Sukhalay Hotel on Achar Mean Avenue (now Monivong Boulevard)Amazing Cambodia gather vintage photos of historic buildings across Cambodia and feats of construction that have marked the Kingdom's architectural evolution. The mission of Amazing Cambodia is collecting Cambodian historical images, music,films and other things of cultural importance, and sharing them to everyone domestically and internationally. The purpose in guiding people, especially the young generation, to see and to know how amazing their country was in the past as well as to be proud of being a Cambodian citizen. It is also assisting local people to recall momentous memories about past events, raising foreigners' awareness about Cambodian culture and history and promoting Cambodia's reputation and popularity nationally and internationally. The founder of Amazing Cambodia, Mr. Srin Sokmean, spoke with Realestate.com.kh about his life and his inspiration for Amazing Cambodia.Tell us about your career so far:I have been working as a reporter and editor for a local magazine since I was a senior at IFL. Now I am also working as an English language full-time teacher for a private school in Phnom Penh. On the other hand, I have been an organizer of some cultural events including Amazing Cambodia Photo Exhibition 2013 and the Night of Hope charity concert 2015.What inspired you to start your photo archives?Inspired by my lifelong great passion of local culture and arts, I have been investing most of my free time in doing constant researches on Cambodian past music, films as well as architecture. The 1960s, known as the golden age of Cambodian culture, is my most favorite topic. As I had collected a large number of vintage images, I decided to create a Facebook page named Amazing Cambodia with the initial technical assistance of one of my Facebook friends. The three biggest purposes of the page are to raise Cambodian young generation’s awareness of the country’s glorious past, to review the past memories for the surviving local oldsters, especially those who have been away from the homeland for decades, and last but not least is to promote Khmer culture and history to the world.What your inspiration do this job?Everything is because I do love it from the bottom of my heart - though, I have to sacrifice a lot of money and time. Even without much support, I never give up since I have learned a lot during the process of the research. For example, I know how to improve communication skills with people in that field.My personal inspiring quote is “Don’t give up just because you walk in the right way alone - Appreciate your incomparable talent.”What is your view on Cambodia architecture these days?

Buyers of residential and commercial properties will be spoilt for choice when CAMBODIA PROPERTY AND INVESTMENT SHOW 2016 rolls into town at the Diamond Island Exhibition Centre (Koh Pich) from 8-10 September 2016. And Realestate.com.kh is proud to be the Official Property Portal Sponsor of this year's Cambodia Property and Investment Show! Visitors at the show can see all the projects in one location. Furthermore, buyers can enjoy many special offers available at only at the show. Billed as the largest property expo in Cambodia, the event will showcase some of the biggest property developments in the country. Supported by the Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association, the Show will focus on quality projects that will also attract foreign buyers. Among the development on show are: The Cambodia Property and Investment Show looks set to be the biggest yet as more major developers signed up to display their projects. Many of them will be participating for the first time at the show. This reflect the continued strong growth and demand for quality projects. The property prices are still affordable as compared to countries around the region. As the country continues to attract investments in the manufacturing and tourism sectors, the rental market is expected to remain strong. The Expo is the ideal marketing platform to reach out to both local and overseas buyers as it is expected to attract over 10,000 serious buyers.To Book Your Booth please send your details to the organizer: CLICK HERE TO CONTACTAdmission to the Cambodia Property & Investment Show 2016 is free of charge. Invitation tickets are available: WANT TICKETS?  FIND OUT MORE

Sihanoukville is a highly coveted tourist destination that’s known for its international port, infrastructure, and other good services. The Airport in Sihanoukville also provides tourists a form of convenience, with flights ranging from both local and international destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap. It also offers a few other services for private international jets and helicopters.  These factors have proven profitable for Sihanoukville property and have dressed the tourism sector in the province to appear significantly more attractive. The Sihanoukville property market is extremely attractive for different types of developments, especially for the hospitality industry. For instance, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas – a high class international hotel – will start operations on its project in Khos Krabey Island soon. Within this hotel, there will be a set of around 40 holiday villas, all with a beautiful view of the sea and the beach. Six Senses Spa Krabey island is the preferred destination for tourists looking for a pleasurable and relaxing trip in the Cambodia and even in the South East Asia region. Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas Krabey Island plans to reach project completion by 2017. There are also huge potentials for both tourism development and real estate development in the province. Mr. Den Sakal, a managing director of Universal Real Estate in Prasihanouk province, said that “customers are very much attracted to landed Sihanoukville property and residences. The leasing has been increasing in Sihanouk province, with most of them coming in from foreigners staying for a long time.” Meanwhile, Chhut Bona, a private company staff in Phnom Penh, says that there are a lot of opportunities to invest in landed Sihanoukville property for the coming years because there are also many ongoing and upcoming development projects in the province. In addition to this, its geography and international standards also play a huge role in investment opportunities. There’s also an immense potential for expats who wish to invest in Sihanoukville property, and Cambodia generally. For instance, a group of 13 Chinese companies and investors plan to build a $3 billion international resort centre on the development of Meas Prak (gold and silver) beach resort, which covers roughly 3,000 hectares of land. This is in order to obtain investment return from the tourism industry and to help in the development of Cambodia. Mr. Van Chanthorn, ceo of Towncity Real Estate, states that “luxury resort developments on the island and other projects are also contributing to the growing real estate sector in the Sihanouk province. This then causes economic growth which makes way for a lot of infrastructure improvements, along with a higher demand and growth in the employment market, which is really important.” According to Chhit Sengnguon, vice governor of Sihanouk province, there were over 1.3 million tourists who visited Sihanoukville during the year’s first 5 months, an increase of around 16 percent compared to the previous year. This is essential, as an increasing tourist volume indicates that the economy and the real estate sector are also growing. All property for rent in SihanoukvilleAll property for sale in SihanoukvilleLearn more about Sihanoukville

