Before investing in real estate in Cambodia, it is crucial to ensure that the developers have obtained the necessary licences to legally build and sell the property. In Cambodia, two key documents should be requested from developers to validate their compliance with regulations: the Construction Licence and the Sales Licence. This article will shed light on the significance of these licences and their importance in safeguarding your investment.The Construction LicenceThe Construction Licence serves as evidence that developers have been granted legal permission to construct a property. It is essential to verify this licence to ensure that the developers have fulfilled all the necessary requirements set forth by the relevant ministries and governing bodies. By possessing a Construction Licence, developers demonstrate their adherence to safety standards, environmental regulations, and building codes.The Sales LicenceIn addition to the Construction Licence, the Sales Licence is equally crucial in the property purchasing process. This licence grants developers the legal authority to sell properties to prospective buyers. It is vital to ascertain the possession of a valid Sales Licence to ensure that the developers have undergone the necessary procedures and obtained official approval to market and sell the property.Separate Issuing AuthoritiesIt is worth noting that the Construction Licence and the Sales Licence are issued by separate ministries and governing bodies. This distinction is an important factor to consider, as it is not uncommon for developers to possess one licence without the other. While developers may hold a Construction Licence, indicating their competence in building properties, they may not possess a Sales Licence, meaning they are not legally authorised to sell the property.The Implications of Unlicensed DevelopersFailure to verify the licences of developers can lead to potential legal and financial repercussions. Investing in a property without the necessary licences exposes buyers to risks such as legal disputes, construction defects, or even the possibility of the property being deemed illegal and subject to demolition by the authorities. Therefore, thorough due diligence is vital to protect your investment and ensure a secure and lawful property transaction.Find Reliable DevelopersWhen house-hunting, it is crucial to find reliable developers with a proven track record of successful projects. By considering a developer's past projects, potential homebuyers can gain valuable insight into their commitment and ability to complete projects. A prime example of such reliability can be seen in the Japanese developer behind J Tower Condo. This developer has successfully completed and sold two previous projects, J Tower 1 and J Tower 2, in Phnom Penh within just a few months. If you are looking to find more reliable properties in Cambodia, click here to explore our selection of trusted developers.Click Here

If you are considering buying or selling real estate in Cambodia, it's essential to understand the sales and purchase process. This article will provide a clear and direct overview of the steps involved.Due DiligenceThe first step is to conduct a thorough investigation of the property. This includes a title search to ensure there are no boundary issues and to verify the accuracy of measurements. It is crucial to confirm that the property is free from any legal disputes or encumbrances.NegotiationOnce you have completed your due diligence and are satisfied with the property, it's time to negotiate the terms with the owner. This includes discussing the price, payment terms, and any additional conditions or requirements.Sales and Purchase AgreementOnce both parties have reached an agreement, the next step is to prepare and sign a sale and purchase agreement. This legally binding document outlines the terms and conditions of the transaction, including both parties as the buyer and seller, a description of the immovable property, the sale/purchase price, payment of the sale/purchase price, registration of ownership and the handover details. Transfer Document and Stamp Duty After signing the agreement, you need to submit the necessary transfer documents to the Cadastral office. These documents typically include the sale and purchase agreement, identification documents of the parties involved, and any other relevant paperwork. Additionally, you will be required to pay the stamp duty tax of 4%, which is a percentage of the property's value. Currently, the stamp duty tax is exempted for properties below $70,000 until the end of 2023.Transfer ProcessingThe Cadastral office will review the transfer documents, and if everything is in order, they will be forwarded to the Land Department for further processing. This step involves transferring the property's ownership from the seller to the buyer officially.Confirmatory Due DiligenceOnce the transfer is complete, it is advisable to conduct confirmatory due diligence. This step involves double-checking that the property has been accurately transferred and ensuring there are no spelling mistakes or errors in the information provided. This helps to avoid any potential future disputes or complications.By following these steps, you can navigate the sales and purchase process in Cambodia smoothly and ensure a successful transaction. Remember to consult with reliable real estate agents familiar with local laws and regulations to ensure compliance and protect your interests.If you are seeking more guidance on real estate in Cambodia, feel free to consult our guides here Click Here

Are you looking to invest in real estate but unsure where to start? You might have heard of off-plan properties or new development projects. In this article, Realestate.com.kh will provide a comprehensive overview of an off-plan investment, its benefits and risks and finally where to find reliable projects.What Is An Off-Plan Property?An off-plan property refers to real estate that is sold before construction has begun, or while construction is still in progress. The concept of off-plan property is based on the idea that buyers can secure a property at a lower price than if they were to wait until it is completed. Off-plan purchases are popular with investors and homebuyers alike and Cambodia is no exception. Benefits of An Off-Plan PropertyThe benefit of the off-plan property for investors and home buyers is that purchases can benefit from capital appreciation. As the property is being built, its value may increase, providing the buyer with an opportunity to make a profit if they choose to sell before completion. This is particularly true in areas where property prices are rising rapidly, and in areas where there is a high demand for new housing. In addition, early buyers of off-plan projects have the opportunity to customise their property to their liking. This can include selecting finishes, fixtures, and appliances, and making changes to the layout and design of the property. Risks Of An Off-Plan PropertyDespite its many advantages, the off-plan property does come with some risks. For example, there is always the possibility that the development may be delayed or even cancelled, leaving buyers with a property that they cannot occupy or sell. Additionally, upon completion, the unit may not resemble the show unit or plans that compelled you to buy the property. It is always advised to do your research and work with a local property advisor to help you navigate the property market. Ensuring you buy from a trusted developer with a track record, is highly recommended. It is preferable to have pre-agreements with the developer prior to signing your Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA), Typically buyers will have 20 days between booking the unit and signing the SPA, and you should always consult with your local property advisor when reviewing property purchase-related agreements. Additionally, we recommend considering seeking legal advice. To read more in detail about the process of buying off-plan property click here. In conclusion, the off-plan property can be a great investment opportunity for those willing to benefit from:Low prices,Customisation optionsPotential capital appreciation. If you are interested in exploring off-plan properties available in Cambodia. You may visit realestate.com.kh, which collaborates with all the licensed developers operating in the market to find reliable projects. If you are looking to find a reliable project in Cambodia, we make it easy for you  Click Here

As the cost of living and healthcare continue to rise in many parts of the world, more people are considering ways to secure their retirement plans.Whether you are seeking to achieve the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement or reaching your golden age, Cambodia might be your next destination to spend your post-work life.In this article, Realestate.com.kh will share a definitive guide on the ways to secure your future and invest in property in Cambodia through a Golden Visa.  What is a Golden Visa?A "Golden Visa" is a type of visa that allows individuals to live and work in a foreign country for a set period of time, usually between one and ten years.Golden Visas are typically offered to individuals who make a significant investment in the country, such as by buying property or starting a business. In Cambodia, a government-approved program provides a renewable 10-year visa that allows for unrestricted entry and exit to and from Cambodia. How a Golden Visa Can HelpThe visa program in Cambodia offers a pathway to residency for investors who meet certain criteria, such as investing at least $100,000 to be eligible and owning a government-approved Cambodian real estate project. Once you obtain a Golden Visa, you can live and work in Cambodia for up to 10 years, making it easy to manage your investments and secure your future.In addition to providing a pathway to residency, a Golden Visa can also offer other benefits, Holders can apply without any additional costs. Eligible for Cambodian citizenship after five years.Professional assistance for company incorporation, bank account, trust account,Cambodian Driver’s LicenceOne year of free medical insurance in CambodiaFree VIP Access at the Cambodian AirportsAccess to Khmer Home Charity Association (KHCA) and Ministry of the Interior (MOI) networking activities and events.Additionally, a Golden Visa can make it easier to travel in and out of Cambodia, as it eliminates the need for a visa on arrival. Investing in Property in CambodiaInvesting in property in Cambodia has become increasingly popular over the past few years due to the country's growing economy, and the GDP growth rate has consistently remained above 7%. Furthermore, the Cambodian government has put in place measures to foster foreign investment, such as loosening limitations on property possession for non-Cambodian individuals. This includes authorising complete foreign ownership through strata title, which permits foreign ownership in jointly owned buildings.Rental demand in Cambodia is one of the highest in the region, particularly in urban areas like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, creating an opportunity for passive income. Finally, the country's growing tourism industry and urbanisation provide the potential for long-term capital appreciation. All of these factors make Cambodia a compelling destination for property investors looking for potentially high returns and growth opportunities. Discover all the latest information on the real estate market by checking out our Cambodia Real Estate Survey 2023 here.    Why Cambodia?Cambodia is an attractive destination for retirees for many reasons. Located in Southeast Asia and known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming culture, it has emerged as a popular destination for those seeking an affordable and comfortable lifestyle.It offers a diverse landscape for everyone, whether you're seeking a peaceful town like Kampot, a mesmerising destination like Siem Reap, the serene beaches of Koh Rong, or the vibrant city life of Phnom Penh.The cost of living in Cambodia is relatively low compared to many other countries in Southeast Asia, which means that retirees can stretch their retirement savings further. Basic necessities such as food, accommodation, and transportation are affordable, particularly in rural areas.In urban centres like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, it can be higher due to the demand for tourism and expat services, but still comparatively cheaper than in Western countries. The local currency, Cambodian Riel, is the primary means of payment, but US dollars are widely accepted in many areas. The cost of living in Cambodia can vary depending on one's lifestyle and location.  Overall, it is possible to live comfortably in Cambodia on a modest budget, but it is important to do thorough research on living expenses before making any long-term plans. Retiring abroad can be an exciting and rewarding way to secure your future and invest in property. With its welcoming culture, affordable cost of living, and stunning natural beauty, Cambodia is an ideal destination for retirees seeking a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle. And with the Golden Visa program, it is easier than ever to invest in property and secure your future in this beautiful country.   Looking for the best property in Cambodia? Click here! Article by:

When buying a property it is crucial to avoid the common mistakes that could end up costing you money and causing you unnecessary stress in the long run. Recognized as the fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia, Cambodian real estate made remarkable progress in the last 22 years, with more than 61,000 construction projects approved.However, this growing interest from both locals and foreigners to invest in real estate also poses a potential risk. In this article, we will discuss the current pitfalls to avoid when buying a property in Cambodia.To avoid pitfalls when purchasing a property, pay attention to the following:Research the developer's backgroundVerify the developer's sales and construction licensesPay attention to the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) and other legal aspectsConsider financesEvaluate the neighbourhoodLet the Agent Negotiate the priceHave future plans and goals for the property Research the developer's background One critical aspect of purchasing a property is the developer's portfolio. Unfortunately, many homebuyers make the mistake of getting carried away by the project and its price, rather than carefully checking the developer's background. It is essential to prioritize the developer's past projects and reputation to avoid potential risks and ensure a sound investment. New developers aren’t necessarily deceivers, but it is essential to verify their legitimacy with the relevant government ministries before handing in any form of payment. All legitimate developers must have:a license for their development companya master hard title for the land on which they are developinga license for the development that includes a master plan from start to finisha construction licenseIf developers fail to submit all necessary documents when asked, it is best to visit other projects. Realestate.com.kh established a long-term partnership with trusted local and international developers in Cambodia. By taking the time to research the developer's credentials, homebuyers can make informed decisions and safeguard their investment in the long run.  Verify the developer's sales and construction licensesA developer's sales and construction licenses are legal permits or documents that authorize them to sell properties and undertake construction activities. These licenses are typically issued by relevant government authorities, such as local building departments or real estate regulatory bodies, and serve as proof that the developer has met specific legal requirements to engage in these activities. The sales license permits the developer to market and sell properties, while the construction license allows them to carry out construction work. Without proper verification, buyers may unknowingly purchase from unlicensed or unqualified developers, which can lead to substandard construction or even illegal buildings. In some cases, the developer may not have the legal right to sell the property or may be engaged in fraudulent activities. This can be done by requesting copies of the licenses and checking them with the relevant authorities.# Pay attention to the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) and other legal aspectsOne crucial aspect to consider when buying a property is the complexity of the country's laws. Without proper legal guidance, buyers may encounter unexpected challenges, such as unclear ownership records, unresolved disputes, or legal restrictions on the property. A significant pitfall that buyers may face is failing to engage a lawyer and a notary.It is recommended to request guidance from real estate agents, who are the most familiar with the process and transaction to follow when purchasing a property. Real estate agents will ensure important documents such as Sales and Purchase Agreements are up to the norms in the industry.It is essential to have legal guidance throughout the buying process to avoid costly legal battles or even the loss of the property.  When all legal requirements are met, the buyer's interests are protected.  Consider financesIf you are thinking about investing in Cambodia's real estate market, it's crucial to understand the payment procedures for purchasing a property. Therefore, to execute your property investment plan smoothly, it's imperative to know about the easiest payment options available in the Kingdom. In addition, when buying a property there is more than just the cost of the property. Many first-time homebuyers overlook the additional expenses associated with homeownership, such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. These expenses can add up quickly and significantly impact your budget, so it is crucial to factor them in when calculating how much you can afford to spend on a house.  Read about the different taxes and fees when buying a property in Cambodia by clicking here Evaluate the neighbourhood The property you're considering may be beautiful, but it's essential to take a closer look at the neighbourhood before making a purchase. There are several factors to consider when choosing a property in a certain location such as noise pollution, amenities and security. Noise pollution is a crucial factor to consider when evaluating the value of a property. Excessive noise can have a detrimental impact on the desirability of a property, which can ultimately affect its overall worth. Whether it's traffic noise, airport noise, bars and nightlife or industrial noise, excessive levels of noise pollution can lead to discomfort which can significantly decrease the appeal and value of a property. Knowing what amenities are nearby, such as parks, restaurants, shopping centres, and medical facilities, can help you determine whether the neighbourhood is a good fit for your lifestyle. If you are someone who enjoys eating out, living in a neighbourhood close to the centre where everything is accessible is a perfect fit. The crime rate in your neighbourhood can help you determine the safety of the area. High crime rates can impact your daily life and also lower the value of your property in case of robbery or criminality. When choosing a property you'll want to make sure the neighbourhood is a good fit for your lifestyle and that it will hold its value in the long run.  Let your agent negotiate the priceBuying a house is a significant financial transaction, and it's essential to negotiate to get the best possible price. Many homebuyers make the mistake of assuming that the asking price is non-negotiable, but that's not always the case. Reliable real estate agents and brokers know the market price and will help you research comparable properties in the area, and make an offer that reflects the market value of the property according to your budget. You may be surprised at how much you can save by negotiating, so do not hesitate to inquire with your real estate about the different offers available.  Have future plans and goals for the propertyConsidering that Cambodia is one the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia, the chances of your property increasing its value will depend on the location, economic and market conditions, the state of the property, and the demand and supply of properties in the area. When buying a property, it's essential to consider your long-term goals and plan for the future. Will the property meet your needs in five or ten years? Is it a good investment that will appreciate in value over time? Will your property deliver the rental returns you expect? It is crucial to have answers to these questions in order to determine whether your investment will yield good returns in the long run. Seeking the advice of professional real estate agents who have a deep understanding of the current market trends can help you thoroughly discuss and address these questions.If you are looking to purchase property in Cambodia, it can be advantageous if you proceed with caution and make informed decisions. Considering all these factors will definitely help you figure out the pitfalls to avoid when purchasing a property in Cambodia.  Realestate.com.kh is the ultimate source of information for property buyers and sellers in Cambodia who want to learn how to invest in real estate wisely and make a profit. Visit Realestate.com.kh today to expand your knowledge and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and opportunities in the real estate market.Article by:

If you are considering investing in the real estate market in Cambodia, you may want to know how to make payments for purchasing a property in Cambodia. It is commonly known that it can be a struggle for foreigners to apply for a mortgage with banks in Cambodia, so as a buyer, it is important to choose the easiest payment methods to complete your property investment plan. In this article, Realestate.com.kh will introduce common payment options for buying properties in Cambodia.Common payment methods for buying houses in Cambodia include:Monthly instalment paymentsPayments based on construction progressFull paymentDeveloper financing/bank financing1. Monthly Instalment Payment Monthly instalment payment is a payment method that allows individuals to pay for goods or services in smaller, regular payments over a set period of time. Instead of paying the full cost of an item upfront, the total cost is divided into monthly payments, making it more manageable for consumers.For instance, let's say Mr. John purchases a pre-sale apartment in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, which costs $100,000. The developer offers a payment plan of two-year interest-free instalments. In this case, the cost of the apartment can be divided according to the chart below: Funds Amount Payment TimelineDeposit$2000 - $3000Pay on the day of purchaseFirst payment30% of the total house payment$100,000 x 30% = $30,000Within 7 days after the deposit is paidFinal payment$100,000 x 70% = $70,000$70,000 ÷ 24 months = $2916/monthWithin 2 years (24 months)The advantages of monthly instalment payments include: Stable monthly paymentsReduces repayment pressureNo interest costs2. Payment by Instalment Based on Construction ProgressPayment by instalment based on construction progress is a financing method commonly used in the construction industry. This payment method involves dividing the total cost of the project into several instalments, which are paid based on the completion of specific stages of the construction process. The payment schedule is typically outlined in the construction contract, with specific milestones and percentages of the total cost assigned to each instalment.For instance, in Borey William, a residential area in Cambodia that showcases American-style villas, the payment plan is tied to the construction project's progress. Buyers have the flexibility to make payments in accordance with the construction's advancement.First payment 30% down payment upon bookingSecond payment20% to be paid after the foundation work is completedThird payment20% payment after the villa is topped offFourth payment20% upon completion of interior decorationFinal Payment 10% upon completion The benefits of payment by instalment by construction progress include: Can raise funds in stagesReduces financial risk (construction first, payment later)No interest costs.3. Full PaymentFull payment refers to the total amount of money owed by a buyer to the seller for the purchase of a property, including the purchase price and any additional costs. The buyer pays the full amount within 30 days of signing the sales agreement. This is the most favourable payment method if you want to get the best investment price. In addition, if purchasing a villa, the buyer can request for the developer to speed up the construction.4. Bank Financing Developer financing is a type of financing where the developer of a property provides the financing to the buyer, typically for a new construction or development project. This type of financing may offer flexible payment terms, low down payment requirements, and other incentives to attract buyers. Bank financing, on the other hand, refers to financing provided by a traditional lending institution such as a bank or credit union.Taking Borey William as an example, the project has established partnerships with United Commercial Bank (UCB) of Cambodia, the Bank for Investment and Development of Cambodia, Phnom Penh Commercial Bank (PPCBank), and Cathay United Bank to provide buyers with mortgage support.When booking, buyers need to pay a down payment of 15% to 30% to the developer. The remaining 70% will be provided by banks in partnership with Borey William. Buyers can repay the loan to the bank according to the payment agreement for up to 20 years. After repaying the loan, buyers can receive the hard title.The positive aspects of developer financing/ bank financing are:Lowest monthly payment optionLong loan term of up to 20 yearsAlthough more and more banks are beginning to offer loan services to the real estate industry, most banks do not provide loan support to international investors outside of Cambodia. If you are a foreigner with a long-term residence and work history in Cambodia, you may be eligible to obtain a home loan from a bank. Realestate.com.kh recommends that you inquire with the developer during your property viewing whether they are currently partnering with any banks to provide loan services to foreign buyers.If you are seeking more guidance on real estate payment, our team is here to assist you. Feel free to reach out to us for more detailsClick Here

When buying houses or land in Cambodia, you often encounter two types of property rights: "hard titles" and "soft titles." So what exactly are hard titles and soft titles and what are the differences between the two? Why does the same piece of land have different types of property rights, and what should investors pay attention to in the selection process? In this article, we will provide an overview of property rights in Cambodia. History of Land Ownership in CambodiaFirst and foremost, understanding Cambodia's history is crucial for investors to correctly interpret land ownership in the country. Cambodia has had a turbulent past, with the impacts of the Khmer Rouge and years of civil war still evident in various aspects, notably in the real estate market. Between 1975 and 1979, the Khmer Rouge abolished private property ownership and destroyed all official property records. At that time, all land belonged to the state and not to individuals. Even after the fall of the Khmer Rouge, property ownership remained unrecognised for the following decade, and all property was considered government-owned. It wasn't until 1989 when Cambodia enacted the "Land Law" that private land ownership was restored. In 2001, Cambodia issued a revised version of the "Land Law," which established a land registration system, allowing individuals to register their land within a legal framework and obtain recognition at the national government level. This law is still in effect today. Registering land in Cambodia is a complex and challenging task, especially when many property ownership documents have been destroyed or are insufficient. As a result, a multi-tiered system has developed, where different types of property rights represent different levels, mainly determined by the level of government where the land/property is registered.What is a "Hard Title"?"Hard Title" refers to a property ownership certificate issued by the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction (MLMUPC) in Cambodia. The land details are certified at the national level, making it the most secure and advantageous form of property ownership in Cambodia. The transfer of "Hard Title" requires a 4% transfer tax and typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks to process.What is a "Soft Title"?"Soft Title" is obtained from the local district/county office and is not at the national level, but is still considered a form of property ownership. "Soft Title" is widespread in Cambodia, with around 70% of properties in major cities having this type of ownership, and the number goes up to 80% in rural areas. The process of obtaining a "Soft Title" is relatively quick, usually taking only about 10 working days.What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of "Hard Title" and Soft Title?Property Title TypeAdvantagesDisadvantagesHard Title- Recognized at the national level.- Limited availability of properties with hard rights. - Clear and indisputable property rights.- Complex transaction procedures. - Can be used for mortgage loans.- Incurs a 4% transfer tax. - Lower prices.- Only recognized at the local level.  - Risks of boundary overlaps.Soft Title- Cheaper prices.- Limited availability of optional properties. - More convenient transfer procedures.- Tedious processing. - Avoidance of the 4% transfer tax.- Not eligible for mortgage loans. What Is The Difference Between Both?The fundamental difference between hard titles and soft titles lies in the ownership certificates provided by different authorities. "Hard titles" refers to ownership certificates issued by the National Land Management Planning Bureau, while "soft titles" refer to ownership certificates provided by local district or county offices. Having "hard titles" means you are the complete owner of the land, with rights to possess, use, profit from, and dispose of the land. "Hard titles" are the most secure and reliable form of property rights. The new version of the hard card can be scanned with its attached QR code to obtain detailed information about the land, including its location, dimensions, size, and the name of the landowner, among other accurate details. On the other hand, "soft titles" means you are only a legal occupant of the land and do not have sufficient evidence to claim full property rights. This is why in cases where two landlords claim the same piece of land, the one with "soft title rights" will eventually lose the land. "Soft titles" also carry the risk of incorrectly defined boundaries or overlapping with neighbouring plots. However, it's worth noting that "soft titles" are not without advantages. Compared to "hard titles," the process of obtaining "soft titles" is more cost-effective. To avoid transfer taxes, many real estate transactions are still conducted using "soft title rights."How to Distinguish Between Genuine Hard Title and Soft Titles?To ascertain the authenticity of property rights or avoid a situation where a piece of land has both hard and soft titles rights, buyers can obtain the property rights certificate and its copies from the landlord, and then conduct investigations and verification through registration with the Ministry of Land and Resources, Urban Planning and Construction Department, and the local land management office. You can also research the history of the land, such as how many times it has changed ownership and whether each transfer followed the legal procedures strictly, whether taxes were paid on time, etc., to verify the legitimacy of the soft title rights held by the landlord.In Cambodia, land registration officials handle hard property cards based on regions. For instance, when it's time for a village to apply for hard property cards, all villagers will be notified to come and register. You can inquire with neighbours whether they possess a hard title. If any of these neighbours have hard titles, it indicates that the government has issued hard title rights for that area.What If the Property/Land Only Has A Soft Title? A soft title is worth considering, depending on how you plan to deal with the property. For example, a popular trend is to renovate old properties and then resell them at a higher price, with the goal of not holding onto the property for the long term but rather making a quick resale. If you intend to hold onto the property for the long term or invest a significant amount of money into it, then a hard title would be a better choice as it offers more security. Furthermore, many soft titles can be converted into hard titles, so you can inquire about the possibility of converting them before making a down payment. If you are new to Cambodia's property market, speak to our real estate expert today. At Realestate.com.kh, we provide free viewing and consultation with accurate and latest information when it comes to properties tailored to your needs. If you are interested in finding properties in Cambodia, we have 50,000 listings on our website, feel free to contact us for a free view and consultation here Click Here

