The Ascott Limited has recently made waves again in the hospitality and real estate market with the introduction of its up and coming developments across different countries in Asia such as in Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. It will also include the new Somerset Meridian Square Phnom Penh development in Cambodia.About the Owner-Operator:The Ascott Limited is considered to be one of the biggest international owner-operator of serviced residences worldwide. It is a subsidiary of CapitaLand which is a huge name in the international real estate market. The The Ascott Limited recently broke records as it hits its highest number of units.Lee Chee Koon – their chief executive officer – explains, “With these latest additions, Ascott has as at today over 52,000 units in our portfolio. We secured a record over 10,000 units in 2016, making this Ascott's highest increase in inventory count in a single year. Of these new units, 90 percent are located in gateway cities across the Asia Pacific and the Middle East.” Koon continues, “This year, Ascott has also opened 20 properties with more than 3,700 units, our fastest pace ever. As more of the newly signed properties come into operation, we can expect a further boost to our management fee income.”About The Project Somerset Meridian Square Phnom Penh:Somerset Meridian Square Phnom Penh will be the second project in Cambodia by The Ascott Limited after its Somerset Norodom Phnom Penh project.Somerset Meridian Square Phnom Penh is a prime residence serviced apartment. It will rise as part of an integrated retail and condominium development. It will be situated at the Central Business District’s first planned city project – the Phnom Penh City Center.It will be located near a Special Economic Zone where international corporations such as Toyota, Yamaha, and Coca-Cola hold their international manufacturing bases. An upcoming mall and the Cambodia Railway station will also be located minutes away from the project.Somerset Meridian Square Phnom Penh will have around 266 apartment units. These will range anywhere from studio to three-bedroom units. It will also have amenities like a swimming pool, a gym, a playroom for kids, residents' lounge, and a few meeting rooms.Ascott has already invested a lot into the capital city of Phnom Penh with the Somerset Norodom and Somerset Meridian Square Phnom Penh. Will we see another development from the company in Phnom Penh or will Ascott change the game by placing their developments in provinces that are becoming increasingly popular such as Sihanoukville and Siem Reap? That might not be a far off idea if the country sees continuous economic growth across all major cities.Read more of the the latest real estate news

Home and business security is highly important for residential and business owners in Cambodia. Ms. Sim Kaliyan, the general manager of Global Security Solutions (GSS), recently joined Realestate.com.kh to talk about professional home and business security. There are 2 types of solutions that deal with predictable risks and security precautions in Cambodia, according to her. One is suited to a smaller budget - the other is more comprehensive, but also more expensive.1.  Cheaper Home Security Solution for those on a Tight Budget:Ms. Kaliyan cited that normal middle class families or small businesses can choose this solution. She mentioned some major points to check out:Door, Fence, Key and Window:You must check whether the door of the house and other entry points are secure or not. There should at least be a fence to keep the inside of the property safe. You can use long broken bottles placed on the fence to strengthen it. And it's best to use double steel bars if you have a bit more money and want a better defense. This action will also prevent the fence from being stolen.Steel Bars:You also need to thoroughly inspect all aspects of the outer doors, the lock quality, and the bars of the windows and doors to ensure your home’s safety. Kalyan warns about a possible fire though. It is important to enforce the windows, but it is also important to ensure that you have a backup exit point to yourself in case a fire breaks out. You want to keep people out of your house - but you don’t want to trap you and your family inside in the case of an emergency.Use Motion Sensor Lights:You can also use motion sensor lights that activate when they detect movement outside of the house. You can place these at the entrance, the exits, and on the fence.Other Affordable Home Security Solutions:Kaliyan explains that there are other options to secure your house such as building secret passages. She also introduced ideas like placing a cardboard image of a person close to the windows, leaving your lights on while you’re not home, using a pillow to give the illusion of people sleeping, placing objects that will sound when drawers or desks are being moved, asking for the assistance of neighbors, and not letting people know when you bring home a valuable or expensive product.2. More-Expensive Home Security solutions:Kaliyan said that whatever solution is chosen, what matters most are the “external monitoring and internal monitoring”. But there are more convenient solutions for those with more resources.  These home security solutions include:Electronic Entrance and Fence:You can install electrical wires on your fence in addition to steel bars so that anyone who attempts to touch it will get shocked.Use Light Motion Sensor:You can use “light motion sensors” to protect your home round the clock. However, you need to do a perimeter check to find potential areas where burglars can pass through such as trees.Hiring Home Security Guards and  Installing a Security Camera:You can hire security guards from an agency for your home and build a central monitoring station in the compound. They can keep watch of the camera feed and inspect the house. In case someone jumped your fence and tried to enter, they can take action immediately.Intrusion alarm:Intrusion alarms are also called sirens. In case someone climbs or jumps your fence, the device will ring and alert people nearby.Magnetic Door Contact or Magnetic Door Break:You can install a “magnetic door contact” or “magnetic door break” on both doors and windows of your house. When someone attempts to break in using the door or window, it will signal your smartphone. Other similar alarms include motion sensors and photo beam protectors.Safe Control:For those who have a lot of money, it’s not necessary to use locks. Using “Safe Control” may be the best option because it requires you to either use a card or fingerprint to open.Beware of Dogs:Whether you choose the cheaper option or the more expensive one, you can always hang a sign that says “beware of dogs”. This will give you good results.Learn more about Home Security Solutions on Realestate.com.kh

Selling your home takes a bit of thought process and energy sometimes. And one of the questions that frequently pops up is whether or not you should stick with one real estate agent - or list your property through multiple agents. This is especially true when you’re looking to sell your property fast for whatever reason.Both have clear advantages and disadvantages that sellers may want to consider first before deciding.Listing with Multiple Agents:If you want to make a quick sale, listing your property with multiple agents would seem like a logical choice. There’s a good reason for that. You get more exposure. These professionals can utilize different avenues such as the newspapers, real estate publications, and the internet to spread awareness for your property. More exposure means a gathered interest from a larger audience.This option also means more information about the property is released. Buyers can get to know your property better. Agents today are now also utilizing modern tools and techniques to target potential buyers better.The downside to using multiple agents though is that you’re working with a range of people and various sales strategies that are often times totally different from each other. This also entails that there are different degrees of understanding as to what type of buyers are qualified for the sale. There are self-professed private agents out there who will do anything to close a deal.Hiring multiple agents also means that negotiations will be done in isolation. The ones competing won’t be the buyers but the actual agents. This hurts your cause because you might find out too late that someone else may have made a higher offer.Listing with an Exclusive Agent:The thing about listing with an exclusive real estate agent is that their sales strategy – if it’s the right strategy – can save you a whole lot of time and effort. It focuses in on making sure that you get a good deal without demanding too much. This also offers the agent more flexibility to adjust their strategy based on your needs and on buyer feedback.You can hire a professional that specializes in your kind of property too. It is important to note that one effective person can outdo a hundred ineffective ones. Make sure you choose your agent wisely.Having an exclusive real estate agent also makes it easier for the buyer. Buyers would rather think about their personal needs more than they think about which agent they should contact. Keeping everything singular eliminates any possibility of confusion and makes it more convenient for buyers to make an offer.Exclusive agents also sometimes package property management services into the mix as a form of incentive. This is something you won’t get from multiple agents.The downside to this is that information about your property is limited to the stream of influence your agent has. Your reach is much more contained. There is also the risk of running into “commission cowboys”. These are self-professed private agents who will do anything to make a sale. This doesn’t always get you the best buyers.Remember that you will also play a big role in the process no matter what option you choose. What system you think will work best for you and how much effort you’re willing to put into the process is entirely up to you.  Choose wisely.Find Cambodia’s best real estate agents on Realestate.com.kh!

