Knight Frank’s latest Cambodia Real Estate Highlights report released today says “the first nine months of 2015 investments in the real estate and construction sector had a combined worth of USD 1,752 million compared with USD 1,540 million during the corresponding period of 2014, equating to an annual increase of 13.8 percent,” with the top five investing countries being Korea, China, Japan, Britain and Malaysia.   Here are some key highlights from the report with their forecasts for 2016 and beyond:Phnom Penh office sectorWhilst Grade C office spaces continue to dominate the supply in the capital, upcoming developments such as the East Commercial Centre (ECC), The Gateway and Diamond Twin Tower will increase supply of Grade A and Grade B office areas in the near future. V-Trust Tower’s opening added 15,000 square metres of net lettable area of 284,448 square metres in the second half of 2015 to the Grade B office supply pool. Formerly known as GT Tower, V-Trust Tower has attracted multinational tenants such as Bosch, Japan Tobacco International, Admiral Markets, CIMB Bank and Phnom Penh Securities. ACLEDA Tower also opened in 2015 adding further to Grade B supply and is expected to be largely owner-occupied.Other notable projects such as The Peak, The Gateway, Diamond Twin Tower and the ECC, along with Exchange Square, are also expected to significantly increase the office supply of prime office space in Phnom Penh. Still under construction are Emerald Tower, City Tower Asia and Maybank’s headquarters on Norodom Boulevard. While occupancy for Grade A office remains low below 30 percent, Grade B and Grade C offices remain steady with occupancies of above 84 percent and 94 percent, respectively.Current asking rents for prime office space ranged from USD 19- 38 per square metre, while the average rental price across all office grades was recorded at USD 18.43 per square metre per month throughout 2015.Knight Frank predicts that completions of a few large projects from 2017 onwards such as Olympia City, a large mixed-use development due for completion by 2019, will result in downward pressure on rental prices for Grade A and Grade B offices.A sturdy supply of office spaces keeps the sector free from oversupply issues. Although Cambodia’s recent ASEAN integration does not appear to have had any noticeable impact on demand, a new online business registration system, recently introduced by the government this year is expected to boost registration of new companies by reducing processing time significantly from 87 days to less than 6 hours, which could have a positive influence on the office sector in the longer term. Phnom Penh Retail Sector“Rental and occupancies within the retail sector remained relatively stable in the second half of 2015,” notes the report, with the availability of stock estimated at 134,154 square metres, including 62,040 square metres classified as prime space. The latter part of 2015 saw the announcement of Aeon group’s second mall in Phnom Penh, as well as Orkidé The Royal Condominium’s launch, which will include two levels of retail podium. Both are set for completion in Sen Sok district. No new completions are expected until at least 2017, with additional retail space of 273,938 square metres expected by 2019 thus increasing the supply by 204 percent. Aeropod, Parkson City Centre, and Aeon Mall 2 account for the bulk of the future supply in the retail segment. The total number of retail malls is expected to increase from 10 to 27 within the next four years, inclusive of standalone malls as well as retail podiums. The much anticipated Parkson City Centre and Naga 2, due to be completed in 2017, as well as the Exchange Square, are all currently in various stages of construction and are expected to add 92,900 square metres to the retail stock.Aeropod, a 7-storey mall component of the mixed-use development operated by the Lion Group located across from the Phnom Penh international airport, is expected to be completed by 2018. Knight Frank estimates that the future supply of retail space in Phnom Penh will consist of 93 percent prime net leasable area and 7 percent secondary leasable areas.Average occupancies for prime grade retail malls have remained stable at above 95 percent throughout last year, with Aeon mall maintaining full occupancy throughout last year despite undergoing at least 15 turnovers with more affordable brands replacing the high-end brands since its initial opening. Rental prices remained stable for the second half of 2015, with no significant movements in demand. Phnom Penh Hotel SectorWith the entrance of several new airline carriers and an increasing number of routes operating both domestically and internationally, the aviation industry in Cambodia is developing in a positive direction. Additionally, improvements to infrastructure between the major tourist hubs of Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, bolsters significant medium to long term potential in the tourism sector.According to the latest Knight Frank report, “Increasing scheduled flights from destinations within Asia has led to growing demand for hotel assets, particularly in the coastal region of Sihanoukville”.The hotel market is evolving along with these trends. Although there is an abundant array of guest houses and boutique hotels available, there is currently a gap in the market for internationally branded, four star, business hotels which is particularly lacking in Phnom Penh. In addition, there are currently only three internationally branded, five star hotels operating in Phnom Penh, which includes the Sokha Hotel who opened its doors last year.  The five star Rosewood Hotel within the top floors of Vattanac Capital Tower is set to open later this year and as well as a further 1,000 keys due to launch at Phnom Penh’s only casino, Nagaworld. Two recently launched development projects, The Bay and The Peak, both being undertaken on a joint venture between Cambodian and Singaporean developers, have announced an agreement with both the Okura Prestige and Shangri-La groups, signaling the entry of two more internationally branded five star luxury hotels, however, these are not due for completion until after 2018.RESIDENTIAL OVERVIEWPhnom Penh serviced apartment sectorPopular amongst expats, serviced apartments are largely similar to condominiums in terms of the facilities they offer such as security, pools and gyms, but also provide additional services such as housekeeping similar to that of hotels. Nearly half of existing serviced apartments are located in Chamkarmon and recent developments include Skyline, Silvertown Metropolitan and Maline apartments. There are currently 3,535 serviced apartment units in Phnom Penh, with 1,832 units expected to become available by 2018 increasing the supply by 52 percent within the next two years, comprising mainly small and mid-sized projects.The average rental prices in high-end developments ranged from USD 1,194 – USD 3,233 per month, with the higher rates applying to centrally located buildings. When compared to rental rates in first quarter of 2015, the lower range showed an 18 percent increase while the upper range decreased by almost the same amount.The report predicts that based on current occupancy rates, indications show that the supply of serviced apartments is still higher than the demand, with no expectations of a significant demand growth in the short to medium-term. However the Knight Frank report notes “While there is no threat of oversupply in the serviced apartment sector, occupancy and rental prices are sure to be impacted by the sudden rise in condominium units within the next few years.”Phnom Penh Condominium sectorBetween 2009 and 2010, the first generation of low-to-mid-rise condominiums entered the Phnom Penh market with a total of 732 condominium units for sale. These developments have a practical focus with basic designs, facilities and management services. Thirteen additional condominium projects have been completed since, bringing the total to 2,836 units by the end of 2015.Existing condominiums in Phnom Penh fall within the high-end or the mid-tier classifications, which are categorised according to their selling price, which reflects all other attributes of the development such as location, accessibility, design, management standards and overall quality. Fourteen of the existing condominiums in Phnom Penh fall under the mid-tier category, which comprises 82 percent of the total existing units in Phnom Penh, with 56 more developments scheduled for completion by 2020. Assuming that all future projects are completed as scheduled, the future stock is expected to increase by 641 percent over the next four years. The Knight Frank report states that “the majority of launched projects have focused their marketing outside of Cambodia due to higher investor interest overseas,” with the main buyers of residential units coming from Taiwan, China, Singapore, Japan and Malaysia. However, more and more developers are building for the lower mid-tier sector, which has attracted more local buyers.Selling prices continue on an upward trend and have reached levels above USD 5,000 per square metre in high end penthouse-style condominiums.Looking ahead,  there is a threat of oversupply in the near future with the majority of units in most developments still expected to be sold to overseas investors in the short-term. Stricter building regulations largely determined by the city master plan and its enforcement may also influence future growth levels in the sector.Want to learn more? Download the report in full here.

