Phnom Penh:  Mr. Kim Heang, president of the Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association (CVEA), has urged the government to regulate property transactions in the upcoming Management Law and educate private property sellers as a means to control market price fluctuations running out of control in 2016. The initiative would mimic the US model in theory, making all property sellers bound to use a registered real estate company in order to sell their property. The proposal is intended to control the unfounded price hikes throughout the local market, and ultimately stem speculative fluctuations in aggregate market prices. More accurate property valuations would lead to a more sustainable market place, and grant local and international investors greater confidence to buy in. “Nowadays the property owner can easily make their own 'House for Sale or Land for Sale' sign,” says Heang. “Generally, when a private seller attempts to sell their own property, however, the price they seek in 30 to 50 per cent higher than market value.” This makes it very difficult to buy and sell, Mr. Kim Hang added, and creates unfounded speculation in the market. Hence, the CVEA is calling the Government to educate the market to these problems before they create the new Management Law. Mr. Kim Heang’s solution to these speculative bubbles from private sellers is to regulate that “all property owners should sell their property via the consultation of a registered real estate agency.” This will allow selling prices to better match the market price. And in doing so, will ultimately control real estate prices running out of control, and make the market more stable and sustainable, suggests Heang. Heang also added that “in many other developed economies, the real estate market management law demands the owner sell their property via an expert real estate company for this reason.” Mr. Bo Eavkong, general manager of the Asia Real Estate company, said that real estate companies currently have no right to force the property owner to consult with a real estate company when deciding their property value. "The first step is the Government educating people and urging the property owner to seek guidance from real estate professionals and trained valuers. Gradually, then the real estate sector will strengthen in terms of professional ethics." He added that, “if they want to sell their property for a reasonable price and sell it, they only need to spend 160$ for the fee of the expert real estate valuation. Meanwhile, selling over the market price is much more difficult, stalling the market,” says Bo. Mr. Khom Monyroth, consultant manager of Daily Realty Group, has agreed with what Mr. Bo Eavkong said, adding that education is a good start. “Even if the property owner studied the real estate prices of 4 or 5 other similar properties in the same area, they will automatically have a better understanding of the price at which their property will most likely sell for.” He also said that any “announcement or education won’t take effect immediately. Still, serious real estate investors must contact real estate agents if they want to succeed in the market. If you consult with a real estate company, you will understand that it is impossible to sell your property too much over the market price.” Stay tuned to realestate.com.kh news for more on this topic as the situation develops. Learn more about property registration, Cambodian land titles, strata title transfers andforeign ownership regulation on Realestate.com.kh today!

Last Saturday’s official D’Seaview groundbreaking ceremony was a great success, with over 200 honorable guests assembling at the construction site to celebrate the physical launch of Phase 1 of the project. The event was presided over by H.E. Yun Min, Governor of Sihanoukville province, and following the groundbreaking ceremony, a complimentary lunch was provided for all satisfied guests at the Sokha Hotel and Resort, Sihanoukville. Check out the full D'Seaview listing information on Realestate.com.kh. Already, a host of eager buyers are proud to gain the status of first movers for this momentous development. In the first phase of sales and booking, already over 80 percent of the 300 units in phase 1 have been successfully subscribed by both local and international buyers at price per square meter ranging from $1750 to $2200* *(updated October 2016). As stated by Dr. Wang Kai Yuen, Chairman/Non-Executive Independent Director at the D’Seaview Condominium Ground Breaking Ceremony on Saturday, “After the launch of Camhome’s unique queue system in September 2015, we have received more than 1,000 clients interested in this development and our upcoming developments. I believe more are coming, as Sihanoukville is one of the promising provinces in Cambodia, especially during the ASEAN Integration.” Nevertheless, as sales continue to expand, premier sea facing units and commercial opportunities are still available to buyers in the D’Seaview complex. But, those interested in these prime positions are urged to secure these units before they sell out! Further, a special “sure-to-win instant lucky dip” is being offered throughout the month of January to award attractive prizes for new buyers who purchase a D’Seaview unit at exclusive, off-plan prices. “Having accumulated more than 25 years of experiences in the design, construction and management of property developments in Singapore since 1988, D’Seaview will incorporate the latest in construction methods and modern building management concepts from Singapore,” said Dr. Wang Kai Yuen at the groundbreaking. The guaranteed quality of the D'Seaview project pays tribute to HLH group’s experience in the field of creating premium residential developments. The use of precast panels will allow for a smoother and more consistent finish throughout the complex; hollow core precast panels also allow service connections to be hidden within the wall therefore minimising the need for hacking and plastering or exposed ductworks; quality international standard fittings and fixtures will be used throughout, along with homogenous floor tiles, safety glass ( for windows which extends below 1m height), and a safe and quality assured elevator system; wall tiles to wet areas come standard, and beautifully-crafted roof terraces are provided for selected units; finally, all bathrooms have windows to allow for natural light and ventilation, and all enclosed kitchens have windows for ample ventilation. The design of D’Seaview likewise harks to the developer’s unique understanding of what creates an attractive and highly livable residential development, while concurrently paying tribute to the unique environment of Cambodia’s lush coastline. Naturally lighted and ventilated corridors, via cross ventilation, ensure a high level of comfort in all common areas within D’Seaview. As importantly, your new home will be a safe haven - with a high level of security via separate commercial and residential car park levels, card access and an integrated intercom service. Residential units will enjoy unrestricted sea views through design thanks to D’Seaview’s efficiently shaped floor plans. Prime units also include spacious balconies for outdoor enjoyment. Luxurious amenities shall fall at your doorstep, with subscription facilities such as a pool cafe, swimming pool, kid's room, yoga room, library, and fully equipped function rooms. Further, the complex will bring a level of convenience previously unknown to residential developments of Sihanoukville. Commercial lots will house a bank, childcare facilities, a hotel, restaurants, food court and mini market, all within easy reach of residents. Realise your housing and commercial dreams now; and visit Camhomes’ D’Seaview showroom at Canadia Towers and talk to their property consultants.Check out the full D'Seaview listing information on Realestate.com.kh.

TA Corporation Ltd. is an established property and construction group with a track record of over 40 years' experience in the Singapore construction industry, and over 15 years' experience in real estate investment and development. As an integrated business group, TA Corporation is also involved in the provision of workers’ training and accommodation as well as the distribution of lubricants and commercial vehicles, tyres and spare parts. At the dawn of 2016, the company is slated to launch its first mixed-use real estate Cambodian project: The Gateway.

According to a recent Cambodia Daily report, Cambodians passing rights to property from relatives won't need to pay property registration tax - as according to a Government announcement at the CPP party's party congress on Sunday.Transferring property is generally taxed at 4% of the properties value, including other minor property registration fees. Learn more about the title transfer process here. Yet, according to the new directive, spouses, parents and children, will no longer require this tax, and has been said to be effective already. The same will apply to grandparents and grandchildren. Stay tuned to realestate.com.kh news for more on this topic of property registration as the situation clarifies. Learn more about property registration, Cambodian land titles, strata title transfers and foreign ownership regulation on Realestate.com.kh today!

Hong Kong Airlines have just announced that starting from the 27th February 2016 the airline will officially launch a direct flight service from Hong Kong to Phnom Penh, 3 times weekly. For the Hong Kong to Phnom Penh route an Airbus A320, all economy service, will be deployed.  Hong Kong Airlines Ltd is a Hong Kong-based airline with its corporate headquarters in Tung Chung and its main hub at Hong Kong International Airport. It has been established since 2006. The new routes will assist cross country traffic between Cambodia and Hong Kong, and raises the potential for more service in future if demand suffices. It will also assist the speed of minor cargo transfers between the two hubs. A new railway from Phnom Penh to Bangkok is coming soon too!

Welcome to another Realestate.com.kh Dream Home Report. Every week we will showcase some of Cambodia and the world's most luxurious, interesting and unique properties. We want to show you the home gems of the International property market. This week we show you a home with an unbelievable view.Located in Peru, about an hour and a half from Cusco, the Skylodge is a collection of sleeping capsules fastened to the cliff face with a series of sustaining anchor harnesses.Don’t be scared to sleep though! World class engineers assure holidayers that these pods are safe and sound, and not one has fallen off yet... Skylodge Adventure Suites offers guests hanging accommodations with the best bedside views you are ever going to find! At night, sleep under the starry sky with a magnificent view of the Sacred Inca Valley. Check some more Dream Home reports here:Dream Home Report : Unique Khmer HomesDream Home : Song Saa Private Island Villa

2016 has now arrived, and as the New Year comes you might be turning your attention to your long-ignored mortgage.  Although no one likes to think about their mortgage repayments, you need to analyze it regularly if you want to find ways to make your repayments more effective and move yourself closer to financial independence. Missed Mortgage Matters Part 1 or Part 2? Read them first!With that in mind, bring in the New Year with these 5 handy ideas from realestate.com.kh to speed up your loan repayments, and work towards a financially free future!1. Don’t automatically decrease your repayments just because the interest rates falls: For many loaners, as soon as bank fees and interest rates decrease, and minimum repayments are lowered accordingly, this immediately means a happy camper - with more money in the pocket and less for the bank. However, this is short sighted. Instead of pocketing the cash, if you keep your repayments at the same level when the interest rates are falling - because this is a prime opportunity to reduce your principle with each payment and make faster progress satisfying your total loan in the longer-term. As opposed to seeing it as a time to relax your repayments – this year you should see it as an opportunity to get ahead of the bank and pay back your principle faster. 2. Test out an “Offset Account”: If it is possible for your loan, try using an offset account. A mortgage offset account is directly connected to your mortgage and the payable interest on your mortgage month to month will be calculated by deducting what funds exist in your offset account against your loan. To clarify, here’s an example: if your total mortgage is $200,000 and your offset account currently has $5,000 in it, you will only pay interest on the remaining $195,000. An offset account allows you to save interest while still allowing access to your savings if needed. For investors, offset accounts are also useful for the preservation of mortgage tax deductible benefits. 3. Refinance and get a better run for your money: Maybe you have worked out that your current mortgage is not suitable to your needs and financial circumstances now that 2016 has dawned. If this is the case, you need to change your loan quickly before it seriously hurts you. If you are not sure your current mortgage is right for you, it is best to consult a professional finance broker before it is too late. A well-attuned broker will negotiate with your lender about fees for additional repayments, refinancing, or any other necessary measures to help you save on your loan. A good broker should identify the perfect terms for you and then negotiate the best rates for that plan. Get in touch with Cambodia’s leading lenders today!4. Make smaller mortgage repayments, more regularly: If you make more payments, naturally these payments will be smaller. But more regular payments, even if they are smaller, will mean ultimately you can pay off your loan faster because you will lessen your interest repayments in the long term. If you currently repay your mortgage on a monthly basis, try changing to fortnightly loan repayments. Now, your monthly mortgage repayments might equal $2000 per month, for example. If you can instead pay $1000 every two weeks, by the end of 2016 you would have made significant savings on your interest costs, and will be a little bit closer to satisfying your overall loan repayment. 5. Take measures to pay back a little bit more each time: Remember, your “minimum repayment” is exactly that: it is the least possible amount you need to repay each month. So, for most mortgages there in nothing stopping you from paying more than the minimum necessary payment. And it doesn’t matter if you pay extra regularly, just when you can afford to now and again is still worthwhile. Even a little bit here and there can add up and eventually reduce your mortgage. When you receive bonuses, tax returns or other monetary gifts you should seriously consider putting this expendable income into your mortgage repayments before it disappears into thin air. Read more about home loans on realestate.com.kh today. Missed Mortgage Matters Part 1 or Part 2? Read them first!

CBRE’s third quarter 2015 Condominium Report, currently unreleased, details eight new projects that have been officially launched in Q3 2015, compared to four in Q2, according to recent reports from the Post Property. Ultimately, this equals an additional supply of 10,000 condo units, which demonstrates a 435 per cent increase since the preceding quarter.The report states that "as of 2018, the number of condominium units in Phnom Penh would increase to almost 20,000 units, an increase of 915 per cent compared to the number in 2015." The report follows on to say that 1/3 of these units would reflect high-end properties, and approximately 1/2 are mid-range quality.  The report states that average condo prices per square meter for mass-market are $1,500psm, mid-range sits at $2,250psm; and high-end units are average $2,900psm. Learn more about the strata title process for condo purchase here. The report also says that “roughly 40 per cent of condominium owners are Cambodian”. Yet the report suggests that the vast majority of Cambodian buyers hope to “speculate or rent out”, rather than to live in the finished condo units. Learn more about Cambodian land titles, strata title transfers and foreign ownership regulation on Realestate.com.kh today!

Realestate.com.kh is proud to sponsor and support the Global Alumni Convention (GAC) 2016.The Global Alumni Convention (GAC) is organized by IDP Education to bring together graduates from Cambodia, Australia, the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, France, Russia, Korea, Japan, China, Malaysia, Singapore and other countries and give them a forum to meet, share ideas and network with experts, decision makers and leaders from governments, the private sector, and civil society for education, trade and investment opportunities.AIMS OF THE CONVENTION: The convention is designed around the themes of reconnecting with learning, knowledge-sharing, and being inspired to fulfil education, professional, and business potential. Organizers anticipate attendance by more than 500 alumni, professionals, experts and leaders from the public and private sector. The objectives of the GAC 2016:To learn about the pathways and successes that alumni from these countries have achieved.To showcase world class education systems and opportunities.To gain insights into Cambodia’s position in the world.To enhance friendship and cooperation within Cambodia and internationally.Who will attend the convention? The Global Alumni Convention is a high-profile event with 500 anticipated attendees being: Graduates from around the globe.Leaders from Governments and Embassies.Directors, CEOs and Senior Executives from business and civil society.Professionals, specialists, and experts from diverse industries.Cambodians and non-Cambodians.When and where will the convention be held? On the evening of Friday 29 and all day on 30 January 2016 at InterContinental Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Convention Format: The format of the panel discussions will be four panellists plus a moderator with an interactive Q+A. The convention will be in two parts – the Business & Education Networking Reception on the evening of 29  January  2016  coupled  with  the  Main  Convention  on  30  January  2016  and  concluding  with  the Convention  Cocktail  Reception. The  Business  &  Education  Networking  Reception  will  be  a  networking dinner  with  leaders  from  the  government,  embassies,  the  private  sector  and  civil  society. The  Main Convention  will  consist  of  a  series  of  moderated  panel  discussions  with  topics  being  on  Cambodia-related  issues  and  will  be  given  by  leading  figures  from  the  business  community,  the  public  sector, relevant industry figures and alumni themselves. GAC  VIPs: GAC 2016 will be honoured with a welcome address by HE Sun Chanthol, Senior Minister and Minister of Commerce on the evening of the 29th, and the official opening address by HE Dr Hang Chuon  Naron, Minister of Education Youth and Sport in the morning of the 30th January, 2016. REGISTRATION FEES: Early Registration – 01 Oct – 30 Nov 2015 (US$ 70)Standard Registration – 01 – 30 Dec 2015 (US$ 80)Late Registration – 01 – 28 Jan 2016 (US$ 90)Walk-in Registration – 29 – 30 Jan 2016 (US$ 100)To register, please go to www.cambodiaGA.org  ; For more information, please contact GAC Secretariat Office at gac@idp.com or 023 222 064.

Most people’s attention span lasts between 5 and 10 seconds… For those involved in marketing, and especially digital marketing, this means that you need to work extremely efficiently if you want to engage the right customers at the right place and the right time, and share with them a message that they will actually take on board. Don't forget to read part 1 first! Read it here.Because online marketing is our full time job here at Realestate.com.kh, we would like to share a few tips to get the most benefit from your various online marketing channels – and ultimately, sell and rent more property through the internet.  Online marketing with your own Website: Your company website is home sweet home, no matter what business you are – but, remember, your website must reflect your underlying objectives if you want it to be successful. Don't forget to read part 1 first! Read it here. Of course, the layout and functionality will be totally different depending on the online marketing objectives. Your website might exist purely for branding purposes, in which case focus on the presentation. But if you intend to sell directly through your website as an ecommerce application, your design must focus on functionality and smoothly facilitating the sale, and after-sale support. Regardless of the intent of your website, it is crucial that it is easy to navigate, and the content is relevant and engaging to visitors. Want to learn how to use LinkedIn for real estate sales? Success metrics are always at hand to advise of the development of your website, whether it be considering generic goals such as overall revenue and conversions - or more specific analysis, for example building offsite referrals from social channels, or considering the best demographic targeting for your website. If you want a bigger audience to visit your website, the sole answer is content. Clear, engaging and consistent content is the only way to grow your website sustainably. Remember that longer term trends and analytics must be well-considered during any development of your website. A website is not like a short term marketing drive. Your website is here to stay for the life of your business. This means any changes you make should consider the present, but always look to the future. Why online marketing can help you test ideas quickly!Online marketing with your Email Database: Business people and individuals can receive hundreds of emails every week. Because of this flow of info, if your email online marketing is stale it will quite-simply fail because those emails will never see the light of day. Nearly all email database marketing has the same objectives: increasing click-through rates to your company websites; and reducing the number of contacts choosing to unsubscribe from your communications. Thus, to improve on returns from email online marketing, make sure you keep a clean and organized database – this will allow you to build trust with recipients and recognized email addresses. Increase your open rate with inviting email titles, and always test innovation. Throw in new elements such as video, interactive features and try to maintain a personal touch for your database members. Don't forget to read part 1 first! Read it here.Alternatively - Let us take care of your digital marketing and send you the sales inquiries. Realestate.com.kh can share it’s huge online audience with you. If you are an agent or developer, there is no easier way to improve your online sales conversions. Find out more today.

Most people’s attention span lasts between 5 and 10 seconds… For those involved in marketing, and especially digital marketing, this means that you need to work extremely efficiently if you want to engage the right customers at the right place and the right time, and share with them a message that they will actually take on board. Read part 1 already? Read part 2 here!Because online marketing is our full time job here at Realestate.com.kh, we would like to share a few tips to get the most benefit from your various online marketing channels – and ultimately, sell and rent more property through the internet.Online marketing with your Social Media Channels: No longer are the ultimate goals of social media likes, follows, and shares. Nowadays, social media marketing is a direct source of sales and represents great and highly affordable opportunities for marketers of all kinds. Of course, it is no secret that online companies like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram have developed their services to support company branding and sales. By simple testing, you can soon find our which social channels deliver you the best rate of conversions, click throughs and brand awareness. However, if you are situated in Cambodia, it is a safe bet that Facebook will come out number one - as the majority of the country’s 3.4 Million strong social media users taking first and foremost to Facebook. Surprisingly, some locals still understand Facebook and the Internet as a conjoined concept. Want to learn how to use LinkedIn for real estate sales?Online marketing with Search Engine Optimization (SEO): SEO is the least understood type of online marketing – but can be the most expensive and, for many online businesses, the most important. Basically, your company website is as useful as it is visited. If nobody can find your website, it is as useful as a 50 foot billboard behind a wall. SEO can be divided by on-page and offsite SEO. On-page relates to developing the navigation of your website so that all content is easily available to visitors. Offsite SEO is like casting a net – developing your offsite SEO will mean more people searching on leading search engines, such as google.com and its international network of sites, will find your site in their search results, and before they find your competitors… Be patient when developing your SEO as results will not come overnight. Remember, once again, there is no avoiding the need for content.  If you want a bigger audience to visit your website, and improve your website’s organic SEO, content is key – now, more than ever. Clear, engaging and consistent content is the key to growing your SEO sustainably. New search algorithms demand that top ranking pages must provide the user with content that engages them, and is unique and well referenced. If your post is about buying real estate in Chamkarmon, for example, it needs to be genuinely useful to your readers if it is ever going to rank well in SEO. The days are over when you can simply load articles with keywords and expect search results. Further, your keyword selection is crucial for a successful SEO strategy. You must clearly target your strategy to bid for the search key words most likely to bring revenue to your business. Don’t waste any time or money trying to win key words that will never convert. Also be wary about your competition.  If you see that another website has dominated certain key words for a long time, your chances of beating them are much lower, and will require far more effort in regards to content creation. Look for the low hanging fruit first, and the key words that will convert. Why online marketing can help you test ideas quickly!Online marketing with Paid Ads: Whether you are considering implementing search, display, or social ads into your online marketing strategy, always pay attention to conversion tracking and testing first and foremost. Otherwise, you are swinging in the dark! By using conversion tracking for paid advertising initiatives, you can immediately gauge which ads and keywords bring revenue with the highest return on your investment. Test and optimize all elements of the campaign until your success metrics start to show growth. The same rule applies whether you are interested in branding or conversions. Keep in mind; you will incur additional creative costs during this process if you want to do it right. It is important that you ensure your content and other visual media is in line with your audience, marketing strategy, and company image. Enjoyed the post so far?? Read part 2 here!Alternatively - Let us take care of your digital marketing and send you the sales inquiries. Realestate.com.kh can share it’s huge online audience with you. If you are an agent or developer, there is no easier way to improve your online sales conversions. Find out more today.

Camhomes’ maiden mixed development at Sihanoukville, D’Seaview, aims to bring an integrated concept of living to Sihanoukville, which focuses on the convenience that only a mixed development can offer: living and shopping at the highest standards in the same building. Besides offering high quality homes while retaining affordable prices, Camhomes’ Group General Manager, Ryan Ong, also emphasised on the potential capital appreciation and first movers’ advantage for buyers who invest in a D’Seaview unit, regardless of whether they are residential or commercial buyers. Investing in a mixed development at Sihanoukville that comes to life through commercial and residential owners and tenants, acts as a hedge against future inflation. Having the advantage of being in a prime economic seaside location like Sihanoukville, with its deep-sea port, Special Economic Zone, international airport, as well as its oil and gas industry commencing operations soon, D’Seaview is the market leader in high-standard condos that extends its services beyond just quality housing and to the world of commerce. “With Sihanoukville being an up-and-coming booming coastal city, it is only a matter of time before more foreign businesses start coming into this province, and when that happens, housing will be the first few things they will look out for, thus we are hoping to fill up this hole,” Ong explains. Envisioning what expatriates and locals would appreciate within such a mixed development at Sihanoukville, D’Seaview places its focus on the integration of convenience, facilities, lifestyle, and status. In addition to its two residential towers, D’Seaview has four commercial blocks comprising 66 units. These include a vast ground-level space of approximately 500 square metres dedicated solely to F&B, either a food-court or a restaurant, which is priced at an estimated $1.7 million. Also, there is the second level that will be left as a wide plan for retail purposes. From the third to the seventh levels are smaller commercial units with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. D’Seaview also has a hotel block, which is open to investors, as well as local shophouse-style blocks that are targeted at Cambodians who would like to set up their business as well as live there. A typical commercial block features a third-storey roof terrace, which D’Seaview visualises to be a childcare centre, a spa, a salon, or even a family karaoke lounge hall. However, the final outcome depends on the imagination of the buyer. The variety and potential of D’Seaview’s commercial hemisphere brings the term mixed development to a whole new level, “which will be satisfying a lot of purchasers’ requirements and demands,” as explained by Ong. Such is the flexibility of D’Seaview in catering to its commercial purchasers’ needs that if a buyer wants to purchase an entire floor, Camhomes will be more than willing to work with them and help them in re-designing the floor plan. The starting price per square metre for a commercial unit within the compound is from $1619. Some commercial units have already been sold since the launch of its retail store spaces last weekend. With a ready pool of customers from the 735 units of residences and the 98-room hotel, D’Seaview’s commercial hub looks to be abuzz with consumer activities once the development is completed in Q1 of 2018. Open to the public, the lifestyle element is a factor of appeal, as the commercial units will feature a slew of trendy bistros and cafes that has the potential to be the new uptown of Sihanoukville. D’Seaview envisions itself to be a cosmopolitan hub with a balanced mix of locals and foreigners. On what sets D’Seaview apart from other housing developments, Ong elaborates, “we have the advantage of the seaside and close proximity to the port, thus reducing travel and delivery of consumer goods. Our central location among the seaport, airport, and the future highway connecting Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh, is also another great advantage.” Realise your housing and commercial dreams now; visit Camhomes’ D’Seaview showroom at Canadia Towers and talk to their property consultants. Phnom Penh Post, Post Property.

After a tumultuous year in Cambodia for Singapore-based TEHO International, the developers of the $500 million The Bay condominium project on Chroy Changvar peninsula said construction will begin early next year with a new marketing strategy after another managerial shakeup. Want to inquire about a unit in the Bay? Check out the full listing today, on realestate.com.kh.  Announced on the Singapore Stock Exchange earlier this week, ECG (Cambodia) was bought out and formalized into the parent company ECG Property—a wholly owned subsidiary of TEHO International that handles all marketing and promotional activities. Previously operated by the joint venture’s partner, Sok Bun, ECG Cambodia was purchased to a tune of $71,776, or what amounted to 45 per cent of the initial paid-up share capital. Currently, the unaudited net assets for ECG Cambodia as of July 2015 amounted to $169,836, the statement read. While ECG Cambodia will still perform its duties as the acting real estate agency for The Bay, all marketing and promotional activities will be conducted at the head office back in Singapore. Phua Cheng Boon, Financial Controller for TEHO International, said, “it is good to have full integration of our projects.” “We will have somebody based in Singapore who will be able to run operations regionally as well,” he said. Want to inquire about a unit in the Bay? Check out the full listing today, on realestate.com.kh.  It was previously reported by The Post that 100 condominium units had been sold since the soft launch in September. However, Phua declined to provide current figures. “While we can’t disclose the level of sales, we are confident to say that construction will begin in the first quarter of 2016,” he said. With a new marketing strategy, he added, the development “will not be about big exposure.” TEHO International, which formally launched the project in February of this year, had spent $1.1 million on advertising and promotional activities, as well as around $600,000 in legal and professional expenses to promote the development, an annual filing in August stated. While Sok Bun, who resigned from his position as director of the board, currently awaits trial for the beating of a former TV star, his shoes has since been filled by Yim Chhay Line, the daughter of Deputy Prime Minister Yim Chhay Ly. “She is a good asset to the group and I am confident that all the necessary requirements for construction have been achieved,” said Phua. Kim Heang, CEO of Khmer Real Estate, said that a marketing shift to overseas investors is the “smartest” market strategy for The Bay, as it faces more competition and is also behind schedule. When asked if The Bay would miss out on the local segment, Heang explained that it is too small, “so why [do] they need to waste time and money [on] the local segment?” With a few soft approaches to buyers in Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan recently, Phua said sales “have picked up.” “We are doing this gradually because The Bay is a rather large project. We are going to all these different countries to do soft launches to get sufficient buying. We want to position [ourselves] as [a] more exclusive development,” he said. Want to inquire about a unit in the Bay? Check out the full listing today, on realestate.com.kh.  Kali Kotoski, Phnom Penh Post, Post Property.

International property consultancy, Savills, signed a contract earlier this month with Keystone Property Consultants to make the local firm the Cambodia-based associate of Savills.The move strengthens Savills’ presence in South East Asia, and increases Savills’ Asia Pacific presence to 58 operations across 17 countries in the region. Sunny Soo, Managing Director of Keystone, has been working in emerging real estate markets in Malaysia, China and Mongolia since 1997. He arrived in Cambodia in 2010 and continued in the same profession. Soo says, “The hardware of the Cambodian property market is upgrading quickly; in a very short space of time, the country has become host to a new breed of world class projects that will change the city skyline beyond recognition. The advancement of these developments also means the software must keep up, and this means more professional and holistic real estate consultancy is in demand.”Savills, with their Indochina representative in Vietnam, has been in close contact with developers in Cambodia for over a decade. Hence, the Cambodian extension, through the association with a local sought after consultancy, is only natural, says Soo.Neil MacGregor, Managing Director of Savills Vietnam, said, “Current international clients of Savills were seeking investment consultancy and other services within Cambodia and Indochina region. The association with Keystone though will allow us to leverage both parties’ expertise, will further strengthening Savills portfolio across this dynamic region.”Soo also commented that a considerable amount of current projects underway in the Cambodian real estate market currently may encounter difficulties in the future due to lack of necessary preparation and calculated foresight in planning. “We are wishful for the opportunity to serve the industry and hopefully in time the market will recognize and welcome us as a valued consultant”, he said.Presently in the development of business infrastructure, expect to see the physical launch of the Savills’ association - Keystone in early 2016.

Serviced apartments are the creme de la creme of the Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville real estate sphere, and these luxury abodes include all amenities fit for a king, or queen.Serviced apartments are plentiful in Cambodia’s major cities, but prices are comparatively high and overall occupancy levels can be quite low. Serviced apartments are the number one choice for young professionals who want to live alone in the central city, close to work, and save time managing their home. They are also increasingly popular with families, who appreciate the privacy and quality of living in serviced apartment complexes. The supply of serviced apartments is only set to soar too - with a host of new options ready for occupancy in 2020 and beyond.What should I expect in my serviced apartments unit?When you start considering serviced apartments for rent, or possibly purchase, expect western style interior decoration, plenty of light and windows, views of the skyline, fully functioning kitchens - including ovens, clean and modern bathrooms, and expansive storage space and closets. What should I expect in the serviced apartments complex?Serviced apartment buildings will generally incorporate elevators, full security services (including a 24 hour guard, CCTV, intercom and possibly fire safety provisions), ample parking for cars and motos, fully equipped gym, and in most you can even find a swimming pool. When you live in a service apartment your landlord shouldn’t be hard to deal with - expect professional  and well-documented rental payment collection and fast feedback on requests for property maintenance. Make sure you get a good contract, here are a few tips!What should I expect in my serviced apartments amenities and services?In regards to services included in serviced apartment management fees, expect services such as house cleaning, laundry and drycleaning, fast and consistent internet, cable television, reliable water and a water heater for the shower and bath, and often serviced apartments also include full concierge service. The concierge will be able to help you navigate the city, book taxis and buses, and generally make sure everything is to your taste in your new home.  What's the price range for serviced apartments in Phnom Penh?Let’s compare service apartments vs. non-serviced apartments (prices based on Realestate.com.kh data):For serviced apartments:Lower = $600 – $800Middle = $800 – $1,400High = $1,500 ++For standalone apartments:Lower = $300 – $500Middle = $550 – $900High = $1,000 ++Check out over 200 serviced apartments for rent in Cambodia on Realestate.com.kh!

In the first half of 2015, serviced apartment supply bumped up 14 per cent versus 2014 - meanwhile, rental prices remained similar to the year prior as a host of new offerings entered the local market. CBRE Cambodia’s recent report highlights that a total 349 additional serviced apartment units will come online within the local marketplace before mid-2016. 5797 units presently exist, and 11 more condo projects are currently underway. Check out CBRE's listings on Realestate.com.khHowever, the supply appears to be overshooting the current demand. Want to learn more about serviced apartment expectations?Overall occupancy rates of serviced apartment units have declined from 90 percent to around 70 percent at the end of 2014. However, showing slight improvement, this occupancy across all serviced apartment units rate grew to 80 percent this year, according to the CBRE report. Check out a video interview about how to find the best expat rentals in Phnom Penh. According to the report, on average, for a serviced apartment unit, a one bedroom unit or studio with 50 to 55 square meters varies from $1,000 to $1,500, two bedroom units with 70 square meters varies from $2,000 to $2,500 and three bedroom units with 110 square meters varies from $3000 to $3,500 per month, while “penthouse”units with 250 square meters are priced between $4,000 to $5,000 per month, according to the report, depending on the architecture and design. Make sure you get a good contract, here are a few tips!Check out over 200 serviced apartments for rent in Cambodia on Realestate.com.kh

Savills, one of the world's largest International real estate and property consultancies, and the largest agency in Vietnam,  has announced that they will soon enter the Cambodian real estate market.Savills will join the Kingdom's market through a partnership with Keystone Property Consultants in Cambodia, according to recent announcements. After Savills joins the Cambodian real estate market, their Asia Pacific presence will increase to 58 operations, across 17 countries in the Southeast Asian region. Phnom Penh based Keystone, is a leading investment and property consultancy in Cambodia. It's executive director, Mr Sunny Soo, was the preceding country manager for Knight Frank Cambodia. Sign up for real estate news updates with Realestate.com.kh to find out the latest developments in this story in the coming months.

Sihanoukville is becoming more than just a place to soak up the sun on a slow weekend; it’s attracting the interest of serious investors looking to cash-in on a growing middle class in the coastal city.Trade and tourism are the city’s biggest revenue generators and with growing numbers of tourists and business people who come to invest for condos in Sihanoukville, especially from China and the rest of Asia, property developers are looking for new opportunities to capture these growing markets.One of the upcoming properties set to make an impression of condos in Sihanoukville is D’Seaview, a 735-unit condominium to be located near Sokha Beach. The project is backed by Singaporean agribusiness company HLH Group Ltd under their newly formed Camhomes branch.  Through private subsidies, the company is marketing units as low as $33,000 for Cambodian citizens – but this subsidized investment opportunity is running out at the end of December 2015. Construction on the project is expected to begin later this year, with a completion date of 2018. New families, young professionals and other prospective buyers will have the chance to secure one of the beautifully appointed units on offer at D’Seaview available from as little as $675 per square metre. D’Seaview will boast state-of-the-art facilities including a swimming pool, a fitness centre and sauna, function rooms and a children’s playground, all catering to a modern family lifestyle and all with a view over the ocean. Real estate experts say major condominium projects such as D’Seaview will bring international standards to the city and draw more sophisticated investors. See full details of D'Seaview, condos in Sihanoukville here! Clement Dupont, a property market watcher and investor based in Sihanoukville, said D’Seaview will give the city a new image, one of luxury and liveability rather than just an affordable holiday destination. “This will make people realize that condos in Sihanoukville is a worthwhile place to invest money and attract homebuyers who are looking to live and work in a comfortable, classy environment, as the city’s economy grows from year to year.” “It’ll definitely be interesting to see how the property market pans out once D’Seaview is complete,” he added. In the first eight months of the year, Sihanoukville airport handled a total of 65,698 passengers, with total arrivals at 35,882, up 149 per cent and 140 per cent year-on-year, respectively. Lucky Air recently launched direct flights from Kunming to Sihanoukville, becoming the first Chinese carrier to offer year-round regular scheduled service to Sihanoukville. “Many Chinese have come here to invest and live and work,” said Y Thearin, a Sihanouk Provincial Hall representative. “Their investment in the city has become important to the way condos in Sihanoukville is moving forward,” he added. The Chinese influence is certainly becoming noticeable as Chinese-backed casinos and hotels multiply rapidly. One of the largest properties to open recently is the 135-room White Sand Palace, which will also feature a casino set to be open next month, in Occheuteal. The casino industry has doubled since last year to 15 casinos, with an additional five applications pending approval. Spurring this growth is the potential of online gambling which is being offered from the majority of Sihanoukville casinos, says the spokesperson Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ros Phirun. Paralleling Sihanoukville’s growth is its property market, with land prices going up fast especially in areas where infrastructure is being improved, says Ruslan Gronov, manager of Sihanoukvilla Real Estate and Consulting. “The new road that is being upgraded from Sokha to Independence beach is resulting in more land available for sale, while prices are also going up around Otres beach where the road joining National Road 4 and the airport are going up.” Gronov says the rental market for small residential properties has not changed much amid the city’s growth but rental prices for commercial properties and full buildings have gone up considerably since November last year as the hospitality industry thrives and Chinese business people living in the city push up demand. Here is another article considering the benefits of living and investing in Sihanoukville! Gronov said the lowest price for a one-bedroom apartment with a kitchen is around $250 per month, located in the downtown area away from the beach. For a similar property near the beach the price is around $100 more. “If you rent commercial and full building, the prices have changed a lot but for residential and small houses it’s the same.” “It is a good time to invest here in condos in Sihanoukville. Some areas are still growing and the price is growing fast.” Check out the investment opportunity here!Gronov added that the cheapest land prices are around $200 per square meter for land not close the beach, while some of the highest prices are in Otres and the Golden Lion, the city’s most prominent landmark just a short walk away from Occheuteal Beach where land can go for about $1,000 per square metre. Sihanoukville has maintained a crucial position in the country’s trade and manufacturing sectors and is set to capitalize on this as the government looks to construct a 190-kilometre-long, 25-metre-wide expressway linking Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville on National Road 4. This project is said to begin next year and finish in 2020. Sihanoukville is home to the country’s largest port and one of the largest special economic zones, but set to create competition is the development of the Stung Hav Port. LCH Investment Group acquired the more than one thousand hectare Stung Hav site in 2005 and began in 2007 constructing the site’s small port about 4 km from the entrance. The smaller port opened in July 2012 and handles general cargo but not containers. However as of January this year, American and Singaporean investors pledged investment that will result in construction of the port starting in January 2016. This will take approximately two years to build and once complete, hopes to attract the business of around 75 factories in the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone who currently use the Sihanoukville port for shipping. Management says the first step will be to build the International port next year and then the economic zone, and hopes to offer more competitive prices to the main Sihanoukville Port and SEZ, which has around 75 mainly Chinese-owned factories who currently use the Sihanoukville port for shipping. Take a look at D'Seaview's convenient finance terms here.

In their purchasing decision condo buyers often pay little or no attention to who will take charge of property management upon completion of the development and what quality property management actually costs. Without effective property management and the necessary according fees, the impact can be catastrophic on re-sale value and the ability to rent a condo, according to Simon Griffiths, associate director at CBRE Cambodia. Check out CBRE's property listings on Realestate.com.kh today!Exclusively for Post Property, Griffiths explains why developers and condo buyers in Cambodia should consider more on property management, management service fees and what it really means to their purchasing decision. “While the real estate market in Cambodia is ‘hot’ and new condo developments are rising out of the ground all over Phnom Penh, a rarely discussed topic is how these new condos will be managed once they are built and online. With property management (PM) being a decisive factor in the enjoyment of a condo, not to mention potential re-sale values and rental returns, the topic neither receives attention nor interest from many buyers. Understandably and rightfully so. Price, location, developer reputation, facilities and amenities are key determining factors on which a condo buyer will make a ‘buy or not’ decision. However, property management and according fees are crucial components when it comes to owning a condo. In one sentence: Buyers beware of low management service fees (MSF)! Consider buying a Porsche sports car. Would you then use the cheapest gasoline off a street vendor or pay the extra 20 cents a litre for the premium gasoline that is meant to protect the engine? Would you clean your car regularly at the additional cost or let it be covered in dirt? You would want to protect and enjoy your investment. The same principle holds true for property investment. Low cost PM will manifest in low quality PM and will quickly become visible to buyers and renters even in the short term. With poor management, the value of a condo investment is at risk, not to mention the enjoyment of anyone living at the condo. Why then, so often, do buyers invest in premium condos and then actively seek-out and desire lowest price MSF’s? Let’s set put this discussion in Phnom Penh’s market context. The often so called ‘standard market price’ for condo management service fees in Phnom Penh is set between $0.5 and $1 per square metre and buyers commonly consider $1 per square metre overly expensive. Consider then a scenario with 100 condominium units at 100 square metre each. If you manage this building at $0.50 per square metre the PM monthly budget is $5,000. This will need to cover a building manager, accountants, handymen, technicians; building insurance; cleaning; 24 hours security; cleaning materials, mechanical and electrical parts and so much more. Simply put, this budget may keep the building functioning but only just, and the initial ‘on the surface’ benefit of a low MSF would quickly transpire into low safety standards, broken machinery and equipment and a poor condition building in a short space of time.  Check out some new condo projects here!Now, would you desire a low price MSF or consider paying more for quality? But even at $1 per square metre MSF for the building in the above scenario, while it would be possible to provide functional PM, there is little room for high quality services and sacrifices would need to be made in cleaning, security and mechanical and electrical maintenance to keep within the budget, thus showing that the MSF so called ‘market rate’ (in some cases) is artificially low and being driven down by buyers who are mistakenly prioritizing ‘low price’ PM as a positive factor in a purchasing decision. In effect, condo buyers’ MSF expectations are often too low set by a ‘market rate’ that makes it difficult for developers to truly deliver promises of high quality. Couple this with the successive increases in minimum wage levels, and achieving a quality PM service becomes an increasingly difficult proposition. In summary, the so called ‘market price’ for MSF in Phnom Penh in many cases is not feasible and creates a situation where there is a disconnect between buyer expectations and what will actually be delivered in terms of PM service quality. The result is a situation where lowering MSFs effectively may secure sales but creates unrealistic expectations. Selling high quality PM with a low budget makes it almost impossible to deliver on such promises. So how should the developers and buyers think and behave? Developers should not be looking for the easy or quick way out of setting an unrealistic MSF to achieve extra sales. This is flawed and would inevitably lead to unsatisfied buyers come the time when the building opens and is short sighted. Developers need to invest time, energy and knowledge to ensure relevant PM services are installed and embedded within a development before they ‘exit’ and ensure MSF’s relevance to the quality of the development. Buyers should consider more than the bottom-line price in relation to MSF. Consider your expectations, quality and what you want from your condo investment. If you desire a low price, expect low quality and manage your expectations accordingly. Simon Griffiths, associate director at CBRE Cambodia, Phnom Penh Post, Post Property. Check out CBRE's property listings on Realestate.com.kh today!

Century 21 Family is visiting Century 21 Japan on the 12th of December 2015 to enhance the level of collaboration and co-operation between Century 21 Family and Century 21 Japan. Hence, Century 21 Family is on international level and work in the global market place.Within the Real Estate arena, Cambodia has the most attractive market for real estate development in Asia right now compared to other regional countries. Owing to Cambodia’s steady economic growth to be number 21 worldwide and number 1 in the region, the expansion of Cambodian property market with affordable price of condominiums, and a sharp rise in the number of condominium in Phnom Penh, there is a huge increase in foreign buyers who are purchasing condominiums for investment or the second home. Also, as the ASEAN Economic Integration 2015 is approaching at the end of this year with the promise of deeper market integration among the states, Cambodia’s real market attracts investment across the region. Century 21 Japan is efficiently operating 767 offices with professional agents of very strong Project Sale of condominium and generate a great achievement. In addition, Century 21 Family is building networks and relationships to create more opportunities necessarily to introduce and bring potential major Japanese investors to Cambodia.