Realestate.com.kh is proud to be media partner for this year's South East Asia Property Awards. The finest developers and projects in 8 countries compete for the Best of the Best honours in Southeast AsiaIndonesia leads with 15 nominations, followed by Thailand and the Philippines with 12 nods eachMore than 40 developers are officially shortlisted to compete for the region’s highest honoursBest Boutique Developer (South East Asia) category makes it debut to reward niche developersDesign sector flourishes in the region as multiple projects in each country receive nominations   SINGAPORE – 4 November 2016 More than 40 developers from eight ASEAN countries are vying for the Best of the Best honours at the 6th annual South East Asia Property Awards 2016, the much-awaited grand finale event of the prestigious Asia Property Awards series, presented by Hansgrohe and organised by PropertyGuru, Asia’s leading online property group.Indonesia leads the nominations with 15 nods, with four going to Best Developer (Indonesia) winner PT Intiland Development Tbk, whose top-notch developments such as Serenia Hills and South Quartier have made an impact at last month’s Indonesia Property Awards. Likewise, PT Putragaya Wahana, the company behind the acclaimed luxury condo The Mansion at Le Parc project, is nominated in four categories.MQDC Magnolia Quality Development Corporation, the Best Developer (Thailand) winner at the 11th Thailand Property Awards in September, is hoping to be named Winner again in four categories. The company’s multibillion riverfront project – The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok – is up for one Development and one Design award. Another Chao Phraya-based project, AVANI Riverside Bangkok Hotel by three-time nominee Minor Hotels, received three nods. Thailand is tied in second place with the Philippines with a total 12 nominations each. They are followed by Myanmar (with 10 finale entries), Vietnam (9), Malaysia (8), and Cambodia (4). A few more yet-to-be-revealed country winners will come from Singapore and announced on 24 November. The Philippines’ biggest bet is SM Prime Holdings, Inc, the commercial development arm of the SM Group, with a total of four nominations, including two for Best Commercial Development (Philippines) winner SM Seaside City Mall Cebu, and another two for the ritzy Conrad Manila hotel. Megaworld Corporation, which was declared Best Developer (Philippines) following an unprecedented four wins and 13 Highly Commended accolades at the 4th Philippines Property Awards last April, earned two grand finals nominations. Developers with more than three finale nods include: Borey Peng Huoth Group and Shwe Taung Development Co., Ltd., the Best Developer winners in Cambodia and Myanmar, respectively; Myanmar’s Keppel Land, developer of the Sedona Hotel Yangon (Inya Wing) project; and Vietnam’s Acteam International Co Ltd (a company of the Centurion Global Group Singapore), which enters the grand finals with the impressive resort residences and villas project The Dàlat at 1200 Country Club & Private Estate. The South East Asia Property Awards celebrates the successes of all the country winners following more than a year’s journey that began with the launch of the inaugural Cambodia Property Awards in late 2015, when the 2016 South East Asia Property Awards edition began at the entry stage. To date, more than 150 awards have been presented to the region’s finest real estate developers and developments. The country gala dinners, from Phnom Penh back in February all through Jakarta in early October, have welcomed more than 2,500 guests that included top government officials, global experts, senior industry figures and even royalty. There are a total of 13 grand finale awards to be presented, including seven in the Design categories – a sign that the region’s design and architecture sectors are flourishing with multiple finalists from several countries. A new category for Best Boutique Developer (South East Asia) also debuts this year to reward niche and up-and-coming developers. The shortlist of the South East Asia Property Awards has been announced today following a rigorous nomination and judging process that involved site visits by independent judging panels in each country to eligible projects. The whole process was strictly supervised by BDO, one of the world’s largest auditing and accountancy firms.Presented by title sponsor Hansgrohe, the South East Asia Property Awards grand finale is part of the two-day event on 23-24 November at the prestigious Shangri-La Hotel Singapore. The entire event will have three parts: a two-day Property Report Congress Singapore, the high-level conference series of Asia’s industry leading Property Report magazine that will feature insights from around 30 speakers including Winners and Judges of the Asia Property Awards; the South East Asia Property Awards (Singapore) ceremony in the early evening on the 24th; and the South East Asia Property Awards grand finals immediately right after the Singapore awards. There will be international networking cocktails and lunches on both days, and a lavish, four-course gala dinner on the second day in between the two awards ceremonies.“2016 has been a momentous year for the Asia Property Awards. Since starting 11 years ago the Awards have always endeavoured to reward the best in local real estate and produce credible winners with a transparent entry and judging system. We have achieved this goal by developing the most detailed and comprehensive entry system of any property awards in the world,” says Terry Blackburn, founder and managing director of the Asia Property Awards, which celebrated its 11th annual gala dinner last September in Bangkok, attended by more than 600 industry-leading figures.“Southeast Asia’s property sector has come a long way in the last decade and we are proud to have been a part of that growth,” he adds. “It’s been our privilege to work with all the developers who participated in each country over the years and we can’t wait to know who will win at the grand finals this year.” The South East Asia Property Awards 2016 Gala Dinner will be boosted by the support of gold sponsor Mitsubishi Electric, influential media partners including CNN International, the official broadcaster of the awards, and official property portal PropertyGuru.com.sg, Singapore’s No. 1 property website. Tickets to Southeast Asia’s biggest real estate event of the year are still available for an exclusive bundle package with the second Property Report Congress Singapore, where Kent Wertime, co-CEO at Ogilvy and Mather Asia Pacific and co-author of DigiMarketing, is confirmed to give the keynote address titled “Future Markets: Accessing the Next One Billion Middle Class Consumers.”Single entry for the Gala Dinner and Congress is USD810 and a table of 10 costs USD7,300. For reservations and more information, contact info@asiapropertyawards.com or visit the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com/singapore/The official shortlist of the South East Asia Property Awards 2016:DEVELOPERBest Developer (South East Asia)Borey Peng Huoth Group – CambodiaMegaworld Corporation – PhilippinesShwe Taung Development Co., Ltd. – MyanmarSime Darby Property Berhad – MalaysiaMQDC Magnolia Quality Development Corporation – ThailandPT Intiland Development Tbk – Indonesia*TBA – Singapore   Best Boutique Developer (South East Asia)AppleOne Properties, Inc. – PhilippinesGreen Vision Construction Company Limited – MyanmarMitraland Group– MalaysiaSiamese Asset Co., Ltd. – ThailandAsiana Group – Indonesia*TBA – Singapore   DEVELOPMENTBest Villa/Housing Development (South East Asia)Grand Star Platinum by Borey Peng Huoth Group – CambodiaThe Dàlat at 1200 Country Club & Private Estate by Acteam International Co Ltd, a company of the Centurion Global Group Singapore – VietnamMahaSamutr by PACE Development Corporation PLC – ThailandSerenia Hills by PT Intiland Development Tbk – Indonesia*TBA – Singapore   Best Condo Development (South East Asia)Acqua Private Residences by Century Properties Group, Inc. – PhilippinesThe Nassim by SonKim Land & HongKong Land – VietnamThe Gems Garden Condominiums by Capital Development Ltd – MyanmarSerai, Bukit Bandaraya, KL by BRDB Developments Sdn Bhd – MalaysiaThe Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok by MQDC Magnolia Quality Development Corporation – ThailandThe Mansion at Le Parc by PT Putragaya Wahana – Indonesia*TBA – Singapore   Best Commercial Development (South East Asia)SM Seaside City Mall Cebu by SM Prime Holdings, Inc. – PhilippinesDeutsches Haus Ho Chi Minh by Deutsches Haus Ho Chi Minh Stadt Ltd – VietnamSedona Hotel Yangon (Inya Wing) by Keppel Land – MyanmarMedini 10 by Medini Iskandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd – MalaysiaSiam Discovery by Siam Piwat Co., Ltd. – ThailandSouth Quarter by PT Intiland Development Tbk – Indonesia*TBA – Singapore   Best Green Development (South East Asia)ArthaLand Century Pacific Tower by ArthaLand – PhilippinesMenarco Tower by Menarco Development Corp. – PhilippinesDeutsches Haus Ho Chi Minh Stadt by Deutsches Haus Ho Chi Minh Ltd – VietnamSerai, Bukit Bandaraya, KL by BRDB Developments Sdn Bhd – MalaysiaWhizdom Avenue Ratchada – Ladprao by MQDC Magnolia Quality Development Corporation – ThailandThamrin Nine Tower 1 by PT Putragaya Wahana – Indonesia*TBA – Singapore   DESIGNBest Residential Architectural Design (South East Asia)Grand Star Platinum by Borey Peng Huoth Group – CambodiaEmbassy Central by Urbanland Central BKK Co., Ltd – CambodiaUptown Ritz by Megaworld Corporation – PhilippinesThe Dàlat at 1200 Country Club & Private Estate by Acteam International Co Ltd, a company of the Centurion Global Group Singapore – VietnamRosehill Residences by Rose Hill Soilbuild Co., Ltd – MyanmarThe Crystal by Genting Property – MalaysiaMahaSamutr by PACE Development Corporation PLC – ThailandCasa Domaine by PT Griyaceria Nusamekar – IndonesiaThe Mansion at Le Parc by PT Putragaya Wahana – IndonesiaSelong Selo Residences by The Selong Selo Group – Indonesia   Best Residential Interior Design (South East Asia)Admiral Grandsuites by Anchor Land Holdings, Inc. – PhilippinesThe Dàlat at 1200 Country Club & Private Estate by Acteam International Co Ltd, a company of the Centurion Global Group Singapore – VietnamThe Gems Garden Condominiums by Capital Development Ltd – MyanmarPuteri Cove Residences by Pacific Star Development Pte Ltd – MalaysiaThe Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok by MQDC Magnolia Quality Development Corporation – ThailandThe Mansion at Le Parc by PT Putragaya Wahana – Indonesia*TBA – Singapore   Best Retail Architectural Design (South East Asia)SM Seaside City Mall Cebu by SM Prime Holdings, Inc. – PhilippinesJunction City Shopping Centre by City Square Commercial Co., Ltd (a member of Shwe Taung Development Co., Ltd) – MyanmartheCOMMONS by The Commons Co., Ltd – ThailandThe Breeze Lifestyle Center by Sinar Mas Land – Indonesia   Best Office Architectural Design (South East Asia)ArthaLand Century Pacific Tower by ArthaLand – PhilippinesJunction City Tower by City Square Office Co., Ltd (a member of Shwe Taung Development Co., Ltd) – MyanmarSouth Quarter by PT Intiland Development Tbk – Indonesia   Best Hotel Architectural Design (South East Asia)Conrad Manila by SM Prime Holdings, Inc. – PhilippinesSedona Hotel Yangon (Inya Wing) by Keppel Land – MyanmarAVANI Riverside Bangkok Hotel by Minor Hotels – ThailandSix Senses Resort Uluwatu Bali by PT Cahaya Warna Prima – Indonesia*TBA – Singapore    Best Hotel Interior Design (South East Asia)Conrad Manila by SM Prime Holdings, Inc. – PhilippinesMelia Ho Tram at The Hamptons by Tanzanite International – VietnamSedona Hotel Yangon (Inya Wing) by Keppel Land – MyanmarAVANI Riverside Bangkok Hotel by Minor Hotels – ThailandSix Senses Resort Uluwatu Bali by PT Cahaya Warna Prima – Indonesia*TBA – Singapore   Best Landscape Architectural Design (South East Asia)Melia Ho Tram at The Hamptons by Tanzanite International – VietnamCeladon City by Gamuda Land – VietnamD'Lagoon by the Lake at Seri Austin by United Malayan Land Bhd (UMLand) – MalaysiaAVANI Riverside Bangkok Hotel by Minor Hotels – ThailandThe New Australian Embassy, Jakarta – Indonesia*TBA – Singapore*Note: The Singapore country winners that will go on to compete in the grand finals will be announced during the gala dinner at the South East Asia Property Awards (Singapore) 2016 on 24 November.Find more  real estate news on Realestate.com.khClick here to download your free copy!

