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Bodaiju Residences Architech Reflects on Unique Design
Bodaiju Residences Architech Reflects on Unique Design
June 6, 2022, 5:04 p.m.
Realestate News
Bodaiju Residences is delicately infused with Japanese and French architectural elements, believes the project's Architect, while bringing the everyday conveniences expected in a modern apartment building to the capital of Cambodia. Bodaiju Residences is an ensemble of six 14-storey buildings woven into the tropical landscape. The project Bodaiju Residence was designed by Ivan Tizaniel, a French architect who has worked on projects that include The Plantation Hotel, in Phnom Penh, and the VIP terminals for both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International airports. See the listing here. Phase 1 is selling out fast, with huge local interest from Khmer buyers!Each Bodaiju Residences unit will enjoy large covered terraces that are able to act as a second out-door living rooms. Indoor-Outdoor flow is the name of the game, as Tizaniel wished to embrace Cambodia's tropical climate. It may also be a tribute to the Cambodian lifestyle, as local families prefer the option of eating and relaxing outside or inside, depending on the weather. The residences will also host rooftop sky pools, sky parks, a gym, clubhouse, BBQ pit, mini marts, cafes and kids play space, among a host of other features. Inquire today for full information!  “Bodaiju is architecturally inspired by the local climate,” Tizianel, the proud architect said, adding that, “in tropical countries such as Cambodia, we have to provide shade within the design to protect from the sun and get natural ventilation.” One, two and three bedroom condos are all available, and on accommodating financing schemes. Inquire today for full information!  Another unique feature of Bodaiju Residences, is that the car and moto parking lots open up to the ground floor gardens, covered by additional suspended gardens and lush walkways that link all buildings on the second floor. The suspended gardens serve a dual purpose, Tizianel explains: Able to hide the parking lots and, meanwhile, create a nice landscape for the lower level apartments. “The Japanese touch is in the simplicity of details and the relationship with nature,” reflects Tizianel.     Bodaiju Residences brings nature together with the conveniences of metropolis living, in close vicinity to Cambodia’s industrial centers. Located on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, alongside Lion Mall and a quick drive to the Phnom Penh international airport, Bodaiju Residences is equally close to the Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone and other emerging hubs of industry; a great choice of new home for factory management who wish for a convenient location close to the workplace. With construction commencing now, set to be completed by 2018, the project will be built in three phases on a 23,531 square meter area of land. The first phase, which is currently being sold, will include 372 units, while the second and third phase will produce 372 and 184 units respectively.   Click Here to Contact Bodaiju Agents!     Low-entry investment in Bodaiju Residences starts at $100,000. The average net selling price of Bodaiju Residence units is $1,600 to $1,700 per square metre. The Bodaiju Residences project is the first and biggest project to be invested in outside of the city center and instead in front of Pochentong International Airport. This shall be the future focal point of Phnom Penh, and is an attractive position for investment based on rising land prices. It's proximity to both the CBD and the International Airport is an assurance for buyers that their investment will increase in value as the Cambodian economy continues to develop.         Inquire About Bodaiju Residences Today on Realestate.com.kh and find out more!
Phnom Penh Rental Market, an Expat's Guide
Phnom Penh Rental Market, an Expat's Guide
June 6, 2022, 5:06 p.m.
Realestate News
Realestate.com.kh understands that the Phnom Penh rental market can be a little daunting for expats fresh to the Kingdom looking for a new home. In light of this, Realestate.com.kh has taken a survey of the average prices of rental properties in Phnom Penh, and let you know what differently classified Phnom Penh rental properties are likely to provide.Not surprising, Phnom Penh offers a host of real estate options for expat renters - whether it be a traditional wooden Khmer-style townhouse, a classic French-inspired Villa home, or a state of the art condominium unit, built by an international investment company. Clever expat or local renters can win in the Phnom Penh market place if they know what is available, and what reflects a reasonable price for those properties. The following should be a good start, thanks to Realestate.com.kh! We can break the Phnom Penh rentals market into four broad categories: Full-Serviced Apartments, Western Apartments, Khmer-Style Shophouses, and Renovated Shophouses.Let’s explore the attributes of each type of Phnom Penh rental property, and the average cost of leasing in different areas of town.1) Serviced Apartments in Phnom Penh: Luxury is increasingly in demand in Phnom Penh - but as the supply of luxury serviced apartments begins to exceed demand, luxury can also be very affordable. Full-service apartments provide almost everything you could want in a Phnom Penh apartment.Expect, at minimum, western style architecture and interior layouts, natural light, views, modern equipped kitchen including an oven, modern bathrooms, and expansive closets. Services such as laundry, Internet, cable, water, and even concierge services are included in the new breed of serviced apartments around Phnom Penh. Most of these accommodations also include one or more elevators, security, car, bike, and moto parking, gyms and/or swimming pools. Expect organized rent collection and hasty replies to your maintenance requests. You will almost certainly have air con.Serviced apartments are generally easy to find in the city, but expect prices to be higher than other types of accommodation, and don’t be surprised if vacancy rates low. Service apartments are somewhat impersonal, compared to other types of Phnom Penh rentals. Due to their size and relative vacancies, it may be more difficult to get to know your neighbors or your landlord. For a young professional or family, however, this extra space and privacy may be appreciated. They are also generally high rise apartments, so chances are you can land a great view of the city! Rough Price Range for 1 Bedroom Service Apartments:CBD - Chamkarmon, Daun Penh = $1000 – $1700 per month;Outskirts - Toul Kork, Sen Sok, Olympic, Toul Tom Poung = $800 – $1200 per month.2) Western Style Apartments in Phnom Penh:A “Western Style” apartment is a term that is thrown around a lot on the Phnom Penh rental market – and those properties fitting this description can vary widely. A “western” apartment can in fact represent anything from a few apartment units on the third floor, to a unit within a high-rise multi-unit tower. However, generally, those properties termed as western-style apartments in Phnom Penh have more amenities than those sold as Khmer-style units.So called “Western apartments” are generally newly constructed, have windows in every room and plenty of natural light, western style toilets and a kitchen with full cooking amenities; this should include all standard appliances and plenty of cabinet space, counter space, and an integrated cooktop. Often these apartment’s bathrooms will include a hot shower, a bathtub and floor tiles. A western style apartment should have a larger living space with somewhat modern lighting fixtures.Western apartments will also generally be furnished, and with furnishing such as plush sofa’s – as opposed to purely wooden furniture preferred in traditional khmer houses. Internet, cable, water and sometimes cleaning are generally included in the rental rate. Some of these properties will have elevators and might even have shared rooftop terrace areas. Expect parking for bicycles and motos. You should always get an air conditioner – in fact, this can be the sole reason the seller has called it “western.” Essentially, the “Western” label should lead you to believe that the construction is of a higher standard, as is the overall security of the building.For a foreigner there is also the benefit of having many foreign tenants, making it easy to make friends when your first settle in. Owners of western apartments are generally more experienced with this market and will follow through with your rental maintenance requests. Price Range For 1 Bedroom Western Apartments (non serviced):CBD - Chamkarmon, Daun Penh = $600 – $1000 per month;Outskirts - Toul Kork, Sen Sok, Olympic, Toul Tom Poung = $500 – $700 per month. 