Phnom Penh: Hotel Okura Co., Ltd. has just announced a contract with TEHO Development Cambodia Pte Ltd. to facilitate development and management of  "The Okura Prestige Phnom Penh," set to launch 2019. The 40 floor, 250 unit hotel will be part of The Bay project. Located just 17 kilometers from the Phnom Penh International Airport, the Bay complex will provide the hotel with lush views across the city, Tonle Sap and the Royal Palace. Hotel Okura Co., Ltd. is a big player in the hospitality-related industries. The Japanese company is also involved in hotel management through Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co., Ltd., currently operating three hotel groups. Hotel Okura will be the first Japanese hotelier to enter the high-end hospitality market in Cambodia, the nation seeing more and more visitors for leisure and work related travel every year.“We are greatly honored to bring our hotel to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant center of economy and commerce and a hub between Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok,” said Toshihiro Ogita, President of Hotel Okura. "We hope that visitors and locals alike will love The Okura Prestige Phnom Penh and that our brand will flourish alongside the people of Cambodia and ASEAN,” said Ogita.Want to buy a unit in The Bay? Check out the full listing on Realestate.com.kh today!

ក្នុងឆ្នាំ២០១៥ទាំងតួលេខរដ្ឋាភិបាល និងក្រុមអ្នកជំនាញព្យាករណ៍ដទៃទៀតបានឱ្យដឹងថា សេដ្ឋកិច្ចកម្ពុជាកើនឡើងក្នុងរង្វង់អត្រា៧%។ មូលនិធិរូបិយបណ្ណអន្តរជាតិបានរកឃើញថាវិស័យកាត់ដេរវាយនភ័ណ្ឌ វិស័យសំណង់និងវិស័យអចលនទ្រព្យជាសសរគ្រឹះទ្រទ្រង់កំណើននៅឆ្នាំកន្លងទៅនេះ។ ស្របពេលគ្នានេះផងដែរ មានក្ដីបារម្ភជាបន្តបន្ទាប់ខ្លាចក្រែង វិស័យអចលនទ្រព្យមានបញ្ហាកំណើនផ្គត់ផ្គង់លើសតម្រូវការអាចបង្កផ្ទុះជាវិបត្តិនាពេលណាមួយ។Realestate.com.kh បានជជែកជាមួយលោក ម៉ី វ៉ាន់ អគ្គនាយកនៃអគ្គនាយកដ្ឋានឧស្សាហកម្មហិរញ្ញវត្ថុនៃក្រសួងសេដ្ឋកិច្ច និងហិរញ្ញវត្ថុ អំពីវិធានការ និងតួនាទីរដ្ឋាភិបាលក្នុងការធានារក្សាស្ថិរភាពនៃទីផ្សារដ៏មានថាមពលមួយនេះ។ ក្រោយពីវិបត្តិហិរញ្ញវត្ថុសកលលោកឆ្នាំ២០០៨/២០០៩ តើរាជរដ្ឋាភិបាលលោកបានដាក់ចេញនូវយន្តការក៏ដូចជាគោលនយោបាយអ្វីខ្លះដើម្បីជម្រុញវិស័យដីធ្លី និងអចលនទ្រព្យឱ្យមានសន្ទុះឡើងវិញ?វិធានការណ៍រដ្ឋាភិបាលគឺថារក្សាស្ថិរភាពម៉ាក្រូរក្សានូវអត្រាអតិផរណាឱ្យនៅកម្រិតទាបធានាឱ្យមានស្ថិរភាពអត្រាប្ដូរប្រាក់នៃរូបិយបណ្ណជាតិហើយនិងពង្រឹងវិស័យធនាគារទាក់ទងនឹងកម្រិត មូលធនក្នុងទីផ្សារអចលនទ្រព្យ ហើយនិងធានាលំហរនៃការជួញដូរអចលនទ្រព្យនេះឯង។អ្វីទៅជាចំណុចទាក់ទាញវិនិយោគិន និងអ្នកជួញដូរមកកាន់ទីផ្សារអចលទ្រព្យ របស់កម្ពុជាក្រោមក្រសែភ្នែករបស់រដ្ឋាភិបាលខ្មែរ?មែនទែនទៅយើងមិនមែននិយាយតែវិស័យដីធ្លីទេគ្រប់ការវិនិយោគទុនយើងមើលទាំងអស់។ ក៏ប៉ុន្តែសម្រាប់វិស័យដីធ្លីយើងផ្ដល់ភាពងាយស្រួល និងបង្កើតភាពទាក់ទាញមួយគឺអនុញ្ញាតិឱ្យជនបរទេសអាចទិញខុនដូបាន។ និងទីពីរតាមរយៈសមាហរណកម្មសេដ្ឋកិច្ចអាស៊ានបាននាំឱ្យកម្ពុជាទៅជាប្រទេសដែលមានទីតាំងកណ្ដាលនៃតំបន់យុទ្ធសាស្ត្រសេដ្ឋកិច្ចរបស់តំបន់សម្រាប់ឆ្នាំ២០១៥កន្លងទៅ អ្វីទៅជាការវាយតម្លៃទូទៅរបស់រាជរដ្ឋាភិបាលទៅលើស្ថានភាពទីផ្សារ អចលនទ្រព្យ ?មែនទែនទៅ សម្រាប់ទិន្នន័យជាផ្លូវការនៃការវិភាគវាយតម្លៃនឹងត្រូវបញ្ចប់នៅខែកុម្ភៈខាងមុខឯណោះ។ តែជាត្រួសៗកំណើនសេដ្ឋកិច្ចឆ្នាំ២០១៥តាមការព្យាកររក្សាបានអត្រា៧%ដដែល ហើយដែលក្នុងនោះមានការចូលរួមពីសំណាក់វិស័យអចលនទ្រព្យផងដែរដែលមានទីតាំងស្ថិតក្នុងកំណើនល្អជាបច្ច័យនាំឱ្យកំណើនសេដ្ឋកិច្ចវាល្អដែរ។សម្រាប់ឆ្នាំ២០១៦ដែលជាឆ្នាំដំបូងនៃសមារណកម្មសេដ្ឋកិច្ចអាស៊ាន និងក៏ដូចជាសម្រាប់ឆ្នាំបន្តបន្ទាប់រាជរដ្ឋាភិបាលមានយុទ្ធសាស្ត្រអ្វីទៀតដែរដើម្បីរក្សាស្ថិរភាពទីផ្សារ អចលនទ្រព្យ ចៀសឆ្ងាយពីវិបត្តិ?ទិដ្ឋភាពសំខាន់ៗដែលយើងអាចធ្វើបានយើងបន្តធ្វើការងារដែលយើងធ្លាប់ធ្វើពីឆ្នាំ២០១៥បន្តមកអនុវត្តនៅឆ្នាំ២០១៦នេះទៀតគឺសំខាន់ធានារក្សាស្ថិរភាពម៉ាក្រូ និងធ្វើពិពិធកម្មមូលដ្ឋានគ្រឹះនៃសេដ្ឋកិច្ចជាតិឱ្យមានទំហំធំជាងមុន។ ហើយដើម្បីជម្រុញការវិនិយោគទាំងក្នុងវិស័យអចលនទ្រព្យ និងវិស័យផ្សេងទៀត យើងពង្រឹងប្រសិទ្ធភាពនៃផ្នែកសេវាសាធារណៈ និងផ្នែកសង្គមកិច្ច ដែលធ្វើដូច្នេះ យើងអាចទ្រទ្រង់នូវកំណើនបានហើយ។ កាលណាមានកំណើន(ផ្នែកGDP៖ផលិតផលជាតិសរុប) នោះកំណើននោះនឹងបែងជាភាគផលដល់ប្រជាជន ហើយប្រជាជនមានលទ្ធភាពទិញច្រើនជាងមុន ហើយក្នុងនោះក៏មានលទ្ធភាពក្នុងការទិញអចលនទ្រព្យដែរ។អ្វីទីជាបញ្ហាប្រឈមសម្រាប់វិស័យ អចលនទ្រព្យ របស់កម្ពុជា ដែលរដ្ឋាភិបាលមើលឃើញ? ហើយរដ្ឋមានវិធីអ្វីខ្លះដែរដើម្បីចៀសឆ្ងាយពីវិបត្តិទាំងនេះ?វិបត្តិចម្បងដែលយើងព្រួយបារម្ភ គឺអតុល្យភាពរវាងបរិមាណនៃការផ្គត់ផ្គង់ និងបរិមាណនៃតម្រូវការ ក្នុងទីផ្សារអចលនទ្រព្យកាលណាដែលក្រុមអ្នកផ្គត់ផ្គង់ផ្ដល់បរិមាណច្រើនលើសលទ្ធភាពនៃបរិមាណតម្រូវការ។ មួយវិញទៀតវាអាចនឹងបញ្ហាគំរាមកំហែងមកពីក្រៅរបងព្រំដែនព្រោះបើកាលណាប្រទេសជិតខាងក៏ដូចជាប្រទេសក្នុងតំបន់យើងមានវិបត្តិនោះលំហូរទុនសម្រាប់ដាក់ការវិនិយោគលើវិស័យនានារួមទាំង អចលនទ្រព្យ ផង នឹងខ្សោយជាងមុនមិនខាន។ ហើយដើម្បីច្បាស់កុំឱ្យមានការភ័ន្តច្រឡំនេះជារឿងទីផ្សារដែលមិនមែនជាអ្វីដែលរដ្ឋាភិបាលត្រូវដាក់បទបញ្ជាតម្រូវសេដ្ឋកិច្ចនោះទេស្របពេលដែលយើងកំពុងបង្កបរិយាកាសសេរីភាវូបនីយកម្មលើការវិនិយោគពីសំណាក់វិស័យឯកជន។ អ្វីដែលយើងធ្វើបានមានត្រឹមតែរក្សាស្ថិរភាពអត្រាប្ដូរប្រាក់ ដូចដែលខ្ញុំបានជម្រាបជូនពីខាងដើមដើម្បីធានាសុវត្ថិភាពផ្នែកទីផ្សារ ហើយនឹងរក្សាកំណើនដើម្បីបង្កើនអំណាចទិញរបស់ប្រជាពលរដ្ឋយើង។អ្វីទៅជាអនុសាសន៍ និងការណែនាំរបស់រាជរដ្ឋាភិបាលសម្រាប់អ្នកវិនិយោគិន និងអ្នកពាក់ព័ន្ធក្នុងវិស័យ អចលនទ្រព្យ ទាំងអស់សម្រាប់ឆ្នាំ២០១៦ និងឆ្នាំខាងមុខទៀត?យើងស្នើឱ្យគាត់មានការសិក្សាឱ្យបានដឹតដល់ទៅលើបញ្ហាដែលយើងពិភាក្សាខាងដើមហ្នឹងគឺការផ្គត់ផ្គង់ និងតម្រូវការ។ ការវិនិយោគក្នុងវិស័យនេះ (អចលនទ្រព្យ) វិនិយោគិនមិនត្រូវខ្ចីលុយលើសពីសមត្ថភាពទុនរបស់ខ្លួន។ មួយវិញទៀតសូមមេត្តាគិតទៅដល់បរិស្ថានសេដ្ឋកិច្ចសកលលោកផង មិនត្រូវមើលតែអត្រាតម្លៃទីផ្សារក្នុងស្រុកនោះទេព្រោះថាវិស័យអចលនទ្រព្យ នេះ វាទាក់ទងនឹងដូច្នេះ បើសិនជាខាងក្រៅមានវិបត្តិ លំហូរទុនមកក្នុងស្រុកនឹងថមថយ ហើយកំណើនចំណូលសម្រាប់ប្រជាជនក៏តិចតួច នាំឱ្យអំណាចទិញរបស់គាត់ទាបទៅតាមហ្នឹង៕ស្វែងរកព័ត៌មានអចលនទ្រព្យចុងក្រោយបំផុតតាមរយៈ Realestate.com.kh