vKirirom Pine Resort is located among the pine trees of Mount Kirirom National Park, and offers a unique escape from the heat of the Cambodian plains, lying 675m (2,215 ft) above sea level. Here you can lead a slow life in the mountains, whether for a holiday retreat home, retirement village, office retreat or permanent residence. Kirirom National Park was the first national park of Cambodia, located mostly in Phnom Sruoch District, Kampong Speu Province, with a smaller section is in neighboring Koh Kong Province. The meaning of "Kirirom" is "Happy Mountain", given to the area by King Monivong in the 1930s. vKirirom today has an international class resort, vKirirom Pine Resort, with 68 rooms and 150 camping sites featuring, fit out in a glamorous camping theme, a.k.a “Glamping”. Visitors can join in an array of activities such as cool mountain top relaxation, team building activities, and recreational sports. There is also an international university known as the Kirirom Institute of Technology, now in its second year of operation. Exciting new introductions include the Movie Town zone, Entertainment zone, MICE zone (Meetings, Incentives, Convention and Exhibition), Auditorium, Bus Terminal, Commercial facilities, Swimming pool, ZIP lines and Container hotel. Having won the Eco Tourism Resort award 2015 from the Government of Cambodia, the resort has demonstrated it is fully committed to making the highland development into the best in Cambodia, and an internationally recognized destination on par with Siem Reap. Phase 1 is 591 hectares consisting of vKirirom Pine Resort and Creative Forest. The first area shall be dedicated to residential and supporting facilities. Introducing elements of a successful city development will be priority in this phase and will include daily conveniences, medical facilities, educational facilities, transportation hubs, commercial opportunities and entertainment. The latter area will focus on green concept business development. together with light industry and other development and education programmes. CHECK OUT THE FULL LISTING FOR VKIRIROM! The entire development is designed to be totally eco-friendly. For instance, as construction continues, VKirirom has a strict policy that only trees which are rotten or broken are cut down for new construction areas. Otherwise, the natural setting is preserved as much as possible. The resort also grows its own vegetables and fruits without chemicals to serve in the on-site restaurant. Natural resources are also reused, for example, charcoal is made from any cut trees, and fertilizer is created from green waste. 1200sqm of free land is available for sale for buyers who wish to design their own home. Architects and construction support is also available on the buyer’s request. If a two-storied house is preferred, this can be arranged also. However, in order to protect the environment, a policy of building-to-land ratio up to 20% must be maintained, and a maximum total floor area of 1000sqm. Pre-built homes are also available. Borey A has a single floor space of 110sqm with land area of 600sqm. These homes are perfect for those who want to come and enjoy in the mountain every weekend as an escape from the city life! Each house has a loft and rooftop veranda. VKirirom also offer an integrated cleaning service and food catering service from Pine View Kitchen, as needed. And when you invite your friends or relatives, you can use resort’s additional accommodation for a special price. Further, when you don’t use this house for a long period of time, the team at VKirirom can help you to find someone who wants to rent it and pass you the rental returns. Borey R has a single floor space of 36sqm with land area of 180sqm. It is well suited as a student dormitory for “Kirirom Future College” students. You can lease this building and rent it to the college (for 2-10 years) in which case the college assures the rental profit with an 8% fixed rate interest. Also as a retirement house, this type of house with land is very attractive. As the entire site is on a 50 years lease contract, anyone from any country can rent without any special procedure. The developer’s unique strategy is a win-win formula for buyers. vKirirom produce cost effective properties that provide good rental returns and high capital appreciation. CHECK OUT THE FULL LISTING FOR VKIRIROM!

Some developers who are retracting from the already crowded residential and commercial segments are seeing the potential in industrial real estate development as a hedge against a potentially stagnant residential market from 2018 onward. For developers and investors skittish at the prospect of a residential market bubble, the industrial segment looks to offer a safe haven despite recent policy changes. “Their concerns are valid,” says Saraboth Ea, managing director at Maxem Property, “as estimates currently put new supply in the residential condo market at between 20 to 25 thousand units in the next two years with rental demand and projected occupancy still uncertain.” Although around 150 garment and footwear factories closed down in Cambodia in 2015, there are still more than 500 active factories using around 5 million square metres of land in Phnom Penh alone, said Sung Sina, director of the valuation department at Bonna Realty Group. In recent times, the industrial real estate market has shifted to the south of the city in order to beat the land price rises in the more central districts of Phnom Penh. “Manufacturing and

The Edge, a modern mixed-use development, will support Phnom Penh’s growing economy by providing what businesses – both local and foreign – need to unleash the capital’s potential: accessibility and convenience PHNOM PENH, June 24, 2016 – Shukaku Inc. today launched The Edge, its latest mixed-use development which will be located at the Phnom Penh City Center (PPCC), Cambodia’s first planned city project and Phnom Penh’s future Central Business District. Shukaku made the announcement at an exclusive showcase it held for investors, business owners and customers today at the Sofitel Hotel in Phnom Penh.CHECK OUT TWO EXCITING PROJECTS FROM PPCC FOR SALE ON REALESTATE.COM.KH NOW: RESIDENCE 90 | THE EDGECommitted to supporting Cambodia’s transformation to meet the demands of the 21 st century, Michelle Lau, Executive Director, Shukaku Inc., reaffirmed that Shukaku Inc.’s mission is to unleash the potential of Phnom Penh and make it a truly liveable city by creating sustainable, innovative and integrated urban communities in the region. “We are very excited to share our new development, The Edge, with you today,” Ms. Lau said, “which is the latest feature of our project that speaks to our company’s long-term vision for the Phnom Penh City Center.” The 4 to 5-storey, 90-unit development was conceptualized by award-winning design architect, Logon, which used an innovative ‘Retail Office Versatile Office (ROVO)’ concept. All units are designed with flexibility in mind, providing space for businesses to be set up according to their preferences. The Edge is located next to a 22,000 sqm public park – a testament to Shukaku’s vision of providing new livable spaces where the community can feel safe and have true accessibility. Residence90, the company’s first residential villa property tailored for the modern Cambodian’s urban lifestyle, was also featured at the event. Inspired by modern architectural models, each villa at Residence90 has been designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding tropical landscape, and to fit its residents’ lifestyles. “At Shukaku Inc., we believe that each project begins and ends with a sense of purpose,” Michelle Lau said. “The purpose behind Residence90 is to provide residents with high-quality and smart living – at the heart of the Capital.” Current developments at the PPCC also include the PPCC Sports Complex and the upcoming One Park, an integrated lifestyle, residential and commercial hub, co-developed with GRED. Shukaku is in discussions with investors and will announce more developments throughout the year. “My vision is to create a place where the community can truly work, live and play” said Ms. Lau. “This includes wide spaces filled with greenery and well-planned infrastructures as well as providing a central place for businesses to conduct efficient, comfortable and reliable operations.”About Shukaku Inc.Established in 2001, Shukaku is a privately-owned innovative real estate developer based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Not just a property developer, Shukaku is also a master developer and an urban planner actively contributing to the shaping of the new Phnom Penh. Committed to building Cambodia’s future, Shukaku is creating liveable, quality developments through pioneering urban planning standards. Its flagship project, the Phnom Penh City Center (PPCC), will create a modern, thoughtfully-planned and fully integrated downtown core in Cambodia’s capital.About Phnom Penh City Center (PPCC)Set to become Phnom Penh’s first Central Business District, the Phnom Penh City Center (PPCC) is the first planned city project in Cambodia. Combining financial, retail, commercial, residential, medical, recreational and public spaces, this 111.6-hectare open, futuristic and iconic urban district located at the heart of the capital will offer the newest architectural buildings and modern city conveniences. A green and vibrant township, the PPCC is bringing a livable and integrated city to the people of Phnom Penh.  CHECK OUT TWO EXCITING PROJECTS FROM PPCC FOR SALE ON REALESTATE.COM.KH NOW: RESIDENCE 90 | THE EDGE