3) Khmer-style Shop House: A Khmer-style shophouse is still one of the most common property types in Phnom Penh, found in nearly every Phnom Penh neighborhood. They can also be built into three or four-story low-rise row homes. A shophouse, khmer style, is generally about four meters in width and roughly 16 meters long. The doors to enter will be in the front or back of the shop house, and the walls on either side will almost always have no windows. In a khmer-style shophouse, bedrooms won’t generally have windows, and if they do, they will face toward the interior of the home as opposed to the outside – thus, generally providing no natural light.Bedrooms will normally have movable dressers or rattan shelving, as opposed to inbuilt storage space provided in the more modern designs of apartments. Kitchen layouts in Khmer-style shop houses are generally fairly basic too. Expect to see a sink or two and a one burner gas cooktop. Don’t expect an oven and you will be lucky if you get much cabinet space.Don’t expect hot water, anywhere in the house. Bathrooms generally won’t have a separate shower or windows - but will be well equipped with floor to ceiling tiles, and the infamous bum gun. Bathrooms are just “wet rooms” without a separate shower in many cases. Home furnishings are seldom included, and if they are, expect them to be either rattan or wood. Expect, in terms of furnishings, no more than chairs, coffee table, and a table for eating.Although basic shop houses are still surprisingly popular with foreign renters, ultimately, their simplicity creates a kind of charm – and the price gap between these common shop houses, and new serviced units entering the market, are incomparable. Those that accept these shophouses for long term rents are generally expecting the landlord to make improvements or are being permitted by the landlord to make changes and modifications to the home themselves. With the right design and decoration, this style of house can be tailored to your preferences, and made to look much more valuable than their rental price. Expect to live close to your neighbors and get to know your neighborhood – which is a valuable experience for many expat renters. Rough Price Range For 1 Bedroom Khmer-style Shop Houses:CBD - Chamkarmon, Daun Penh = $300 - $400 per month;Outskirts - Toul Kork, Sen Sok, Olympic, Toul Tom Poung = $300 and under per month.4) Renovated Shop House:A renovated shop house, basically a khmer shop house that has undergone a makeover, can be harder to find in Phnom Penh. But when you find the right renovated shop house, you can get the authentic khmer style of living, with all the western amenities at hand. Adding to your search, the renovated shop house can often appear camouflaged from the outside as they generally have the same construction and outward appearances as the standard Khmer-style shop house.However, look inside to discover a gem – as the owner has in fact renovated the apartment interior with Western finishes, fixtures and amenities, yet still encapsulated in the same 4 x 16 meter layout. Keep your eyes peeled for new floors, added windows, and updated lighting fixtures. Other home furnishings will be newer – such as plush couches/sofas, and maybe a glass coffee table. A clear sign that a shop house has been renovated are the addition of external windows in the bedroom, facing the outside.Bedrooms may also have added features since the renovation, such as built-in closets, built-in shelving and air-conditioning. Renovated shop house kitchens will usually have cabinets for storage, and newer, western style appliances. Still, be aware that furnishings and construction may be cheap and require maintenance.Renovated shop house are great for foreigners who want to live comfortably on a budget while meanwhile maintaining the charm and community of living in a Khmer-style shop house. Owners are quite often friendly to expats and eager to please throughout the contract. More importantly - the prices are affordable. Rough Price Range For 1 Bedroom Renovated Shop Houses:CBD - Chamkarmon, Daun Penh = $600 - $700 per month;Outskirts - Toul Kork, Sen Sok, Olympic, Toul Tom Poung = $400 - $600 per month.Learn more about the Phnom Penh Market here. Check out our pre-signing checklist for rental properties now!
Bodaiju Residences Prove Popular with Khmer Investors
Bodaiju Residences Prove Popular with Khmer Investors
June 6, 2022, 5:06 p.m.
Realestate News
Although a relative newcomer the market, Bodaiju Residences has already sold over 60 per cent of Phase 1, according to Tomohiro Yakushi, vice president of the Japanese developer Creed Group. See the listing here.Yakushi believes that the reason for this is that most new developments across Phnom Penh aim solely to capture foreign investors but, Bodaiju Residences, the largest development in Cambodia by a Japanese Company, has gained huge interest by local investors and home owners who understand market potential and the need for well-financed projects in Cambodia, especially those located in strategic areas.In fact, Her Excellency Louk Sovanna from the newly formed KH Niron Investment company, a local property investor, has already announced that they have purchased 37 units at a total cost of around $5 million, according to a recent report in the Phnom Penh Post.“Unlike other condominium projects that mainly target foreigners, we aim to target locals pursuing home ownership and high standards of living,” said Yakushi. Bodaiju Residences have already gained local confidence:  the key to success in the Cambodian new developments market.“We mainly want local people to live here - not only foreign investors buying and selling condo units. We want to add real value,” Yakushi said. Hence, the majority of sales thus far are local Cambodians, at around 65 percent of Phase 1 sales; in addition, Korean buyers represent 15% of phase 1 sales, Japanese equate to 10%, Singaporean, 5%, and the remaining 5% of the units have been sold to other nationalities. This demographic will provide a multicultural and vibrant community in Bodaiju Residences.Inquire about Bodaiju Residences today on Realestate.com.kh and find out more!Based on current sales success, the Creed group predicts that at least 75 per cent of sales in Phase 1 will be complete in October 2015, according to a recent interview with the Phnom Penh Post.Creed is also making financing available, for local and international buyers. In fact, financing is available for up to 90 per cent of the property value by ORO Financecorp—a subsidiary of Creed Group— meaning that property investors can acquire loans starting from as low as 5 per cent interest.“This means that the low-entry investment starts at $100,000,” Yakushi adds. The average net selling price of Bodaiju units is $1,600 to $1,700 per square metre.The Bodaiju Residences project is the first and biggest project to be invested in outside of the city center and instead in front of Pochentong International Airport. This shall be the future focal point of Phnom Penh, and is an attractive position for investment based on rising land prices. It is a widely known developer's rule that very few property markets around the world fail to grow in areas near international airports.Inquire about Bodaiju Residences today on Realestate.com.kh and find out more!
Long v Short Term Rental Lease
Long v Short Term Rental Lease
June 6, 2022, 5:04 p.m.
Realestate News
Are you an Expat expecting just a temporary stay in the Kingdom? Are you nervous about signing long-term leases when you are not sure if you can satisfy the contract length? Are you finding that most Cambodian landlords are unwilling to have tenants stay for less than six months? Here is a guide to Long v Short Term Rental Lease in Cambodia, from Realestate.com.kh.Learn more about Phnom Penh rental market and other Cambodian rental advice here.Here's a check list for securing your dream Phnom Penh rental!Benefits of a Long Term Lease:Signing a six-month or year lease locks in a rental price in a market that is growing in leaps and bounds every year.Rental rates climb 10-15% annually in Cambodia, especially in the urban and tourism centers, and as new buildings offering all types of modern amenities continue to enter the rental market, these prices will continue to rise.A long term lease will save you from a price hike when the lease term ends and you are no longer able to find an apartment of the same value for the same price.Signing a long-term lease will also grant higher negotiating power: the landlord should be more flexible because they know you will stay for a longer period of time. They may add furnishing that you request, and negotiate on set rates.Remember that most owners want to build and maintain a relationship with their tenants. A long term lease allows this trust to develop.If you end up securing a lease for longer than you are able to stay in Cambodia, many expats are seeking shorter length, sub-lease agreements. This will give you the opportunity to finish your lease agreement payments through a sub-lease with a short term tenant. It pays to check with the landlord that will be possible before signing the leasing contract.Alternative, the landlord may allow you to transfer the entire lease to a new tenant that you have found - if you can't satisfy the contract. Enjoying this guide to Long v Short Term Rental Lease in Cambodia so far, learn more about Phnom Penh rental and other Cambodian rental advice here. If I do sign a long term lease, what sort of contractual and non-contractual terms can be negotiated with the landlord?Most importantly, the monthly rental price – as despite what the landlord and agent may say, in the Cambodian market there is always an element of flexibility in it!Consider requesting the installation of window screens, new or more fans, and new or improved furniture.Rates for services, such as water, electricity and rubbish collection may sometimes been thrown into the final rental price, at no extra charge.You should check whether the landlord is open to a sub-lease if you can't stay for the whole length of the lease agreement. If they are, let them know that they will have an opportunity to screen the new sub-leasing tenant before they are accepted. Also, check whether they are open to transferring the bond to the new sub-leasing tenant. If the new landlord accepts these terms, the additional lease length shouldn't be such a risk to you.Remember, negotiation is about compromise. Consider the landlords objectives and unique circumstances - and try to compormise a rental agreement where both parties can feel satisfied. Here is some useful real estate negotiation advice. Enjoy this guide to Long v Short Term Rental Lease in Cambodia, from Realestate.com.kh? Here's a check list for securing your dream rental!