Established in 2009, Realestate.com.kh is celebrating our 7th birthday in 2016 as the leading website for property buyers and sellers in Cambodia. Our website lets users search for properties based on location (sangkat & khan), property type and price range. People interested in buying or renting can see photos, special features, floor plans, property locations, and all other necessary information they need before physically visiting the property. AT Realestate.com.kh, WE ARE NOT A REAL ESTATE AGENTS - in fact they are our clients. Realestate.com.kh is proud to be working with over 90% of the leading real estate agencies in Cambodia, such as Knight Frank, CBRE, CPL, Bonna Realty, IPS, Century 21 and many more. And we also work with the country's leading property developers, including Bodaiju Residences, Grand Phnom Penh International City, East Commercial Center, Embassy Central, The Gateway, Camhomes, North Park Condo and many more. These customers come to us because they know that we attract the most online attention from potential property buyers, inside and outside of Cambodia. We don’t take commission, and we don’t facilitate the final sale transaction. What we specialise in is online marketing and making sure your property for sale or rent receives the most online exposure possible, from property seekers within Cambodia but also from around the world. This means we send you sales inquiries from people who are interested in buying or renting your property. For private sellers (those looking to sell or rent their own property), you can upload your property for FREE on Realestate.com.kh and receive direct sales inquiries by email and phone! And if you don’t know how to use the website to upload, we can even help you do this. However, you might want to upgrade your listing for a small fee if you want to sell it fast with extra online exposure. "Since advertising our listings with Realestate.com.kh we have experienced an impressive increase in inbound inquiries for our properties. By using Realestate.com.kh we have been able to attract a different demographic from our usual customer base and this has flowed through to an overall increase in sales." David Murphy - Managing Director - IPS-Cambodia “We have received a large number of sales leads direct from our listings on Realestate.com.kh, producing a great return on our investment with them. Their post-sales support and service has also been fantastic and exceeded our expectations. This made re-signing with Realestate.com.kh a very easy decision." Sam Yang - CEO - Eastland Development (HK) Co. Ltd. On our 7th birthday, thank you to our loyal partners, customers and users, and we look forward to serving you into the future.

Located where the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers meet, to the north of the capital, the Chroy Changvar peninsula has undergone significant development over the last few years. Once a rural, marshy area, the peninsula is now seen as one of several future ‘satellite cities’ and accessibility has improved thanks to a second bridge opening last year, linking the suburb to the city center, and construction of commune and district roads and National Road No. 6A. With the much anticipated Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel opening its doors, along with some mid-rise and high-rise condominium developments completed such as Bellevue apartments and Galaxy condominiums, land prices have surged in recent years. According to VTrust Appraisal market research, the growth rate has been hovering around 20 percent over the past two years and is only set to continue. Current large scale project developments include LYP Satellite City, Borey the Flora, Borey the Royal Mekong, Mekong View II and III among others, and the advancement of the Chroy Changvar riverside boardwalk. Chroy Changvar district covers five communes, including Chroy Changvar, Preaek Lieb, Preaek Ta Sek, Kaoh Dach, and Bak Khaeng. An attractive calling card of the district is that it is less congested than those areas across the waterway and offers magnificent views of river and city skyline. [caption id="attachment_80745" align="alignleft" width="300"] Mr. In Sitha, director of business development at VTrust Appraisal[/caption] A recent Vtrust land market survey from January 2016 found that land prices in the commune ranged from USD 420 to USD 1,750 per square meter depending on particular determinants such as significance of streets, zoning, and potentiality of development.“The land price is still lower compared to nearby districts such as Ruessie Kaev and Daun Penh,” says Mr. In Sitha, director of business development at VTrust Appraisal, “And only three kilometers from Phnom Penh’s city centre.”By contrast, the neighbouring district of Ruessie Kaev, located west and opposite the Tonle Sap River has experienced only a slight jump in land prices over the past two years, hovering around 8 percent. Chroy Changvar was found to be the fastest growing zone priced at USD 1080 per square metre in the second half of 2015 as compared to USD 670 per square meter in the same period in 2013. In says that land prices will continue to rise which is driven my major residential and mixed-use developments, and the peninsula realising its city master plans as mapped out by OCIC and L.Y.P Group. “There are several commercial developments underway and shop housing available at Borey Sopheak Mongkol and Young Commercial Supermarket. There is also potential to use existing commercial land for car showrooms, restaurants, banking and finance offices as well as office use for private companies,” adds In.VTrust also notes that there has been a slow market absorption rate influenced by a speculative demand deceleration due to an excessive supply of many large portions of vacant land that has seen a very slow pace of actual developments. However the evidence is clear that the district is packed with potential.All property for RENT in Chroy ChangvarBUY property in Chroy Changvar

