talk to a licensed agent or a lawyer on Koh Samui.

Exploring the island

Looking for beaches, waterfalls, temples and day trips rather than paperwork? Our travel guide lives at exploresamui.com.