The old adage of “location, location, location” rings true in modern-day Phnom Penh’s property buying scene. The Cambodian capital is at a point where its core districts are forming with skyscrapers while its outer districts are covered in sprawling gated communities, locally known as boreys.In this guide by Realestate.com.kh, we will be giving you an overview of the pros and cons of buying between Phnom Penh’s modernizing central business districts and its fast-developing suburban areas. And hopefully, by the end of this brief overview, you get to answer: “Where is the best place to live in Phnom Penh?”.What are the Central Business Districts in Phnom Penh?While there are no official distinctions on what the city’s CBDs are, the de facto areas considered CBDs are Phnom Penh’s core districts: Daun PenhBeoung Keng Kang (mainly BKK1)Toul KorkChamkarmon (mainly Tonle Bassac)7 MakaraBeing on the ground in the capital city, one can easily see that these districts are much more developed in terms of concrete roads, sidewalks (some areas), and of course, towering buildings where big multinational corporations, financial institutions, banks, law firms and government offices are located.These districts also host a high concentration of commercial and other leisure establishments such as shopping centres, high-end bars, restaurants and shops that offer branded goods and services.Phnom Penh’s central business districts are also where the mobile and standard internet connections are the strongest and most readily available. Suffice to say, Phnom Penh’s CBDs are where modern city staples are found.Looking for properties in the city centre? Let us help!Advantages of living in CBDCentral Business Districts (CBD) as mentioned above are where most staples of a modern urban centre are found. Residents living within the core districts of Phnom Penh enjoy a diverse set of amenities and conveniences that make city-living the popular lifestyle that it is.Shopping malls such as AEON Mall 1, Chip Mong Noro Mall, Eden Garden, Olympia Mall, Exchange Square and a few others are just within 5km of each other. This isn’t even counting the myriad of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) found in shophouses lining the capital city’s main roads. Whatever it is you might need, Phnom Penh’s core districts have you covered.Speaking of having you covered, most delivery services have Phnom Penh’s inner city in its service range. Foodpanda and Nham24 are the biggest delivery services in Cambodia and their operations only became more cemented in the daily life of Phnom Penh’s residents at the height of the pandemic (2020-2021). Being in the CBDs allows for much more delivery choices (and cheaper delivery charges) when it comes to deliveries if you’re feeling like a couch potato for the day!Living in the CBDs certainly presents the most convenient options when it comes to working as well. Most companies are headquartered in the core districts and living close to work is an advantage of its own, especially in the context of Phnom Penh’s returning rush hour traffic. Compared to workers living far away, you potentially save more time given you’re on the road less travelling 5-6 days a week.When it comes to future returns, your property purchase in the inner cities is almost guaranteed. Property prices in the city centre have almost doubled for a good part of the decade. According to CBRE’s Fearless Forecast 2022, inner-city property values have had a 10% year-on-year price increase. This is mainly due to the development of the city centre and the entry of foreign businesses as well the rise of many Cambodian conglomerates, all vying for an address in Phnom Penh’s CBDs. So, if you ever decide to sell your property, there’s almost a good chance you’re going to get a significant return after some time.Drawbacks of living in CBDLiving in the city sounds great, doesn’t it? If so, then why are people choosing to live elsewhere? Despite the conveniences, there are still significant drawbacks of living at the centre of it all.For starters, properties in core areas cost significantly more compared to outer districts. Price differences vary but you can expect to pay a premium of 30% to even 50% more depending on where you’re looking. The upfront cost of buying a home in the city centre is what drives most locals to looking outside the city centre. Convenience comes at a price, after all.But let’s say you can afford the higher upfront cost, the drawbacks simply don’t stop there. City centres are busy for most of the day and that might be a deal-breaker if you’re someone looking to live in a private and quiet area. Phnom Penh might be small compared to its neighbouring capital cities, but it still is a bustling city jam-packed with cars, motorcycles, tuktuks, pedestrians and everything else in between. Finding a genuinely serene place to call home is significantly more challenging in the inner city.Truth be told, Phnom Penh is a sight to behold, especially if you compare it to how it was just over a decade ago. One of the things you can readily notice is the lack of green spaces back then as opposed to how it is now: a jungle made up of concrete and glass buildings with small parks scattered sparingly throughout the city. Not exactly a refreshing vista.If these drawbacks include some points you require for a home, then you might be wondering, where can I have these things? You’ll be relieved to know you can still enjoy a serene lifestyle, you just have to look at the suburbs of Phnom Penh.Advantages of living in the CBDDrawbacks of living in the CBDModern city amenities are convenient and numerous such as malls, schools, restaurants, cafes and deliveryLess travel time to where one would likely be workingAlmost guaranteed returns given development is already there or is close to being realizedHigher upfront costs when purchasing propertyPrivacy and quiet are premiumsLess greenery; parks are sparsely scatteredWhat are the suburbs of Phnom Penh?The suburbs of Phnom Penh do not differ too much from how one would expect a suburb would be. These are the outer districts orbiting the CBDs and have increasingly become popular among locals, and communities of expatriates, as residential choices. Chroy ChangvarRussey KeoSen SokPor Sen CheyKamboulMeancheyChbar AmpovDangkaoPrek PnovThe rise of Phnom Penh’s suburbs has been a gradual and consistent endeavour from the city’s urban planners and private developers. Property prices and the overall lack of available space to develop is pushing expansion outwards - as is the natural progression of real estate markets around the world.Phnom Penh’s suburbs now offer a significantly better quality of living given that infrastructure for basic necessities such as electricity, water and internet connection is now available in more of these areas with further improvements on these utilities being realized on an annual basis.Commercial developers are also looking outside of Phnom Penh for business expansions. Big developers such as local conglomerate Chip Mong and Japanese-owned AEON have broken ground on several projects outside of the city centre to capture the growing market of suburban residents.However, it is the residential sector that has been recently driving growth in Phnom Penh’s suburban districts. Large residential developments such as Peng Houth, Chip Mong and Orkide are taking what they’ve learned in the past decades and applying new residential technology in their new borey projects.If you’re unfamiliar with boreys, these are a collection of landed homes of varying types and sizes all securely located in a gated community. These residential developments are popular among locals and are often the first choice of most Cambodian property seekers, especially those with families.Realestate.com.kh’s recently concluded Consumer Sentiment Survey observed that Chroy Changvar, a peninsular district in Phnom Penh’s northeast, is the most sought-after single district. And with Cambodia’s growing middle class, demand for these properties has only increased and will likely continue to do so in the next few years.Looking for property in the suburbs? Let us help!Advantages of living in the suburbsProperties in Phnom Penh’s suburbs are significantly much more affordable than those in the city centre. For the same price, your $100,000 can get you a 3-bedroom villa with a spacious kitchen and living room, not to mention your own back yard and a garage, as opposed to probably a 2-bedroom unit in the middle of the city with parking probably still not included in the price. Development of the suburbs is also picking up pace and the ceiling for returns is still uncapped, further adding to your purchase value as time goes on.But it’s not just about the value-for-money you’re getting. A sense of community is very much part of Cambodian culture and the suburbs present an opportunity for homeowners to make friends and be personal with their neighbours. You can think of this as adding to your network of friends, and you know what they say, your network influences your net worth!To further this community building, big developers are including city amenities within their boreys. These range from clubhouses, swimming pools, gardens, playgrounds, sports centres, restaurants, shops and even community shopping malls. These places allow for community building as well as providing for the needs of residents without them feeling the need to travel to the city.Drawbacks of living in the suburbsLiving in the suburbs can be a dream, especially for the modern Cambodian family. However, there are still a few drawbacks worth reminding you if you’re considering buying in Cambodia’s suburbs.First and foremost is the distance one has to travel to get to the city. No matter how luxurious a borey can be, it’s more than likely that you can afford that property because you work in the city. Phnom Penh barely has any public transportation available and the roads (except for National Roads/Highways) often leave something to be desired, particularly during and after the rainy season.Traffic is something you will have to contend with when traveling into or out of the city. Many workers in the city centre live in the suburbs of Phnom Penh and it’s likely your time at work coincides with theirs. It’s quite common for someone living just 20km away from the city centre to spend 1.5 to 2 hours to get home during rush hour.While residential developers are packing more city amenities in their suburban housing projects, they still cannot compete with the amount of choice living in the city centre affords. Restaurants, shops and malls are proximal to one another in Phnom Penh making it easy to mall hop on a whim. Not so much if you live in the suburbs.Advantages of living in the suburbsDrawback of living in the suburbsLarger living spaces for the same price as condominium unitsAllows of community building with neighboursCity amenities being introduced in suburban projectsMore greenery and parksGoing through Phnom Penh’s daily rush hour trafficRoad conditions from city outskirts leave something to be desiredLimited amenities compared to myriad of choices in the city centreWhere is the best place to live in Phnom Penh? For those looking to be in the middle of all the city’s happenings, the CBD or inner districts would be the best place to live. Though higher in cost, it does give back in terms of available amenities and time saved when travelling to wherever it is you decide to go.On the other hand, if you’re someone who prefers a quiet life away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the suburbs might literally be your alley. Living in the middle of the city takes its toll and significant time away from it does help one’s well-being. Homes in the suburbs additionally have wider living spaces compared to the city, hence being the choice for many Cambodian families.Finding the best palace to live in Phnom Penh’s CBD or suburban areas is ultimately a question of “What lifestyle do I want?”. Phnom Penh’s CBD and suburbs cater to different lifestyles and would be best suited for certain people who are looking to live a particular way.Need help deciding? The Realestate.com.kh Concierge service is here to help!Property Concierge ServiceArticle by:

Phnom Penh is home to a myriad of rental choices fit for any expatriate looking to move into the bustling city. Photo from The View Serviced Residence.Phnom Penh is the economic heart and political seat of the Kingdom of Cambodia. It is, by far, the most developed in terms of infrastructure and attracts the most expatriates, and quite recently in 2019, the most tourists in the country.New travel rules for foreigners entering Cambodia 2022The city is at the forefront of Cambodia’s fast-growing economy and it only follows that many expatriates come to Phnom Penh to live and work. If you’re an expat yourself, then this Expat Rental Guide will help you figure out how to find the best expat rentals in Phnom Penh.This guide will answer the following questions you need to know as you go along looking for rentals in Phnom Penh:How much does it cost to rent in Phnom Penh?What’s the best property for an expat to rent in Phnom Penh?What amenities can I expect from Phnom Penh rentals?Where are the best areas to rent in Phnom Penh?What should I keep in mind before renting in Phnom Penh?How much does it cost to rent in Phnom Penh?The total cost of expat rentals in Phnom Penh can be as low as US $400 a month (rent + utilities) to upwards of $2,000 depending on the type of property, number of beds, amenities & services, and of course, location.So, what makes up for this total cost? Let’s find out:Monthly Rent in Phnom PenhMonthly rent in Phnom Penh for a 1-bedroom can start from $200 to upwards of $1000 a month depending on the property, amenities available (or lack thereof) and location. It should go without saying that the starting price goes up the more bedrooms there are.Location matters significantly in Phnom Penh and the closer a rental is to central areas like Daun Penh and BKK1, the higher its price is going to be. But there are always exceptions to the rule - and our team is on standby to help you find those hidden gems for rent in Phnom Penh:Find properties for rent in Phnom PenhRental Deposit in Phnom PenhRental deposits in Phnom Penh are the equivalent of 1 to 2 months of rent depending on the landlord. There’s no fixed rule regarding rental deposits so this will depend entirely on the landlord.Utilities Cost in Phnom PenhOf course, rental costs don’t stop at the rental per month. Utilities such as electricity and water factor into any renter’s monthly costs.When it comes to electricity, apartment rentals in Phnom Penh usually charge 1,000 KHR (0.25 cents US) per kilowatt-hour. Yes, electricity is relatively more expensive compared to Thailand and Vietnam so best cut unnecessary consumption!On the other hand, water is relatively cheap in Phnom Penh rentals. Apartments usually charge anywhere from 0.30 - 0.60 cents US per cubic metre while most others do not even charge at all.It’s important to mention that some apartments in Phnom Penh are classified as serviced apartments. Places like these offer hotel-like services - of varying degrees - to their tenants. These often charge “management fees” ranging from $1 to $2 per square metre to cover maintenance of common areas like lobbies, elevators, and swimming pools. Management fees are usually charged by high-end rentals like Silvertown Metropolitan and many other serviced apartments in Phnom Penh.Find serviced apartments in Phnom PenhRental TaxesThere is a withholding tax of 14% for rental properties in Cambodia. However, it is common practice for landlords to cover this.What are the best properties to rent for expats in Phnom Penh?Expatriates are free to rent any residential property in Cambodia, be it apartments, shophouses, linked houses or even big villas. So, let's take a look at what are the best properties to rent for expatriates:Apartment/CondoWestern-style apartments with modern amenities and generous spaces are easy to find in Phnom Penh. Photo from Silvertown Metropolitan.Starting rental prices:$200 for 1-bedroom apartment$300 for 2-bedroom apartment$400 for 3-bedroom apartment*Prices above are based on live listings on Realestate.com.khApartments are a common choice for many expatriates living in Phnom Penh. They offer modern amenities & services and are often located in busy urban areas where expatriates can easily access staple urban comforts like supermarkets, malls, shops and restaurants.Find apartments for rent in Phnom PenhHousesThere are plenty of landed homes available for foreign rental occupancy in Phnom Penh. Supplied.Starting rental price:$250 for 1-bedroom house$350 for 2-bedroom house$400 for 3-bedroom house*Prices above are based on live listings on Realestate.com.khForeigners may not be able to directly own landed property, but they can rent/lease them. There are landed properties for rent in Phnom Penh such as shophouses, townhouses, villas and linked houses. While there are landed homes available for rent in central districts, they are fewer and are significantly more expensive compared to a wider selection in semi-central/outer districts of the city.Find houses for rent in Phnom PenhWhat amenities can I expect from Phnom Penh rentals?Looking for a view of the city by the pool? Look no further. Photo from Silvertown Metropolitan.Many apartments/houses for rent in Phnom Penh come fully furnished and equipped, as one would expect from a modern rental apartment. This includes refrigerators, a stove, water heater, air conditioning, dining table/chairs, bed(s) and a lot of other quality-of-life inclusions. Check out our complete guide on amenities to expect in Cambodian rentals:Amenities & Fixtures found in Cambodian propertiesWhere are the best areas to rent in Phnom Penh?When looking for rentals as an expatriate, it’s important to take into account what one looks to do and, of course, budget. But let’s assume those are settled and you’re just looking at where to start. We’ve listed down below the best areas for expatriates to live in.Daun PenhDaun Penh is the de facto Central Business District (CBD) of Phnom Penh. It is the most developed area of the capital city and is where most multinational companies operating in Cambodia are found. Despite its modern facade, this district showcases plenty of Cambodia’s cultural and historical attractions such as the Royal Palace and the French colonial houses along Riverside - a popular tourist spot in the city.If you have the budget and wish to live where plenty of expatriates hang out, then Daun Penh is worth looking into.Find properties for rent in Daun PenhChamkarmonChamkarmon is a south-central district in Phnom Penh where a lot of new developments are rising. Tonle Bassac and the Russian Market area (Toul Tompoung) are popular rental areas for expatriates as these subdistricts offer the same urban conveniences as Daun Penh without the associated price tags. The district is popular among locals, expatriates and tourists and is where AEON Mall can be found and where the popular tourist stop of Russian Market is found.If you’re looking for a place with urban convenience with plenty of charm, Chamkarmon should be on the top of your list.Find property for rent in ChamkarmonBoeung Keng Kang (BKK)The Boeung Keng Kang district (BKK) is a relatively new district in Phnom Penh. Formerly part of Chamkarmon, it comprised the portion of the district next to Daun Penh CBD. Given its location, the BKK area shares much of the urban conveniences Daun Penh has while retaining the charms of Chamkarmon. The BKK1 subdistrict is where most international schools, embassies, foreign brand shops and restaurants, and a growing number of modern condos and office buildings are popping up.If you’re looking to live in one of Phnom Penh’s busiest areas, then the Boeung Keng Kang district is something worth looking at.Find property for rent in Boeung Keng Kang (BKK)Things to consider before renting in Phnom PenhWhen signing on the dotted line for rental properties, small very important details are oftentimes overlooked. But you should remember that your final lease agreement might not include many important elements that will ultimately make or break a rental agreement. You can check out our guide on a rental checklist worth going over before signing any lease!Pre-signing checklist for rental propertiesAs mentioned in the first part of this guide, the capital city is at the forefront of a fast-growing property market. There’s a myriad of rental choices available and any expatriate looking to move to Phnom Penh can find something that meets their needs with just a few clicks below:Inquire about properties in Phnom PenhArticle by:

Luxury properties often indicate how much a market is willing to spend on the best homes available. Cambodia is no exception as its booming property sector offers plenty of luxury properties that deliver a premium lifestyle. From spacious rooms, magnificent views, quality amenities, and a prime address, every box is ticked in Cambodia’s premium selection of apartments!Realestate.com.kh, Cambodia’s largest property classifieds portal, explored and documented many of these luxury properties in Phnom Penh’s most coveted areas. We’ve compiled the top 10 list of top luxury apartments available in Cambodia today: Sky VillaSky Villa requires little introduction to the initiated in Phnom Penh real estate. This project boasts the largest square metre per unit, rivalling that of landed villas - the most coveted property among Khmer elites.  Unlike landed villas, however, Sky Villa allows its residents to live in 7 Makara district, a central area in Phnom Penh. Its wide spaces can easily accommodate a large family with plenty of room left for each member to call their own.But what is a luxury property without luxury services? Sky Villa offers hotel-like services made to deliver the complete premium experience all in one place. Sky Villa Property Listing  Le Condé BKK1Le Condé BKK1 is a premier property development situated in the heart of Phnom Penh. Designed to offer a luxurious lifestyle, this residential project comprises a stunning collection of apartments and penthouses with four revolutionary facilities and the first Smart Home integration in Cambodia.  With its prime location in the bustling city centre, Le Condé BKK 1 offers easy access to a variety of entertainment, dining, and shopping options. Whether you are looking for a comfortable home or a sound investment opportunity, this property development is an excellent choice that is sure to exceed your expectations. Le Condé BKK1 Property Listing Picasso City Garden The Picasso City Garden is an iconic development in the prime area of BKK1 in Phnom Penh. It immediately stands out for its modern aesthetic around the Naga, an auspicious symbol within the local Khmer culture.  Picasso City Garden is one of the most central premium developments to rise in Phnom Penh. Its location in BKK1 grants residents to multiple schools, restaurants, bars, cafes, embassies, malls, supermarkets, and many other services for a complete modern living experience.They say art imitates life but not if Picasso's residences have something to say about it. Its units are designed to be the personification of modern living and complemented by an array of amenities including swimming pools, bars, cafes, and even an art studio as a homage to this apartment’s name. Picasso City Garden Property ListingOdom Odom is an upcoming premium development with facilities for residential and commercial functions. Odom’s interiors deliver a relaxing yet modern space for residents and office tenants in the middle of an increasingly fast-paced Phnom Penh.  Odom is comfortably located in Tonle Bassac where most expatriates hang out and AEON Mall 1, the go-to place for many shoppers in Phnom Penh’s busy south-central business districts. It also enjoys proximity to the city’s most popular shops, bars and restaurants.Fast-growing cities often find themselves locked in a concrete jungle. Odom is one of the few that offers green and open spaces in Phnom Penh’s busiest and most popular areas. In fact, Odom is often visited by many residents and pet lovers for its green spaces today. Odom Property ListingHabitat The Habitat Condominium is a multi-awarded prime development in the south-central part of Phnom Penh, having won the “Best Condo Cambodia”, “Best Condo Phnom Penh” and “Best Residential Interior Design” Awards in the Cambodia Property Awards 2017. That may have been some time ago, but time certainly has not been an obstacle for this prime address!  The Habitat Condominium is located in Tonle Bassac, Chamkarmon, specifically frequented by the many residents of Phnom Penh. It sits close to AEON Mall 1, one of Cambodia’s premier shopping centers. And given its south-central location, it is close to city landmarks, hotels, banks, markets, restaurants, banks/ATMs, sports clubs, entertainment spots, transportation hubs, and retail lanes.The Habitat condominium has quite a curious name. But looking at its interiors really tells one why it deserves that name. The Habitat’s interiors are meant to create that exactly: a habitat. Each of its units is given elegant finishes, built-in European appliances, and herringbone-style flooring made from the finest Cambodian hardwood. From the top duplexes, one is treated to picture-perfect views of Phnom Penh and surrounding localities. The Habitat Condominium Property ListingSilvertown Metropolitan Silvertown Metropolitan is the premier luxury serviced apartment in the heart of Phnom Penh. Managed by Naki Realty, it is the premier luxury serviced living choice for many high-class renters and investors looking to get into the city’s expanding high-end sector. Silvertown’s location allows its residents to travel across Phnom Penh almost hassle-free. Within its immediate vicinity are restaurants, boutique shops, markets, and major roads like the Preah Monivong Boulevard and Mao Tse Tung Boulevard. Shopping malls close by are AEON Mall 1 and Chip Mong Noro Mall. The popular Russian Market is also a stone’s throw away!Silvertown Metropolitan is one of Phnom Penh’s most easily recognizable serviced apartments. It was the first to offer these hotel-like services in an apartment complex, edging out much of the competition in creating luxury serviced homes.Silvertown Metropolitan Property ListingFlatiron Flatiron by Meridian is one of the most modern luxury developments available in Phnom Penh today. It is a multi-awarded development, sweeping categories such as “Best Developer”, “Best Mixed-Use Developer”, “Best Serviced Apartment Development”, and “Best Mixed-Use Interior Design”, among many others during the Property Guru Cambodia Awards 2020.  Flatiron is located within the Phnom Penh City Centre complex, a reclaimed area packed with modern community malls, residences, and other amenities. For all intents and purposes, Flatiron perfectly complements its offerings with what can already be found (and what’s coming)Flatiron boasts an impressive array of amenities as well as a sleek interior design. Some amenities in Flatiron include a sky-infinity pool, fitness room, rhythm cycling room, sauna, meeting room, lounge, sun deck, grand lobby, and fine dining restaurant. Flatiron Meridian Property ListingL’attrait L'attrait in BKK1 is a new luxury development offering a practical, sensible, and yet remarkably stylish finish that achieves much of the desired residential offerings the next generation of Cambodians deserve. The project delivers a living space that is both high-quality and well-designed, tenets of residential design much sought after in a fast-growing market such as Cambodia. L’attrait is located within BKK1 and enjoys many of the subdistrict’s popular destinations such as its shops, restaurants and bars. As with any premium address, L’attrait’s residents have easy access to Phnom Penh’s CBD and roads going in and around the capital city.L’attrait takes a minimalist approach in creating its residential interiors. Simple yet high-quality fixtures are found in each of its units. L'attrait is a home that offers premium comforts in both the bedrooms and outside conveniences. Complementing its carefully designed interiors are amenities that enhance true urban living with all comfort available. L'attrait Boeung Keng Kang Property ListingThe Peninsula Private Residences The Peninsula Private Residence is a multi-awarded development in Chroy Changvar. Having won the Best Interior Design and Best Architectural Design awards at the 2019 Cambodia Asia Property Awards, The Peninsula Private Residences boasts a unique blend of private residences, varied facilities, and hospitality-inspired services.  The Peninsula Private Residences is conveniently located in Chroy Changvar’s entrance close to its roundabout. As Phnom Penh expands outwards, the Peninsula’s vicinity is seeing more modern amenities like supermarkets, convenience stores, and many other developments pop up almost every few months.The Peninsula Private Residences offers “smart community living” through shared and unique amenities. While most developments offer the usual lot, the Peninsula delivers the usual and more with a private kitchen & patio, and a social club room. The Peninsula Private Residences Property ListingThe Peak The Peak Residence is one of the most iconic developments in Phnom Penh’s more central areas. More than just a luxury development, it also offers office and retail shopping spaces that make its vicinity a prime shopping destination for Phnom Penh’s increasingly savvy consumer base. The Peak Residence is located in Tonle Bassac, Chamkarmon. It’s quite easy to see why most developments on this list have so far been chosen to build here as the area is vibrant with economic activity and magnificent views of the river. Compared to the rest of Phnom Penh it is one of the most developed areas in the city.The Peak easily offers one of the top-rated living experiences in modern-day Phnom Penh. The development includes high-end amenities and facilities including a high-security camera, gymnastic and spa room, fitness room, spacious lobby and recreation centre, 5 levels of retail space on the lower floor, sparkling blue pool, and sky lounge on the top floor with the eye-catching view. The Peak Residences Property Listing  Looking for more luxury properties and new developments in Cambodia? Inquire below! Find more luxury properties Cambodia