Axis Residences is bringing a unique standard of quality to the Phnom Penh condo market. Already, whilst the Singaporean-inspired project is still under construction, Axis is becoming a pop culture icon among a new generation of Khmer's looking for their first home in central Phnom Penh. The Axis residences showroom, now open in Phnom Penh, is built to the exact specifications of the completed units, as per international standards. This authenticity gives visitors to the Axis showroom a perfect understanding of the look and feel of their new condo home-to-be. But not only are the Axis Residence's units impressing customers, with early sales off to a flying start, the sleek and contemporary design is also impressing Cambodian celebrities and film makers. Recently, the renowned film production company, Hong Meas HD TV, has been using the Axis Residences showroom to film various drama series and movies. The directors and producers of these productions are well-aware that the younger generation of Khmer are craving a higher standard of living, and a taste in design style that the market currently sorely lacks. Because the Axis showroom epitomizes the style and quality that the new generation of home buyers are craving, and feature brand name appliances and fixtures throughout, it is only natural that Axis Residences should be the ideal location to film these popular films and drama series. Spring CJW, the renowned Singaporean development company behind Axis Residences, however, is well-aware that many younger Khmer interested in purchasing their first condo home currently lack access to sufficient finance to make such a dream a reality... With that in mind, Spring CJW has created a very attractive 15 year end-financing package in partnership with Phillip Bank, uniquely designed for their customers. As the payment schedule for this loan is based on each construction stage, off-plan buyers will only have to pay as each stage of the development is completed. The Partnership between Axis Residences and Philip Bank The Phillip Bank loan package, available to Axis Residences buyers, only charges interest for the amount that is supposed to be paid. For example, if the sub-structural phase of construction is competed, just 10% has to be paid to the developer by the end-buyer. This means that customers who purchase via the Phillip Bank loan will only need to incur interest for that initial 10%. This is not a common practice at all in Cambodia, as most projects will charge the loan interest on the full sum owing, and few banks are willing to support condo buyers. Not only that but, again uniquely, the principle sum for the Phillip Bank loan will only be payable at the completion of the Axis Residences project in its entirety, which is around 2 years later. Customers who use the Phillip Bank loan option will thus be looking at only around a $90 installment payment per month for the first year. This is not only affordable for young buyers, but acts as a guarantee that the project is completed to the promised standards, in the promised timeframe. Although this is Spring CJW's first condo project in Cambodia, they have entered the market to stay - and customer-friendly initiatives such as this are a testament to that! At Axis Residences, younger buyers are offered a chance to secure a state-of-the-art home on finance terms that they can genuinely afford. This is a golden opportunity for young couples to own a new home with a lifestyle that will be the envy of their peers for many years to come. If you would like to learn more about Axis Residences, click HERE to check out the full listing on Realestate.com.kh today. Inquire directly with Spring CJW and join their friendly and knowledgable property consultants right here in Phnom Penh for a tour of the famous Axis Residences showroom. Don't forget to bring your camera! Click HERE to request an information pack today!

An Opinion piece from Mr Sim Hoy Chhoung, ceo of V Trust Appraisal Co. Ltd.As the banking sector is growing in order to fuel the mortgage and collateral-based lending industry, so is the potential concerns over the property valuation standards and risk management systems currently in place in the Kingdom’s banking sector. The global financial crisis, which led to real estate bubbles across various countries around the world, offers a good lesson to explain the current concerns.Industry leaders agree: a risk analysis should be carefully taken into account. This was the suggestion of Mey Vann, director general of the Department of Financial Industry, Ministry of Economy and Finance, as cited by the Phnom Penh Post on 19 August 2015, one day after the inter-ministerial seminar on “Opportunities and Potential Risks in Developing Cambodia’s Property Sector” at Cambodiana Hotel. The 2008 global economic crisis, which impacted Asia and Cambodia, offered a lesson that “we must not let happen again,” he said.But how can we curb the potential risks associated with mortgage and collateral-based lending? From my experience, compliance to standards and professionalism in property valuation is one of the best ways to help mitigate the risks associated with loan defaults that could potentially lead to a wider market financial crash. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), one of the world’s most well-recognized organizations, representing professionalism and ethics in land, real estate, and construction appraisals, stresses that accurate and professional valuations are vital to a healthy property market and a stable economy, forming the basis of performance analysis, financing decisions, transactional or development advice, dispute resolution and taxation. However, not all banks in the country comply with valuation best practices and standards. While all would consider property valuation as a crucial part of any risk assessment, not all of them have clearly-defined measures to ensure compliance, often deciding to offer contracts to valuation partners that are not independent, and do not enforce professional and ethical codes of conduct, or lack professional indemnity insurance coverage. This sentiment has also been echoed elsewhere. While many of the banks seem to forget the potential risks, officials advise that property valuation firms should not be biased or under any influence that could cause an unfounded value inflation or deflation of the subject property. Kim Vanda, director general of Banking Supervision of National Bank of Cambodia, said, in the same seminar, that the malpractice could potentially pose risks to the banking industry as a whole, adding banks that have in-house valuation units should also use independent valuation firms to ensure that the appraised values of the subject properties are reasonably concrete and consistent. To ensure a healthy property and banking sector, an understanding of the weaknesses in the valuation process could help. The Central Bank of Ireland issued the December-2012 study report entitled “Valuation Process in the Banking Crisis – Lessons Learned – Guiding the Future” identifying three overriding areas of primary weaknesses in valuation processes during the boom lending years. First, a weakness could come from an inaccurate or inappropriate definition of valuation requirements by credit institutions, thus leading to a subsequent inadequate assessment and understanding of valuations.Second, it could be the result of inadequate valuation processes and standards, or a disregard for adherence to such processes.Third, the weakness could also be the result of a lack of appreciation of the significance of the valuation document as independent evidence of risk mitigation effectiveness. Many bankers did not fully regard the importance of independent valuations and the valuation reports as a key document underpinning the basis on which they were acquiring the risk. Besides identifying the overriding areas of weaknesses, the study also highlighted a number of critical issues that credit institutions should pay attention to in the property valuation process - such as the issue of conflict of interest, valuer panel management, and inappropriate use of informal valuations. In many instances, lenders would accept existing valuations that had been prepared by valuers on behalf of the borrower, not the credit institutions. In this case the study recommends that the valuers’ duty of care is to the credit institutions and this should be emphasized by credit institutions in their written instructions to valuers in accordance with its clearly defined terms of engagement. Valuation reports should always be addressed to the credit institutions that is advancing the loan funds to avoid any complaint or manipulation between valuers and borrowers or owners of the property. When it comes to valuer panel management, the study identified some weaknesses in credit institutions practices including the appointment of valuers without sufficient qualifications, without any evidence of sufficient professional indemnity insurance, with inadequate or no review of panel members’ performance, or on the basis they are a customer of the bank. In sum, to create a healthy financial environment, banks should comply with valuation best practices and standards. Two of the most credible standardized valuation systems advised by the study report are the International Valuation Standards, known as the White Book, and the RICS valuation standards, known as the Red Book. Although the study report seems to stress more on experiences and applications in settings outside of the Kingdom, it does not make any difference since globalization has made almost all the world’s systems into ‘one’ that applies for all and, more importantly, all central banks should be subject to the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision which should incorporate best banking practices into all standards. That said, the country’s valuers association is also working to benefit the industry. Cambodian Valuer and Estate Association (CVEA), which represents the country’s valuation and real estate industry, has taken measures to set minimum valuation fee charges for the industry. The minimum fees should help prevent valuation firms from competing on fees and in-turn compromise the quality of the final appraisal. Sim Hoy Chhoung is the chief executive officer at VTrust Appraisal Co., Ltd. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of VTrust Appraisal Co., Ltd.

