Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rental: How Do You Decide?


If you’re planning to stay in Thailand for longer than a month-long vacation, you could be weighing up between short-term and long-term rentals. Your decision can be influenced by your plans, lifestyle, and budget. For most people,
long term apartment rentals in Phuket offer tropical living with more stability, which is beneficial if you plan to work on the island during your stay. But short-term stays aren’t all that bad either; you just need to understand the pros and cons of either option to make a better decision.

What makes Phuket’s real estate market attractive?

As one of the more popular islands and tourist destinations in Thailand, Phuket sees an influx of tourists and property investors year in and year out. This shouldn’t come as a surprise since two of its major draws are beautiful beaches and a more pocket-friendly cost of living.

What Phuket’s real estate scene offers:

Consistent demand for rental properties because of the increasing number of expats and tourists who want to live and visit Thailand, respectively.
Availability of rental properties varies from budget apartments to luxury villas, catering to a wide range of needs and budgets.
Excellent infrastructure, reliable transportation and great healthcare services further affirm Phuket’s desirability as a place to live.
Often tagged as one of the good places to invest in real estate abroad, many foreign property investors prefer to invest in Phuket.

Understanding Short-Term Rentals in Thailand

Properties that can be rented for less than thirty days are classified as short-term rentals, which are mostly popular with tourists and business travellers. People who want to test out the area before staying for good also rent for shorter periods.

Benefits

Provide the flexibility of travellers while giving an opportunity to experience island living.
More lenient tenancy terms that may not involve breaking a lease should you decide to relocate
Highly recommended if you simply want to test out what living in a specific location will be like in the long term

Downsides

Tend to be more expensive than long-term renting, depending on location, accommodation type and other factors
Limited protection in case of a dispute, especially if you rent a condo affected by the Hotel Act in Thailand, which prohibits the use of non-hotel properties for hotel business operations or illegal daily rentals.
Less stability and security, especially with properties subject to availability changes. You might be forced to move out when you least expect it.

Understanding Long-Term Rentals in Thailand

Properties available to rent for six months to a year or more are classified as long-term rentals. They’re highly popular among expats, retirees, and digital nomads who plan to live in Thailand for longer periods.

Benefits

Less expensive monthly fees, especially with a longer tenancy lease
Some landlords may be open to negotiating with the security deposit or rent amount
Provides the level of stability that short-term rentals don’t offer. It may be a while before you have to go back to checking out property listings.

Downsides

More expensive upfront cost, with several fees involved, including a security deposit for a month or two
You won’t be able to relocate as easily as you would with a short-term lease because of the penalties you may incur

Deciding between a short-term and long-term rental depends entirely on your needs. If you prefer flexibility over stability, for example, a short-term stay may be a better option for you. If you choose the latter, let the experts at Zest Real Estate help you find the perfect apartment for your extended stay in Phuket.