Guaranteed Rental Returns? What to know
Guaranteed Rental Returns? What to know
June 7, 2022, 6:54 a.m.
Realestate News
Home & Living
Jay Cohen, Director and Partner of Tilleke & Gibbins Cambodia, joined Ivan Cano, Content Manager of Realestate.com.kh, in sharing an introduction to Guaranteed Rental Returns.Cambodia’s property market has seen massive growth and changes over the past decade. The influx of foreign investors made the landscape quite the competitive field and many new property investment opportunities throughout the Kingdom now come with Guaranteed Rental Returns (GRR).What are Guaranteed Rental Returns?In layman's terms, GRR is a future rental income that is guaranteed by the developer or management company to the property purchaser for a contracted period of time after the purchase agreement is signed.For example:Property Price$100,000Guaranteed Rental Return (GRR)6% per yearGRR Period2 yearsExpected Rental Return$12,000 over 2 yearsSharon Liew, CEO of Huttons CPL, notes that Guaranteed Rental Returns is a reassurance scheme for new investors looking to try out a new, somewhat uncharted international market. Standard net returns being advertised in the condos and new developments market range from 4 percent to 9 percent, normally for a two to five year period.Key considerations for Guaranteed Rental ReturnsFor potential investors faced with promises of Guaranteed Rental Returns, there are several points to consider before signing that dotted line.Make sure the GRR is on a contractual documentFirstly, it is crucial to find out exactly what is underwriting the guarantee. If it is merely a paper promise it is potentially illusory - a marketing exercise that will collapse after the developments launch. However, if there is an actual contract in place, containing the potential for legal recourse should the income not be generated, the GRR presents some value.“If there is a GRR scheme, the investor needs to make sure the GRR is set out in writing,” said Jay Cohen, Partner and Director of Tilleke & Gibbins Cambodia, highlighting the importance of having the Guaranteed Rental Return rate in writing. “There needs to be some sort of contractual document that sets out the rights to the GRR”Guaranteed or Gross Rental Returns?After setting the GRR out in writing, investors need to consider additional costs that may reduce an investor’s expected return; a common mistake that some novice investors make is to take the Guaranteed Rental Returns being offered as a reference point to calculate their returns.Jay Cohen notes that investors need to be careful and understand what other costs may be imposed by the developer that may reduce their GRR. “Often in GRR schemes, there may be other costs that will reduce that amount. For example, management fees, sinking funds, utilities, furniture packages, and property taxes” he said.For example:Property Price$100,000Guaranteed Rental Return (GRR)6% per yearGRR Period2 yearsExpected Return$12,000 over 2 yearsManagement fee per month$125 ($1,500 per year - $3,000 for 2 years)Utility bill per month$80 ($960 per year - $1,920 for 2 years) Expected return: $12,000 after 2 yearsCosts over 2 years: $4,920 (Management fee + Utility bill)Net Return Return: $7,080 over 2 yearsJay emphasizes the importance of having the GRR and the associated costs of owning the property to be on a contractual document and from there, understand what is their net return over the contract’s expressed period of time.Sam Kiers, Director of Sales and Marketing at Elevated Realty, agrees: “This ultimately leads to investors seriously considering the time it takes for the investment to turn profitable.”Desmond Yap, General Manager of Yong Yap Properties, believes that if it is the developer offering GRR, it is fair to assume they have done their calculations and have ensured they will not create a loss of profit for their company. “Thus, in effect,” says Yap, “the buyer is paying for their own Guaranteed Rental Returns.”Know the going rate of similar propertiesJay Cohen notes that developers often look at surrounding properties of a similar tier along with calculating their desired ROI to come up with a GRR offer. Jay additionally impresses on investors that it is not uncommon for developers to inflate the rental guarantee figures to create a good impression on buyers considering the longer-term benefits of their investment. The opposite is true as well that a developer can undercut GRRs if they are confident they can rent/lease the property out for a much higher price.For investors, another consideration about any GRR promise should be whether the rental income figure appears realistic and achievable in the current market, keeping in mind where the property is located. If it is clearly unrealistic, the investor should foresee a dramatic reduction in returns on their unit once the guaranteed rental period ends.Sharon Liew explains that “In general, the projected GRR is usually lower than the market rental rate by about 20 percent, to protect the developer from any losses - this means, that anything higher than 20 percent (per year) is likely too good to be true.”What happens after the GRR period ends?“After a GRR period ends, the investor takes over the property and they have an obligation to lease it out themselves,” said Jay Cohen. Depending on the developer, they may offer their services to lease an investor’s property post-GRR for a nominal fee/arrangement. Jay Cohen emphasizes that this should be spelled out in a contractual document to avoid ambiguity or the requirement of additional services resulting in more fees.Do a background check on the developerIt is advisable that the buyer must consider whether the developer or their property management company in fact has the ability and resources to manage the property properly and sustain rental tenants for the property over the guaranteed period.Liew confirms that “The developer’s credibility and presence in Cambodia are extremely important, as most GRR only kicks off after the development is complete. This makes upfront rebate on Guaranteed Rental Returns a more attractive option.”Look for an experienced property management operation, with past success in the local market.“Be sure to check the validity of the GRR agreement and the quality of the management team," says Desmond Yap, “and, if possible, see how the management company is arranging their finances.”Force Majeure, enforcement, and dispute resolution of GRRsGuaranteed Rental Returns in Cambodia came at a time when the real estate market was booming. Business travelers and tourists were flying in and Cambodians from the countryside were flocking to big cities like Phnom Penh to find work - constituting a large base of property buyers and renters. But COVID-19 has disrupted this growth.So can the developer reduce the GRR under certain situations? Can the developer altogether stop paying the GRR if there’s a force majeure event? “It depends,” says Jay Cohen. He reminds investors that the GRR is a contract between the purchaser and the developer. “Whether the developer is allowed to reduce the GRR because of events like a pandemic, or a force majeure event, that really comes down to the nature of the contract”.Cambodia has legal concepts of force majeure. Jay says that developers may rely on this law but warns this may be a difficult issue as it is not clearly spelled out under Cambodian law.He suggests that a “dispute resolution” be negotiated between the investor and the developer. “Give some thought to dispute resolution,” he said, “the agreement may be regulated by Cambodian law, and may give investors the choice of the Kingdom’s courts or arbitration”.“Arbitration in Cambodia may be a good path as it’s faster. So that may be a way to enforce the agreement” he said.Recap and additional tips when considering Guaranteed Rental Return offersJay Cohen reminds investors there should be a document aside from the Sale-and-Purchase Agreement (SPA) that clearly sets out the GRR, obligations of the developer, and any other additional expenses to be shouldered by the purchaser.Additionally, even if a GRR is reasonable and competitive, they are not the sole indicators of a good investment. Saraboth Ea, Managing Director of  Maxem Property warns, “GRR needs to be considered amongst many other factors that determine whether an investment is a good value or not. This will consider the buyer's objectives and investment timeline, which varies from individual to individual.”“As the market matures,” continues Ea, “We hope to see developers put less emphasis on rental returns, and establish a good balance between local buyers who will reside in the property versus those who buy purely as an investment.”Looking at both sides of the Guaranteed Rental Returns debate, the rental guarantee is important for investors who need immediate reassurance on their investment - however, the guarantee is only as good as the strength of the company offering it. Ea says that a healthy skepticism around GRR is only natural in Cambodia, as it is a relatively new concept for local buyers and investors: “Rather than being the sole incentive for a buyer, we view it more as a gauge of the developer's confidence in their project.” Looking for property investment in Cambodia? Let us help!Article by:
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Mortgage Matters: Part 1 - Home Loan Basics
Mortgage Matters: Part 1 - Home Loan Basics
June 6, 2022, 5:06 p.m.