Sihanoukville is increasingly grabbing the attention of both locals and tourists as a seaside getaway. But it’s more than just the beautiful beaches and its magnificent views that keeps drawing people in. Economic progress in the market is also enhancing Sihanoukville’s appeal for investors needing an alternate destination for capital injections outside of the nation’s capital city, Phnom Penh - especially given the growing opinion that this marketplace is becoming saturated. Sihanoukville development is reaching milestone after milestone, and looks set to become the country's next economic star.Sihanoukville Development Milestones: InfrastructureEfforts are being concentrated into building better infrastructure in Preah Sihanouk. China signed an agreement for the construction of three bridge and road projects. One of the roads that will be built through this partnership is the highway that will connect Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. It will be called national Highway 11 and will cost an estimated $1.9 billion.The province also has the Sihanoukville International Airport is also one of the largest airport in the country and may continue to be the case for the next decade and a half. This is according to Mr. Sin Chansereyvutha – Director of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation.The Royal Railways also made their contribution in the sector through the revival of its train services. The route connects Sihanoukville to Kampot, Kep, and Phnom Penh.Sihanoukville Development Milestones: CondominiumsPrime properties are now making their way into the province due to an influx in the area’s tourist arrivals. It is now considered an alternative condo hub by some experts as a result of this.And one of the incoming projects in Sihanoukville will be  D’Seaview Luxury Condominium by Camhomes. It will be located an hour away from Sokha Beach. The development will be a mix of both residential and commercial units. It will also have features and amenities like a swimming pool, a gym, lush gardens, 24-hour security, and a view of the ocean.Other upcoming condominium and mixed use projects include the Blue Bay and Royal Bayview. The Royal Bayview is expected to reach completion by the end of 2019.Sihanoukville Development Milestones: Special Economic ZonesThe Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone is one of the economic drivers of the province and the country. It’s been tagged as the model of the Chinese-proposed “One Belt One Road” initiative which aims to create the 21st century maritime silk road. This brought about the introduction of Sihanoukville and Wuxi as sister cities back in December of 2008.  The Director of the Board of the SSEZ – Chen Jiangang – says of the SSEZ, that “The first phase of our project has finished. We have built a 5-square-kilometer area, equipped with sound infrastructure, including roads, water and power supplies, as well as telecommunication facilities. Our industrial park meets international standards in terms of livability, production capacity, and environment. It is also the biggest industrial park in Cambodia. The park has 102 companies and provided jobs to 16 thousand local people.”Sihanoukville Development Milestones: Smart CitySihanoukville will also be the setting of a “Smart City”. The Land Management Minister Chea Sophara went to Seoul in South Korea last August to sign a memorandum of understanding with his South Korean counterpart. The project will be in partnership with South Korea. A Ministry official Cheam Sophal Makara mentions that the development will center on “building good infrastructure, using modern technology and eco-friendly methods.”Sihanoukville Development Milestones: Deep Sea PortThe deep sea port hasn’t always been smooth sailing. This is something officials aim to address. Port officials had recently gone into its 37th ASEAN ports Association meeting to discuss methods and systems that can be put into place to improve maritime trade growth.CEO of the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port – Lou Kim Chhun – explains, “We want to simplify trade procedures across all ASEAN ports and improve the efficiency of shipping management systems.”He also mentions using more modern mechanisms to facilitate port transactions. He says, “Cambodian port terminals need to start using electronic data interchanges and improve their facilities to reduce operational inefficiencies so that the country can attract more vessels to its ports.”The International shipping port in Sihanoukville has experienced revenue growth despite setbacks though. A growth of 10 percent to 15 percent per annum was reported in 2015 alone.There is more to Sihanoukville’s beauty that meets the eye. A lot of growth has been experienced and a lot more growth is expected for the city. How this humble beach town will transform into a modern paradise is truly one that many will be anticipating.Looking for real estate for rent in Sihanoukville  or real estate for sale in Sihanoukville? or Read the The Ultimate Guide To Sihanoukville by Realestate.com.kh

Home and business security is of high importance for residential or business owners in Cambodia. Taking precaution for protection and crime prevention requires attention from the right providers in order to ensure that every property of yours is confidently secured.Ms. Sim Kalyan, the general manager of Global Security Solutions (GSS), joined Realestate.com.kh to talk about professtional home and business security. There are generally a few guidelines that deal with predictable risks and precautions for home security in Cambodia.What are the risks concerning home security in Cambodia, and business security?Kalyan says that most of the problems that home and business owners experience are theft, burglary, armed robbery, kidnapping, and fires. She explains that the armed robbers focus on the entrance of the house or areas near the house, while kidnapping could happen at home or elsewhere in order to get a ransom. These can cause injures or can even be deadly.How do you protect your home or business?Kalyan cited that the best solution for these risks is to find a professional private security company to help monitor the residential and business areas. These companies will then provide methods to protect your property. Another solution is to contact the police because they are trained specifically in the field of security and protection.Kalyan also provided two main key points which you can personally check:External Monitoring:Kalyan explained that external monitoring refers to the external aspects of housing such as location – whether it’s an unsafe area, there are reports of robberies, or there are pickpocket boys around. We can also inspect whether or not there are lights on the road. Another factor to check is whether or not the fence is strong enough or high enough.In terms of the home itself, she said that we must inspect the strength of the doors and windows on all levels. She also cautions to be careful with the veranda area.Internal Monitoring:Kalyan said internal monitoring means paying attention to people in the home such as helpers and drivers. This means a clear and thorough review of their backgrounds. We need to be clear who they are or what they are about before allowing them to live in the house. You should even be aware of people like postmen or cable fixers.Another thing Kalyan mentioned is that you need to have is a list of emergency contact numbers. It should be posted on the wall or somewhere where it’s convenient to find.Read more about home security in Cambodia tips on Realestate.com.kh!Click here to download your free copy!

People have been focusing on an affordable housing project by Worldbridge Land. The company’s CEO, Oknha Sear Rithy, says this project is located about 17 kilometer from Phnom Penh. The Worldbridge Land Company will invest around $100 million. Construction will start early 2017 and will take approximately two years to complete. The Worldbridge Land Company just recently officially presented its master plan. The project will occupy a total land area of 202,000 square meters where 107,008 square meters of the land will be used to develop residential units and 76,004 square meters will be dedicated to the development of the roads and garden. It’s possible for low to low-middle income earners to afford this housing project. It costs only $25,000 to $30,000. A recent AKP Report states that some local and Australian investors are planning another affordable housing project for lower-middle and middle class citizens. It will cost $25 million. This project will be located in Khan Porsenchey and Khan Dangkor, Phnom Penh. There is no clear statement about when construction will begin.This upcoming project will have three types of house designs – Khmer style house prices will start at $20,000, Khmer-Australian style houses will start from $25,000, and the Khmer-French style houses will start from $30,000.This will be more convenient for customers. The payment scheme will be a monthly installment at $100. This project will take 18 months to complete.Keep track the new development news on Realestate.com.kh!

A question is repeatedly raised regarding the crisis in real estate sector: “Will there be an upcoming loan crisis?” Yin Leangkong – editor in chief of the magazine Property View, and presenter and editor of real estate and economics at BTV– talks to Realestate.com.khTV about it.There have been talks of excessive credit growth in the real estate industry in Cambodia. This is causing concern of whether there might be a credit crisis down the line.  Recently, financial institutions have shown the year to year credit loan growth rate at an average of 30 percent. And this growth mainly focuses on the real estate sector. Do you have any comments relevant to this point?When credit loans increase, we find both negative and positive sides to this aspect. The positive is that when the credit increases, then there’s a cash flow for the citizens and the economy.It is good for citizens when they place this cash into targeted businesses by creating a business with a clear plan. It’s also even greater for business expansion, etc. These activities create more jobs for people.Also, when the working capital is running in the market, it shows positive effects for the economy.The downside in terms of the rapid growth in credit rate is that there are possible implications. For instance, the growth of the loan amount  from banks and microfinance institutions in Cambodia increased approximately 65 percent in 2015, in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This shows that the economy of the country may be in danger.But the situation changed in 2016. Loans decreased. So this significantly releases plenty of risk right away. The bank loans or microfinance loans were reduced and now there is a stronger and stricter loan application process than before.In your point of view, do you think that the real estate market will collapse like it did in 2008?It’s impossible! Actually, the real estate crisis in 2008 did not start out from Cambodia. It was a global crisis that started from the United States. And although the real estate market slowed down, intelligent and experienced investors in real estate have already taken precautionary measures. Moreover, government already issued regulations to prevent a crisis in this sector as well.Should micro finance companies and banks continue to provide loans for citizens?I think loan providing institutions should keep lending to people, but there should be a limitation and conditional loans must be specific and clear. When providing loan to people, you have to make sure it will contribute to help for a better standard of living for the customers. For a home loan, it may be suitable with the middle-class bracket. A term loan will provide both affordable standard of living to people. It also profits banks or microfinance institutions.But if there are too many home loans, it may be cause for a crisis. The global economic crisis that started from the United States is a good example. This crisis was due to an excessive amount of home loan buyers in the country that were offered with lenient home loan conditions.  They didn’t only buy to live in the properties, they also bought properties to sell for returns. Then when all those loans got stuck, they couldn’t be paid back; so this pushed the real estate crisis broadly to the entire economy.Thus, these loan and financial institutions should seriously consider making clear and strict loan policies before offering loans. It may not be possible for financial institutions to stop loaning immediately, but it would be good to balance the transparency between the supply and demand in order to benefit both the financial institutions and the citizens. It can also help make the macro-economy  better.Read more about latest real estate news in Cambodia on Realestate.com.khClick here to download your free copy!

This article was provided by Desmond Yap, General Manager of Yong Yap Properties. It seems like the directive of H.E. Kong Vibol, Director General of GDT,  presented in Cambodia’s first Tax Forum in September  is swiftly moving into action, with officers checking rental contracts of commercial locations for VAT and now what appears to be the introduction of a soft titled property transaction tax.We will unofficially call this a “stamp duty” tax for now.At the start of the week, Sreyleak EnChan, Yong Yap’s star consultant, was processing a new sale transfer at the sangkat office (local authority) when surprisingly, a new procedure was in place to transfer, with the need for the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC) and the General Department of Tax (GDT) to be involved.Yong Yap Properties have met and discussed with the four main sangkats of khan Daun Penh in which they specialize in, along with verifying as much as possible with the khan and other related sources, the procedure now appears to be the following:Register to transfer property at your local sangkat office as per usualThe local MLMUPC office will be informed and an appointment arranged to inspect and measure the propertyA stamp duty tax invoice will be issued for the vendorOnce the sangkat has confirmed payment from GDT, the title process can continue as per normal to the khan.The additional costs appear to be $50 for MLMUPC to measure and issue invoice.  Stamp duty tax appears to be $6-8/m2 for the internal size of the property.  For the standard one bedroom flat, you would be expected to pay an additional $400-$700.  Transfer time is now expected to take 4 – 6 weeks, previously 3 – 10 days.This has come as no surprise as there has been rumors of imposing stamp duty tax on soft title properties since the start of the year.The surprise (or lack of in Cambodia) is that in typical Cambodian style, this law was enforced overnight without information passed onto the public or even the local authorities handling the situation, causing much frustration in the industry.Looking forward, if all our findings are correct, we hope this will bring more transparency and confidence in the security of soft titled properties to the market.  ACLEDA is the first major bank to provide loans for soft titled properties, with this additional tax registration, it should lead the way for other major banks to follow suit.See original story here.Find out more about land title in Cambodia on Realestate.com.khClick here to download your free copy!

The General Department of Taxation (GDT) has extended the deadline for owners to settle their immovable property tax.  The usual deadline is September 30 every year. This year’s deadline has been extended to October 31, 2016, a month longer than the usual date. “Property” is referred to lands, houses, buildings and other constructions that are built on the land.The GDT has already issued two official notifications, numbers 12723 and 13466, reminding all owners of immoveable property to submit their Property Tax Application and pay their tax.Notification No. 13466 ordered owners of registered immovable property to pay their 2016 tax at any tax office or branch of Canadia or Acleda Bank, using the receipt for their 2015 property tax payment if the size of their property had not changed size, been separated, demolished, or changed hands. If any such changes have taken place then owners must inform the GDT so the department can update its records for any potential additional tax payments.Note that the failure to register immovable property and pay tax may result in penalties in accordance with tax regulations.The purpose of the law is to rationalize the use of land and to benefit the sub-national administrative budget. The property tax is to be imposed in all municipalities and provinces of the Kingdom and applies to immovable properties valued in excess of one-hundred-million Riel (25,000 USD).Property Tax baseThe tax is to be collected annually at a rate of 0.1% of the value of the property. The value of the properties will determined on market prices as evaluated by the Property Evaluation Committee established by the Prakas of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.Property Tax Calculation: an example from Cam Accounting & Tax Limited is a leading audit firm (Chartered Accountants) in Cambodia which offers Tax, Accounting and Audit Services.Mr. Heng owns one three-level building (E0, E1, and E2) of 4m x 16m with a total land area of 10m x 40m. The market prices per square metre would be evaluated by the Property Evaluation Committee as follows:Land price: $400/m2 Ground floor (E0): $120/m2 First floor (E1): $80/m2 Second floor (E2): $65/m2 Land price: $400 x $400 = $160,000 Ground floor (E0): $64 x $120 = $7,680 First floor (E1): $64 x $80 = $5,120 Second floor (E2): $64 x $65 = $4,160 Total price of property: $176,960 Property Tax = (80%* of Price of property – $25,000) x 0.1% = ($ 141,568 – $25,000) x 0.1% = $ 116.5 The information in this article was provided by Mr. Keat Heng (ACCA, CPA), Managing Director of Cam Accounting & Tax Limited.Contact Cam Accounting & Tax Limited for further assistance. The company will assist you with your immovable property and any payments you are required to make, calculating the amount of tax due by calculating the amount of property tax payable and submitting the correct payment to GDT.For further information or assistance, contact: Cam Accounting & Tax Limited Head Office:Head Office: Room 508, 5 Floor, Bayon Market, No. 33‐34, George Dimitrov (St. 114), Sangkat Monorom, Khan 7 Makara, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Phone:(855) 97 5555 298 E‐mail: partner@cam‐at.comLearn more about Cambodia property tax by watching this video on property tax on Realestate.com.khClick here to download your free copy!

In a program with local media news, BTV, Mr. Chheang Sophanna – international sales manager of Pallas Group – said that the company plans to launch its $23.2 billion development project in March of 2017.  It will be located in the coastal area of Kampot and Kep.The government issued a license of development for to the project on October 12, 2016.Mr. Sophanna added that the Kampot and Kep project will be developed for residential holiday homes, business, and tourism and holiday homes. This is the first large-scale international project. It will be a great way to welcome foreign visitors from all around the world, he claimed.  Pallas Group is an international real estate company which is expected to occupy a total land area of 4,158 hectares in Kampot and 144 hectares of land area in Kep. Meanwhile, the company is also looking to do a similar project in Thailand and Vietnam. Kampot is situated 148 kilometres away, while Kep is located 170 kilometers away from City of Phnom Penh. Ms. Siriluck Choochart, the President of Pallas Group, mentioned that the project in the two provinces will be called the “French Riviera Marina”.The French Riviera Marina is set to become an international destination for purposes like residential, business, tourism, and film production. Siriluck cited that the company's Kampot and Kep project will create over 50,000 jobs after the construction begins and thousands more after the development is completed. And each project will be environment-friendly. It will also make use of modern construction materials and the most advanced construction methods. This project will be made with quality in mind and is slated to become the best of its kind in Cambodia.The French Riviera Marina will also offer a safe sea park that includes villas, hotels, apartments, a swimming pool, artificial beach, a private coast, a golf course, a port, boutique shops, leisure area, and many more.Enjoy more of the latest real estate news!Click here to download your free copy!

It is extremely easy to create a new listing on Realestate.com.kh, whether you are a private seller, landlord or real estate agent.However, there are some simple ways you can improve your listing quality and make sure every property you list on Realestate.com.kh gets the views and sales leads it deserves.The better your listing looks and the more information it contains, the more views your listing will receive from prospective buyers – and the faster you will sell or rent that property.And to ensure property seekers on Realestate.com.kh are presented with the highest listing quality possible, we automatically display listings with 0-1 images at the bottom of the list. Quality listings will always be preferred by our website, and sit higher in the list of search results.Tips to improve listing quality:1) Upload more than 3 Quality Photos:Some buyers who are accessing the site from outside Phnom Penh, or internationals who are searching for property from overseas on Realestate.com.kh, can’t view the property in person, or may have trouble navigating new cities in Cambodia. Hence, they rely on the photos more than most property seekers. Therefore, it is wise to make sure you (or your agent) take high quality photos – and lots of them. Furthermore, in most cases, the user on Realestate.com.kh only wants a physical property inspection if they really like the look of the property in the photos. There are so many properties to choose from on Realestate.com.kh, that home seekers will not waste their time looking at properties with poor quality photos; or photos of a messy house.The more photos – the better: After all, a picture speaks 1000 words. Realestate.com.kh’s internal data shows that your chances of selling a property can increase by 85% if you upload more than three images.Real Photos: It is very important that the photos you upload are of the actual property you are selling, as this will show potential buyers exactly how the property looks – and prove it is a genuine property for sale.Quality Photos: Always use a camera, not your phone!Clean the House: Clean the house thoroughly and remove clutter to make the space look as big as possible.Remove personal items and fixtures: People want to imagine their things in the house, not your things!Use the Light: Take photos in the daytime when the sun is out! Make the property look as light and lively as possible.Variety of Photos: Take a photo of every room in the house, and try to include any eye-catching and unique features that will draw users to your listing.Consider Functionality: Take photos that demonstrate the functional aspects of the house also. For example, include pictures of the connecting hallways, the security features, the laundry and the size of the car parking spaces. These may not be the most exciting images, but the to potential buyer or renter they hold a big value.Upload landscaped images: If the image you upload is portrait it appears cropped on the listing on Realestate.com.kh until the image is fully opened. If the image uploaded is landscaped, it looks good even when embedded inside the listing. So always flip the photo file before you upload it.2)Take time writing a Quality Listing Description:Offer as much detail as possible when you are writing your listing description. And most-importantly, put yourself in the property buyer’s shoes! What features will they find most attractive in your property? REMEMBER, do not rewrite the price, size of the property, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, your email address or phone number etc. in the description section, as this confuses the user. Instead, use the dedicated sections where you can tick the features of your house, and add price etc.English AND Khmer: Write an English AND Khmer listing headline and description in the designated section. Don’t kill half your audience by ignoring one language.Tell us the Title: What title do you have for that property – soft title, hard title, strata title etc.? Tell the buyer in the listing description.Special Features: What special features does the property have? If there is something special about the property, tell everybody!Property Uses: What is the property's current use? What are the property’s potential uses? Are there any restrictions on its future use?Nearby Amenities: What are the amenities and attractive places that are close by to your property – schools, hospitals, shopping centers, government institutions, transport etc.?Construction: Is the property’s location free from ongoing construction? As major cities in Cambodia see construction booms, a property free from the noise and distractions of ongoing construction is an attractive feature.Access Roads: How about the road quality and quality of infrastructure near the property?Renovations: Has there been any recent renovations to the property?Extra Notes: Is the price negotiable? Are contractual terms flexible? Are their benefits to long term rental agreements (if a rental)? Do any services come free/inclusive with the property?  References: If you have any online references from previous clients who recommend your services, or ex-tenants who have positive reviews about the property, or a personal LinkedIn profile, include these all in the listing description – and inside your seller profile on Realestate.com.kh. All these things will build trust between you and the potential buyer/renter.3) Get your Contact Details Perfect:Your listing is a waste of time if people can’t get hold of you! So make sure your contact details are perfect.Add two phone numbers and two email addresses if you know that sometimes you will be too busy to take the calls.Take time to improve your “Personal Profile” or “Agent Profile” on realestate.com.kh. This profile allows you to give some extra information about yourself and/or your real estate agency. Completing this profile before you list is the perfect way to create a sense of trust and familiarity between yourself and potential buyers and renters. The more people know about you, the more people will see you as a legitimate seller/renter.If you are an agent, you should also include your agency’s name and upload your business’ logo to your profile. Whenever your logo is spotted on a listing, buyers will immediately know who you are, and your agency’s reputation. This recognition will ensure you benefit from the reputation of your agency’s brand, your previous transactions and build long lasting and profitable relationships.Also, if you are an agent, add a professional photo of yourself. A professional picture adds more credibility to your listing.Make sure you are registered on realestate.com.kh’s “Find an Agent” page too – and complete the profile. This is where our users come to find an agent, so make sure you are on the list! 4) Make your Property Listing Headline Count!Add a “Property Headline” in both English and Khmer – and make it count. If it is simple and clear, people will find your items before they find another. Realestate.com.kh has thousands of listings, so you need to make sure your title quickly summarizes what you have to offer!SEO Optimize it: Think about what people normally search for on google or on realestate.com.kh, and make a title for your listing that includes key search terms.Give a short, simple and relevant name to your listing. For example, “Big Villa for Sale in Toul Kork” or “10th Floor Condo Unit On Street 51” are ideal name choices.It is just a title! Save any description for the dedicated description section.5) List a price – Don’t list Price On Application (POA):At realestate.com.kh, we have found that potential buyers generally read the home’s description and expect to see an exact listed price. As such, we strongly recommend that you include a price on any listing if you want to maximise your inquires.Don’t scare potential buyers: If a home features a long list of unique details but lacks a sales price, buyers tend to think the home is likely overpriced. Make it easy for someone to investigate your home further by providing as many details as possible: including a list price.If the price is negotiable: also let the user know in the listing description.If the terms of sale/rent are negotiable: let the buyer know in the listing description. 6) Follow up your sales inquires QUICKLY and PROFESSIONALLY:When you receive phone and email inquiries for your property on realestate.com.kh, it is extremely important that you follow up with the potential buyer and renter as fast as possible. If you don’t get in touch quickly, your potential buyer or renter will soon find another offer, and another seller who is more interested in them. Following up inquiries slowly immediate makes you seem unprofessional and unorganized!International leads process: For international inquiries it is best practice to first contact via email with clear information, and then follow up with a call in English language, or whatever is the preferred language of the international buyer.Know the language: If you don’t speak English, or whatever the buyer's preferred language is (albeit French, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, German etc.), find a friend who does speak this language fluently to follow up the lead for you.Remember, an international user who inquires through a property portal is a SERIOUS LEAD and should not be wasted. Internationals totally understand the real estate portal system, and will only inquire to you if they genuinely intended to!Local Buyers: For local inquiries from inside Cambodia, it is best to call directly, as soon as possible.Know your product! Always be professional and understand your property information perfectly before calling. If you seem confused about the details when you contact the potential buyer or renter, they will lose trust in you and your property.For agents listing old properties: if the potential buyer or renter has inquired for a property that you know is already sold or rented, please be honest about this when you contact them about their inquiry. If you are honest about this, you can then establish enough trust with the prospective customer for them to allow you to show them similar properties that you are listing. 7) Upgrade Listings:You can now upgrade your property listings for sale or rent to “featured” on Realestate.com.kh for only about $1 per day! This means your property will be on the top of the list, and get more exposure and more inquiries. Just click “Upgrade” on the property that you want to upgrade inside your seller’s office and we will do the rest!8) Refresh Listings:If your property is still for rent or sale, you can now refresh your listing once every 7 days and bring it back up to the top of the list! When you click “REFRESH”, the property will be moved back up to the top of the list where potential customers will see it!Harness the online revolution that is spreading across Cambodia – and get your listings sold on Realestate.com.kh today, Cambodia’s home of real estate.Make a listing now! It’s fast, easy and free, with no commission on sale!

The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) is an overseas economic and trade cooperation zone made possible through the partnership of the Jiangsu Taihu Cambodia International Economic Cooperation Investment Co., Ltd and the Cambodia International Investment Development Group Co., Ltd.The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone is located 3 kilometers from the Sihanoukville airport and 12 kilometers from the Sihanoukville international deepwater port. It’s also close to National Highway No. 4 and 210 kilometers away from capital city of Phnom Penh. Sihanoukville is the only international port city in Cambodia.In an article by Koh Santepheap Daily released on October 24, 2016, Mr. Jack Chen – CEO of the Special Economic Zone of Sihanoukville – explained that the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone is turning into a counterpart of China’s Shenzhen City. It offers great potential for the development of the economy and the industry sector. The SSEZ has a total area of 11.13 square kilometers. 5.28 square kilometers of this will be dedicated towards the leading industries in the SEZ such as textile and clothing, machinery and electronics, and light industry products.Jack Chen continued to say that across eight years of development, the SSEZ had created an international industrial park that had absorbed investments from China, Japan, France, South Korea, and the European Union. Currently, the special economic zone holds 103 enterprises with 88 operating and employing over 16,000 thousand people.Chen also said that “moving forward, the SSEZ will have a total of around 300 industries coming into the area and will have the manpower of about 200,000 employees. Other than employment opportunities for residents of special economic zones, workers and students will also be trained to use the Chinese language for workers and students. There will be a school building fund for the Bet Trang commune. The special economic zone will also build a vocational training center to teach people in order to obtain greater integration to compete in the ASEAN platform. Moreover, the special economic zone will see the construction of a standard hospital  to provide health services for citizens and workers.  President Xi Jinping of China during a recent state visit to Cambodia acknowledged the progress of the special economic zone in the Sihanoukville province. He also pointed out that the economic zone’s model of cooperation between China and Cambodia started with the vision of infrastructure connection and cooperation within the strategic framework of “one belt, one road”.  The SSEZ will provide better opportunities and livelihood for locals. This project will significantly  benefit the whole country, Jack Chen said.Read more about development in Sihanoukville province on Realestate.com.khClick here to download your free copy!

North Park Condominium perfectly blends contemporary design with modern lifestyle amenities, in a lush, natural environment, featuring lavish-style grounds and facilities. The first thing you will notice on arriving at North Park is the sense of space. The same is true when entering the apartments themselves.With 1.2 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens, North Park’s intention is to blend between interior space and its luscious open space surroundings. Designed to create a world class lifestyle unlike any other, North Park boasts stunning interior and exterior features with 5 star resort amenities.With a beautiful lagoon swimming pool, restaurants, gym, playground & 24 hours security, your daily life will be enhanced by the feeling of relaxation and exclusivity.Financial:35 percent of the 55 units in the Sapphire tower have already been sold before its official handover date on March of 2018. Currently there is a special promotion called North Park Guarantee (NPG) which enables serious buyers’ huge savings. For a limited time only the current promotion is open to 7 units which comprises of a discount, a 7% rental guarantee annually for 2 years and free property transfer.The Royal Group:The North Park Condominium is a project by the Royal Group of Cambodia. They are recognized as the country’s “most dynamic and diverse business conglomerate”. They are involved in telecommunications, financial services, media and entertainment, hospitality, property and transportation. They’ve also been part of large-scale development projects in other sectors such as the recent Royal Railways project.North Park Luxury:The North Park Condominium is a very low-density development that is family-centered. It was designed by international architects who followed international standards during the planning and execution of the project. Condo units range from one-bedroom to three-bedrooms that start anywhere from 55 square meters to 245 square meters. These all come standard with a large balcony looking over manicured landscaped gardens or a Laguna pool.They include amenities like the resort-sized pool, modern gym, children’s pool, lagoon, playground, restaurant, and BBQ area cater to different family members. The condominium also offers 24-hour security facilities and CCTV systems.It’s located along Street 2004 at the Northbridge Community in Phnom Penh. Notable landmarks in the location includes the Northbridge International School, CIA FIRST International School, Cambodian Country Club and Ratana Plaza Shopping Center.For a lavish and luxurious resort-like home for you and your family, the North Park Condominiums project is a perfect choice.Learn more about North Park Condominium today!Click here to download your free copy!

As the Phnom Penh Urban Area Expands Rapidly, Chaom Chau, Kakab is seeing huge Residential & Industrial GrowthIntroduction:Covering the majority of the western part of the capital, Pou Senchey district (locally called ‘khan Pou Senchey’ or Khmer: ខណ្ឌ ពោសែនជ័យ) is currently the largest of all 12 districts of  Phnom Penh and home to about 184,000 residents. As of today, Pou Senchey is administratively subdivided into 10 communes (locally called ‘sangkat’ or Khmer: សង្កាត់), namely Boeng Thum, Chaom Chau, Kakab, Kamboul, Kantaok, Ovlaok, Phleung Chheh Roteh, Samraong Kraom, Snao, and Trapeang Krasang.It shares borders with four other districts, namely Preaek Phnov district to the north, Sen Sok and Meanchey to the east, and Dangkao to the south.Market Summary:Pou Senchey, since the last decade, has seen a rapid pace of development, especially in the realm of residential, commercial, and industrial sub-sectors, leading to a considerable land price surge across the district. Observed within the period of the past three years, the district experienced an average annual growth of 31 percent in land prices, from US$110 p.sqm. in 2013, when averaged across the whole district, to US$170 p.sqm. in Q3 2016. Within those three years, 2014 and 2015 marked the strongest growth for land prices, yet during the course of three quarters of 2016 the prices were sluggish to move upward due to the situation that overall real estate market has cooled down steadily since late 2015.Fortunately, recent housing and plot land subdivision market stimuli practiced by many of developers have been seen to bolster the market growth again, albeit slowly, and this trend will continue helping boost market demand and thus keep real estate prices from going down negatively.Land Market and Pricing:In general, market prices for land across Pou Senchey district grew 31 percent y-o-y since 2013 until 2015, while the two bustling communes of Chaom Chau and Kakab grew about or less than 10 percent y-o-y because prices in the two communes were already high compared to the rest of Pou Senchey’s other communes.In term of land values and major business hubs, however, Kakab and Chaom Chau stand out from the rest thanks to their strategic locations as well as coverage of prime streets ideal for business positions. Kakab commune is immediately adjacent to Tuek Thla of Sen Sok district, while Chaom Chau commune is westwards next to Kakab.In Chaom Chau, land prices across the whole commune ranged from US$35 p.sqm. in undeveloped zones to a peak of US$1,800 p.sqm. along prime streets (e.g. Confederation de la Russie) and bustling commercial hubs. The average market price in Chaom Chau was US$400 p.sqm in Q3 2016, growing from US$320 p.sqm. in 2013. The average growth for land market prices was eight percent y-o-y.Immediately adjacent to Phnom Penh International Airport, Chaom Chau covers some part of the capital’s arterial street, namely Confederation de la Russie (Russian Boulevard in English), National Highway 3, and National Highway 4. Further, it shares a long distance of Veng Sreng Blvd.With similar geographic positioning, Kakab shares a similar market value as does Chaom Chau, but being closer to the central business hubs of the capital makes Kakab stand out in term of land prices and commercial demand. Land prices in Kakab commune grew 10 percent annually, from an average of US$380 p.sqm. in 2013 to US$490 p.sqm in Q3 2016. Kakab’s land market prices could range from a small base of US$70 p.sqm. in the undeveloped areas to a peak of US$2,080 p.sqm. along prime streets and in the most bustling commercial hubs.Nevertheless, a notable land price growth was mostly witnessed in less developed communes, as speculation seemed to be challenged by high prices in prime hubs and along major streets, but this speculative vision rather spilt over across the underdeveloped suburbs of Pou Senchey. For example, less developed communes such as Samraong Kraom, Kaboul, Snao, and Trapeang Krasang experienced a land price surge of about and more than 40 percent y-o-y, mainly due to their small price base and high price jump, as driven by the trendy development of plot land subdivisions.Samroang Kraom, which shares a long distance of Tomub Kop Srov Road, was seen with a remarkable growth in land prices following the road development that is currently almost complete. In 2013, the average market price of land in this commune was about US$45 p.sqm., and in Q3 2016 the average price reached US$150 p.sqm.. The average annual growth in the Samroang Kraom was almost 80 percent within the period of those three years.Similarly, Kamboul, Snao, and Trapeang Krasang experienced a big jump in land price growth, mainly driven by (1) increasing plot land subdivision development, (2) increasing demand for low-price land parcels and housing in the peripheral suburbs of the capital, and (3) the rapid pace of urban expansion especially since early this decade.Prime Street and Pricing:Chaom ChauChaom Chau is located west and south of Phnom Penh International Airport, being home to a large number of business hubs and residential zones, relatively similar to its neighbor Kakab. Residential towns and commercial activities concentrate only along the commune’s prime streets, thus making property prices along the streets higher than its less developed or undeveloped outskirts.In the third quarter of 2016, average land price along Confederation de la Russie (Russian Boulevard in English) in Chaom Chau commune was US$1,520 p.sqm., with a price range from US$1,400 p.sqm. to US$1,800 p.sqm.National Highway 4, the Kingdom’s arterial road interlinked with the capital’s main boulevard Confederation de la Russia, could be offered on the market at US$430 p.sqm on average. The base price started from US$140 p.sqm in the farther west parts of the commune and a peak of US$1,300 p.sqm. in the areas close to Chaom Chau Circle.On Veng Sreng Boulevard, land market prices could range from US$600 p.sqm in a less developed zone to US$1,550 p.sqm. in a more commercial zone, with the average market price at US$850 p.sqm.KakabKakab is closer to the city center, being home to Phnom Penh International Airport. The commune shares four of the capital’s main streets along which a large number of businesses are based, thus creating high values for land prices there.One of the high value, prime streets in Kakab is Confederation de la Russie (Russian Boulevard in English), along which land price could be about US$1,650 p.sqm. in Q3 2016, ranging from US$850 p.sqm. often for a large portion of vacant land, to US$2,080 p.sqm. for a prime commercial location.Another high value, prime street of Kakab is Street 2004, running off Confederation de la Russie through to Wat Ang Taminh Street. Along Street 2004, the average market price for land was US$1,300 p.sqm., with a range from US$800 to US$1,850 p.sqm.Next, along Oknha Try Heng (Street 2011), which runs off Confederation de la Russie through to the crossing railroad, average land price was US$780 p.sqm., with a range from US$570 p.sqm. to US$1,200 p.sqm. On the other hand, Street 105K is less competitive in land prices. By the third quarter of 2016 the average market price along this street was US$300 p.sqm., even if in the sought-after locations the prices could jump to US$750 p.sqm.Trend & Outlook:Market & Pricing TrendLand price growth across Pou Senchey district seemed stable since early last year, and it is predicted to see a slight increase over the course of the next two years by going through to 2018. In general, Pou Senchey’s pricing growth dropped negatively to 0.2 percent over the course of the first three quarters of 2016, though this has almost no impact on general price growth within the whole district.However, land prices as well as other properties in the form of land in Phnom Penh will start to pick up markly again by 2019.Urban ExpansionThanks to its many available large portions of land for new developments and  land properties with comparatively low prices, Pou Senchey has been seen with tremendous opportunities for urban expansion and relocation or new positioning of complementary services and amenities.Residential towns, several other types of cluster housing, and commercial establishments have been positioned in many different parts of the district, especially the district’s outstanding communes of Kakab and Chaom Chau, resulting in an increase of population there and leading to increasing demand for new housing units and related infrastructure improvements.Opportunities have been there since many years ago for Pou Senchey mainly thanks to its strategic locations, coverage of capital’s arterial roads and main streets, and large space available for urban expansion to host the increasing number of population as well as industrial and commercial positioning. Further, the increasing demand for development parcels with comparatively low prices also offer the district lots of opportunities for growth.Since recent years, it is notable that a number of developments have concentrated in the commune of Kakab and Chaom Chau, both of which shares arterial roads and main streets, along which commercial activities exist to complement the increasing number of residential communities nearby the areas.Tomnub Kop Srov Road, one of the capital’s ring roads, will be soon complete, while Veng Sreng Boulevard was rehabilitated by being expanded 22 meters wide and paved with concrete. Both of the roads run through parts of Chaom Chau and other parts of Phnom Penh. These establishments have created numerous opportunities, added further property values, and drawn new development potentials to the areas, especially along those streets.In Kakab, recent developments are in the realm of residential and commercial subsector. Notable developments under construction are Budaiju Residence (condominium project) and Lion Mall (commercial and shopping complex) along Confederation de la Russie, as well as many other cluster housing projects, both complete and under construction. Up to date, in Kakab commune alone, about 2,700 new cluster housing units have been complete, and 950 are under construction. Nevertheless, 3,300 units of the planned housing projects have been halted construction so far due to unsatisfactory pre-sale results.Industrial Trend:Increasing land prices and rental costs in the zones nearby inner city center will force existing factories that rely on rents to consider relocating to the suburbs such as western parts of Pou Senchey where rental costs and cost of living of workers are much lower. Easy access to National Highway 4, which directs to the Kingdom’s most important seaport, might also weigh the consideration for new factory and other industrial park positioning.As of today, Pou Senchey is already home to 40 percent of the total factories in Phnom Penh, ahead of Dangkao (22 percent) and Meanchey (15 percent).Learn more about Cambodia today in our detailed location profile!Click here to download your free copy!

Realestate.com.kh caught up with Mr. Ouk Chandaravuth recently at the B.T.S Condominium showroom at the Russey Keo district to talk about the condominium project in detail.Chandaravuth is the Marketing and Sale Director of the Borey Villa Toul Sangke Group. He discusses the current state of the development and why it’s an attractive choice for both personal and investment purposes.Here’s what he had to say:1. Tell us about the location of Borey Toul Sangke Condominium?The B.T.S Condominium development project has gained popularity, mainly due to the developer’s success in selling its past projects. It is strategically located in the Russey Keo district in Phnom Penh. Residential units such as condominiums are offered in this area.The Borey Villa Toul Sangke project also includes a variety of villas and condominiums that come in different sizes. Each and every home has been designed by construction professionals, with quality and beauty in mind. Attention to detail is also obvious. Some of the villas that are available are the Single Villa, Link House, Twins Villa, and Flat houses. Families will also have the option to choose the City Sangkeo Villa type, as they see fit.2. What types of units are available and at what price ranges in the Borey Toul Sangke Condominium project?174 residential units with a variety of sizes are available. The interiors have been uniquely designed by a team of experts, and finished with high quality construction materials. Units at the B.T.S Condominium development start from $40,000 per unit. All units are packaged as one-bedroom spaces, beginning at 50 square meters up.... (We have different size). It also has a smart design, with fittings that allow a unique, spacious, and modern layout throughout each unit.3. How are the sales to date?Around 3 months after the launch date, about 30 percent of the units had already sold. We have proven to the market that the local project has gained the trust of both international and local buyers.4. What is the parking situation like?The B.T.S condominium provides comfort for every resident. The number of parking spaces add up to about 85 percent of all the units and also have security features in place. This is the highest parking space ratio, compared to other recent high-rise buildings in the area.6. Do you have bank loans available or other payment methods?We don’t have any loan schemes in place with a bank, but we have a special method in place for people interested in the B.T.S condominium. The developer provides the ultimate offer by asking customers to only pay $660 per month, with no interest and no deposit.7. Tell us about the unique features of this project?The B.T.S condominium is on a great location, in Russey Keo. It is situated in the business district and sits close to main roads, government institutions, shopping malls, sports clubs, banks, hospitals, schools, and entertainment facilities. More importantly, it’s also located close to the Toul Sangke Market.It promotes a high standard of living through its fully furnished units – comparable to a 5-star hotel. The B.T.S condominium project also provides a range of amenities such as swimming pools, a sauna, a gym, a small market, and a golfing club. So, families will never run out of things to do in this project.8. Why is the Borey Toul Sangke Condominium project better than the others?When people visited the B.T.S. Condominium showroom, they were surprised to see the quality and the workmanship of the unit. We focused on the quality and the best standards of living for families. This is the 3rd project after two successful ones that the Borey Villa Toul Sangke did. People will find interest in it because it offers better standards.A home is important for everyone. So, if you decide to buy one, it must be done carefully. So, if you’re considering to live in a luxury residence with a high standard of living, surrounded by a secure and peaceful community, take a look at the B.T.S. Condominium project.Check out the full B.T.S. Condominium listing on realestate.com.khClick here to download your free copy!

With Strata titles being the more popular choice to enter into the Cambodian real estate market, some foreigners are not aware that they are actually able to utilize other means to own, or at least control, landed properties and land. Grant Fitzgerald, Country Manager of Independent Property Services, reveals – in his interview with Realestate.com.kh – other ways of buying land as a foreigner in Cambodia.Buying Land as a Foreigner in Cambodia via Nominee:Although a bit riskier than buying in your own name, Fitzgerald says that a widely-used method of buying land as a foreigner in Cambodia is through a nominee structure.He explains that “essentially, the nominee structure works by the foreigner buying for the property. However, the title is held in a Khmer national’s name.”But he clarifies that there are security measures that foreign nationals can take in order to protect their investments.He says that you need to secure four documents as a foreigner to buy through a nominee –  1) a mortgage agreement, 2) a loan agreement, 3) a lease agreement, and 4) a security agreement.1. Mortgage Agreement:He explains that a mortgage agreement is registered through the Sangkat and transforms the buyer into a bank, granting property activity by the Cambodian Citizen only through the approval of the foreign national.2. Loan Agreement:Meanwhile, he says that a loan agreement is a “paper loan that accrues interest over time” and is made between the foreigner and the nominee.3. Lease Agreement:He continues, the lease agreement “essentially allows the foreigner to live on the property” through a 50-plus -50-year lease agreement.4. Security Agreement:And the security agreement just basically sets out the obligations and limitations of each party. What Types of Titles Can Foreigners Own Through the Nominee Structure?Fitzgerald expounds that through this structure, foreigners are able to own any type of property or title. He says, “It’s all about setting it up correctly and using those security documents. When it’s done properly, it’s really safe and really effective.”Can Business Entities Own Land in Cambodia?Fitzgerald says that it is possible to own land as a company in Cambodia through a process similar to a nominee structure, but you have to set a specific type of business that you need to do through a lawyer. These are called land holding companies.He explains that a Cambodian national would still need to hold 51 percent of the company, but there are also legal documents these business entities can secure to gain majority of the power and rights, even with just 49 percent of the company shares.Check out our ultimate guide to buying through a nominee structure in Cambodia and learn more!  Click here to download your free copy!

Since January this year, CARE Cambodia and partners have been undertaking the Labour Rights for Female Construction Workers Project, funded by the EU and the Austrian Development Cooperation.Yet who are female construction workers? And why should CARE and construction companies assist them? Initial research for the project reveals some insights.The majority of female construction workers are married with children, and working on constructions sites with their families. They are mostly over 30, a much older cohort than other female workers in other unskilled occupations, such as the garment or entertainment industries. Most women working in construction have little education and have migrated to work in Phnom Penh because they are poor. CARE’s research identifies that these women workers have little knowledge of their rights or protections.Both women working in the industry and employers report that women bring particular skills to the work they do. “Women are good at detailed tasks such as tying metal rods together neatly and they work faster than men.” “Some of women working here can mix cement very well, better than men. They  are  very  organised,  put  away  materials  after  they  complete  their  work, and they clean well.”Despite this, nine in ten female construction workers report that they don’t get paid as much as men and many report that the jobs they do are not the same as men. Roles, responsibilities and rights are different between men and women working in the construction sector and this has implications for both workers and employers.CARE’s training, delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, explores these issues. It covers the topics of: gender and culture, labour rights, rights for women, and occupational safety. Attendees will gain greater insights into the situation of their female workers, and may learn of ways that women can be both protected as employees and encouraged to work to their full potential.The next training will be held on 25 October and places are limited. More information is available in both English and Khmer. Further sessions will be held in November and December. To reserve a place for your company, please contact Ms Eat Sopheak on 012 721 321 or sopheak.eat@careint.org. Training will be in Khmer.If you would like more information about CARE’s project, please contact the Project Manager, Ms Kalyan Rath, at kalyan.rath@careint.org or Adviser, Ms Adriana Siddle, at adriana.siddle@careint.org.Learn more about real estate news on Realestate.com.kh!Click here to download your free copy!

Within the past two decades, different forms of land titles have popped up. Transactions have made a steady change as a result of that.And Grant Fitzgerald – Country Manager of IPS Cambodia – gives a bit of an overview on each type of title during his recent talk with Realestate.com.kh.Soft Land Titles in Cambodia:Fitzgerald mentions that soft titles are the most common form of land ownership. Around 85 percent of all properties in Cambodia are owned through a soft title and are registered both at Sangkat and Khan – council and district – levels only. He mentions that soft titles are transferred in less than 10 working days at a low cost.Hard Land Titles in Cambodia:Fitzgerald explains that hard titles are “the strongest form of ownership here in Cambodia.” Hard titles are registered at a national level – through the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction. Transfer of hard titles are done at the cadastral office and usually takes 12 weeks to complete. You also have to pay a 4 percent transfer tax.LMAP Land Titles in Cambodia:Fitzgerald explains that the LMAP or the “Land Management and Administration Project” came into existence in 2002 with the help of the World Bank. He says that the project was designed “with the idea of improving the quality of the information on the property titles here in Cambodia.”Similarly, the transfer costs and timeframe are almost the same between LMAP titles and hard titles. The difference though is that LMAP titles are anchored on GPS points and are aimed towards more rural geographical locations.Co-ownership “Strata Titles”:Fitzgerald explains that “strata titles are available for foreigners, where the others aren’t.” He also mentions that strata titles have a much more specific set of qualifications. Among these qualifications is the restriction of foreign ownership of up to only 70 percent of a building, provided that it does not touch the ground floor. It’s only applicable for buildings built after 2010 and should not be within 30 kilometers of any national border.Strata titles are also recognised at the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction.  And both transfer time and transfer costs are similar to Hard titles and LMAP titlesCheck out IPS properties for sale and rent on Realestate.com.kh today!

Dear Valued Readers, We are delighted to announce the release of the October 2016 edition of the "Cambodia Real Estate" magazine, powered by Realestate.com.kh! Being part of our exclusive subscribers database, you will have the chance to access our online version before anyone else in the country! In this edition of the Cambodia Real Estate magazine, we review what to keep in mind when investing in plot land in Cambodia; we take a look at the rise of the Toul Tum Poung/Russian market district of central Phnom Penh; and we consider the current issues in the Cambodian valuation industry and how best to address these gaps. And of course, you can check out a huge selection of real estate listings for sale and rent across the nation, and a prime selection of new project property reviews. Smart real estate buyers and sellers know the market inside out before they make their decisions. Because of this, "Cambodia Real Estate" magazine includes valuable analysis, insider advice and easy to read guides about how to invest intelligently in Cambodia. Get your Free Copy!