The Cambodian real estate industry has a larger proportion of women ceo’s, founders, managers and leading salespeople than many other business sectors in Cambodia. This is interesting, because not so long ago these positions were dominated by men in Cambodia.With this in mind, Realestate.com.kh spoke with Cambodia’s leading women in real estate to find out why real estate is providing a unique platform for women to build great careers and rise above their male colleagues to top leadership positions:Tang Hour, president of Amatak Property Service:When did you begin your real estate career and what first attracted you to real estate?“I first started real estate as a hobby. My family expected me to stay at home and look after the house. But that’s not my style. I wanted my own job and my own income. So for a start, I would buy some cheap apartments and houses near my home and renovate them myself, and then sell them on for a higher price. I would buy and sell a new house every 3 to 6 months. In 2014, I began working as an agent for a local company. But as a freelance agent, I had a very low salary, split commissions and lots of competition within the company. Meanwhile, I could see the real estate and construction markets booming all around me. I saw it as a great opportunity at the perfect time - so I started my own company, Amatak Property Service. Since then, I have not looked back.” What has been your greatest achievement since you began in the real estate industry? “I am proud to be my own boss. And I am proud to say that I don’t need to find clients anymore - my clients now find me.” Why is the real estate industry an attractive career for Cambodian women? Does it offer a better opportunity for career growth than other industries? Why? “Anyone with sales skills can find a place in the real estate market, whether they are a man or a woman. Before I got into real estate I was in the beauty industry and had my own spa and sauna business. I have always had a passion for sales and an ability to close deals. These skills are crucial in real estate and I guess that is why real estate was a good fit for me. Before, Cambodian society did not grant women freedom to pursue their own careers. We were expected to stay at home. But now, Khmer woman are becoming leaders in business, and not just in real estate, and other women are being inspired by this. When Khmer women are inspired by each other, we will keep growing as leaders in business. Everybody can benefit by learning from each other. So, if we are fellow real estate agents, we are not competitors - we are partners. It is a state of mind.” What advice would you give to other women (or anyone) considering starting a career in real estate? “Education and training is crucial in real estate. For my company, I am always training, teaching and mentoring my staff. If we teach, we all grow and become better at our jobs. For company leaders, we must focus on education and teaching our staff about the market and each and every property you sell. If we don’t understand the properties we are selling, we will never sell them. Inspiration and mentoring is so important, because when people are inspired by others they have confidence to do things themselves. Surround yourself with people who are excellent and they will inspire you to grow as a person and a professional. Actually, when I first started Amatak I had recently met a friend much younger than me who had just launched his own company. I said, “wow, but you are so young to have your own business!” But it also got me thinking - I could do that too. And I did. I have also had an inspirational friend who lives outside Cambodia and works in real estate in the US and Singapore - they shared knowledge with me and helped push me to start my own company.” Thida Ann, senior associate director at CBRE Cambodia:When did you begin your real estate career and what first attracted you to real estate?“I first started my real estate career in early 2010 at the Accounting and Admin department. I have a thorough understanding of business regulation, taxes, and compliance. I recognized that the frontier market in which we operate presented great opportunities for the development of a real estate sector in its infancy, plus the opportunity offering within the organization. I later moved my career to Marketing and Management. Now, I am the head of CBRE Cambodia and we have 27 dedicated team members.” What has been your greatest achievement since you began in the real estate industry? “For the last 6 years, I have broadened my market knowledge, consulting on a number of Cambodia’s largest, and most formidable projects, which has provided me with invaluable local experience and provided me the opportunity to develop my regional experience, working with both domestic and international clients.” Why is the real estate industry an attractive career for Cambodian women? Does it offer a better opportunity for career growth than other industries?  “I strongly believe in teamwork, having both men and women staff which can provide the balance in coordination when providing successful services. As of today, women are now able to complete a range of jobs similar to that of male focused roles. However, most importantly, I believe that the ultimate success depends on skill and expertise, rather than gender.” What advice would you give to other women (or anyone) considering starting a career in real estate? “It is never too late to start any job that you like. Be confident and do not be afraid to take on new responsibilities. It can be challenging taking on tasks that you have never tried before - but you should view this as a learning opportunity. It is important to be passionate about what you do. I love my job and that really helps me focus. If you do not enjoy what you do, it will be difficult for you to be dedicated to that career 100 percent.” Grace Rachny Fong, learning director at Century 21 Cambodia:When did you begin your real estate career and what first attracted you to real estate?“I began my real estate business about four years ago together with a few of my friends. At first we targeted expats looking for house rentals. Real estate is an important contributor to the country’s GDP and accounts for significant employment and investment opportunities for Cambodians. It has also put Cambodia on the Asia-Pacific map as a place for investors to invest and seek good returns on their investments.” What has been your greatest achievement since you began in the real estate industry? “I am now conducting real estate training for agents and owners. I genuinely believe that the Century 21 University which I am now heading can be the game changer for local real estate agents and owners. We are bringing a mindset change from those trying to become a “kokchhear” or traditional broker (a degrading Khmer name for a broker), to instead becoming a professional, ethical, knowledgeable, skillful and respectable agent through further training and education.” Why is the real estate industry an attractive career for Cambodian women? Does it offer a better opportunity for career growth than other industries? “Women in real estate do have an important role to play. More so, when it comes to opening doors for themselves and their male counterparts to make and close deals. Male and female property owners are more open and welcoming to ladies, especially when they receive phone calls from women in real estate. The real estate industry offers both full time and part time opportunities, meaning women with family can opt to work part time if need be. It’s perhaps also easier to sell or rent out their own properties and earn a better income for their family, and on their own properties. Real estate is generally easier to sell than other consumer products/services, as many people tend to heavily invest in properties.” What advice would you give to other women (or anyone) considering starting a career in real estate? “They must be willing to work hard, be smart and be professional. They must also be willing to invest their time and some money to learn things about real estate and develop through soft skills training. But, to succeed in real estate there is really no magic except for a strong commitment and willingness to work hard to gain trust.” Somnang “Lucky” Cheam, ceo of Lucky Property Services:When did you begin your real estate career and what first attracted you to real estate?“In 2005 I first started to work in real estate because i had good communication skills, honesty and commitment to clients - that is why I soon had great connections and referral clients. From the year 2010 until 2015 (August) I worked with one local real estate company, and I was a 5% shareholder in that company. When I started, I worked as admin and later became an agent. After success in this role, I became the Khmer director, taking care for khmer staff as well as selling properties as an agent. The company then changed their policy - so I decided to sell my shares and started my owner company: Lucky Property Services Co., Ltd. from September 2015.” What has been your greatest achievement since you begun in the real estate industry? “My timing has been very good. The real estate market in Cambodia, starting from around 2009, has seen a huge quantity of transactions from both local buyers and sellers, and international investors. For me, starting my career around this time, this offered great opportunities to make real estate deals as an agent, and build my connection network too.” Why is the real estate industry an attractive career for Cambodian women? Does it offer a better opportunity for career growth than other industries? “Most women in Cambodia cannot do this job because to become a woman in real estate you must commit time and money into training, education, property and client networking. And once you are an agent, you need to commit your life to the clients. But, if you are lucky to have a husband who understands this well, then you will be able to find a balance in work and family. For me as a single mom, I work hard like a man but I enjoy this job very much because I can see a lot of opportunities in this country. You will find success though only if you are committed. You cannot be lazy in real estate, because every minute is money! Lots more women can have a place in real estate though, whether full time or part time, because the market is growing very quickly, which equates to opportunities for sellers. More condos, link houses etc. are coming online everyday - I just hope the demand can match the supply.” What advice would you give to other women (or anyone) considering starting a career in real estate? “As you know, real estate is not always easy! You need to constantly take care of your client and take them to visit the properties that suit them - sometimes in town and sometimes outside the city. For me, my second house is my car because most of the time I am looking for new properties to list, or taking clients to see properties! Also, you need to be wise and careful, because not every client is a good client. Make sure that you know the property you are selling inside out - and do your homework before you take the client to visit.” Related news : [caption id="attachment_80591" align="alignleft" width="150"] 2016 Cambodian Real Estate Market predictions[/caption] [caption id="attachment_80230" align="alignleft" width="109"] Real Estate Review 2016[/caption]

As proud sponsor of this years event, Realestate.com.kh is excited to bring you the latest updates on the upcoming Global Alumni Convention in Cambodia. A host of local and international guest speakers, all of which are leaders in their field, will join the 2nd Annual Global Alumni Convention (GAC) at the Hotel InterContinental in Phnom Penh from the 29th of this month. See the full program here!The event is hosted by the world’s largest provider of international education services, IDP Education, and brings together graduates from Cambodia, Australia Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the US, France, Russia, Korea, Japan, China, Malaysia, Singapore and other nations. Organizers anticipate that attendance will exceed 500 this year. See the full program here! The Global Alumni Conference creates an event at which all can meet, share ideas and network with industry leaders, decision makers and leaders from governments, the private sector, and civil society for education, trade and investment opportunities. The GAC 2016 will kick off with a Business & Education Networking Reception on 29 January and a Main Convention on 30 January. During the main convention, there will be a series of moderated, interactive panel discussions, with topics focusing on Cambodia-related issues. Some of the topics include banking and finance, energy, education, health, STEM and the labor market, urban planning and construction, media, trade, tourism, and the potential influence of the ASEAN community integration. On Saturday 30th, from 11.50am-12.50pm, realestate.com.kh's very own director, Mr Tom O'Sullivan will mediate the "Media & Communications" debate, aptly entitled "Gateway to the word" in 2016. See the full program here!   HE Sun Chanthol, Minister of Commerce, will officially open the reception event, while Education, Youth and Sport Minister HE Dr Hang Chuon Naron will open the main convention. A Special Plenary Session will include Hun Manet, son of Prime Minister Hun Sen, as a guest speaker and Rural Development Minister HE Chea Sophara will speak at the Closing Plenary Session. Details about joining the event are available on the GAC website.

នៅពេលជនបរទេស និងជនជាតិខ្មែរដែលមានទ្រព្យសម្បត្តិវក់វីនឹងអចលនទ្រព្យនៅក្នុងតំបនចំការមន Realestate.com.kh បានក្រលេកមើលទៅតំបន់ទួលគោកវិញ វាមានភាពទាក់ទាញ និងតម្លៃសមរមនៃទីតំាងនោះ តួយ៉ាងជាទីតំាងមួយសម្រាប់ជនបរទេសដែលមករស់នៅក្នុងក្រុងភ្នំពេញ។លោក Anthony Perkins នាយកគ្រប់គ្រងគម្រោងពិសេសហិរញ្ញវត្ថុ & វិនិយោគ នៅក្រុមហ៊ុនរ៉ូយ៉ាលគ្រុបកម្ពុជាបាននិយាយថា "ប្រសិនបើមានគ្រួសារមួយមិនសូវគិតលើអំពីចំងាយផ្លូវធ្វើដំណើរធ្វើការ ទួលគោកគួរតែគិតអំពីការស្វែងរកផ្ទះ សម្រាប់ជួល ឬលក់។"ស្វែងរកអចលនទ្រព្យសម្រាប់ជួលនៅក្នុងតំបន់ទួលគោកនៅថ្ងៃនេះនៅលើ realestate.com.kh!លោក Perkins កត់សំគាល់ថា តំបន់ទួលគោក "ជាតំបន់ដែលមិនងាយនឹងដាច់អគ្គិសនីដូចតំបន់ខ្លះនៅក្រុងភ្នំពេញនោះឡើង ហើយបុរីជាច្រើនដែលស្ថិតក្នុងតំបន់ទួលគោកពិតជាផ្តល់នូវសុវត្ថិភាពខ្ពស់ ហើយគ្មានការរំខានក្នុងការសាងសង់អ្វីឡើយនៅជាប់របងអ្នកឡើយ" ប្រសិនបើអ្នករស់នៅក្នុងតំបន់បឹងកេងកង អ្នកអាចមានសុវត្ថិភាព គ្រាន់តែអ្នកអាចទទួលរងនឹង សំលេងរំខាននូវការសាងសង់នៅជុំវិញផ្ទះ ហើយវាអាចក្លាយជាផ្នែកនៃជីវិតរស់នៅប្រចំាថ្ងៃរបស់អ្នក... មានសាលាចំណេះដឹងទូទៅជាច្រើននៅតំបន់ទួលគោកផងដែរ រួមទំាងសាលាអន្តរជាតិដែលផ្តល់ស្តង់ដារជាលក្ខណៈអន្តរជាតិ កន្លែងលក់ចំណីអាហារដែលមានបម្រើជូណគ្រប់ស្តង់ដារសម្រាប់អ្នករស់នៅក្នុងតំបន់នោះ។ កន្លែងកំសាន្ត ផ្សារទំនើបក៏បាន ក្លាយជាគោលដៅសំខាន់ផងដែរសម្រាប់តំបននេះ តួយ៉ាងTK Avenue ដែលប្រមូលផ្តុំដោយភោជនីយដ្ឋាន រោងភាពយន្ត ផ្សារទំនើជាដើម"ជនបរទេសភាគច្រើនមិនបានស្គាល់ថាទួលគោកជាខណ្ឌនោះឡើយ" នេះជាសម្តីរបស់លោក Perkins "សម្រាប់ជនបរទេសដែលរស់នៅជាគ្រួសារ មានផ្ទះសម្រាប់ជួលដែលមានបន្ទប់៣ឬ៤ មានតម្លៃជួលក្រោម១០០០ដុល្លារក្នុងមួយខែ ជាការផ្តល់ជូន សន្តិសុខ អាងហែលទឹក ក្លឹបហាត់ប្រាណ និងមានផ្លូវសម្រាប់ថ្មើរជើងធំទូលាយអមដោយដើមឈើ"

You have enough in the savings for a down payment. You have been pre-approved for a home loan. Now it is time to start looking at houses. Before you do that, you need to think a little more about what kind of house you need and want.Most first time buyers in Cambodia choose a detached house with land in the suburbs. This was well suited to first-home buyers in the past because housing was generally less expensive than it is currently and transportation to and from major urban centers such as Phnom Penh was also less of a problem. These days, however, costs are generally higher and life is more complicated.  In response to a changing world, the housing market has diversified in Cambodia. This opens up more options, but it also means the first time buyer has to do a little more thinking about the kind of property that will work best for them.  With this in mind, Realestate.com.kh has thrown together a guide to choosing your first home!  Tips On How to Think About This Question: First and foremost, try to let go of the idea that a detached house is necessarily "best" property type for you! Instead, think of this as an apples to oranges comparison. If you think that a detached house is "best" property type, then you will think of other options as inferior simply for being different. This is very likely to lead to disappointment, especially if budgetary constraints are a large factor in your home-buying decision.Instead, stop and make a list of lifestyle choices, tailored to you and your families life. Try answering some of the following questions before you read any further. Then evaluate different housing options in light of how well they fit your unique needs, rather than how they compare to a detached house on a suburban estate:Do you have children?Do you want children?Do you have or want pets?Do you own a car or do you prefer walking, bicycling and taking public transport?How close do you want to be to your job?A General Overview of Options:1) Detached houses/Villas on a suburban estate: Good points:Houses like this, whether inside or outside a borey community, are typically relatively spacious.You have your own yard, which is great if you have children or pets.Boreys generally nurture community life - and have common areas for you and your family to enjoy time spent with neighbors.Price per square foot is relatively low for this kind of property type in Cambodia.There is a good supply of such homes, and the market is seeing more and more coming online in the next few years.Buying pre-construction or off-plan means you can get a better deal as an early-bird buyer.Detached homes have good privacy from their nearest neighbors.Bad points:You will need a car if you plan to work in the city, which drives the cost up in real terms for this property type.Nosy neighbors in a suburban estate may pay more attention to you than neighbors in the city, thus reducing your actual sense of privacy, despite the extra space.It can be a long commute to work - this will ultimately affect your life in many ways - and lifestyle considerations can be as important as costs.Some people see maintaining their garden/outdoor areas as a burden.If you secure hard title, you get the benefits of owning land, and a fairly safe investment for resale appreciation.2. Duplexes or row houses. Good Points:You will still have a yard, albeit a bit smaller with this property type.The yard's small size reduces the amount of maintenance it requires.They are typically more affordable than a detached house.You will not have additional fees as you tend to have with villas and apartment homes.If you secure hard title, you get the benefits of owning land, and a fairly safe investment for resale appreciation.Bad Points:Shared walls with neighbors can be a source of noise.They tend to be small, so might outgrow it if your family expands.You still have yard work to do.3. Centrally-located Townhouses: Good points:Shorter commutes are common with this property type.They are often more affordable than detached houses, row house and duplexes.No need for landscaping. You don't have to mow a lawn or clean a pool.If you secure hard title, you get the benefits of owning property in the city, and a potentially highly profitable investment for resale appreciation.Bad points:They can feel cramped, and often lack natural light.Lack of parking.There are additional fees and restrictions on what you can do with the property.Their value tends to increase more slowly, making them less of an investment property.4. Apartment unit in a smaller, lower-standard building.  Good points:They are typically close to the central business district, giving you easy access to shops and restaurants.Easy access to public transport.No need to maintain a garden.Shorter average commute to work.Generally, co-owned buildings are secure.If you are a foreigner, you can still own if strata titles are available.Bad points:Additional fees can be incurred within the apartment management policy.Cost of repairs is shared by the owners of the units.They tend to be small. If your family grows, you may quickly outgrow it.If you want pets, the owner may not allow this.If you don't get on with your neighbors, you have no-where to hide.5. A high-rise condo unit in the urban center: Good points:Extremely short commutes and good access to public transit.You may be able to live without a car, thus making this choice more affordable than it may appear at first glance.On site amenities may include spas, pools, gyms and cafes. These offer a unique lifestyle, compared to non-communal arrangements such as villas and detached homes.These units have good availability in urban areas, and the supply of condo units in Phnom Penh is rising extremely quickly.Amazing views and fresher, cooler air.No garden maintenance to do.Now that strata title is available, even foreigners can own a condo.Bad points:Potentially much lower appreciation than a landed property.Additional fees to pay for maintenance and management.If you are afraid of heights, this is not the home for you.If you love to garden, this is not the home for you.Depending on the size of the condo unit, you might not be able to house the extended family.Different properties appeal to different buyers. The best property for you depends on details about your life and the lifestyle you want to have.If you have an established family or plan to start a family soon, having space both indoors and out may be critical to your decision. In which case, a detached house, villa, row house or duplex may be ideal, assuming you can afford it.If you are young and carefree, being closer to amenities and freed up of maintenance responsibilities may have more appeal. Living close enough to walk to pubs and restaurants can free you up to have a drink without worrying how you will get home safely. For people who love the nightlife, this can mean that an apartment or condo unit close to the CBD is ideal.Learn how to pay back your mortgage faster in 2016, with these great tips!

The National Committee on Management and Development has halted construction along Sihanoukville’s Otres Beach and also announced that some existing buildings will be demolished.The news comes as the Royal Group's proposed construction of a port on Otres Beach (to support development on Koh Rong) was abruptly halted this week, under order of the government.  According to Neb Samuth, Tourism General Director, in a recent Khmer Times report, Otres Beach has been selected by the ministry as a model case for ensuring that bays and beaches remain environmentally friendly. This protection is being implemented in order to encourage more domestic and international tourists to the coast of Sihanoukville and its islands. Samuth went on to say that a “Coastal Master Plan” is likely to get approval from the Ministry of Tourism and other government ministries in the middle of this year. Other fresh news on realestate.com.kh, Cambodia's #1 Real Estate news source: Chroy Changvar plot, open for bids & Property Registration Fees Waived for Family Members

These days, many potential property buyers in Cambodia use the internet and social media to search for properties... Hence, their very first impressions of a property are made from the photographic appeal of the real estate listing.As an agent, you tell your clients about their property's "curb appeal", and ask them to clean it up and make their property look more attractive to prospective buyers when it comes time for inspection.But, who is responsible for the online appeal? The agent has one chance to impress the potential client with a listing. You need to grab their attention in the first 20 seconds before they skim over your listing and move on to the next property listing. So, while the owner needs to clean the house - you, the agent, better keep the listing crystal clean. Even with this knowledge, most real estate agents are happy to take the listing photographs themselves. The photographs are sometimes grainy, walls and floors are tilted, colors are off, reflections of the agent appear in the walls and mirrors, and rooms are not made camera ready. The result? That newly renovated colonial apartment looks dark and dingy instead of warm, cosy and inviting. That beautiful, breathtaking view over the Tonle Sab River is just a bright white burst of light.This is not the first impression that any property seller wants to convey. These sort of photographs may hurt a property as the potential buyer will more likely skip over it in favor of another one which grabs their attention.HIGHER PRICES: There are studies conducted in the US real estate market which indicate that property listings that use professional photography tend to sell for higher prices. MORE APPEAL AND ATTENTION: When high-quality photographs are used on the listing, they will help grab the buyer's attention, giving the listing more views and exposure. When the listing is viewed more, more potential buyers are having a closer look at the property. A buyer may be lost as they skim past a listing using low-quality photographs. In this competitive market, having a listing with more 'pop' will give your listings a distinct advantage over your competitors. WE HAVE THE TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: A professional real estate photographer has the experience and technical knowledge to photograph and show a property at its very best. We use composition and editing techniques, as well as lighting, to help grab and focus the buyer's attention on the property's primest selling points. Professional real estate photographers have spent countless hours practicing and refining their skills and techniques. We are on a continual learning process to bring out the best in a property that we possibly can. Many agents have bought expensive cameras and the use "Auto" mode to take their listing photographs. Just owning an expensive camera does not make one a good photographer. You need to be able to see the best composition and have an array of techniques at your disposal as each photograph is different. This only comes after years of experience, practice, and learning. With that in mind, contact Bruce today from BDV Photography for a free quote on your next property photo shoot: bdv@bdvphotography.net