Realestate News
Mortgages (or home loans) are an essential consideration for most people buying, selling, or simply owning a home. While the concept of borrowing from a bank or lender appears simple - home loans can be a lot harder to understand than you might first think. However, realestate.com.kh is here to help with our “mortgage matters” series. And when you are ready to consider a loan more seriously, we can even put you in touch with Cambodia’s leading lenders.Inquire for a home loan here.Drawing on  the experience of others who have mortgages (any number of your friends and family who already have a home loan), and with a little extra homework, we believe that any body can make sound financial decisions.What is a Mortgage?A mortgage is a loan, quite simply, with your house and land used as security for that loan. That means, if you don't pay back the loan in the prescribed time frame, the lender (usually a bank) has the right to foreclose your home. Foreclosing means to take possession of a mortgaged property when the mortgagor fails to keep up their mortgage payments. Basically, the bank takes your home and sells it to settle the debt. The loan is secured by a “lien” (in other words, the "mortgage") against the property in question (your house and land). The lender still doesn't own the house, you do. But if you can't pay, they have the lien with your house as their collateral/security.  You still have full ownership rights - yet subject to the mortgage.When looking for your first mortgage is it most important to consider two things: What you can actually afford?What you can borrow?Why are these two questions different? Because, the lender/bank is never going to look at how much you spend in a month on partying with friends, or movies and dinner, or how happy you'll be with a big payment.Put in your loan requirements in realestate.com.kh's mortgage calculator now! In reality, they may well be willing to loan you considerably more than you think you can spend on your home mortgage. You must consider this seriously - because only you know how much flexibility your lifestyle and spending habits have, which ultimately determines how much you can afford when searching for a new home. If you miscalculate this - you risk not being able to satisfy payments and ultimately losing your new home.Learn more about how to budget better for you and your family here.A lender/bank will look at your income, and future income potential vs. your proposed debt, as well as your bank savings and credit history. Having considered these factors, the bank will then determine how much of a risk you'd be for the lender/bank to take on and issue a loan. Meanwhile, they look at the value of the house you want to buy, and potential future value, and compare against the interest rate of the loan you'll be getting. After this analysis, the bank/lender arrives at a loan amount that they consider a healthy risk. If all things go to plan, this loan amount will match (or potentially exceed) what you need to satisfy your down payment and the final price of the house you want to purchase.Read part 2 of Realestate.com.kh’s “mortgage matters” series. And when you are ready to consider a loan more seriously, get in touch with Cambodia’s leading lenders.
Property Awards officially launches in Cambodia
Property Awards officially launches in Cambodia
June 6, 2022, 5:05 p.m.
Realestate News
The latest boost for the kingdom’s booming property industry will kick off the prestigious industry awards programme in 2016... As the acclaimed Asia Property Awards officially launches in Cambodia Undoubtedly home to one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting and rapidly evolving property markets, Cambodia is set to receive the region’s real estate industry seal of approval when it becomes the latest country to be included in the coveted, decade-old Asia Property Awards series. Sponsored by TEKA, the first Cambodia Property Awards 2016 will recognise and reward the achievements of the country’s most successful, dynamic and innovative developers and developments, as well as introducing the market to a wider regional audience of affluent investors and major industry players. The Awards’ successful launch party was held on Tuesday, 6 October, at the Chinese House in Phnom Penh, attended by nearly 150 guests and members of the press. Nominations from industry players and the general public have now started to pour in for the Cambodia edition, and will close on Friday, 4 December. The glittering awards ceremony is set to take place on Thursday, 25 February 2016 at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra and will present more than 20 awards covering the condominium, housing, hotel, office, retail, green and mixed-use segments, all of which will be grouped into three main sections, namely Developer, Development and Design. While Cambodia’s property market may not yet be as established as its regional counterparts, the kingdom is stepping up in the development sector, with numerous low-rise and ambitious high-rise projects currently in the planning stages or under construction in Phnom Penh, which is undoubtedly establishing itself as a desirable investment destination due to the relatively low prices and average rental yields of 5.3 percent – very attractive for an emerging market. Industry analysts also expect the overall condominium market in the capital to increase its supply by 40 percent within the next three years, which is one indication of the growing interest in local real estate. Other destinations such as Siem Reap and Sihanoukville province are also showing on many local and foreign investors’ radars, thanks to the kingdom’s existing laws giving investment incentives, and an open and free economy. “Cambodia is a comparatively small market, but it is quickly emerging and is definitely deserving of the recognition it will receive at their very own Property Awards,” said Terry Blackburn, CEO of Ensign Media, event organiser and publisher of Asia’s industry leading magazine, Property Report. “Competing in Cambodia will give the winners of the top awards the opportunity to showcase their latest projects at our South East Asia Property Awards grand finale to be held in Singapore.” As is the case with all the events of the Asia Property Awards, successful entries will be supervised by BDO International, one of the world’s largest accounting firms, and assessed by an independent panel of highly-experienced judges led by chairman Simon Griffiths, associate director of CBRE Cambodia. “There is a definite market trend in Cambodia of a flight to quality,” Griffiths said. “If developers can truly distinguish themselves through innovative and truly quality developments, from design and architecture to construction, execution and operation and by winning an independent award it helps consumers identify those properties, it can only be a good thing for developers and design firms.” For more information on the inaugural Cambodia Property Awards, visit the website. Super early bird tickets for the gala dinner are available now at Ensign-Media.com, offered until 11 December only. Sponsorship and media partner opportunities for the kingdom’s premier real estate event are also available. For details, email info@asiapropertyawards.com or call +66 (0) 2662 5195. Follow #AsiaPropertyAwards to join the conversation about the Asia Property Awards series on social media.
Rental Checks before Signing On
Rental Checks before Signing On
June 6, 2022, 5:05 p.m.