Property management is an integral part of Cambodia’s booming residential and commercial sectors. The fast-paced growth is most apparent in the capital Phnom Penh where new developments are announced and finished almost every year.And as the property market in Cambodia matures, developers, agents, and investors alike are seeing that the long-term success of the building largely depends on how good its services are once it’s handed over.So, what’s property management in Cambodia like? To help us understand the landscape, Realestate.com.kh invited Mr. Veasna Meas, CEO of Naki Realty, Cambodia’s premier property management firm.What’s Property Management in Cambodia like?Property management in Cambodia is not too dissimilar from what one can expect from more developed markets like the United States. According to Veasna, “Property management in Cambodia is similar to what is offered to both developers, owners, and tenants”He explains that property management in Cambodia covers essential aspects of maintaining a given property in multiple ways. For example, property management for condominiums in Cambodia looks after lobbies, passenger/service lifts, and other common areas used by co-owners or tenants in the building.Much like in the U.S., a homeowners’ association (HoA) can be formed by co-owners in Cambodia. This collective body is usually formed once a building is 70% occupied and has the option to pick a property management company to maintain shared spaces using the fees paid by either the tenants/co-owners.Veasna gives us a better understanding of how property management works in Cambodia by giving us its 2 main aspects: Facilities Management and Physical Management.Facilities Management Like that pool? It's thanks to property management that this pool is clean and clear! Photo from Silvertown Metropolitan.Facilities management refers to maintaining the exteriors and interiors of the building including windows, landscaping, driveways, lobbies, passenger lifts, gyms, and all other facilities part of the building.Veasna highlights the importance of having facilities management as buildings with multiple owners like condominiums have a need for someone to look after common/public areas. The fees paid as part of the management fee go into facilities management.Physical ManagementLooking for a clean living space? Property management helps you with regular cleanings. Photo from Silvertown Metropolitan.Physical management refers to the service provided within individual properties (be it a unit in a condo, a landed home, or even a shopping centre). This aspect of property management is more relevant for buyers who buy for investment purposes and require someone on the ground to manage their properties.Veasna notes that this aspect of property management is beneficial for overseas buyers. The importance of this service was emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic when international travel was mostly restricted and where it was possible to travel required costly quarantine stays.Physical management services, like those offered by Naki Realty, allow overseas investors to manage their properties in Cambodia without physically being in the country. Benefits of property management for overseas investorsA good portion of property buyers in Cambodia come from overseas and the surge of foreign interest in properties in Cambodia has created a demand for property management services. Here’s how property management benefits overseas buyers in Cambodia’s real estate market:Allows investors abroad to oversee their propertiesGiven current travel restrictions, it has been property management companies like Naki Realty has made it significantly easier for overseas buyers to manage their property (or multiples of them) with little to nothing to worry about.One-stop solution to manage multiple propertiesOverseas investors usually have more than 1 property at a time. Managing multiple properties, be it in the same development or across different projects can be a headache. “Regardless of whether how many properties an investor owns,” Veasna said, “the objective of a property management company is to provide overseas buyers with someone they can count on to look after their properties”.Tenant management made easyOverseas investors can expect services like screening, leasing, and receiving requests from tenants to be handled by the property management firm they choose to hire. Property management services in Cambodia are open to receiving tenants requests 24/7. This saves the need for tenants to directly contact the owner who is likely located abroad and in a different timezone.Property management fees in CambodiaProperty management fees in Cambodia range from $1 to $2 and are multiplied by the gross area in square metres. Gross area refers to the size of the unit itself plus a share of the common areas. For example:Gross unit sizeUnit size50 sqmShare of common area40 sqmGROSS AREA (unit size + common area)90 sqmManagement feeGross Area90 sqmManagement fee (per sqm)$1.5MANAGEMENT FEE$135 per monthManagement fees go to the maintenance of facilities, with some developments allocating a portion for a Sinking Fund - a separate fund used to address unforeseen expenses in the building.Does the management fee include tenant screening and leasing?This is classified as an optional service and would cost a nominal fee. The cost of this additional service is a portion (around 10%) of the rental fee. By extension, dispute resolutions such as evictions would also cost a nominal fee.Can I negotiate a lower management fee for fewer services?Negotiating would be difficult as prices are set based on what type of unit is owned and the amenities available to it. Property management fees cover the cost of utilities and maintenance of facilities used by all tenants and co-owners residing in the building.Regulations surrounding property management in CambodiaDespite being a relatively new service, there are a few regulations surrounding property management in Cambodia.Property management licenseThe Ministry of Economy and Finance issues licenses for property management in Cambodia. Veasna explained that the Ministry started issuing licenses around 2015-2016, with Naki Realty obtaining the first few of these licenses when they were made available.Since getting the license, Naki Realty has been impactful in shaping the concept of property management to Cambodian regulators.Strata-titled buildingsStrata titles are a form of ownership applicable to buildings designed to have multiple owners. This is the only property available for direct foreign ownership. You can learn more about strata titles and other property titles in Cambodia here.Strata-titled buildings are required to have a form of property management in place. However, given the concept’s relative novelty, developers are still navigating how to implement this regulation.The future of Property Management in CambodiaOf course, there will always be a challenge with any new concept introduced in a market. According to Veasna Meas, the current challenge within Cambodia is the acceptance of property management as a standard of post-handover planning. However, he explains that more developers are starting to realize that they cannot be a jack-of-all-trades and would require expert property management.Additionally, the rising competition between developers has caused a number, especially those with international backgrounds, to seek out companies like Naki Realty to provide property management services to ensure the long-term value and overall success of their building, a period that goes well beyond the handover date.“Property management will continue to develop alongside the larger real estate market,” said Veasna Meas. “As more condos and office buildings come online, developers will see the need for this type of service”.Looking for a well managed property in Phnom Penh? Let us help!Article by:

Modern sports villages primarily feature sporting facilities to support physically active residents. Supplied.The surge of residential projects has made property markets quite difficult to stand out. As a response, many developments have adopted niches to appeal to buyers looking for a certain lifestyle. The most popular of these is the high-street shopping lifestyle, usually taking the form of retail podiums.For the past few years, the popularity of healthy living and an active lifestyle has become a consideration for a growing number of property seekers. Most developments include a gym/fitness centre and even a sauna to accommodate these requirements. But we all know living a genuinely active lifestyle requires more than infrequently going to an in-house gym.If you’re someone looking for a new home and living a healthy lifestyle is one of your main considerations, then sports villages are something you should be looking at!What are sports villages?Sports villages are sprawling mixed-use projects that take inspiration from the Olympic villages built around the Olympic Games. For those unfamiliar, Olympic villages are residential accommodations where competing athletes from all over the world train for events, socialize with other athletes, and most importantly, a place they will call home for the next 2 weeks.Olympic villages house several sporting facilities outfitted with equipment athletes use to train and stay in shape for the duration of the 16-day event. These sports facilities are designed/retrofitted to support rigorous physical training and host international-level competitions.People choosing to live in modern sports villages don’t necessarily have to be athletes. Nonetheless, living in a sports village gives physically active residents (and those looking to be active) more than enough space to stretch their legs, in more ways than one.The benefits of living in a sports villageIt's easy to find people who share common interests in working out in sports villages. Supplied.Living in a sports village offers considerable advantages in a market rife with residences whose only claim to “healthy and active living” are a few pots of plants and a gym tucked away on a random floor.A breath of fresh air is integral to the idea of living healthily and is the reason why sports villages are built on land measured in hectares, and not in square metres. This amount of space additionally gives developers the opportunity to build adequate sporting facilities to support the lifestyle endeavours of physically active residents, whichever their choice of activity may be.Facilities often found in modern sports villages:Running tracksGymnasiumsOlympic-sized swimming poolsBasketball/Tennis/Badminton courtsMedical centresThese facilities (possibly more, depending on the developer) create an environment that encourages residents to pursue their choice of sports or means of staying fit and healthy.Modern sports villages often complement this lifestyle by incorporating urban conveniences. Depending on the developer, these may include facilities such as medical centres, shopping areas, and even office spaces. This is where the “village” part comes in as sports villages today endeavour to create a space that supports the needs of their residents.The WorldBridge Sport Village, Cambodia’s first sports villageCambodia’s property market has been a hot topic among regional property investors. The Kingdom’s real estate industry has been one of the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia for the past half-decade, only seeing a slowdown during COVID-19. But even that has not deterred big developers, especially those part of local conglomerates, from pursuing plans on delivering the first and grandest development in Cambodian real estate.The WorldBridge Sport Village is set to open in time for the SEA Games 2023. Supplied.The WorldBridge Sport Village (WBSV) is a massive project occupying 8 hectares of land being developed by the WB Sport Village Co., Ltd, a real estate developer part of Cambodia-based conglomerate WorldBridge Group. But the WBSV is not just massive in terms of the project area, it is equally significant in terms of milestones it achieves for the Cambodian real estate market.The WorldBridge Sport Village will be the first sports village in Cambodia featuring a mix of landed and high-rise residential properties complemented by urban conveniences like shopping centres, commercial spaces, and of course, a myriad of sports facilities including the newly constructed Morodok Techo National Sports Complex.The WBSV will also serve as the venue for Cambodia’s first hosting of the SEA Games 2023 and ASEAN Para Games 2023. The opening ceremony of these events will also serve as the opening of the project itself, vastly surpassing all other new development completions in the Cambodian property market.Project highlights:Major venue for the SEA Games 2023 and ASEAN Para Games 2023Mixed-use development featuring high-rise and landed residential propertiesMultiple sporting facilities: swimming pools, gyms, tracking fields, and recreational rooftop decksSurrounded by natural landscape in the peninsular district of Chroy ChangvarProperties eligible for foreign ownershipInterested in learning more about the WorldBridge Sport Village? Visit the full property listing or download the FREE brochure below.Inquire about WorldBridge Sport VillageDownload Free BrochureArticle by:

The Independence Monument in Chamkarmon bordering Daun Penh. Supplied.Chamkarmon (ចំការមន) is one of the most well-known districts in Phnom Penh. Located in the south-central part of the city, it connects the central districts in Phnom Penh like Beoung Keng Kang (BKK), Daun Penh, and 7 Makara to developing districts like Meanchey and Chbar Ampov.Foreign direct investments have poured into the district’s residential and commercial sectors over the past year and have made it into one of the more developed areas in terms of urban conveniences. As a result, Chamkarmon has become a prime choice for many residents to live and do business in. But what exactly are the things that make Chamkarmon popular among Phnom Penh’s residents and keen foreign investors?Road accessibilityIt’s easy to get to Chamkarmon. The district’s location plays a major role in making it accessible, and as a result, popular to the city’s residents. Three major roads pass through the district; the first is the Mao Tse Tong Boulevard which cuts through the middle of the district and serves as a major artery between the eastern and western parts of Phnom Penh.Preah Norodom Boulevard runs through many key developments in Phnom Penh. Supplied.The two other roads are the Preah Norodom Boulevard and Preah Monivong Boulevard with both roads considered the main avenues for travelers between the north and south of Phnom Penh. These 3 roads intersect at different points in the most commercially active communes of Boeung Trabek and Tonle Bassac.Lower property pricesChamkarmon’s road accessibility is complemented by its relatively lower associated property costs. In terms of real estate, Chamkarmon’s property sales and rental prices are still comparatively lower compared to central districts like Beoung Keng Kang and Daun Penh.New development median sale prices (as of mid-2021)ChamkarmonDaun PenhBeoung Keng Kang$116,000$207,000$182,375Median rent prices per bedroom apartment (as of mid-2021)UnitChamkarmonDaun PenhBeoung Keng Kang1 bedroom$600$800$7502 bedrooms$800$1000$1000*Prices displayed above are median price points; there are several dozen live listings available for lower-priced properties for sale and properties for rent in Chamkarmon.These comparatively lower costs of living compared to central districts like BKK, Daun Penh, and 7 Makara make Chamkarmon popular for middle-class locals, expatriates and tourists alike.  It also doesn’t hurt that the area’s more attractive cost of living is paired with exciting nightlife and plenty of modern shopping destinations nearby.NightlifeBassac lane is a popular destination for both locals and expatriates in Phnom Penh. Photo by The Culture Trip.There are many sides to Phnom Penh’s nightlife and Chamkarmon is home to its more relaxed but vibrant face as opposed to the wilder side of the night in Toul Kork and Daun Penh. Selections of small to medium-sized shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants litter the many streets and intersections especially around Toul Tompoung a.k.a. the Russian Market.Toul Tompoung’s nightlife caters more to a younger crowd and families simply looking to have a swell night out. Toul Tompoung’s nightlife is made popular among locals and tourists by the dozens of street vendors selling local delicacies and cuisines near the Russian Market every night starting at 6pm.Food & beverage retailers are abundant in Chamkarmon. There are a few semi-fine dining options in the area while more modest restaurants are more numerous and usually are serving foreign cuisines made by the area’s expatriate community. This melting pot of cultures spills over to Chamkarmon’s pubs and bars which enjoy city-wide fame with young Cambodians and expatriates.Chamkarmon, in general, has plenty of things to offer people looking to have a great night out without spending too much money. All it takes is one or two weekends around the Toul Tompoung area and anyone living in Chamkarmon can find a place they can always go back to.A growing shopping districtThe AEON Mall 1 was the first large purpose-built mall in Phnom Penh. Photo by TheLostPinay.Chamkarmon is a popular shopping district where hundreds of small-to-large businesses are found. Immediately noticeable is the prevalence of shophouses and purpose-built community markets as Chamkarmon is a nesting ground for the local entrepreneurial spirit. Whatever you’re looking for, a shop in Chamkarmon probably has it.There are two main markets in the Chamkarmon area: The Toul Tompoung Market (Russian Market) and the Boeung Trabek Market. These are the primary community markets selling both wet and dry goods as well as knick-knacks/souvenirs. Both markets are additionally surrounded by shops outside the market premises catching the spillover shoppers.Modern purpose-built shopping malls are also present in Chamkarmon. Chief examples are the AEON Mall 1 in Tonle Bassac and Chip Mong Noro Mall along Preah Norodom Boulevard. You can check our guide to shopping malls in Phnom Penh for more information.Market developments in ChamkarmonThe residential market in the area remains afloat because of the prevalence of COVID-19. Yes, because of the pandemic. With the income of many expatriates and middle-class families having been affected by the pandemic, many have been looking to move away from BKK and Daun Penh for lower cost rentals in Tier 2 locations like Chamkarmon where they would not be conceding the urban comforts found in BKK and Daun Penh.Of course, the interest in living more for less has translated to an uptick in properties changing owners in Chamkarmon. According to a report by Realestate.com.kh, while Boeung Keng Kang remains the most-searched district from property seekers, Chamkarmon’s popularity has closed the gap since the lifting of the quarantine measures in the city back in mid-May 2021.Chamkarmon’s retail space market continues to grow and is now one of the biggest retailer destinations in Phnom Penh. According to Knight Frank’s H2 2020 report, the district is home to 22% of the existing retail spaces (~400,000 sqm) in Phnom Penh, putting it on par (at 22%) with Sen Sok district - home to the biggest mall in Cambodia, the AEON Mall 2 and international wholesaler Makro. This growth is attributed to the opening of new shopping centers in the district.Office spaces in Chamkarmon have also kept up with the central business district of Daun Penh. According to Knight Frank’s H2 2020 report, Chamkarmon is close at 21% behind Daun Penh at 25% when it comes to the total office spaces in Phnom Penh. Though the report did not specify the specific commune these office spaces are, it may be safe to assume that most of these are located in the Tonle Bassac area.The development of Meanchey and Chbar AmpovThe AEON Mall 3 is the biggest mall coming to Phnom Penh in the next 3 years. Photo by Cambodia Properties.While Chamkarmon itself is seeing growth, keen investors do well whenever the larger picture is taken into account. The two southern districts of Meanchey and Chbar Ampov connected to Chamkarmon via the Preah Monivong and Preah Norodom Boulevards are both earmarked for massive residential and commercial developments.For the Meanchey district, the main headline is the construction of the AEON Mall 3, soon to be Phnom Penh’s largest purpose-built shopping mall measuring at ~174,000 sqm. When news broke in 2019, property prices around AEON Mall 3 saw a boost with many developments and land properties being bought in anticipation of the boom in the area.The Hun Sen Boulevard also greatly contributed to the viability of doing business in the Meanchey district. The 60m road (the other name for the Hun Sen Boulevard) is accessible via the Preah Monivong and Preah Norodom Boulevards from Chamkarmon. Its completion a few years ago vastly alleviated the traffic congestion in the southern part of the city, expanded opportunities, and raised property prices in Meanchey.Construction of Koh Norea bridge began in Q4 2020. Photo by Khem Sovannara from the Khmer Times.For Chbar Ampov, big borey developments have already laid claim to much of its vast lands. However, the OCIC has earmarked the northeastern portion of the peninsula for the Koh Norea Satellite City estimated to be worth $2 Billion.At present, Chbar Ampov is only accessible via the Monivong Bridge which leads to the Preah Norodom and Preah Monivong Boulevards. The OCIC is currently building a bridge over the Bassac river to connect Koh Norea directly to Koh Pich (Diamond Island). The Koh Norea bridge is planned to open in 2022.When it comes to future returns, Chamkarmon edges out central districts on price attractiveness and even potential returns for the next 5 to 10 years. It’s worth noting that much of the city’s outskirts are still developing and have been earmarked for further development such as Meanchey and Chbar Ampov - two districts directly connected to the district - presenting an opportunity for considerable returns for investing in Chamkarmon.Discover why Cambodia remains the rising tiger economy of Southeast Asia. Download now!Article by:

Angkor Grace Residence & Wellness Resort in Siem Reap is a holiday home investment available for both Cambodians and international buyers. Supplied.Cambodia’s fast-growing economy has made it home to many expatriates and attracted a flurry of foreign investors. This influx of foreign buyers has also been influential in the progression of the Kingdom’s real estate sector with many developers molding their properties to popular designs abroad. But even foreigners cannot buy a home with a 100% payment right away, hence, the need for home loans.There is a prevailing belief that expatriates or foreigners, in general, have a harder time getting a home loan. While it is indeed more challenging compared to locals, it is still possible for foreigners to get a home loan in Cambodia.There are 2 primary loan sources in Cambodia: Bank loans and Developer loans. Bank loans are common across property sectors in different countries while developer loans are less so. Cambodia’s banking system has grown exponentially in the past 2 decades and bank loans are now more available to both locals and foreigners.Getting a home loan as a foreignerNot every bank offers home loans to non-Cambodians. Fortunately, there are banks such as RHB Cambodia, a Malaysian-owned bank, offering home loans to expatriates and foreign investors interested in Cambodian property.Expatriates in the Kingdom and foreigners living abroad may be asked to present any of the following requirements when applying for a home loan:If you are employed:Passbook / Bank Statement / 3 Months PayslipEmployment Contract or Employment CertificateWork Permit (for expatriates in Cambodia)Curriculum Vitae (CV)National ID or Valid PassportPassing credit check from the Credit Bureau Cambodia (for expatriates in Cambodia)Sales Purchase AgreementIf you are self-employed or a business owner:Latest Business PatentValid Business LicenseBusiness RegistrationBank StatementFinancial Statement for the last 2 years3 months sales or purchase invoiceCompany profileNational ID or Valid PassportPassing credit check from the Credit Bureau Cambodia (for expatriates in Cambodia)Sales Purchase AgreementThese are the usual requirements for loans in Cambodia though keep in mind there may be other requirements depending on the bank. Nevertheless, having these at the ready will definitely help speed up the process and bank staff, especially from RHB Cambodia, are well-equipped to walk applicants through the process.Additionally, new projects in Cambodia developed systems and partnerships with banks to fully assist non-Cambodians in purchasing a property. Prominent examples are The Peninsula Private Residences and Angkor Grace Residence & Wellness Resort projects that allow expatriates and foreign investors to own property in Cambodia be it for personal use or as an investment property.What properties can I get a home loan for, as a foreigner?The short answer is condominium units. This is because these are the only properties that come with a Strata Title. A Strata Title is a special title commonly used for condo unit purchases, and most recently office units, that are available to both Cambodian nationals and foreign nationals. To learn more about property titles, you can check our ultimate guide to property titles in Cambodia.Cambodia’s property market has grown steadily over the past few years, its expansion has led to many developments not just in residential technology but also financial structures that allow both Cambodian and international buyers to access much-needed loan services. This increasing availability of loans to a wider market will be key to further establishing Cambodia’s status as a viable property investment destination in Southeast Asia.Looking for property in Cambodia? Let us help!Article by:

What is the Capital Gains Tax in Cambodia?The Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in Cambodia is a flat 20% rate from selling a capital asset. Contrary to what most people perceive. The Capital Gains Tax in Cambodia is not exactly new; businesses in the Kingdom have always paid capital gains. The material difference now is that it applies to individuals, especially those looking to sell immovable property a.k.a. real estate.The CGT was introduced into law through Prakas 346 from the Ministry of Economy and Finance back in April 2020 and was originally intended to be implemented a few months later in July 2020.Due to COVID-19, the law was delayed to January 2021 to reduce the pandemic’s impact on the real estate market. The implementation of the Capital Gains Tax in Cambodia was further delayed to January 2022 as the country saw its first major local community outbreak in Q1 2021. As of September 2023, the Capital Gains Tax is to take effect on January 1st 2024. Who has to pay Capital Gains Tax in Cambodia?Capital Gains Tax in Cambodia applies to both resident taxpayers and non-resident taxpayers. Taxpayers are obligated to pay their Capital Gains Tax within 3 months of realising their gains.Resident taxpayers are defined as physical persons who meet one or more of the Kingdom’s residential criteria.Non-resident taxpayers are defined as either legal entities or physical persons who are not considered residents.How is “Capital” defined in Capital Gains Tax?Capital Gains Tax covers capital gained from selling: Immovable Properties, Leases, Investment/Financial Assets, Goods (Licenses and branding), Intellectual Property, and Foreign Currency.That may sound all-encompassing, but much like other tax laws, there are exemptions to Capital Gains Tax, especially when it comes to immovable property a.k.a. Real estate:The principal residence of the taxpayer - in the event that the taxpayer (or their spouse) has more than one place of residence, only one of them can be exempted from the CGTTransfer of immovable properties between family members as stated in the regulations around Registration TaxAssets of the Cambodian governmentImmovable properties a.k.a. Real estate properties sold for public purposes based on Cambodia’s Expropriation LawsAssets of foreign embassies/consulatesAssets of international organizations or cooperation agencies of foreign governmentsHow is Capital Gains Tax calculated in Cambodia?Capital Gains Tax in Cambodia is a flat 20% rate on gains made after selling a capital asset. At face value, that is a significant portion of sales proceeds but there are 2 methods taxpayers can use that allow for a bit more consideration of their expenses:Actual Expense Deduction MethodThis method takes the sales proceeds and subtracts the expenses the seller made on that property to get the actual Capital Gains Tax to be paid. These deductibles can be the purchase cost, consulting fees, registration tax, commissions, and even advertising. These actual expenses are deducted from the sales proceeds and 20% of the difference will be the Capital Gains Tax to be paid.This method is beneficial for property sellers who spend a lot on overhead/operational costs and who might be looking at more humble margins.Example:Mrs. Phan is looking to sell her home for $250,000 which she originally bought for $100,000 a couple of years ago. She was diligent in keeping essential documents detailing her expenses in the acquisition/renovation of her property, which are the following:Registration Tax: $4,000Loan interest: $3,000Loan administrative fee: $500Renovation: $35,000Now that we have the relevant values, let’s do a sample calculation: Actual Expenses Deduction MethodSale Price$250,000 Actual Expenses (Deductibles)Original Price$100,000Registration Tax$4,000Loan interest$3,000Loan administrative fee$500Renovation$35,000TOTAL EXPENSES$142,500 Capital Gains TaxSale Price$250,000Total Expenses$142,500Capital Gains (Sales Price - Total Expenses)$107,500Capital Gains Tax (20%)$21,500 Mrs. Phan will have to pay $21,500 in Capital Gains Tax once she sells her property via the Actual Expenses Deduction Method.There are more applicable deductibles so we strongly suggest you keep tabs on the expenses you made for your property if you are planning to sell in the future.Determination-Based Deduction MethodThis method takes 80% of the sales proceeds and subtracts it from the entire sales value. The result will be the Capital Gains and 20% of it will be the Capital Gains Tax to be paid. This method is highly beneficial for property owners who buy low and are planning to sell high.Example:Mrs Phan is aware there’s another way of calculating Capital Gains Tax. And being a discerning homeowner, she explored the other method of getting the capital gains tax for her $100,000 property she plans to sell for $250,000.Determination-Based Deduction MethodSale Price$250,00080% of the Sale Price$200,000Capital Gain (Sale Price - 80%)$50,000  Capital Gains TaxCapital Gain$50,000Capital Gain Tax (20%)$10,000 Mrs Phan will have to pay $10,000 in Capital Gains Tax once she sells her property via the Determination Based Deduction Method.It’s quite obvious which method Mrs. Phan will be using and that’s intended as taxpayers in Cambodia are free to choose which method of Capital Gains Tax calculation to use for their tax obligation. As mentioned above, the Capital Gains Tax is planned to finally be implemented in January 2023. This creates a third method of Capital Gains Tax: selling your property before January 2024 so you don’t have to pay this tax!Kidding aside, we highly recommend that you keep any relevant expenses related to your property and do your due diligence in finding the method that gives you the best tax rate. Looking to buy OR sell property? Click here