With an increasing number of reasons to visit the land of smiles, Cambodia has opened its doors not only for economic growth and global competitiveness, but also for tourists who are looking to immerse themselves in the Khmer culture.As a result of this, the number of visitors and infrastructure dedicated to helping the tourist sector expand has also grown.“One Belt One Road” Policy:In an interview last month, Sam Yang, CEO of Eastland Development, states that the “One Belt One Road” initiative by China – which aims to create an elaborate land and sea railway connection among different countries around the world – may help usher in Chinese investments into Cambodian real estate. Since there is an overproduction of materials in China such as steel, it can easily be made accessible to Cambodia to utilize towards building infrastructures like airports, roads and railways. This will allow numerous entry points for tourists. And the more tourists that come into the land, the more foot traffic local and international retailers have. In fact, in 2016 alone, 1 million Chinese tourists are expected to walk the streets of Cambodia.Tourism is becoming one of the major contributors in Cambodia’s economy. And with the appearance of hotels owned by international companies, and the construction of new infrastructure like additional airports and railways, property investment would seem like the perfect option for foreign nationals who can’t stay away from the Kingdom.Awards Keep Coming:Just recently, the ECTT or the European Council on Tourism and Trade hailed Cambodia as the World’s Best Tourist Destination for 2016. If anything, this recognizes the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and confirms its success towards driving more people to become aware of the many attractive qualities of Cambodia. This also further encourages investors as an indicator of stability and growth. Accommodations Expand:Local and international businesses and retailers are not the only beneficiaries of the growth in the tourism sector though. New high end brand hotels have also been popping up and receiving their fair share of investment returns through thousands of tourist s checking in every single day. Hence there is a great opportunity for foreign investors to launch and develop even more properties like it. Some of these developments are “The Courtyard by Marriott”, and the “Rosewood Phnom Penh” which will occupy the top 14 floors of Vattanac Capital Tower. These hotel brands are preferred by visitors because of outstanding service and accessibility to attractions around the country. The Peak mixed-use development by Oxley Worldbridge will also host the Shangri La Hotel in the coming years.But of course, accommodation for tourists is not just limited to hotels. As the property market and tourism expands, there will also be growth in different markets like apartments, serviced apartments and backpackers. These types of properties will see a rapid increase in rental prices.Another thing we are seeing more and more of is eco-friendly tourism options; a prime example being VKirirom Resort - where guests can stay on top of Cambodia’s most idylly mountain range, and enjoy a wide range of eco-friendly activities.Easy Visa:While getting a visa in Cambodia is not at all complicated, the Ministry of Tourism has now given notice that it will prepare to issue three-year multiple visas exclusively to Chinese and Korean citizens, who have been the country’s greatest tourists, partners and investors. In 2015 alone, there were around 400,000 Korean and around 700,000 Chinese tourists. And as the amount of visitors in Cambodia grows, the Ministry of Tourism hopes that this will encourage foreign nationals to get to explore not only the sights in Cambodia, but also investment opportunities.Just recently, the ECTT or the European Council on Tourism and Trade hailed Cambodia as the World’s Best Tourist Destination for 2016. If anything, this recognizes the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and confirms its success towards driving more people to become aware of the many attractive qualities of Cambodia. This also further encourages investors as an indicator of stability and growth.Check out more info about Foreign Investment in Cambodia!