Realestate News
Whenever renting a new house or commercial space for business, the things that grab our attention first and foremost are the location, price and the supporting lease clauses. However, we often miss out on and overlook certain small but equally important things. You should remember that your final lease agreement is not going to include a lot of important stuff that will ultimately make or break the rental agreement, and this could well be the same stuff that even your landlord or broker won’t reveal pre-contract. Read another Checklist for Securing your Dream Rental Here.Here is a few extra things to consider above and beyond the rental agreement, thanks to Realestate.com.kh:How's the Landlord?Always do a background check of your landlord to make sure everything is above board. This need not be a difficult one, or necessarily call on any official records. Neighbors and grocery shop owners in the vicinity are often the best sources that can help you ascertain your prospective landlord’s nature and his ownership over the property. Also, you should check how far or close he or she lives from the rented apartment. A  landlord who is too nosey is sometimes equally as bad as an extremely laid back one. A lot of good apartment rental experiences are ruined because of landlords - so work out fast whether or not yours in a keeper. Also, try to speak with past tenants. The landlord may be able to provide contact details of the last tenant. If he or she does, call them - and get the down-low on the property and the landlord before agreeing to sign on.Meet the Neighbors:Similar to the above regarding landlords, a bad neighbor can ruin your rental experience. Try to meet your neighbors before finalizing the house agreement and find out whether they will have an overbearing influence on your life. Consider their set up too - is it a family living beside your house or a bunch of young guys? This will make a difference to your satisfaction once the contract is done - so find out before the point. Visit at night:Visit the area where your new residence resides at night to check its safety. A neighborhood that’s calm during the daytime can turn into a very noisy place at night time. Does a KTV open next door after 7pm? Is the entrance to your prospective home lighted sufficiently? Do you feel safe in the new area? If you don't, you can bet your family won't.Is your pet allowed?Find out your landlord’s stance on pets, if you have any. Many landlords don’t allow pets, so finding one which does can often be a challenge for the renter with fluffy friends.Consider the local commute:Try and get to work, or school, from the new house - before agreeing to live there. Many times,  our commute related research is merely based on the rough distance between your home and destination. Walk through your travel route and see how easy and efficient it really is.You’re now ready! Get on Realestate.com.kh/rent today and start the search for your dream rental! Of course, Realestate.com.kh’s 6000+ rental listings make it effortless to see what is available across the Cambodian rentals market. Read another Checklist for Securing your Dream Rental Here.
Checklist for Securing your Dream Rental
Checklist for Securing your Dream Rental
June 6, 2022, 5:05 p.m.
Realestate News
Finding the perfect rental can be a taxing experience. Of course, Realestate.com.kh’s 6000+ rental listings make it effortless to see what is available across the Cambodian rentals market. Yet, when it comes to inspections, the bulk of your search and consideration usually revolves around technical aspects of the new home, such as proximity to your office or your kid’s school, your budget, the number of bedrooms and the like – it is easy to overlook some of the smaller but equally important details during the heat of the viewing. Here’s a checklist, thanks to Realestate.com.kh, to ensure you’re not forgetting anything! Additional costs: Most rental rates are exclusive of extra monthly charges. Monthly maintenance, waste collection, gas and water rates, electricity bills, bond payments etc. can add to the monthly rental price significantly – so make sure you inquire about all extra expenses while you are viewing. And confirm them in the rental contract before signing. Expect to pay no more than 1000Riel/$0.25 per Kilowatt for electricity, $5 per month for water charges & trash collection and $5 per month for TV cable connection. Read the contract: Seems like a no-brainer – but read your rental agreement with care and attention. Learn the ways in which you can be liable for a breach of your contract, for example having pets or parties – different land lords’ stipulate different reasons for being allowed to throw you out, so make sure you know what the land lord in question expects of you before you agree to stay. Get the right title!Everyone haggles! Always bargain the price with your landlord no matter how it makes you feel. Learn how to haggle here. The same goes for your real estate agent. Remember, that while your real estate agent is acting in your interests to some degree – they are ultimately acting on behalf of the sale, and their commission will be higher if the final agreed price is higher. If you are applying for a long term rental, 1 year or over, use this as a bartering tool. Also, while the landlord may not be flexible on monthly rental price, you may still be able to push them for additional services or home furnishing/appliances for free as contract sweeteners. An upfront advance on your first few months’ rent may also be an enticing bartering point for landlords looks for a fast cash injection in the short term, but ensure everything is receipted correctly. Here's some tips to finding the perfect agent.Safety First: Regardless of what your agent tells you, be personally responsible for you and your family’s safety when considering any new rental property. Walk around the neighborhood of any property you are considering renting, speak with neighbors (and other tenants if it is a shared building) and come back to the area at nighttime and make sure no hidden threats appear when the sun goes down. Also, always consider the potential for flooding. A 24 hour review is necessary to note any noise hazards too – there may be construction in the afternoon that you never noticed at the morning viewing, or a night club could open at night next door. For a little extra attention before agreeing to the rental contract, you can truly understand the pros and cons of the property. Little Things: Check faucets, door hinges, locks, door knobs, power points, appliances, water heaters and gas cookers before agreeing to rent. Most of the time these things look perfect until further investigation - but if you catch minor problems now, you can ask the landlord to fix them before the agreement is settled. Here is a pre-purchase property checklist.Bug Free? Keep your eyes peeled for any signs of a bug infestation. It is not uncommon and it’s easy to miss signs that your new home is shared by a family of cock roaches, termites, mice or other pests. Unless it’s a critter co-lease you’re looking for, find out before it’s too late. Photo Evidence: Before agreeing to the bond payment, take photos of every room in the house while it is empty. In these pictures, make sure you evidence any preexisting damage to the property. This way, when your contract eventually ends, the landlord has no grounds to deduct wear and tear damages from your deposit that in fact you weren’t responsible for. You’re now ready! Get on Realestate.com.kh/rent today and start the search for your dream rental!
Why Property Developers prefer Realestate.com.kh
Why Property Developers prefer Realestate.com.kh
June 6, 2022, 5:04 p.m.
Realestate News
Realestate.com.kh offers a range of products for property developers in Cambodia to build their brand, increase inquiries for their apartment, condo or office units, and ultimately sell their new development project faster than ever.We are not agents here at Realestate.com.kh, and we do not take commission – but we do seek to provide the best possible online real estate buying and selling experience for both home buyers and property sellers. including property developers.The Realestate.com.kh developers online marketing packages are designed to help Cambodian property developers expose their properties to the widest possible audience of buyers - inside and outside of Cambodia - and create ongoing hype within the local and international market. Realestate.com.kh can help your new development stand out from the crowd. Traffic to Realestate.com.kh is highly targeted.People come to Realestate.com.kh for one reason – to search for property – and for this reason, they stay on site for a long time, checking the latest properties that suit their search criteria. For developers, there is no need to waste your time and money listing property on other classified websites where user traffic is not related to property.Property developers put their listing on Realestate.com.kh where everyone that visits it is a potential customer. We are ranked number 1 for search results on google.com and google.com.kh for almost all property search keywords related to Cambodia. Our website is also mobile and tablet optimized, which is perfect for Cambodia where this type of traffic has increased over 414% since 2014. Meanwhile, we harness social media marketing to push your new development listing to a wider audience.Realestate.com.kh’s new development listings appear on our dedicated “New Developments” section of the website, one click from the homepage, which means new development property listings don’t get mixed up with the thousands of other residential property listings. All “New Development” listings are “Featured” which means 200% larger listings, larger photos and the developer’s logo included. You can also upload 3D Renders of floor plans, maps, information brochures and various other sales materials to the online listing.How do we push your property listings around the globe?At Realestate.com.kh, through our “Featured Listings” package, we easily and automatically help Cambodian property developers enter the lucrative international property market, make international real estate connections, and, ultimately, sell property to wealthy international buyers – all without leaving thier computer chair. While 65% of traffic to Realestate.com.kh is from Cambodia, the balance of visitors are from countries with a strong interest in Cambodian real estate. We also help international property agents share their listings with Cambodian’s interested in investing in international real estate.Realestate.com.kh has a partnership with the Property Guru Group.  PropertyGuru Group is Asia’s leading online property portal group used by more than 11 million property buyers, viewing over 104 million property pages and generating over 500,000 enquiries for real estate developers and agent advertisers – every month – across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.Content marketing is a powerful way to position your development company as a market leader and create hype for your new development. Realestate.com.kh can make a custom content marketing plan to suit your needs with our professional in-house real estate journalists that produce high quality real estate advertorial. This advertorial will be seen by tens of thousands of property seekers on Realestate.com.kh’s dedicated real estate news blog and weekly email.Our writing is respected throughout the industry, by agents and property seekers. Meanwhile, we push your advertorial to new audiences in Cambodia and abroad through our extensive social media network – which includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Line. Banner advertising on Realestate.com.kh is another great way to drive highly relevant traffic to your new development.If you are a developer wishing to list your property on Realestate.com.kh and take advantage of our comprehensive online marketing solutions, please contact us today at info@realestate.com.kh or 017436756 and we will be happy to meet with you and tell you all the different ways we can showcase your new development to the world.Harness the online revolution that is spreading across Cambodia – and get your latest project sold on Realestate.com.kh today!