The Cambodian economy has been a rising star in Southeast Asia over the last decade. The influx of foreign direct investments and the significant improvements in standards of living have made the once looked-over country into the region’s latest investment destination. It is in this regard that Realestate.com.kh, Cambodia’s leading real estate classifieds portal, is launching the Why Cambodia for investors. The Why Cambodia Guide looks at the measures the government has implemented to attract foreign capital, such as streamlining bureaucratic processes and offering incentives for foreign investors, and discusses why Cambodia is seen as a Tiger Economy with the benefits of its strategic location within ASEAN increasing its appeal as a potential investment, logistics and tourism hub.Realestate.com.kh, the leading online property and real estate platform in the Kingdom offers a range of easy-to-use tools for property searchers and investors on their website and on their app. For this guide, they say “Whether you're a seasoned investor or simply curious about the market trends, this guide is a must-have resource.” The Why Cambodia Guide endeavours to give would-be investors a brief overview of the Cambodian economy with a special focus on its property market. Over the past few decades of the country’s development, many have noted that getting a grasp of the larger Cambodian economy often requires hours of analyzing graphs, reading news articles, and watching interviews with experts on the matter. It is this decentralized status quo of information the Why Cambodia Guide seeks to simplify and serve as a starting point for the many foreign investors, and even local ones, in their preparation for Cambodia’s return to economic form. The Why Cambodia Guide is part of Realestate.com.kh’s long-term goal of contributing to the growth of the Kingdom’s economy and gradually improving the standard of living for the Khmer people. The Why Cambodia Guide will be published digitally and will be made available for FREE.CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FREE

Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s capital city and is a growing metro situated where the Mekong, Tonle Sap and the Tonle Bassac rivers intersect. Phnom Penh has been the seat of power and primary economic hub in recent history. This has made the city grow to become the nation's center of economic, cultural, and political activity.According to the General Population Census 2019, Phnom Penh has a total population of 2,189,460 residents and population density of 3,136 residents per km2 across a central plain measuring 679 km2.Phnom Penh’s geography is largely defined by swathes of flatlands and the 3 rivers intersecting that provide inhabitants with water for both irrigation and transportation across the country. While its land size is comparatively small to its neighbours like Bangkok (~1,500 sqm) and Ho Chi Minh (~2,000 sqm), it does present investors the opportunity to capitalize on several of its fastest-growing industries, namely: construction & real estate, banking & finance, and manufacturing.Knowing about the city’s districts is a good way to gain an overview of the city. Here are a list of the districts (Khans) in Phnom Penh:7 Makara7 Makara or Prampir Makara (ខណ្ឌប្រាំពីរមករា) is one of the most central and smallest districts in Phnom Penh. Despite its size, its location puts properties here in an advantageous position of having access to every cardinal direction in Phnom Penh. Residential properties can easily be found here and commercial & retail properties are plenty given their proximity to other highly populated areas in Phnom Penh. The district is home to popular destinations such as the Orussey Market, Olympia Mall, and the National Olympic Stadium.Population: ~71,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our 7 Makara Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if you’re interested!List of landed properties in 7 MakaraList of condos/apartments in 7 MakaraBoeung Keng KangBoeung Keng Kang (ខណ្ឌបឹងកេងកង) is a centrally located district in Phnom Penh. The district was once part of the larger Chamkarmon district until its formation in 2019. The district is largely known for its many residential, commercial, and retail destinations, embassies, and NGOs mostly found in Boeung Keng Kang I (BKK1). It is arguably one of the most urbanized areas in Phnom Penh that are still seeing strong interest among property seekers and developers alike. Some popular destinations include: The Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, Chip Mong Noro Mall, and the Wat Langka Buddhist Pagoda.Population: ~66,000 residentsYou can check out the property listings here if you’re interested!List of landed properties in Boeung Keng KangList of condos/apartments in Boeung Keng KangChamkarmonChamkarmon (ចំការមន) is arguably one of the most popular districts in Phnom Penh. Located in the south-central area of the city, its popularity with locals, expatriates, and tourists is derived from the quaint charms of the row of shophouses, restaurants, cafes, bars, galleries, and markets found in almost all its streets. The amount of for sale/rent properties also makes it a hot market among those looking to buy or sell. Some popular destinations in Chamkarmon include AEON Mall 1 (Tonle Bassac), the Russian Market, and its surrounding streets.Population: ~70,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our Chamkarmon Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if you’re interested!List of landed properties in ChamkarmonList of condos/apartments in ChamkarmonChbar AmpovChbar Ampov (ខណ្ឌច្បារអំពៅ) is a peninsular district located in the southwestern part of Phnom Penh. The district is mainly accessible via the Preah Monivong Bridge. Chbar Ampov previously held a lot of unoccupied lands before Borey developers moved into the district. Today, Chbar Ampov’s vast lands put it at the precipice of massive developments from local conglomerates transforming the peninsula into a satellite city built around the pristine environment beauty that has made it a popular suburban living destination. Some popular destinations in Chbar Ampov include The Park Community Mall and the Prince Manor Resort.Population: ~164,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our Chbar Ampov Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if you’re interested!List of landed properties in Chbar AmpovList of condos/apartments in Chbar AmpovChroy ChangvarChroy Changvar (ខណ្ឌជ្រោយចង្វារ) is another rapidly developing area of the city and has seen a number of commercial & residential developments, restaurants and other major infrastructure projects transforming the formerly quiet area on the outskirts of the city to what is now eyed a prime real estate destination. The area is also earmarked for government offices as well as projects to support Cambodia’s participation in the international stage, namey: the SEA Games 2023, and the massive Dragon City concept coming soon. Some popular destinations in Chroy Changvar include: The Morodok Techo National Stadium, Garden City Water Park, and the Phnom Penh Safari.Population: ~159,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our Chroy Changvar Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if you’re interested!List of landed properties in Chroy ChangvarList of condos/apartments in Chroy ChangvarDangkaoDangkao (ខណ្ឌដង្កោ) is a district on the southern outskirts of Phnom Penh. While largely underdeveloped compared to other areas, Dangkao shares similar geographical features made up of flatlands connected by national road networks. At present, the majority of developments are boreys and garment factories.Population: ~160,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our Dangkao Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if you’re interested!List of landed properties in DangkaoList of condos/apartments in DangkaoDaun PenhDaun Penh (ខណ្ឌដូនពេញ) is the de facto Central Business District in Phnom Penh. The district houses most of Phnom Penh’s skyscrapers along with its most historical buildings/monuments and luxurious hotels, restaurants, and other destinations for everyone living or visiting Phnom Penh. The importance of Daun Penh cannot be understated as tourism is first drawn here, shophouses are mostly for rent making the commercial space competitive fierce, and is where Phnom Penh’s nightlife is best experienced. Some of the popular destinations in Daun Penh include: The Riverside, The Royal Palace, and The National Museum of Cambodia.Population: ~155,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our Daun Penh Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if you’re interested!List of landed properties in Daun PenhList of condos/apartments in Daun PenhKamboulKamboul (ខណ្ឌកំបូល) is the western-most district of Phnom Penh. The district was formerly part of the surrounding province of Kandal until its integration into Phnom Penh back in 2019. Being a new area into the capital’s growing metro, the area is yet to see large-scale development in its residential and commercial properties.Population: ~~75,000 residentsMeancheyMeanchey (ខណ្ឌមានជ័យ) is a district located in the south of Phnom Penh. The district, much like other outer districts, was primarily home to Borey developers and garment factories. Today, the district is earmarked for major developments such as AEON Mall 3 (the biggest mall in Cambodia yet) and the new Chip Mong 271 Mall. The completion of the Hun Sen Boulevard added to the accessibility and viability of many business endeavours in Meanchey spurred by Meanchey’s large population base. Some landmarks in Meanchey are the International School of Phnom Penh and the Steung Meanchey Market.Population: ~250,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our Meanchey Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if you’re interested!List of landed properties in MeancheyList of condos/apartments in MeancheyPor Sen CheyPor Sen Chey is a district on the western side of Phnom Penh. The district is largely made up of borey projects, community centres, KTV bars, new condominium developments and garment factories. Por Sen Chey is popularly known as the airport district as the Phnom Penh International Airport is located in the district. While the district is relatively less developed compared to other areas, its international airport has made it next on the list of districts being looked at by both public and private planners.Population: ~226,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our Por Sen Chey Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if you’re interested!List of landed properties in Por Sen CheyList of condos/apartments in Por Sen CheyPrek PnovPrek Pnov (ខណ្ឌពោធិ៍សែនជ័យ) is an outer district located in the northwestern part of Phnom Penh and is the largest district in terms of land area. Prek Pnov is mainly flatlands inhabited by residents in shophouses, flathouses, and factories. Like other outskirt districts, this area will likely see residential developments first in the form of boreys and will be followed by small-to-medium commercial centres.Population: ~188,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our Prek Pnov Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if you’re interested!List of landed properties in Prek PnovList of condos/apartments in Prek PnovRussey KeoRussey Keo (ខណ្ឌឫស្សីកែវ) is a district to the north of Phnom Penh. This district has some very large boreys and mixed-use developments transforming the district into an urban hub of its own and mainly populated by lower to middle-class Cambodians. The area is also known for its expatriate population made up of Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans. Russey Keo is made up of mostly local residential homes, villas and apartments but several businesses have their offices here and it is also home to large-scale breweries and manufacturing plants. Population: ~274,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our Russey Keo Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if you’re interested!List of landed properties in Russey KeoList of condos/apartments in Russey KeoSen SokSen Sok (ខណ្ឌសែនសុខ) is a north eastern district of Phnom Penh. This district is one of the larger districts in Phnom Penh in terms of land size and as well as short-to-medium term growth. Its vast flatlands have made it one of the hottest development destinations in the past few years as made evident by boreys, condos, commercial centres, and shopping malls popping up in the area. The area shows no signs of slowing down in development as it still offers relatively low median sale prices, especially for Cambodians looking to own landed properties close to big name commercial areas. Some popular destinations in Sen Sok include: AEON Mall 2 (the largest mall in Cambodia as of 2021), the Premier Centre Sen Sok, and the Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club.Population: ~183,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our Sen Sok Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if you’re interested!List of landed properties in Sen SokList of condos/apartments in Sen SokToul KorkToul Kork (ខណ្ឌទួលគោក) is a north-western district in Phnom Penh. Over the years, the district has become the second most popular residential area in Phnom Penh (after Chamkarmon). The area has seen a huge amount of development as of late and has attracted a mix of businesses, commercial, residential tenants, and home-owners. The area is well known for a large number of villas, office spaces, condominiums, and overall interest from developers. Some popular landmarks in the area include: TK Avenue (shopping centre), and the TK Roundabout.Population: ~145,000You can learn more about this area in our Toul Kork Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if you’re interested!List of landed properties in Toul KorkList of condos/apartments in Toul KorkArticle by:

From the humble shophouses to towering luxury penthouses, Phnom Penh’s residential choices have undoubtedly grown in only a short span of time. Its luxury choices, in particular, have been the highlight of the city’s transformation and put it on the radar of property investors from both within and outside of Cambodia.The word “luxury”, however, has been a buzzword many developers have used to describe their properties to paint a grand picture of the lifestyle you can have. But let’s be honest, only a few can really own up to being a true luxury home.Realestate.com.kh wants to clear the air with its take on what makes the baseline for luxury properties and will give you properties worth considering if you’re in the market for one or if you’re simply curious!What makes a luxury property in Phnom Penh?What makes a luxury property in Phnom Penh doesn’t differ much from what you’d normally consider in buying any home. Generally speaking, these are Location, Quality of Interiors, Available Amenities, and Price.LocationA property’s location influences a lot about it, including other considerations in this list. A property’s location plays its biggest role in determining your daily life/routine, such as where you go and how much time it takes for you to get to where you want to go. Its immense role in your daily life makes it one of the foremost considerations in any property purchase/rental decision.But there’s more to location than just providing convenience. For buyers looking to invest, a great location is somewhere with lackluster surroundings but holds great promise in the near future. After all, when it comes to real estate, the real returns are not just made by selling high, but by buying low.Quality of InteriorsThe quality of interiors directly influences the level of comfort you experience at home. This is where luxury developments often splurge by providing branded appliances and fixtures such as heaters, air conditioners, lighting, mattress(es), and bathroom essentials. How these are delivered is often indicative of the amount of thought the developer put into making their luxury vision into reality.Available AmenitiesAmenities complement the comfort you experience from your residential unit. Fortunately, most luxury properties in Phnom Penh often have a swimming pool, a garden, sauna & spa, rooftop activity areas, fitness facilities, and even in-house commercial areas. It’s sometimes so extensive that the number of things you can do in your building somewhat reduces the need for you to go out!PricePhnom Penh’s luxury property market is rife with choices ranging from expensive to extraordinarily pricey and this last and final factor neatly ties up all the aforementioned considerations into a quantifiable number, because setting prices set expectations.The price per square metre for luxury developments (centrally located) ranges from $2,500 and only goes up from there. Of course, this is not saying that the higher it’s priced, the better the property is overall. But price tags often dictate the kind of market a project is targeting and the level of luxury you can expect from a premium development.The luxury properties of Phnom PenhThere’s plenty of luxury properties in Phnom Penh and this shortlist is showcasing the developments exemplifying what’s been discussed above.Sky VillaSky Villa is arguably the most expensive luxury development in Phnom Penh. While there are other developments within the 1-million USD price range, Sky Villa takes top place as it’s the biggest of the million-dollar apartments to come to the city.Its residential units span more than 500sqm and are styled after the luxury landed villas most rich Cambodians live in, including ornate furniture, generous spaces, and premium amenities like exclusive bars, restaurants, pools, and concierge services. Other luxury landed villas don’t have a sky bar and spa & sauna, nor are they in the middle of the city like Sky Villa.Its central location in 7 Makara puts it in an advantageous central position with easy access to major road arteries that cross Phnom Penh. The closest major shopping destination to it is the Olympia Mall, which is a 4-minute drive away or a 10-minute walk from Sky Villa. If you’re into the more humble side of the city, dozens of shophouses and cafes litter 7 Makara. It’s hard to run out of places to explore in this area.Sky Villa certainly packs plenty of must-haves and even nice-to-haves for a luxury property in Phnom Penh. If you’re interested in finding out more, you can find the Sky Villa property listing here.The Peninsula Private ResidencesA project’s location, for most buyers, means easy access to conveniences. But to the long-term investor, it means something quite contrary but highly profitable!The Peninsula Private Residences in Chroy Changvar district is an ideal example of investing in an area that holds much promise in Phnom Penh’s future. The district is earmarked for major residential projects which have attracted many of the city’s elite political and business circles. Its promise is tied with its suburban appeal as its peninsular geography gives its residents a natural atmosphere that’s become a hook for many of Phnom Penh’s city dwellers.Given its popularity, it’s no stretch that the project has become the landmark development in Chroy Changvar. The Peninsula Private Residences garnered many awards such as the Best Architectural Design 2019 and Best Interior Design 2019. Its awards show as the project’s interiors are built with carefully designed aesthetics that complement the area’s natural atmosphere; providing a premium experience of Chroy Changvar’s environment if you will.The Peninsula Private Residences emphasize the everyday living experience and pull out all the stops to make it as pleasant as it can be. Its quality amenities include the basics with additional features of a private kitchen and patio, co-working space, and even a social club room with a home theater system.If you’re interested in learning more about this luxury development, you can check the Peninsula Private Residences property listing here.The Peak ResidenceWhen it comes to living in a premier condominium close to a shopping area, The Peak Residence certainly peaks the list of projects in Phnom Penh. The Peak Residence is a premium mixed-use development in the highly commercial area of Tonle Bassac in Chamkarmon. It’s one of the first retail podiums with 3 towers in Phnom Penh, making it the premier project offering a commercial experience truly integrated with a luxury condominium.Residents will additionally get to enjoy various commercial shopping choices to more residential comforts like swimming pools, jacuzzis, lush gardens, and premium restaurants right at their fingertips; there’s plenty to discover at this premier development.But if a commercial center integrated with a residential tower is too tame, how about a premium hotel chain on its premises? The world-renowned Shangri-La Hotel will be occupying and housing high-class visitors in one of the Peak’s towers. In fact, the entry of the international Shangri-La hotel brand is expected to attract a new demographic of tourists to boost the Kingdom’s burgeoning tourism sector.If you’re interested in learning more, you can check out the Peak Residence property listing here.Skyline ApartmentThe Skyline Apartments is a high-class rental apartment in Tonle Bassac, Chamkarmon. Conceived by The Room Design Studio, its design immediately catches the attention of passers-by even in the flurry of residential choices within Tonle Bassac. Its designers were inspired by both Cambodia’s rich architectural heritage and the influence of its colonial past to create an iconic residential building in Phnom Penh’s most central area.Skyline Apartment’s premium status is derived from the luxury of feeling at home in Phnom Penh. This is particularly sought after by expatriates as feeling at home in a foreign country can do wonders for one’s mental health, especially during stressful workdays! The Skyline Apartment creates this atmosphere by providing residents with spacious living spaces complemented by an array of amenities that fit the theme of being at home. While it's not as luxurious as previous projects mentioned above, the Skyline Apartment does edge them out in delivering a serene living experience.A lot of rest and a lot quiet are things commonly associated with suburban/provincial properties. Fortunately, the Skyline Apartments is just 100m away from the Preah Sihanouk boulevard, and a few minutes walk away from the many restaurants, cafes, and entertainment destinations found in and around Tonle Bassac.If you’re interested in finding out more, you can visit the Skyline Apartment property listing here.Article by:

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic shook the world to a point where 10 months later, the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to provide a variety of recommendations to prevent the spread of the pandemic. The recommendation advises people not to go to extremely crowded places, especially not to leave their homes, as people spend most of their time at home which means inside a building or a house.Prevention and control of the spread of COVID-19 inside buildings are one of the most important ways to control the pandemic. Keeping the building clean, especially, shared spaces, elevators, staircases and the continued provision of fresh clean air are the top priorities. These measures are also included in the basic criteria of green building standards in any country.Adequate replacement of fresh air does not only prevent COVID-19 infections but other respiratory diseases such as asthma. Moreover, the quality of materials can help prevent and exacerbate allergies by ensuring that buildings are green and adequately ventilated. In addition to these benefits for human health, green buildings are environmentally friendly and protect natural resources. Moreover, waste segregation and recycling reduce emissions and protect the environment from pollution. Controlling environmental pollution is also a way to prevent any infectious diseases from spreading.The result of COVID-19 reminding us that, focusing on the health and safety of buildings now, we need to be prepared, able to respond appropriately, and able to respond to such major disasters around the world.Several actions and best practices that are currently being applied in green and healthy buildings are expected to become our lifestyle in the post-COVID-19 era. Such concerns and actions taken during the pandemic are also the main factors that differentiate an ordinary building from sustainable and healthy-oriented buildings around the world. Some of the main features of sustainable and healthy buildings are the following.- Handwashing promotion- Strict cleaning protocols and usage of cleaning products- Increased supply of fresh air- Usage of air treatment mechanisms such as usage of high-efficient filters and UV technology- Humidity and Temperature control- Safe and clean freshwater supply- Lower density of office building spaces between workers- Mental health promotion such as stress management support programs- Emergency management planOverall, after this pandemic, the well-being, health, and safety of building occupants are expected to become the next top priorities for any building-related stakeholder. A new paradigm shift towards healthy and green buildings is urgently required to ensure resilient, healthy, and clean interior environments for all building occupants in Cambodia.Looking for property in Cambodia? Let us help!*This article is written by Susanne Bodach, Managing Director of BEE Incorporations Cambodia

Realestate.com.kh, Cambodia’s #1 Real Estate Portal, serves as a bridge between buyers and sellers by quickly connecting the demand with the right supply! This endeavor is made even easier for all stakeholders with REAKH Opportunities.REAKH Opportunities basically makes it easier for:RENTERS/BUYERS to notify registered agents of the kind of property they’re looking forAGENTS/SELLERS to be notified of sale opportunities that fit their portfolioThink of it as a personal virtual assistant that knows ALL the right people - at the right time - when it comes to properties in Cambodia.As a buyer/renter/seller, how do I use REAKH Opportunities?Buyers have it the easiest when it comes to using the REAKH Opportunities. As a seller/buyer, all you need to do is check on the right-hand side of your screen if you’re on the desktop. While on the mobile app, you can use the Home Finder on the home screen to access this feature.The Home Finder/Opportunities feature can be accessed through the right-hand side of the screen on the desktop. The Home Finder/Opportunities feature can readily be accessed on the home screen of the REAKH Mobile app.Upon clicking on the Home Finder icon, you will be shown a form where you can enter the specifics of the property you’re looking for. Fields to be completed include the following:I want to: Buy / Rent / Sell / LeaseLocation preferenceBudget rangeAdditional commentContact informationOnce finished, you can click the submit button and wait for any seller/agent to contact you!As an agent/seller, how do I use REAKH Opportunities?Agents/sellers looking to use REAKH Opportunities for quick leads can easily do so through Realestate.com.kh or more conveniently through the REAKH mobile app.How it looks like:Each new lead coming from the REAKH Home Finder is funneled here for the easy viewing of registered agents on the mobile application. Each opportunity is detailed in terms of intent (buy/sell), their preferred location, preferred property type, and their budget.If you’re interested in any Opportunity on the feed, you may access the one you’re interested in by exchanging them for REAKH credits you have on your account. To get credits, you may reach out to our Live Chat and inquire about acquiring credits.The Opportunities channel is updated on a regular basis where you, as a seller, can continuously see quality leads from the thousands of property seekers going through Realestate.com.kh’s listings.Interested in letting the wider property market know you’re looking for a property? Or do you want a continuous stream of leads coming through your phone? Download the REAKH Mobile App today for a seamless property selling/buying experience today!Article by: