Who’s buying property in Hua Hin right now? A look at the market’s shifting demographics

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Right now, most buyers are still looking for homes they can enjoy themselves. The investor market—those looking for rental yields—has cooled quite a bit. That’s largely due to factors outside of Thailand’s control: global unrest, uncertainty, and fluctuating currencies have made people more cautious. Understandably, many are choosing to hold onto their money or are looking at short-term fixed returns instead.

That said, if you’re an investor, it’s worth keeping an eye on developments here. With Hua Hin now officially recognised as a city—Nakhon Hua Hin—there are some major improvements in the pipeline that could positively impact the market. I won’t get into the usual “will they or won’t they” speculation about flights, but just take a look at the scale of the new train station. It wasn’t built on a whim—there are clearly big plans ahead.

The rise of the pre-retiree buyer

One thing that’s become more noticeable in recent years is the type of people buying. More and more buyers are in that pre-retirement stage—often aged between 50 and 55. They’re still active, looking to enjoy life, travel, and play sports before they eventually slow down and spend more time with the grandkids.

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And they’re absolutely right to do so. After years of working hard, Hua Hin stands out as the perfect place to treat yourself. Eating out is often cheaper than cooking, there are beaches, golf courses, massage shops, gyms, and increasingly popular activities like pickleball. It’s no longer just a retired golfer’s town—it’s a lifestyle hub.

A trend I’ve seen is people buying here not as a full-time base, but as part of a six-month/six-month living plan. Rather than selling everything and relocating fully, they’re opting for smaller properties in two countries, giving them flexibility.

I often talk to clients about the idea of making Hua Hin your home base—live your day-to-day life here with all the benefits this city has to offer, and then when you go back to see friends or family abroad, treat it like a mini-holiday. Keep your main belongings here and travel light. It’s a great way to stay mobile and maintain a good lifestyle balance.

A word of warning: do your homework

On a more serious note, too many buyers are still making decisions without doing the proper research. I find it incredibly frustrating. People are buying from social media agents with no office, no proper setup, and—importantly—no comeback when problems arise. I call them “suitcase sellers”.

Andy Dyett, the Hua Hin Property Expert

I understand the excitement of moving to Thailand or buying a holiday home, but it’s worth taking the time to really understand what you’re buying. Even if you don’t want to meet with me to tap into my experience, at least make sure you ask the right questions. That “dream home” may look great on the surface—but is the location right for your needs? What’s the developer’s track record like? Is the build quality up to standard? What about ownership and paperwork?

This month alone, I’ve had to turn away five sellers who asked me to market their homes. I simply couldn’t—either because the property was poorly built or they’d significantly overpaid, and there’s no demand for it. I had to apologise and explain that, until the market shifts or the property is improved, I can’t realistically help them.

The key message? I’m here to help. Whether it’s a coffee, a beer, or just a casual chat, the advice costs you nothing—and can often save you money. If there are small issues with a property you like, I’ve got teams that can help resolve them. In fact, many older homes represent excellent value when compared to new builds, and with the right guidance, they can make a smart investment.

So, if you’re already in town, pop in. Or if you’re not yet in Hua Hin, drop me an email or WhatsApp. I’ve helped countless people get settled over the last 20 years—and I’d be happy to help you figure out what’s truly right for you.

Yours sincerely,
Andy Dyett

The Hua Hin Property Expert

📧 andy@huahinpropertyagent.com
📱 Hua Hin Property Co.,Ltd
📞 0867779064
🌐 https://www.huahinpropertyagent.com/
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/cnE2oXc5oS1AWQYk9

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