Dream Homes: Song Saa Private Island Villa
Dream Homes: Song Saa Private Island Villa
June 6, 2022, 5:05 p.m.
Realestate News
Welcome to Realestate.com.kh's Dream Home Report. Every week we will showcase one of our most luxurious, interesting and unique properties from throughout our listings database. We want to show you the gems of the Cambodian property market. This week we look to Sihanoukville and a set of Island Villa's that will make any beach lover excited. The resort features 27 intimate island villas, uncompromising on luxury and design to reflect the simple beauty of the natural environment. See the full listings here and here Villa 2 is one of only three two bedroom overwater island villas at Song Saa, and the only overwater villas with swimming pools in South East Asia. The island villas offer direct access from the deck area into the sea, as well as perfect views out over the local scenery. It is the perfect place to enjoy a sunset drink with friends and loved ones. Complete with private pools, high-end creature comforts and a world-class restaurant and lounge at the heart of the resort spectacularly positioned just off the island’s shoreline and surrounded by sea. A short stroll on the boardwalk will leave you perfectly positioned to take in dramatic sunsets, seascapes and starry nights. * Vista Bar and Restaurant * Driftwood Bar * Pool-side dining * Large infinity edge swimming pool * Spa and wellness sanctuaries positioned in the rain forest and along the shore * Yoga meditation centre on the shoreline, ideal for yoga at sunrise * Water sports such as scuba diving, kayaking, snorkelling and boating * Ecological programme to experience the areas flora and fauna * An exclusive island boutique featuring designer labels from around the world The villa is available on a sale and leaseback scheme where owners are entitled to 30 nights usage a year in exchange for a return. Located within the Koh Rong Archipelago off the coast of Sihanoukville, Cambodia, the luxurious and idyllic Song Saa Resort spans the islands of Koh Ouen and Koh Bong (known locally as Song Saa – Khmer for ‘The Sweethearts’), connected by a footbridge over a marine reserve which is home to an abundance of marine life including turtles, seahorses and exotic species of tropical fish. With an ever increasing number of international flights into Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, and with the recent introduction of domestic flights between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, access to Song Saa Private Island has never been easier. From Sihanoukville Port it is then a comfortable 35 minutes to and from Song Saa Private Island on luxurious speed boats. See the full listings here and here This listing is from Knight Frank Cambodia, one of Realestate.com.kh's latest "Featured Agents". Find out how to become a "Featured Agent" today!
"How to Build a Condominium in Cambodia” Conference
"How to Build a Condominium in Cambodia” Conference
June 6, 2022, 5:06 p.m.
Realestate News
Century 21 Cambodia would like to invite you to join an Exciting Conference: The First Century 21 International Real Estate Conference “How to Build a Condominium in Cambodia” on 5th - 6th September 2015 which leverage knowledge and idea by H.E Dr. Sok Siphana, Mr. Kevin Goos, and Mr. Justin Landis.Opportunities: This opportunity is for wealthy land owners to understand how to make millions of dollars by developing a condominium, how to build a brand with your project, and most importantly how to successfully enter the real estate development market in Cambodia. The "How to Build a Condominium in Cambodia” Conference is an opportunity is for land owners, construction companies, and real estate professionals to understand the condominium business model from start to finish. The conference is conducted by industry leaders who share the most important details to successfully develop a condominium, so Cambodians can capture the millions of dollars that are being made in real estate development in Phnom Penh. Why attend this training program: The "How to Build a Condominium in Cambodia” Conference will show you how to make millions in real estate development by learning from industry leaders in Cambodia. If you interested in becoming a real estate developer or want to understand how to make money from Condos then this is the perfect opportunity for you to join and learn the full step- by-step process of “how to build a successful condominium project in Cambodia.”  We offer a comprehensive financial model, partnership agreements, overview of legal aspects for construction, and a full step by step outline for new developers to directly use with their existing projects. We educate new developers about the common mistakes developers make and the do’s and don’ts for developing a condominium in Cambodia.
Living the Dream: Gyms Adding Value to New Developments
Living the Dream: Gyms Adding Value to New Developments
June 6, 2022, 5:04 p.m.