Every industry has its stories of successes and shortcomings. The real estate and property investment industry in Cambodia has certainly had lots of those - and has developed a lot alongside its victories and it's rising from past failures.This is the same reason why it is regarded as the rising tiger of Asia: Strong in its approach and wiser with each controversy and distress, the property and land markets have seen significant growth in the past years. But there remains challenges that it must overcome to reach its maximum potential.In a speech for fellow professionals and enthusiasts in the Real Estate Market & Outlook Conference (REMOC) 2016, president of CVEA and CEO of Khmer Real Estate, Mr. Kim Heang, addresses some of the challenges for the land, condo, borey, factory and warehouse markets.Should Foreigners Be Allowed to Buy Land in Cambodia?He states that Cambodia is fortunate enough to have laws and policies in place that restrict foreigners from buying land. Unlike countries that do not, Cambodia is reaping the benefits of this policy through stable investment opportunities for locals. Heang explains that if foreigners are allowed to buy properties in Phnom Penh, the whole of Phnom Penh would soon become a giant Chinatown, since the Chinese represent the largest population of investors right now in the area. He adds, "I don't want to be the last Cambodian to live in Cambodia." But even if laws to allow foreigners to purchase land may be possible in the future, Heang clarifies that now is not the right time for that. Where to Invest Now?Heang suggests that if you are looking to buy land for investment returns right now, buy from areas like BKK1 that have 25 years of reliable investment history and established amenities like hospitals, schools, market places and offices. This area is perfect for buyers looking for residential spaces. But if you’re willing to wait and place your money for longer and for a bigger return, and plan on doing resale in the next five years, properties in areas like Toul Kork might show better potential for that purpose. He also mentions it is cheaper to invest in condominiums being built in Toul Kork now, because more established areas like BKK1 are heavily influenced by the very high land prices.Heang adds that people looking for investment returns in the next ten years would be best to buy properties outside Phnom Penh itself, in the outer districts, or up to 15 to 20 km away from it. Condo Oversupply?At present though, there are around 20,000 condominium units expected to reach completion by 2018. While there is a concern that there may be an excess of units, Heang suggests that the condominium market will have plenty of demand in the coming years since the Phnom Penh population is expected to rise rapidly as well. And though foreign investors are not allowed to buy land from Cambodia, if the government can get foreign investors interested in Cambodia, it would not be unreasonable to double or triple the amount of units that Phnom Penh already has to offer and still find sufficient demand. This can be achieved through friendlier and more efficient investment policies being put in place by the Government. Property Development Advice:But Heang notes that for property developers, the condo market is now becoming highly competitive and condominiums may not remain practical for long-term living in the city because of the traffic and congestion issues growing in central areas. For that reason, Heang suggests that developers should consider moving to areas on the edges of the city and supplement the local market demand for more landed Borey projects. Preselling also becomes an issue in terms of condominium developments because many developers now cannot afford to buy the land for development outright - so instead loan for this land payment from financial institutions. While it’s not bad to get a loan for the development, many investors are unable to reach their target market during presales and get the necessary support to start construction- as they don’t have upfront capital reserved for construction. Heang advises against allowing this kind of practice throughout the industry due to the potential pitfalls this can cause.Industrial Property Still Strong:But while the condominium market remains unpredictable, industrial spaces such as factories are becoming even more popular for investors in Cambodia because of the relatively low minimum wage for workers that still exists in the Kingdom. Investors have also become wiser, transferring their factories to less expensive areas to save on overhead costs.Heang concludes by saying, “the future of real estate in Cambodia? What is the future? Nobody knows. No one knows about the future." He says that problems are everywhere and it is important that you have a solution-based mindset. In a highly volatile industry where even the smallest problems can lead to the biggest changes, professionals in the industry must be able and ready to adapt.

Traditionally, to sell or rent a house all you had to do was make an appointment with the buyer, use a bit of the “real estate agent charm” and show them some properties that best suit their needs. But those days are over...Currently, over 90% of buyers are using the internet to research the market before contacting a real estate agent, and it has never been more important to make a good first impression online. In real estate terms this is known as a ‘quality listing.’A joint study conducted by The National Association of Realtors (USA) and Google in 2013, stated that ‘Real estate related searches on Google.com have grown 253% over the past 4 years’ and now ‘90% of home owners used the internet during their property search.’A more recent study by We Are Social (Singapore) found that internet usage in Cambodia had grown by over 400% between 2015 and 2016. In line with the We Are Social research, Realestate.com.kh has increased traffic and sales and rent inquiries by 416% since the same time last year.With internet users in Cambodia skyrocketing to over 6.7 million people this year, high quality real estate listings have never been so important.And to ensure property seekers on Realestate.com.kh are presented with the highest listing quality possible, we automatically display listings with 0-1 images at the bottom of the list. Quality listings will always be preferred by our website, and sit higher in the list of search results. Top Listing Quality Tips:1) Upload More Than 3 Photos:After all, a picture speaks 1000 words. Realestate.com.kh’s internal data shows that your chances of selling a property can increase by 85% if you upload more than three images to your property listing. It is very important that the photos you upload are of the actual property you are selling, as this will show potential buyers exactly how the property looks – and prove it is a genuine property for sale. You need to take quality photos! Show the key selling features and show people all the benefits.2) Take Time Writing a Quality Listing Description:Offer as much detail as possible when you are writing your listing description and improve your listing quality. Put yourself in the property buyer’s shoes! What features will they find most attractive in your property?3) Get Your Contact Details Perfect:Your listing is a waste of time if people can’t get hold of you! So make sure your contact details are perfect. Add two phone numbers and an email address if you know that sometimes you will be too busy to take the calls. Also, take time to improve your “Personal Profile” or “Agent Profile” online; as this profile allows you to give some extra information about yourself and/or your real estate agency - and to create a much-needed sense of trust and familiarity between yourself and potential buyers and renters.4) Make Your Property Listing Headline Count!Add a “Property Headline” in both English and Khmer – and make it count. If it is simple and clear, people will find your items before they find another. The internet has thousands of property listings for Cambodia these days, so you need to make sure your title quickly summarizes what you have to offer!5) List A Price:Don’t list “Price On Application” (POA)... At Realestate.com.kh, we have found that potential buyers generally read the home’s description and expect to see an exact listed price. On Realestate.com.kh, listings that display a reasonable price receive 150% more inquiries. If the price is negotiable: also let the user know in the listing description. If the terms of sale/rent are negotiable: let the buyer know in the listing description.6) Follow Up Your Sales Inquires QUICKLY and PROFESSIONALLY:When you receive phone and email inquiries from your online property listing, it is extremely important that you follow up with the potential buyer and renter as fast as possible. If you don’t get in touch quickly, your potential buyer or renter will soon find another offer, and another seller who is more interested in them. If they are an International buyer, communicate over the phone is the correct language - and follow up with a detailed email.It is extremely easy to create a new listing on Realestate.com.kh, whether you are a private seller, landlord of real estate agent. You can sell yourself and we don’t take commission! Sell Faster On Realestate.com.kh:7) Upgrade Listings:You can now upgrade your property listings for sale or rent to "featured" on Realestate.com.kh for only about $1 per day! This means your property will be on the top of the list, and get more exposure and more inquiries. Just click "Upgrade" on the property that you want to upgrade inside your seller’s office and we will do the rest!8) Refresh Listings:If your property is still for rent or sale, you can now refresh your listing once every 7 days and bring it back up to the top of the list! When you click "REFRESH", the property will be moved back up to the top of the list where potential customers will see it!Learn More:If you are an agent, developer, landlord or private seller wishing to list your property on Realestate.com.kh contact us today at info@realestate.com.kh or 017 436 756. We are available to help you anytime with anything!UPLOAD A PROPERTY NOW!Harness the online revolution that is spreading across Cambodia – and get your listings sold on Realestate.com.kh today, Cambodia’s home of real estate.Harness the online revolution that is spreading across Cambodia – and get your listings sold on Realestate.com.kh today, Cambodia’s home of real estate.

Neak Oknha Theng Bunma, founder of Thai Boon Roong Group, passed away last night at the age of 75 - on June 17 2016 at 12.45pm in a hospital in Phnom Penh by natural causes, according to a Freshnews report today. Oknha Theng Bunma was well known as one of the “four tigers” of the Cambodian economy after the fall of the Khmer Rouge, between the 1980s-2000s, and was heavily involved in the real estate and development industries across the nation. Born in Thailand, Oknha Theng Bunma was the first president of Cambodia's Chamber of Commerce. He also owned the Intercontinental Hotel in Phnom Penh and Rasmei Kampuchea Newspaper. The Thai Boon Roong Group, of which Oknha Theng Bunma was founder, is currently developing the 133 story Thai Boon Roong Twin Trade Center in Phnom Penh, located next to Nagaworld. REALESTATE.COM.KH - Your real estate news leader! Read More...

Property valuation is the process of estimating the total value of a property in terms of several factors that are dependent on the industry standards. This may consist of property location, size, future profitability, environment, government policies, and so much more.And since the primary aim of property investment is to get a return of investment and maximizing resources, it is essential that there is an accurate view of the property’s value. While property valuation is performed by trained individuals in the field, even newcomers can benefit from learning the basics. This will make a difference in how transactions are made as it will provide a wider perspective and understanding for people on both ends of the deal. This will ensure that there is significant protection for both the property holder and the entities such as financial institutions, insurers and other parties that also depend on valuations.  There are two main applications of valuation according to Mr. Sim Hoy Chhoung, CEO of V Trust Appraisal Co. Ltd, which he explains in his presentation at the Real Estate Market & Outlook Conference (REMOC) 2016. One of them is property valuation for financial reporting - which is becoming increasingly significant with the importance that the industry now places on the implementation of the International Financial Report Standard. This standard aims to provide consistent and reliable standards based on concrete data. The second application is property valuation for secured lending - where he particularly places emphasis for commercial banks and lending institutions to comply with IVS applications, and also to produce clear conditions of engagement so that there is assurance that the property market will function properly and be well supported by available financing options.Chhoung goes on to show, through a case study of The Central Bank of Ireland, how these applications have made a significant impact on the banking crisis there. In Ireland there were weaknesses in instruction given to valuers, conflicts of interest, failure to conduct frequent valuation reviews, inadequate training and inappropriate use of informal valuations. As a result of these lessons learned, Chhoung sees opportunities for growth in the Cambodian climate, if the National Bank of Cambodia accepts these challenges and seeks to overcome them.LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS TOPIC IN AN IN DEPTH ONE ON ONE WITH REALESTATE.COM.KH & MR CHHOUNGChhoung concluded his presentation by providing suggestions and solutions such as the CVEA and the Ministry working together in providing growth for valuers by providing minimum hours CPD requirements. He also suggests for policy makers to incorporate international standards like the IVS and the RICS professional standards into the local outline for valuation; and to provide even more training and education about property valuation throughout the market. He also calls for banks and financial institutions to consider recommendations for best practices to improve how loans are carried out.While there are already great returns from investments made in Cambodia, it is important to get ahead and obtain proper valuation for your property to ensure sustainability and to anticipate future costs and conditions, should there be any sudden market, infrastructure or policy changes.NEED A PROFESSIONAL VALUATION? INQUIRE TODAY WITH REALESTATE.COM.KH - FAST, EASY, SECURE!

A large multi-purpose project of the Sokha Group has just been announced publicly on the company's official website. This huge multi-purpose project on Chroy Changvar peninsula will include residential condominiums, a large and modern commercial center and various other features yet to be announced. Recent news suggests the Chroy Changvar area is set to transform into an area with great potential in commercial and residential real estate in the coming years, and especially so for foreign investors able to purchase these properties under the foreign investment law regulation. This new investment of by the Sokha Group represents the largest project in Chroy Changvar to date.Please contact our professional team for more info! The "Chroy Changvar Riverside" concept evolution draws on many traditions of Khmer culture. The Design concept revolves around the Dragon Boat and sail, a famous symbol of the Khmer culture. The Dragon Boat race is an important cultural event that takes place on the Tonle Sap River every year. The architectural form of this event is relayed through the elements of the water, the boat and the sail - creating an architectural design with natural flow, transparency and a design that embraces the elements of the riverside where it will soon stand. Meanwhile, the Apsara dancers, a staple of traditional royal Khmer culture, are also merged into the design - representing beauty, divinity and the spirit of unity toward mutual progress. Sokha’s project looks over the Mekong river, Tonle Sap and royal palace: “So far there is no project in such a place, meaning buyers may come from foreign countries to enjoy a high standard of living here,” says Ms Chamroeun Phoeurk, marketing director at Emerald+ Property Management. Mr. Van Chanthoeun, ceo of TownCity Real Estate, agrees with Ms Chamroeurn, “this new project’s location is really good, and well suited to the property development in this region. Furthermore, Sokha Group is a huge company with substantial experience in the field of real estate and property development over many years in Cambodia.” Mr. Chanthoeun added that, “the company already has many customers in hand." Chanthoeun continues to say, "I think that this project will absorb more and more buyers from foreign countries; and if this project allows agency services to assist the buyers in helping them to find those who want to rent, this rental return service will grant investment buyers more profit and ultimately help the projects long term success." Stay tuned to Realestate.com.kh NEWS for more information about this huge new project as soon as it is released.Please contact our professional team for more info!

Life insurance is a relatively new concept to Cambodia but it is an important one. Life insurance is about protecting your life against the daily risks one can be exposed to that may lead to loss of life. One of the major risks in the kingdom is death due to road accidents.Leading insurance provider, Camlife offers insurance products to all Cambodian’s to ensure their policyholder’s lives will be protected against incidences such as road accidents; and if something should happen to them, their family and loved will be protected and provided for with the guarantee of a better future. Life insurance offers the chance to leave a legacy after you are gone, and to ensure those closest to you will inherit financial security to live on beyond their grief.   Camlife has two products: life protection and endowment. Life protection covers risks to your life and endowment is a combination of life protection and a means of investing and saving money in order to make it work for you. Camlife invests your premium during the term for example, 10 or 15 years, in order to make a return which includes any interest accumulated over the investment length. During the term you have the benefit of not only protecting yourself against risks to your life in the future but also a means of growing your invested money at the same time. Both products add value to your life and are very affordable.Contact us now to find out more about these policies!

There’s great profit to be made with selling properties, especially in a country with a fast-growing economy like Cambodia.Whether you’re new to the industry or have been around for a very long time, there will always be people looking for a good investment and they will always try to look for someone with insider knowledge in property. That someone is usually their real estate agent.Whether it’s for selling property or looking for the next home that would best suit their needs, it’s most likely that real estate agents are sought after for help. But real estate agents are bound to make mistakes if they lack certain knowledge, skills and attributes.In an interview with Realestate.com.kh, Mr. Kim Heang, CEO of Khmer Real Estate and former president of the CVEA (Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association), states that “if you have a good occupation, if you have good language, that is not enough.”So, before trying your luck at becoming a real estate agent in Cambodia, here are a few tips:Educate Yourself:Educating yourself does not only mean reading up on the market and getting updates on trends through your smartphone. It means getting a proper education and a bachelor’s degree.There are about a thousand or more registered property agents and ten times more self-proclaimed property gurus in the Kingdom who give investors bad deals and misinformation. It not only makes people from the Cambodian industry look bad, but it also scares people from investing in Cambodia and trusting property agents again.Learn the Language:Heang says that although there are many investors in the local and international market, most of them are foreign nationals looking to invest in properties for commercial use, residential investments or for retirement. So, you have to learn their language in order to prevent any misunderstandings.English may be a safe first choice as it is spoken by many foreign nationals. But since the Cambodian real estate market is particularly popular with investors from China, it will serve as an edge for you if you can speak Chinese as well.Experience and Employment:One of the things to look for after getting your education and learning the language is experience as a real estate agent. Many newcomers make the mistake of applying for positions in a big company says Heang.If you’re looking for good experience, look for it in middle-class companies where you can learn from the founders or CEO directly. At the same time, being in a company that’s still growing will give you better opportunities that you will have a hard time getting into big companies.If you are looking for a real estate agent in Cambodia, read our guide on Choosing the Right Cambodian Real Estate Agent.Honesty:Your honesty is probably the most important among all the attributes a great real estate agent must possess. As Heang puts it, “it’s from your heart”.Many who are new to the industry make great money at the beginning but often struggle in the long run. This is because they lack empathy for the needs of the investors. So, it’s important that you remain truthful and just give them their best options rather than set high expectations you know you cannot fulfil.Your integrity and good character are what will keep them coming back. The longevity of your career is dependent mostly on the trust you build with your client base. Whether you’re new to property investments or not, it’s important to keep all these in mind to prevent unnecessary mistakes and future complications.It is important to note that the job of a real estate agent is not just to make profits, but to keep in mind the best interest of the investors at all times.  For more news and tips, tune in to Realestate.com.kh daily!

NEED A VALUATION FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS? Realestate.com.kh was extremely proud to sponsor and support the BritCham & IBC Luncheon and Panel Discussion on Property Valuation in Cambodia: “Addressing the Gaps.” The development of the Cambodian valuation industry is a core factor is creating a sustainable real estate market. BritCham and IBC in partnership with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association (CVEA) welcomed the Cambodian business community to a focused business luncheon on the topic of valuation of property in Cambodia: “Addressing the Current Gaps.” The event was held of Tuesday 19th April with a panel of experts sharing their perspectives, followed by an open discussion with the audience on the state-of-play of valuation in Cambodia. About the Panel Speakers:Salim Aslam, ASEAN Manager, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS):Salim is ASEAN Manager for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). RICS promotes and enforces the highest professional qualifications and standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. The organisation accredits 118,000 professionals and any individual or firm registered with RICS is subject to it’s quality assurance. The UK Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office and UK Trade and Investment commissioned RICS to produce a report on Building or Fire Safety standards in the construction sector the topic with a view to providing the Cambodian Government with assistance in developing building standards and ensuring better regulation. The Report’s findings and recommendations were presented to and welcomed by the Government last year. Ross Wheble, Country Manager, Knight Frank Cambodia:Country Manager for Knight Frank in Cambodia and oversees all areas of the operational business. Established in the UK in 1896, and now with more than 417 offices in 58 countries, Knight Frank is the world’s leading independent real estate consultancy. As one of the largest and highest profile valuation practices, Knight Frank’s team of professional experts provides a comprehensive range of valuation and market appraisal services across all sectors, valuing in excess of $1 Trillion’s worth of land and buildings in 2015 globally, including some of the world’s most expensive real estate. Holdings a Master’s Degree in Property Valuation & Law, Ross is a qualified Chartered Valuation Surveyor with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and co-ordinates valuations throughout the Kingdom. Kim Heang, President, Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association (CVEA):Kim Heang is a seasoned professional in the Real Estate industry, Business Development, plus a proven leader with the ability to leverage past experience and amazing creative knowledge towards the attainment of company goals. He has a background in both start-up and working with fast growth innovative companies and specialize in building a company’s capabilities to rapidly increase revenue, service levels and profits. Currently, Mr. Heang is the President of the Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association (CVEA) and the founder/CEO of Khmer Real Estate Co., Ltd. BROUGHT TO YOU BY:SPONSORED BY:

While rapid growth in Phnom Penh’s condominium market is showing signs of slowing down, one segment ripe for expansion is the serviced apartment market.As Ann Thida, senior associate director of CBRE Cambodia, said in her presentation at the Real Estate Market & Outlook Conference (REMOC) earlier this year, Phnom Penh has the largest share of serviced apartment supply. And according to the CBRE market research, occupancy rates across the entire Phnom Penh serviced apartment market currently stands at 85.8 per cent.The CBRE Cambodia Q4, 2015 report showed than an estimated 35,000 expats apply for permits to work in Cambodia each year. This compares to the supply of Phnom Penh serviced apartments which is currently at 6,494 units. This market-supply imbalance is one of the main reasons price per square meter is relatively high in the capital’s serviced apartment market, compared to comparable markets in Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh.Some monthly rental rates in the hot residential corridors of BKK and Daun Penh reach as high as $3,500 per month.“With Cambodia being classified as a high-growth country, the rising quality of living, and increase in volume of foreign talents and tourists creates demand for quality serviced residences,” said Jeremiah Lee, managing director of Singaporean-based development company, Kingsland Global. Kingsland will soon enter the serviced apartment sector in Phnom Penh with their One18 Residences project, nearing completion, on Street 118.Thida notes that on a broader spectrum across the regional market, Phnom Penh has the lowest rental rates for Grade-A serviced apartments in mainland Southeast Asia, ranging from one- to three-bedrooms.However, Sofia Perez, research and consultancy manager at Knight Frank Cambodia, says, “It doesn’t make sense to look at the serviced apartment sector in isolation, especially here in Cambodia where condominium projects can easily become serviced apartments, and vice versa.” “The biggest distinction between the condominiums and serviced apartment in Cambodia is merely a question of ownership. Both condominiums and serviced apartment units in Cambodia are available for rent, making them indistinguishable to tenants. Larger and more modern serviced apartments also tend to offer similar facilities and services as condominiums,” Perez said. “Therefore, in terms of supply of residential units for rent it will be more than sufficient – especially given the future supply spill-over of condominium units coming online within the next two to three years, which at current are approximately 20,000 units provided that all launched projects are completed on schedule.”Thida added that there is a misconception that the price will solely dictate the success of Phnom Penh serviced apartments as they come online. Perez agrees, saying, “The more important difference is between residential condo and serviced apartment developments that are setting industry standards, versus those that are missing the mark. In this regard, I would say that there is room for good quality residential developments not necessarily only in the high-end category, but across all categories."Within Phnom Penh, Tuol Kork is steadily growing and will soon need a larger supply of quality serviced apartments, suggests Thida; while Daun Penh is showing particularly high occupancy rates.Thida, nevertheless, warned developers that there are still challenges ahead for the serviced apartment market in Phnom Penh, including a lack of adequate parking space and at times poor property management.However, if developers play their cards right, Phnom Penh’s serviced apartment market could play a big role in their pursuit of success.In Thida’s words, “if you put the right property, at the right location and manage it well, the apartment will always have a good chance of success.”

Phnom Penh is now home to 2.2 million residents, with an annual growth of 3.9 percent. With this fast growth of population, the central business districts of the capital, namely Chamkarmon, Daun Penh, Tuol Kouk, and Prampir Meakkakra (a.k.a "7 Makara" in uniform name), saw a slight decrease of population due to the fact that many residents relocated to the suburbs or outskirts of the city, even though the suburbs or outskirts saw a steady increase year over year. We are seeing an outward urban expansion of Phnom Penh. First, this outward urban expansion of Phnom Penh is occurring because central business districts have been surging in land and property prices and as a result owners might have enjoyed this opportunity and sold out for a considerably high price. Then, they use the money to buy property in the outskirts where land and houses are much lower, with leftover profited amount probably used to expand businesses or save for other things. Second, since property in the central business districts are most sought after, they can rent or lease to tenants who use it for business purposes. Then these property owners relocate to the outskirts and settle down there, enjoying their rents with a good price. According to the Cambodia Economic Census 2011, on average up to 55 percent of business establishments in the four mentioned districts had rented locations there for their business operations, higher than did in Dangkao district, the less-commercial area, only about 27 percent. Third, this urban expansion of Phnom Penh may be caused by traffic pressure and rat-race in the central business districts pushing some people to relocate to the suburbs, where they can enjoy more peaceful and calm environment. Even though people have been moving out to the suburbs, central business districts are not quiet. In fact, businesses of all types have been there, patronaged by, for example, expats and working local people during the day. That is the reason we've seen people commute in large numbers from the surburbs and outskirts in the morning and leave for home after work in the evening, causing traffic jams only at the so-called 'rush hours'. Lastly, landed borey housing developments scattered throughout many of the outskirts of the capital, with a large take-up rate on pre-completion and completion, proves that the city is sprawling and the population gather pace at the suburbs to ease traffic and enjoy new communities out there. By Mr Hoem Seiha, Director of Research | VTrust Appraisal Co., Ltd

Camhomes would like to congratulate all new buyers who came and booked units at “The D’Seaview Exhibition” at AEON Mall from 7-15 May!Buyers who visited the D’Seaview exhibition on 7 May at @AEON enjoyed the special offer from Camhomes: “Buy one get one free,” for retail and residential unit purchases.During the roadshow at Aeon, new buyers also enjoyed Double Prizes! Including instant gifts of Samsung S7 Smartphones, and the chance to win a Honda Scoopy 2015, TV, oven and fan. Learn more about current promotions!And everybody got a chance to meet Cambodian celebrity: Aok Sokunkanha! Thanks to Camhomes!Even if you missed the show at Aeon Mall last week, it is not too late to secure your dream home in D’Seaview in Sihanoukville!  Inquire today with the friendly Camhomes team in Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville!

One segment growing in leaps and bounds in Cambodia is the Phnom Penh serviced apartments market. While the condominium market in Phnom Penh is showing early signs of a slowdown in growth compared to previous years, the Phnom Penh serviced apartments market segment shows no sign of stopping any time soon. As Thida Ann, senior associate director of CBRE Cambodia, puts it in her presentation at the Real Estate Market & Outlook Conference (REMOC) 2016, Phnom Penh has the largest share of supply and according to the CBRE Market research, occupancy across the whole market of Phnom Penh is at 85.83%.This high occupancy rate and low supply ratio is great news for potential serviced apartment developers, whether from the local or international sphere.WANT TO RENT PHNOM PENH SERVICED APARTMENTS?The CBRE Cambodia Q4 2015 report places 35,000 expats applying for permits to work in Cambodia, while the supply of Phnom Penh serviced apartments is only at 6,494. This means only 18.55 percent of these expats have readily available serviced apartments for their stay in Cambodia. This is the same reason why price per square meter is notably high in the Phnom Penh serviced apartments market. Though there are ongoing serviced apartment developments in this market to help provide competitive prices for potential customers, Ann notes there are ongoing projects that will be completed soon to further supplement the market. Further, the ongoing potential for Phnom Penh serviced apartments shows a highly optimistic outlook.Earlier developments in the Phnom Penh serviced apartments market provide a preview as to what future renters may expect in the next few years, suggests Ann; such as the Suncity serviced apartments, Skyline serviced apartments, Maline serviced apartments and Central Mansions. These serviced apartments have already provided many people with homes and have given their investors a great return for the investments they had placed into the development of the property a few years back. Ann further explains that Phnom Penh has the lowest rental rates for Grade-A serviced apartments ranging from 1- to 3-bedrooms in Mainland Southeast Asia. This is as compared to Yangon, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi and Bangkok; who also have growing serviced apartment markets. Ann further explains that not many apartments accept short-term lease for less than three months. Tenants will lose their deposit if they move out before the lease expires. This provides stability and ample security for the landlords, but can limit the choices for short-term renters.  Ann adds that there is a misconception that the price will solely dictate the success of Phnom Penh serviced apartments as they come online. Rather, she clarifies that if you put the right property, at the right location and manage it well, the apartment will always have a good chance of success. Toul Kork is growing fast in general and will soon need a larger supply of serviced apartments; and Daun Penh is showing particularly high occupancy rates.CBRE Cambodia have a highly positive perception of the Phnom Penh serviced apartments market; but Ann still warns that developers must be aware that there are still challenges in the Phnom Penh serviced apartments market that they should approach with caution; such as a lack of quality property management, concierge services and a lack of parking spaces.As the real estate industry and construction segment moves forward, if developers play their cards right, the Phnom Penh serviced apartments market will play a big role in their pursuit of success.WANT TO RENT PHNOM PENH SERVICED APARTMENTS?

Talks of growth in Cambodia has made it a hot-spot for foreign property investment in the last few years, and the nation is receiving worldwide interest from property developers and investors. Known for its beautiful culture, awe-inspiring beaches, mystical forests and rivers, and enormous temple complexes, it’s easy to understand why everyone wants a piece of it. But more than the aesthetic beauty of the country, there are a few other things that give Cambodia its property investment charm:U.S. Dollar Based Investment:Cambodia has used the U.S. dollar as one of its main currencies for a long time now, over 20 years in fact. The government explains that the US$ provides stability in the market with ease of conversion from Riel (the local currency). This makes transactions less complicated for investors and offers a currency option that faces very few transfer restrictions around the world. There are no restrictions for exchanging US$, making it a highly-free flowing currency, and a global currency showing superior stability to all others over recent years. Transferring funds from abroad into Cambodia is very easy and able to be done with very little process. Meanwhile, when you resell your property in Cambodia, you can transfer your money outside of the country very easily, simply by showing your receipt of sale. Many regional banks that have opened in Cambodia also offer ample support for foreign investors who wish to enter the growing real estate market of Cambodia.Early Development Phase:Even though the Cambodian real estate industry has come a long way in the preceding years, there is still a large chunk of undeveloped land and untapped districts able to be utilized by investors and developers from overseas. Most developments in recent years have focused on the capital Phnom Penh, the beach town of Sihanoukville and the tourist destination Siem Reap; but Cambodia still has huge potential for growth in other regions, and investors are welcome to join in when they bring FDI, infrastructural support and experience.Impressive Growth in GDP:Research from a large variety of sources has demonstrated a consistent average GDP growth of 7 to 7.5 percent in the last 5 years for Cambodia. This has allowed the Kingdom to rank 21st in this measure of growth worldwide, and the 1st in the Southeast Asian region – further solidifying its integrity for potential growth into the future. While the bulk of this GDP has traditionally come from garment manufacturing, the economy is entering a phase of diversification and value-adding upskilling which is set to take the economy to a new level of sustainability, for both investors and Cambodian nationals. In fact, last year construction was the largest engine of GDP growth in Cambodia - a testament to the emergence of a booming real estate industry. Appreciation gains for Cambodian real estate are much more attractive than other established markets thanks to the nation’s consistently fast growing economy and GDP. Buyers of property in Phnom Penh, for instance, can safely expect 6 to 8 percent appreciation each year.Secure Assets:Development in policies regarding strata titles, whereby foreign investors can purchase co-ownership in a property as a workaround of the Cambodian State Constitution, has proven to be a profitable decision for its economy and a key for foreigners looking at entering the real estate market. Long term lease policies have likewise allowed huge opportunities for international investors to enter the market and these have provided security sufficient to encourage more and more inward investment.Strategic Trade Location and Logistical Integration:Lying between equally competitive and growing neighbor countries, Cambodia is located alongside Thailand and Vietnam. Meanwhile, the economy sits between the two giants of China and India, with consistently growing partnerships with both. It has also joined ASEAN and has established highly beneficial trade agreements with Europe, North America and Australasia. Infrastructure and trade services have been one of the things Cambodia has pushed very hard on in recent years. That is why it has continued to build better roads, railways, bridges and deep sea ports. It has also continued to develop its international flight connections across the country so as to integrate fast transport and travel for investors. As part of China’s “One Belt One Road” policy, the country will also soon see interconnecting railways across the Asian region and into Europe.Political Stability: The fact that the Kingdom has had one prime minister for almost a quarter century means that there has been, and will continue to be, consistency and continuity in its highly investor friendly policies and political practice. In fact, the current prime minister represents the longest-ruling non-royal leader in South East Asia. Out of the ASEAN nations, Cambodia has demonstrated itself to be within the top 3 in regards to political stability. Retirees' Mecca:Cambodia boasts a low cost and high-standard of living for retirees; offering a great lifestyle at a fraction of what it would normally cost in other places in the region, and tiny compared to highly developed economies. This is what makes it a perfect retirement spot for foreigners. This is becoming increasingly so as the nation's logistical connections, health system, schools, visa support systems and infrastructure grows in leaps and bounds. People:According to the Population Division of the United Nations’ Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Cambodia has about 15,700,000 people, and these people are the Kingdom’s greatest asset in terms of growth. They are not merely spectators to growth; they are the drivers of economic progress - given that 70% of this population is under 30 years of age! Aside from that, the people of Cambodia are also naturally friendly and welcoming, and most understand the value of partnering with internationals for benefits in terms of sharing worldly experience, education and economic benefits.   These are just some of the things that have given Cambodia its charm for investors in the last decade. And as more and more people see the great accomplishments in its past developments and its full potential beginning to emerge, it will soon grow even more attractive for property investment opportunities, whether at a personal or at a business scale. Nevertheless, for the most appreciation, NOW is the time to consider investing in Cambodian real estate! FIND A PROPERTY NOW!