Phuket property for relocating families.
European families moving to Phuket for the long term. Mario Costa works school-first: pick the school, then the catchment community, then the property. Reverse engineers the move so the kids are in class by September.
The school-first approach
Mario's process for relocating families: identify the school first (Phuket College, JESS, Brighton College, Repton, GEMS Wellington), then look at communities within a 15-minute drive, then short-list properties. Top British schools cluster around Cherngtalay and Thalang for British-curriculum families. Top American curriculum schools cluster around Rawai for international. Top IB schools have wider geography.
Family-product Phuket communities
Layan (villa community, central, excellent schools nearby), Nai Harn (established villa enclaves, suburban feel, strong school access), Rawai (premium, school-served by Phuket College and Phuket American Academy), Cherngtalay (newer villa community, growing). Apartment families typically choose Kamala or Surin for shorter commutes.
LTR Visa for the whole family
THB 2M single property unlocks a 10-year LTR Visa for the buyer, spouse, and unlimited children (no age cap). Most relocating families clear the threshold easily on a 3 or 4-bedroom villa or large apartment. The visa allows full Thailand residency with multiple entries and no minimum stay requirement, so the family can keep European base if needed.
Timeline for a September arrival
Working backward: school waitlist typically 3 to 18 months at top British and IB schools. Mario suggests starting school applications in October/November of the prior year. Property selection finalized by January. SPA signed and Land Office transfer by March. Handover (if off-plan) or move-in (if resale) by May/June. LTR Visa processed in May/June. Move and school start in September.
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