Realestate News
Obviously the construction industry is booming alongside the recent explosion of high rise apartment and condominium projects taking place across Cambodia. However, this recent surge in development is also benefiting some lesser known industries, those of which are working toward improving the end quality of these development projects for both buyers and sellers.Some products proving hugely popular to the latest new developments in Cambodia are onsite gyms, health and fitness amenities. A rise in these additional features in new developments nationwide reflects international consumer trends appearing in the Kingdom as they never have before. Speaking with Simon Rapoport, Country Manager of Seara, official importer of Life Fitness exercise equipment in Cambodia and full package gym design and installation professionals, we discover what is fueling this surge in demand for high end amenities within new development projects. “When we install the gym, we add value to the project immediately,” remarks Rapoport, “and we help to maintain trust between the developer and prospective real estate buyers.” As many new developments are being presold before their construction in Cambodia, the end buyer is instilling a lot of trust in the developer to provide all features promised when the apartment, condo or serviced unit finally becomes available for new tenants.  Tales of missing features when the development is finally ready for occupancy are rife throughout the industry – for instance, gym space provided as according to the presale project specifications, but no equipment to be seen at the final launch, or much cheaper branded equipment than first promised; previously touted roof top pools that are cut in final budget considerations; and the arrival of new management of serviced condos and apartments that don’t hesitate to ignore earlier promises of products and services once the project welcomes its new tenants. For this reason, says Rapoport, “the developers we work with increasingly want to see the gym constructed and fitted as soon as possible.” The reason being, “if the potential buyer comes to view the project mid construction, and the gym on the fifth floor has already been fully fitted with international standard equipment, even while the rest of the building remains a work in progress, the buyer has already witnessed the developer fulfilling promises within the presale specs.” Building a gym or sports facility first is an exercise in building one’s credibility in the market: “They’re saying, ‘Count on us – We said we will provide a world class gym, and look, here it is!’” remarks Rapoport. New developers are promising leading brands, such as the Life Fitness equipment that Seara Sports fit and maintain, and they want to prove this to new unit buyers who are voting with their feet across Phnom Penh. Sharon Liew, from Huttons CPL, notes that this credibility gap is caused by a lack of enforcement in the advertising legislation for false advertising surrounding the Cambodian property market: "In Cambodia, real estate marketers are free to misrepresent the development to purchasers without any legal repercussions. In Singapore and Malaysia though, for example, showroom units used to sell the development before it is completed must be exactly the same specifications and dimensions as the completed unit. If not, the buyer has a legal right to challenge the agreement and potentially void their purchase agreement." In the meantime, Sharon recommends buying from developers who include building and unit specifications as well as facilities included in the Sales and Purchase Agreement. Demand for health and fitness products within new developments also marks a clear conceptual desire for many home and investment buyers looking to move to modern home complexes throughout Cambodia. “Those who are buying units in these new developments are not simply looking to buy a home,” believes Rapoport, “they are buying a lifestyle.” “It’s all about health,” says Rapoport, and this concept is becoming cemented in the mindsets of consumers throughout Asia, and increasingly Cambodia. When new buyers see an apartment block that offers an onsite health and fitness center, they see the chance to purchase a better life – one in which daily fitness is guaranteed and doesn’t require navigating the congested inner-city.” For the same reason, new project buyers also desire other inclusive amenities such as cafes, restaurants, communal areas, sports facilities and onsite events. Sam Kiers, from Elevated Realty, notes that many development administrations only allow access to gym and health facilities to fulltime residents of that particular property.  However, a few condominium developments are less strict on these policies and open onsite gyms to family, friends and acquaintances of their occupants. Kiers supports this later trend as it represents an ongoing tool for developers and agents to introduce potential clientele to the building in a positive light.  The traffic an open-gym policy generally includes the type of potential clientele that the developer is seeking – relatively affluent, mobile and clearly interested in the fitness facilities the development has to offer. “Developing sustained interest in any new development is becoming more and more important with the condominium influx,” notes Kiers. And it is not just international developers seeking these features, says Rapoport, who has witnessed a surge in local developers wishing to integrate gyms, sports grounds, pools, and steam and sauna facilities within their new projects. Throughout the market, quality is in demand. And quality does not limit itself to the building alone, suggests Rapoport – “It is intimately connected with the quality of life a new development can conceptually represent.”
East One Apartments: Live in Style in the Heart of Phnom Penh
East One Apartments: Live in Style in the Heart of Phnom Penh
June 6, 2022, 5:06 p.m.
Realestate News
See the Full Listing HereLocated on the corner of Street 214 and 51, between the four icons of Phnom Penh - Independence Monument, Royal Palace, National Museum and Central Market - East One Apartments offers a prime location to anyone working in international embassies, Government ministries and the Central Business District; or for anyone who wants to feel the pulse of Phnom Penh city. All East One high-rise residents are guaranteed the best river views in town… Because the apartment complex is located alongside the border of the Royal Palace, all surrounding buildings now have height restrictions of no more than 10 floors on their titles. That means that if you buy an apartment unit between the 10th and 22nd floors in East One, your perfect view of the Tonle Sap will be secured for the future! All East One Apartment units come fully furnished with international brands “American Standard,” “Samsung,” “LG” and equivalent standard brands. Each unit includes all soft and hard furnishing to suit the space perfectly, as chosen by professional interior designers, including all electrical appliances for modern living. Meanwhile, the complex includes full service hotel-style amenities with rooftop swimming pool, café, car parking and full concierge service. Head downstairs to enjoy world class amenities and entertainment within walking distance of your new home, including the award winning House of Seafood and Breadtalk - two F&B brands direct from Singapore, more than 5 banks, various supermarkets, KFC, Browns Coffee, all major airline offices, and the host of nightlife which awakes every night along Phnom Penh’s famous Street 51. And you can rest assured that your investment at East One will be immediately profitable. Why? To assure rental returns for buyers, the East One Developer, Guangzhou Yuetai Group Co., Ltd., is guaranteeing a 22.5% rental return payable upfront as rebate to the purchase price. Meanwhile, demand for high end rental apartments in this area is particularly high generally; the nearby Maline Apartments, for example, is renting studios at $1500/month, which equates to more than 10 percent rental return. Guangzhou Yuetai Group Co., Ltd., with over 8 Billion Yuan in total assets, has huge experience in building and managing service apartments to a world class standard. In 2003, Yuetai Group acquired Donghua Enterprise, a listed company on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and successfully built its own property brand known as ‘Swan Bay,’ renowned across China for luxury living solutions. Swan Bay comprises over 20 high-end real estate projects in over 13 cities across China, exceeding 4 million square meters. Yuetai Group has won various honors for their real estate developments, including the Guangdong Top 20 Real Estate Qualification and Credit Enterprise Award, Guangdong Top 100 Private Company Award, the Guangzhou Top 10 Most Competitive Real Estate Developer Award, Guangzhou Trustworthy Brand Developer Award, and a Contract Abiding and Creditable Enterprise Award, to name just a few. See the Full Listing Here For more information and to arrange a viewing, please contact us today or visit the East One Showroom - Opposite Cell Card, and next to ANZ Royal on Sihanouk Boulevard. (#182, Preah Sihanouk Blvd , BKK1, Chamkarmon, Phnom Penh).
The Top 3 Ways to Make Money from Your Investment Property #1
The Top 3 Ways to Make Money from Your Investment Property #1
June 6, 2022, 5:05 p.m.
Realestate News
A lot of people talk about buying investment property. However, this is not always as simple as it seems. To make any property a lucrative investment, you need to buy the right investment property and you need to manage it correctly.Here are the top three ways to make your real estate earn extra income for you and your family.#1 - Buy a Rental Property: If you want to see your new property investment making money immediately, you should buy a property that you can easily rent out to someone else. The benefit of a rental property is that you can sell the property at a higher price than what you purchased it for - due to the appreciation of the land beneath it - while, at the same time, you collect an additional rental income. The rental income will help supplement your mortgage repayments on the property – or could even exceed them. In which case, you will receive extra money each month as landlord. When buying a property that you intend to rent, however, you must try to choose a property that has market value now. If it does not attract rental tenants straight away, you won’t see any money in the short term meaning you struggle to pay the mortgage repayments. So when you are looking to buy an investment property to rent, you must consider:Is it in a popular location for potential tenants? Eg. Close to universities and schools, close to shopping centers, close to major employment centers etc.Is it suitable for expat renters? If so, you can make more from rental opportunities if you market the property correctly to expats.Is the property currently livable? You may need to furnish the property, and make the property more attractive for potential renters. Eg. Consider security precautions; consider supplying services such as wi-fi or cable tv.All of these things require investing more money into the property but may be necessary to guarantee tenancy.Obviously, this also means you must have another property where you can live while you rent out your investment property. Alternatively, if the property is suitable, you may be able to live in part of the house, and rent the rest of it to tenants. Read #2 Here
The Top 3 Ways to Make Money from Your Investment Property #2
The Top 3 Ways to Make Money from Your Investment Property #2
June 6, 2022, 5:06 p.m.
Realestate News
A lot of people talk about buying investment property. However, this is not always as simple as it seems. To make any property a lucrative investment, you need to buy the right investment property and you need to manage it correctly.Here are the top three ways to make your real estate earn extra income for you and your family. Missed #1? Click here to read them first!#2 - Buy a Property to Live in with High Appreciation Potential: This is what most people immediately think when they think of the term “Investment Property.” Invest in real estate that you will live in yourself, and hope that while you stay there, the price of the land will rise enough to cover the mortgage that you took out to initially buy the property. If the property appreciates sufficiently while you stay, you will make money on top of the mortgage and this is your end profit. This is also an investment suitable for those who don’t want to rent a property. When you rent for a long time, you might feel like you are wasting money by giving it to your landlord. If you buy the property, this money you would have spent on rent is instead going to be spent on the mortgage repayments. When you are ready to move from the house, you have the opportunity to make money on top of any costs of the mortgage. But remember:This is a much harder game if you don’t have upfront cash to buy the property or subsidize the loan – because the mortgage repayments are going to eat into your investment earnings.It also requires a better understanding of the real estate market trends that you are in, as you must find a property that will appreciate reasonably quickly.This investment tactic tends to take longer – in that you may need to wait for many years before the property appreciates enough to be worth selling again.It also requires economic stability during that period, increasing the risk.But, if you choose the right property, in an area appreciating fast, this type of investment strategy can work. And meanwhile you always have a place to live. Here’s what to look for:Property and land tends to appreciate naturally as other things develop around it, so when you look for an investment property to live in, try to choose upcoming areas. Places where maybe the level of infrastructure is currently lower – but clearly rising quickly.Don’t buy in areas which are already fully developed, unless you get a very competitive price when you buy the property. The appreciation in these areas is likely to be slower.Look to see where other people are choosing for investment and speak with real estate agents.Always research the market before buying a live-in investment property.A note regarding Land Investment: If you want to simply invest in land – you must invest at or below market value. If you spend too much on a land investment, your risk that it won’t increase in value is high, and meanwhile, you get no benefit from the property what so ever.Read #3 Here
The Top 3 Ways to Make Money from Your Investment Property #3
The Top 3 Ways to Make Money from Your Investment Property #3
June 6, 2022, 5:05 p.m.
Realestate News
A lot of people talk about buying investment property. However, this is not always as simple as it seems. To make any property a lucrative investment, you need to buy the right investment property and you need to manage it correctly. Here are the top three ways to make your real estate earn extra income for you and your family. Missed #1 or #2? Click here to read them first!#3 - Buy a property, Increase its Value, and Flip It: Potentially the fastest way to make a return on your investment is to buy an investment property that you will be able to improve through renovations and then sell for more than what you originally bought it for. Yet, no money is easy money – and some investors do not consider the true costs and skills necessary to buy, fix and flip property.One way to do this is to invest in a ‘property with potential’:A property with potential is one which is currently underdeveloped – but has potential to be a very attractive property with a little work and money.Yet, again, location is everything when it comes to re-selling property. So not everyone has money to buy in the right area and then spend money developing the property.Remember - Always get a professional valuation before you purchase any investment property, and this will help you find out how you can realistically increase the properties market value.Once you have developed the property, re-value it and see where its market value has moved to.There is no doubt that this option requires significant upfront capital – cash now. But if you have it, buy more and get a discount:Developers and other property investors with various properties will often give a much better price if you are willing to buy a number of properties.The money you save with this bulk discount can be used to improve the property for resale.You could consider buying a whole floor of a condominium building, for instance, then live in one unit while you rent out the others, or renovate the others for resale yourself.Then, sell all of the units at a higher price when the land beneath the condo appreciates.Missed #1 or #2? Click here to read them first!
Great standards, totally useless: Cambodian fire safety systems aren’t suitable for the country
Great standards, totally useless: Cambodian fire safety systems aren’t suitable for the country
June 6, 2022, 5:05 p.m.
Realestate News
Currently, the private sector is the only real force bringing fire prevention and response considerations into new building developments in Cambodia, says Paul Hurford, Managing Director of Azisafe Cambodia. Yet, even these standards can prove problematic in the Cambodian firefighting environment. [caption id="attachment_77921" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Hong Menea, Phnom Penh Post[/caption] The Fire Prevention Law, which is currently in force in Cambodia, is an overarching document that represents a cross between a fire safety law, a fire service law and a catalogue of emergency response standards. “It reflects a law that was intended to have specific regulations created under it,” says Hurford, “yet these regulations have yet to be created.”This means the law currently has no direct compliance mechanisms, and little practical application. [caption id="attachment_77915" align="alignleft" width="200"] Hong Menea, Phnom Penh Post[/caption] Many new buildings currently being erected throughout Cambodia claim to bring international standards of fire safety, fully integrated into the new building’s design. However, Hurford notes, while Singaporean, Malaysian and Hong Kong fire standards are increasingly integrated into new developments, these countries have some of the best fire services in the world in regards to response capabilities and external fire infrastructure. “Although a new development may incorporate international standards in regards to fire prevention within its design – if the local fire service arrives and their equipment has different couplings to those installed inside the building, these international standard systems are immediately useless.” The same issue occurs when the response team is not trained in using these internal firefighting systems. For these reasons, to achieve worthwhile fire design, emphasis must lie on emergency response mechanisms related to each building, and appropriate training for first response teams for that building, says Hurford.  This means compatibility with available local firefighting equipment, but also a strong emphasis on training and response protocols. Some new developments are taking matters into their own hands in this regard, employing and training in-house firefighting teams. Hurford agrees with this measure, as “realistically, each development must be self-sustainable if they want to control fire risk in Cambodia.” This includes internal systems capable of fighting the fire, such as sprinklers, alarms, and appropriate extinguishers, but always combined with emergency protocols, training and education. Hurford notes that for developers, given the potential risk to their investment – “no one is really doing enough.” Meanwhile, response capabilities of the Cambodian fire service are limited by an equipment and skills gap. The Cambodian fire service exists within a culture of donation in regards to equipment, suggests Hurford -as internal funding is seldom afforded, there is an expectation that equipment will be donated. But this raises issues when that donated equipment does not suit the Cambodian firefighting environment. For example, says Hurford, the Japanese have donated many fire engines to the Cambodian fire service. While the equipment donated is of a high standard, it is suited to a Japanese firefighting environment where fire hydrants are always readily available.This means the trucks only have very small water tanks. In Cambodia,there are very limited hydrants available and, therefore, for a firefighting team to be successful, it must carry all necessary water to the scene of fire. “This is just one example,” notes Hurford “but it is symbolic of the Cambodian fire service’s equipment problem.” [caption id="attachment_77925" align="alignleft" width="350"] Hong Menea, Phnom Penh Post[/caption] Hurford suggests that the only way for the Cambodian fire service to move forward is to create standards suitable to Cambodia’s needs, tailored to Cambodia’s means – then train across the board on these standards. A few groups are currently trying to help with this, such as Eurocham’s current work on the new Construction Law, and the IBCs involvement with the Building Standards and Fire Safety Committee – both of which are working alongside the Government to move from a reactive state of affairs, toward reaching standardized fire safety mechanisms that will really save lives and property. Hurford is currently involved with the formation of the Emergency/Fire Response Working Group, set to meet for the first time this August. This working group shall bring together all government departments involved in emergency response mechanisms, along with private sector members with experience in the field of emergency response. The group shall conduct mutual trainingexercises for its members, and try to standardize training and communication procedures throughout the country. While this group is still very much in its infancy, it has already been endorsed by the Police Commissioner and Ministry of Interior. Hurford notes that everyone trying to work together on this is in itself a forward step.real estat