On the heels of its first housing development success – Embassy Residences, which has sold 90 per cent of its units – local developer Urbanland is wasting no time in establishing its second project, Embassy Central. Being at the pulse of Boeung Keng Kang 1, and within strolling distance of renowned restaurants like Topaz Restaurant, Malis Restaurant, and Eric Kayser Bakery, with retail stores along the nearby Preah Sihanouk Boulevard such as Charles & Keith, Pedro, and Mango, and more cafés and bars interspersed around, there is no area more bustling and convenient than where Embassy Central is located. Thriving hub aside, Embassy Central itself is a building to behold; its discreet brilliance is reflected through its minimalistic and sleekly structured design. Only 25 storeys tall and 119-unit strong, Embassy Central holds its own in dedicating its composition to the importance of an urban lifestyle that is in sync with modernity, yet maintaining a green lifestyle with its outdoor landscape features. Check out the full Embassy Central listing today on Realestate.com.kh! With only 119 units, Embassy Central has a more private and intimate feel, with four sky gardens in different parts of the building that residents can fully utilise to their liking. These open spaces provide a tranquil respite from the hustling bustle of the city; spaces where you can exercise or do yoga amidst the rising or setting sun, sit and read a book by the trees, or simply bask in the crispness of the air. Besides its multiple sky gardens, another distinctive feature of Embassy Central is its vertical green wall garden that runs through the building from the 4th floor to the 25th, with the main purpose of brightening up usually enclosed hallways with natural sunlight. The condominium’s swimming pool is surrounded by lush greenery, as it is on the same floor where the vertical garden begins. The impressive architecture of this condominium comes from the same masterminds behind Cambodia’s most popular coffee chain – Brown Coffee. The same attention to detail, quirky steeled structures, and top-notch finishing seen in all Brown Coffee outlets across Phnom Penh are mirrored in Embassy Central’s building and showroom. Hok Kang Architects, who wholly designed Embassy Residences and Embassy Central, and are also the people behind Urbanland and Brown Coffee, aptly sums it up: “Embassy Central is a very special project for us. We want to design a building that responds to a hot tropical climate such as Cambodia. Vertically designed elements and oversized balconies help to shade the building from the harsh tropical sun. The building is punctuated by pockets of green gardens, giving it a more iconic architecture, and also its residents a more liveable space that is close to nature. Upon its completion, Embassy Central will be the emblem of contemporary urban living at its finest in the heart of BKK1.” Urbanland and Hok Kang Architects comprise a small but diverse team, and being local adds value and trust among Cambodians – that a relatively small developer is able to bring to the Kingdom international standards of ideas, design, and product. Urbanland is committed to investing in its home country, and seeing it thrive as an urban cosmopolis. The company prides itself on catering as much as they can to their niche clientele’s needs, offering interior design services or suggestions that will complement the overall flow of the building units’ designs. Embassy Central’s showroom is fitted with high-end furnishings, with cleverly streamlined storage spaces and enclosed air-conditioning, while everything that is attached to the walls such as the lights, cupboards, console table, and appliances come together with the unit. Singapore investment firm, Terrasia Capital Investment, has said that the quality of interior fittings and finishes is a game-changer that sets a very high benchmark for other developers to follow. In Urbanland’s Marketing Manager, Victor Huot’s words, “what you see and feel in our showroom will be the same experience you will get when you walk into your Embassy Central home.” “The most prestigious address in Phnom Penh, crafted with design and high-quality materials, Embassy Central is a gem of investment that will only increase in value over time,” Terrasia Capital Investment concluded. Check out the full Embassy Central listing today on Realestate.com.kh!

Phnom Penh: According to a recent report from the Phnom Penh Post, the government has undertaken a private design competition to select a new development project to be situated on a 14-hectare plot on Chroy Changvar peninsula alongside the Sokha Hotel. The plot of land set for development is a prime location, facing the main city riverside on Chroy Changvar. Although owned by Sokha Hotel, the group's own development design plans were not granted approval from the necessary ministries and have since been rejected.  13 different development companies have bid the Government for the rights to the project, but now the group has been reduced to five: including international developers from Malaysia, Korea and Singapore, as well as two local Khmer firms. The committee is set to resume on January 25 in order to narrow the current list down to three candidates. Supposedly, an official announcement of the project winner will come by mid-February this year.

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.

Due to cheap labor, social and political stability, and incentive policies to attract FDI - especially in the construction industry from the Government -Cambodia has become a choice target for foreign property investors. Besides financial institutions, textile, and other manufacturing industries, the real estate market in Cambodia now is a lucrative market for property investors. Investors view Cambodia as an emerging country with a large potential economy. Within the next three to five years, it will develop its infrastructure beyond recognition; transportation, roads, energy and water together with financial institutions. The Cambodian real estate market is massively shared by the Asian region states such as the Chinese, Taiwanese, Japanese, Korean, and Singaporeans. Taiwanese however has become the top buyer in most major condominium projects in Phnom Penh such as Baily, Suncity Bassac and many more. As the local property market in Taiwan is slowing down, the number of real estate sales agencies in Taiwan is increasing hugely. Sales agency offices are also shifting their current operations toward Cambodian based real estate investments, according to The China Post. This new focus offers the Cambodian real estate market a chance to grow and extend the market to such regional property investors, as Cambodian property offers reasonable prices for these types of buyers.   As a result, Century 21 Cambodia is organizing another collaborative trip to Taiwan on the 17th of January 2016 to share the practical Cambodia market situation with Taiwanese property investors and to build a strong network between Century 21 Cambodia and Century 21 Taiwan. Check out Century 21's listings on realestate.com.kh today!

Yong Yap Properties have officially moved into their riverside office...And it is a beauty! At this momentous juncture, the Yong Yap Properties team would like to say thank you to all their valued and loyal clients for the support over the years. It is an exciting time for the Yong Yap Properties team and the new office will be their home base for the coming years.The new address is #95A st 118 cnr st 17 - but phone numbers are still the same 023 223 712 / 017 400 700.The Yong Yap team look forward to seeing you all shortly!And don’t forget to check out Yong Yap Properties’ listings on realestate.com.kh today.

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 a superstar legacy.David Bowie’s Caribbean island retreat has apparently been sold to an unknown buyer, according to a recent report from Domain.Rock legend Bowie died at the age of 69 at the start of this month.Bowie once used the island villa as his private getaway home throughout the 1990’s, with its own personal pool and wet bar. Recently on the market for an asking price of $20M, the five bedroom mansion is now under-offer – suggesting it has been snapped up by a savvy buyer who understands the potential appreciation value now the Bowie has passed. The Indonesian inspired villa home on the private island of Mustique was built as Bowie’s private getaway in 1992. The lush house overlooks the Caribbean. Check some more Dream Home reports here:Dream Home Report : Unique Khmer HomesDream Home : Song Saa Private Island Villa

D’Seaview brings Sihanoukville’s first fully integrated residential and commercial mixed development, located alongside Sihanoukville’s most beautiful beaches.With its twin towers standing at 28 storeys each, D’Seaview will bring a collection of premium executive condominiums, commercial units and a hotel to Sihanoukville’s pioneer integrated living complex.D’seaview’s waterfront location, close to Sokha beach, remains idyllic, yet the vicinity is overflowing with international and traditional Khmer dining, bars, discos, night markets, spas and shopping plazas. The official D’Seaview groundbreaking ceremony will be held at the development’s building site on Saturday, 16 January, to celebrate the physical launch of Phase 1 of the project. All are invited by Camhomes to witness the occasion and join the festivities, starting from 8am onsite. The event will be presided over by H.E. Yun Min, Governor of Sihanoukville province. Following the groundbreaking ceremony, a complimentary lunch will be provided for guests at the Sokha Hotel and Resort, Sihanoukville. In addition, Camhomes is offering a special “sure-to-win instant lucky dip” to award attractive prizes for new buyers who purchase a D’Seaview unit in the month of January. The development, encompassing 735 residential units, offices and hotel units, is slated for completion in an estimated 28 months. D’Seaview will give its residents a level of convenience that only a mixed use development can offer: living and shopping at the highest standards in the same building. Not only can residents live, work and play within the complex, investing in a mixed development with both commercial and residential owners, and tenants offers a unique hedge against future inflation, assuring appreciation for your asset. D’Seaview’s integrated hotel is also open to bids from investors, as well as local shophouse-style blocks that are targeted at Cambodian retailers who would like to set up their business as well as live within the complex. The resident’s lifestyle will reflect the quality of D’Seaview’s design concept, and already 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 per cent of the 300 units in phase 1 have been successfully subscribed by both local and international buyers at price per square metre ranging from $675 to $1943. And it is no surprise that Cambodians and international investors are increasingly looking south for new property investment opportunities. Cambodia’s southern coastal resort town, Sihanoukville, is not only one of the nation’s premier tourism destinations, known for its tranquil beaches and idyllic islands, but it is also the fastest growing commercial city outside of Phnom Penh. Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s coastal economic hub and is growing faster than ever; it is host to the nation’s sole deep-sea port, the largest Special Economic Zone, as well as a large scale oil and gas industry soon to commence extraction. As Sihanouk province grows in popularity, more flight and bus connections are being established, linking it to the rest of the country and region. Sihanoukville International Airport now operates flights from South Korea, Singapore and China, as well as daily flights to Siem Reap. Realise your housing and commercial dreams now; and visit Camhomes’ D’Seaview showroom at Canadia Towers and talk to their property consultants, or check out the full listing information online at realestate.com.kh. And don't miss the D'Seaview groundbreaking tomorrow. To find out more information about the D’Seaview groundbreaking ceremony, please call +855 23 985 828 today.