With a proven track record in land sales, luxury villa rentals, property management, construction and maintenance, Samui Villas & Homes has received widespread acclaim for both its creativity and diversity. By focusing on high-end properties and offering an extensive package of personalized, all-inclusive services to both villa owners and rental clients, the company has prospered and expanded over the last six years. What started as a one-man operation, is now a major player in the market boasting 165 Thai staff.

The company’s Managing Director, John Birt, is a well-known and occasionally outspoken figure within the industry. He has more than 30 years experience working in the property sector throughout Asia and before that discovered the region as an officer with the British Ghurkas. John began his civilian career in real estate back in 1979 in Hong Kong, where he worked with large agencies such as CB Richard Ellis and Jones Lang La Salle. Later, he started, and then sold, his own commercial agency before moving to Thailand, where after a period in charge at one of the country’s largest developers, Raimon Land, he eventually established himself as an independent consultant, asset picking for major European investors and conducting investment analysis for the likes of Morgan Stanley. It may seem a large leap from such corporate heights to Koh Samui, but for John it was a natural transition.

Why did you choose Samui?
“During my time as a consultant I once made fourteen trips to Europe from Bangkok in twelve months. It was a hectic schedule, and I always made sure that I spent time on Samui to relax. I decided to invest on the island with some friends back in 1989 and the rest is just evolution.”

Which divisions came first?
“I started by setting up an agency team and a projects team. I needed people with specific skills and was fortunate enough to find some excellent professionals. It’s a major advantage being involved with projects from the start right through to completion and beyond. Some of the properties we manage and rent now were just pieces of land when we first met the owners.”

How did you come up with the total service concept?
“Again, this was a combination of responding to customer needs and applying our team’s skills. We started by thinking of ourselves as clients and asking the question: ‘What would I like?’ Marc Ribail, our Chief Operating Officer, comes from a hotel background and he developed the idea of a 24-hour concierge service for our rental guests. On the estate management side, it soon became apparent that relying on outside sources for ‘rapid response’ maintenance wasn’t workable on a small island, so we took that on for owners who requested it and we now also provide real time information and feedback. The same applies to our construction division; we prefer to maintain control so that we can meet deadlines and budget requirements. Ultimately, quality services enhance the value of a property, whether it's during construction or afterwards.”

SVH recently expanded operations to Phuket. Managed by Andrew Craig from Australia, the company has already secured its first management contract with the highly prestigious Jivana Villas, located at Natai Beach. We asked John Birt which services the company would focus on around Phuket and the Andaman.

Jivana Villas – Natai Beach, managed by Phuket Villas & Homes

“High-end villa and estate management is certainly one priority. I have many friends and associates with homes on Phuket and most of them have to look for staff to take care of their villas when they are away. Some may rent their property through agents, but they tend to field most enquiries themselves. Plenty of houses on Phuket are simply locked up when the owners aren’t in residence, which is neither good for the property itself or the estate it’s located in. Property management services improve overall standards, give the owners peace of mind and increase value and yields at the same time.”

With such a solid foundation, Phuket Villas & Homes seems set for success.

For more information contact

Andrew Craig - Phuket Villas & Homes
9/7 Moo4 Soi Pasak 5 Cherngtalay Thalang Phuket
Tel/Fax: +66 (0)76 270155 Mobile: +66 (0)81 787 2078
Email: a.craig@phuketvillasandhomes.com