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Matthew Rendall at Expo 2018
Legal aspects of co-owned buildings
June 6, 2022, 5:07 p.m.
Realestate.com.khTV
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Like any other business enterprise, real estate development is governed by a legal framework. These set of laws and regulations, though complicated, ensure operations and activities related to the sector are done legally without ill effects on people and the environment.  Co-owned buildings are covered by most existing real estate laws in Cambodia but there are a few regulations exclusive to this type of property. Developers can be heavily penalised if they don’t follow these regulations in the Kingdom.We will guide you on the legal frameworks of co-owned buildings. Additionally, you will learn what is required if you are a developer in Cambodia.Keep in mind that you can browse hundreds of co-owned buildings on our site and you should always consult with a qualified legal team if you have doubts.What is a co-owned building?When people say “condominium” they are usually referring to a co-owned residential building. Under a co-ownership arrangement in Cambodia, several owners live in the same building. A co-owned building consists of units that are exclusively owned, with common areas whose use and benefits are shared among the co-owners.There are several types of co-owned buildings:Detached buildingsSemi-detached buildingsAttached housesIn the past, foreigners weren’t allowed to buy condos in Cambodia. In 2010, however, the law changed. Anything from the first floor and up can be owned by a foreigner. Also, foreigner ownership cannot exceed 70% in a single building.Find out more about buying a condo in Cambodia as a foreigner.Legal aspects for developers:Project licenceBefore work begins, a developer is required to obtain a project licence from the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MEF).This requirement was set forth in Prakas 965 and there are two types of licences:Type 1 licence is for developers who finance their projects by themselves. Type 2 license is issued to developers who raise money from their buyers.Holders of a Type 1 licence can only sell units within the development once the project is complete. Developers having a Type 2 licence can pre-sell, but only after obtaining a construction permit and a project permit from the MEF.Developers must make a deposit of 2% of the total value of the project into an account with the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC). This measure is meant to protect investors and their money in the event the project is not completed.The government has the right to revoke the licence if the developer fails to finish the project on time or if the developer fails to follow the legal obligations required under the law.Construction permitsSave for a few exemptions, a construction permit is required for any construction work or development in Cambodia.Applicants must complete forms and submit them to the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC). Supporting documents must also be filed at the commune, district and municipal levels. All submissions must be made in Khmer.The application must bear the signature of the landowner and a licensed project designer or architect.The authority to issue construction permits mostly falls within the jurisdiction of municipal or provincial officials. For big projects like airports and seaports, it is the National Committee of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction that issues the necessary permits.Under Cambodian law, a construction permit is only issued if the applicant follows or is compliant with the master plan, land use plan, and other governing rules and regulations.Other relevant permits in CambodiaIn addition to the permits mentioned above, there are others that will be required throughout the process of development:A site opening permit is required to open a building site. This is issued by the MLMUPC. The ground cannot be broken before obtaining this permit.A site closing permit is required once the construction is finished. This is a key component in the process. A certificate of compliance is also required before the project is considered finished. Keeping to codeIt’s important to follow the letter of the law when it comes to real estate in Cambodia. If problems occur, court cases can be long and painful affairs. It’s important to do all your research before beginning the process. Realestate.com.kh urges everyone to enlist the help of qualified legal professionals.Note: This is a general guide and does not constitute definitive legal advice. Always do your own research and invest at your own risk.Looking for property investments in Cambodia? Let us help!
Huge sales recorded at the inaugural Cambodia Real Estate Show
Huge sales recorded at the inaugural Cambodia Real Estate Show
June 6, 2022, 5:04 p.m.
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The Cambodia Real Estate Show, powered by realestate.com.kh, saw over 3000 local and international investors flock through the Grand Ballroom doors of NagaWorld Hotel last weekend, Friday & Saturday.The country's leading developers benefited from thousands of sales leads generated over the two days; and a staggering 30 deals were converted onsite at the show - equating to over 3 million US$ in total property value.Developers also booked a high number of site visits, showroom tours, and gained hundreds of serious leads to follow up in the coming weeks after the show. Three lucky buyers also won international flights packages, thanks to the airlines sponsor Cambodia Angkor Air.40% of those who attended the event were Chinese, or Chinese speaking; 20% were mixed internationals; and 40% were Khmer nationals. As Cambodia’s leading property classifieds website, the turnout of the show represents the targeted audience of the Realestate.com.kh website and related media channels.“The Creed Group, presenting 3 projects at the show - Bodaiju Residences, Borey Maha SenSok and Arata Garden Residences - achieved a great result: 21 unit bookings and reservations for current selling projects and the upcoming project, Arata Garden Residences,” confirmed Ms. Kelly, Deputy Sales & Marketing Director at Creed Group.Ms Intan Kosem, developer of Habitat Condos, said that, "We were very delighted to present Habitat Condos at the show. In fact, we sold one unit to an overseas buyer which we met at the show - and we also generated various other sales leads and property visits from the event. We look forward to the next show!”“We were very satisfied to be a part of the inaugural Realestate.com.kh Cambodia Real Estate show at NagaWorld. The event enabled our team to generate a significant number of direct sales and many good quality leads for prospective buyers. We are looking forward to the next event organized by the Realestate.com.kh team,” said Mr Laurence Hamilton, Vice President of NC Max World Real Estate Development/Brokerage who presented new projects such as The View and East One Apartments at the show.Mr. Piseth Seng, CEO of LK Development Group - developer of The Elements project, stated that, “The Cambodia Real Estate Show at NagaWorld was beyond our expectations! Realestate.com.kh delivered what was promised to the exhibitors. We met so many potential buyers and the high-value investors that we were looking for. We are sure that this Real Estate show is here to stay in the market and we are proud to continue to work with Realestate.com.kh into the future.”In addition, the show provided a very insightful series of seminars from some of the most respected figures of the local and international industry. All of these presentations and video seminars are available for viewing on www.realestate.com.kh/news in the coming days.Porsche and Mercedes Benz were also at the show - allowing visitors to test drive some of the hottest cars on Phnom Penh’s streets from the valet parking area of NagaWorld.The Show would not have been possible without its dynamic sponsors: Last Mile Works VR, Seara Sports Systems, Ezecom & Cellcard. A big thanks goes also to our trusted Official Media Partners: Business Cambodia, Bizkhmer, Khmernavi/Enjoy Cambodia, Sin Chew Daily, B2B Cambodia, Amcham, Britcham, Cambodia Constructors Association (CCA), Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association (CVEA), PropertyGuru, Property Report, Asian Property Review, PropertyGuru International, Juwai.com, the Khmer Times and La Reine. “Our real estate show simply closed the gap between the investor and the opportunity,” comments the ceo of Realestate.com.kh, Mr Thomas O’Sullivan. “When investors from throughout the region arrived in Phnom Penh for our real estate show, they were able to feel, smell and touch Cambodia; they saw the drastic changes happening here in terms of construction and real estate development. They also came to understand the infrastructural improvements that are transforming the country into an economic hub. This exposure to Cambodia gave many the confidence to invest in property at the show,” concluded O’Sullivan.After the success of the first ever Cambodia Real Estate Show, Realestate.com.kh is already planning for an even bigger and more comprehensive Real Estate Show within 2017.Find the best real estate news on Realestate.com.kh
Knight Frank Asia-Pacific Prime Office Rental Index
Knight Frank Asia-Pacific Prime Office Rental Index
June 6, 2022, 5:04 p.m.
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Realestate News
Outcome of Trans-Pacific Partnership presents uncertainties and opportunities for flight-to-quality activities30 November 2016, Singapore – Knight Frank, the independent global property consultancy, today launches the Asia-Pacific Prime Office Rental Index for Q3 2016. The index monitors prime office rents in 19 cities across Asia-Pacific. For Q3 2016, eight cities registered positive rental growth, down from 10 in the previous quarter.Results for Q3 2016Knight Frank Asia-Pacific Prime Office Rental Index grew 0.6% in Q3 2016 compared to the previous quarter as a result of rising rents in eight markets and rental declines in six markets.Tokyo continues to experience the highest rental growth, although demand is expected to taper off as a strong supply pipeline looms.Singapore sees the largest decline in rental due to slowing global economy.Going forward, we expect rents in 14 cities to remain steady or increase, unchanged from last quarter’s forecast.While it is still early days, the results of the US election is likely to lead to more uncertainty across the region, with the likely end of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) a blow to export-dependent economies. Mr Nicholas Holt, Head of Research for Asia-Pacific, says, “The outlook for the regional economy is uncertain as the future of the TPP hangs. We expect a knock-on effect on office demand when export-driven economies are dealt a blow should the TPP be dissolved.“Given the significant amount of supply coming into a number of markets, we do see opportunities for occupiers to upgrade into superior space, as the pendulum swings from landlord to tenant-friendly conditions.”Download the full Knight Frank Report
Tuol Kork, Sen Sok Market Review H1 2016
Tuol Kork, Sen Sok Market Review H1 2016
June 6, 2022, 5:05 p.m.
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Realestate News
Market SummarySen Sok district (Khan in Khmer) has experienced a rapid growth, especially in term of residential, commercial, and infrastructure developments. Thus, land prices in the whole district increased markedly within the last couple of years. By the end of 2013, average market price of land in Sen Sok was US$380 per sqm. In the first half of 2016, average market price in the district rose to US$690 per sqm, with average growth of 27 percent y-o-y from 2013 to 2015. Nevertheless, land market prices across Sen Sok district have stagnated since the beginning of 2016, making Q1-to-Q2 2016 list price ratio to drop to 99 percent, though minimally, as property sellers were testing the market at which a reasonable market price should be met.Tuol Kouk district, on the other hand, experienced a slight rise in land price within the same period, from average market price of US$2,150 per sqm in 2013 to US$ 2,530 per sqm in early 2016, growing at 6 percent y-o-y within the tracked period. However, across Tuol Kouk district, Q1-to-Q2 2016 list price ratio dropped to 99 percent due to real estate market stagnancy since the start of this year.In sum, these two districts both of which lie northwest of the central Phnom Penh have enjoyed a rapid growth in term of residential and commercial developments. The suburban Sen Sok district, for example, has witnessed a noticeable pace of developments, especially mixed-use landed housing and infrastructure, which gives rise to a change in the skyline and rapid surge in land prices over the course of the previous three years. This growth will continue its pace as developers foresee market optimism over the next coming years.Land Market PricingTuol Kouk DistrictOver the last preceding decade, Northern fringes of Tuol Kouk district was the first main destination for residential relocation because of its available large portions of vacant land and a neighborhood of the central parts of the capital.  Land prices across the district, therefore, started to surge ever since. In 2005, average market price across the district was about US$1,100 per sqm, with a threshold of US$450 per sqm along secondary streets to US$1,900 per sqm along primary streetsEarly this year, average land market price across Toul Kouk rose to US$2,530 per sqm, while some of the prime commercial streets could fetch a market price as high as US$5,750 per sqm. Over a decade, average growth rate of land prices in the district was about 10 percent y-o-y, and during the last three years the growth was about 6 percent.Remarkable land price surge was seen in Boeng Kak Ti Muoy and Boeng Kak Ti Pir, both of which are Tuol Kouk’s northern communes adjacent to emerging Phnom Penh Thmey of Sen Sok and densely-populated Tuol Sangkae of Ruessei Kaev district. The former grew at 17 percent y-o-y within the period from 2013 to 2015, and the latter, 13 percent. The two communes’ higher growth in land market prices, if compared to that of other communes in Tuol Kouk, was pushed by two key factors. First, because of their relatively small market price base (from a minimum of US$650 per sqm in the last three years), a small price jump could see an enormous growth in y-o-y rate. Second, their attractive, emerging locations have been ideal for residential towns, high-rise developments, and commercial establishments, all of which pushed market demand to rise. As a result, buyers were willing to accept the offers and through this, the market prices started to increase relatively more quickly over the last three years.On the other hand, many parts of the Tuol Kouk seemed almost to reach their price caps, as many available development and establishment opportunities have now appeared elsewhere throughout many of the peripheral parts of the district and its neighborhoods, offering much lower prices and promising opportunities. Such parts almost reaching land price caps are Phsar Depou, as high as US$5,750 per sqm and Tuek L’ak, as high as US$5,200 per sqm.Sen Sok DistrictOver the previous three years, property market prices across Sen Sok witnessed a double digit growth, with 27% y-o-y from 2013 to 2015. Back to 2013, average land price across the district was US$380 per sqm, and it grew to US$690 per sqm in the first half 2016.Khmuonh, one of the four fastest growing communes (sangkat in Khmer) of Sen Sok district, enjoyed a relative quick pace of residential town (such as Grand Phnom Penh International) and infrastructure developments, with main streets such as Hanoi (St. 1019) almost finished this year and Tumnup Kop Srov Road (the capital’s ring road) due to completion sometime soon. As a result, average growth for land price in Khnuonh commune was 35 percent y-o-y, from US$230 per sqm in 2013 to US$480 per sqm in the first half of 2016, with market prices along main streets ranging from US$300 per sqm to US$710 per sqm.Krang Thnong, adjacent to Phnom Penh Thmey commune and a quick access to the prominent Russian Boulevard, also witnessed a double-digit growth in land prices, with an average of 29 percent y-o-y, from an average of US$110 per sqm in 2013 to US$210 per sqm in the first half of 2016 across the commune. The enormous growth in land prices was driven mainly by residential potentials thanks to many available parcels of vacant land, including residential plot land movements and ongoing town development such as Borey Maha Sen Sok by Japanese developer Creed Group.Phnom Penh Thmey, adjacent to Boeng Kak Ti Muoy and Boeng Kak Ti Pir, the two prominent communes among 10 of Tuol Kouk district, also experienced a double-digit growth, having stood high thanks to its development potentials and strategic market position where several remarkable development projects such as borey New World (La Sen Sok), second project of AEON Mall, and borey Chip Mong Land, to name a few, have already been pinned up on the map. Thus, land prices grew at average 19 percent y-o-y within 2013-2015 period, from an average of US$530 per sqm in 2013 to US$830 per sqm in the first half of 2016. Remarkable potentials in Phnom Penh Thmey commune have been also seen after the completion of main infrastructure, for example, Oknha Mong Reththy and Hanoi Street.Market Performance Tuol Kouk DistrictA central zone of the capital, Tuol Kouk district has experienced a tremendous change in its skyline and infrastructure, which led to an increase of property demand as well as prices across the district over the last three years. Yet, average SP-to-LP ratio across property market in Tuol Kouk was 95 percent in 2015, while average original-to-last list price ratio dropped slightly to 99 percent Q1-on-Q2 2016.Low pricing ratios were noticeable in Phsar Depou Ti Muoy commune, where SP-to-LP ratio went down to 90 percent, lower than those in any other communes across Tuol Kouk district. The low pricing ratios in the two communes could be dragged down by the disruption of Techno Flyover construction process that affected on profitability of prime business spots along Russian Boulevard and its surroundings, thus resulting in less-commercial options for buyers to seriously consider the properties over there.Sen Sok DistrictDespite enjoying a significant growth in most parts of the districts over the course of the previous three years, Sen Sok’s property market heat has been slightly cooled down since early 2016 due to overall slowdown in property transactions. Given that average sale-to-list price ratio (SP-to-LP) was 93 percent in 2015, average achieved sale rate across the district was 7 percent below the original list prices, although H1-on-H2 2015 list price ratio (LP) rose to 101 percent. However, during the first half of 2016, average original-to-last list price ratio was 99 percent Q1-on-Q2.The fact that pricing ratios, typically sale price, went down to 93 percent across property market in Sen Sok district means there were many available properties, especially numerous unoccupied homes and vacant parcels of land, and therefore buyers have more power to negotiate for a lower price. Nevertheless, that average original-to-last list price ratio went down to 99 percent was a sign that many of sellers were adapting their asking prices to cope with less aggressive market demand during the first half of 2016.Outlooks and TrendsWith an organic trend of relocation from the central city to suburban and peripheral areas of the capital in a bid to cope with rapid land price growth, accelerating traffic pressure, and increasingly overcrowded city dwellers, a number of people have started to move out to several suburban parts where they form new towns and communities, remarkably since the five years, and Sen Sok district is no exception.Major development trends have been noticeable across Sen Sok, especially its Phnom Penh Thmey commune, which is situated northwest of its neighboring Boeng Kak Ti Muoy and Boeng Kak Ti Pir of Tuol Kouk district. Today, throughout many parts of Phnom Penh Thmey are situated many of finished housing projects such as (1) two of Borey Peng Hout projects the Star Emerald and the Star Quarteria, all of which are along Oknha Mong Reththy Street (1928 St.), (2) two of Borey New World projects, one of which is located a hundred meters off Mong Reththy Street and another is on Oknha Try Heng Street (2011 St.).Another ongoing Borey New World (La Sen Sok) on Oknha Mong Reththy Street has been almost finished, whereas only its community shopping mall remains under construction. Further, Borey Park Land (Sen Sok) along the same street is due to completion sometime next year.More importantly, the second project of AEON Mall by Japanese developers has been pinned on the map in the most promising zone, immediately adjacent to Borey New World (La Sen Sok) and less than 800-meter-radius ring of Camko City (southeast), Borey Angkor Phnom Penh (north), Borey Park Land (southwest), and Borey Peng Huot (south). These factors have brought about more demand for the area, including housing unitsand parcels of land, thus pushing prices to hike rapidly.Phnom Penh Thmey is a popular location for buying a first home,being voted by 20 percent of the surveyed prospective buyers (conducted by VTrust Appraisal), ahead of other areas such asChrouy Changva (16 percent), Stueng Meanchey (11 percent),Toul Kouk (11 percent), unspecified areas (17 percent), and otherareas combined (25 percent).This research report was a production of V Trust Appraisal.
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Knight Frank Asia Pacific Prime Office Rental Index 2016
Knight Frank Asia Pacific Prime Office Rental Index 2016
June 6, 2022, 5:06 p.m.
Special Reports
Realestate News
The Asia Pacific region is the place to be in right now if prime office property and rental growth is what you’re searching for. This is what one of the leading global property consultancy firms, Knight Frank, suggests in their Asia Pacific Prime Office Rental Index 2016 report. According to the firm’s thorough research, the Asia Pacific region has seen a combination of significant progress and constant stability in the first quarter of 2016. This is despite some prominent cities experiencing troubles and slowly slipping down the index.   In the Multi-sector Snapshot Q1 2016 report of Cushman & Wakefield, it is stated that in Beijing, “new supply in core markets elevated the overall vacancy rate, while rents remained stable.” While that may be true, Knight Frank’s data provides insight as to a projected decrease in rental returns and rent prices for the rest of the year for the city. Knight Frank’s report continues to explain that “in the first quarter of 2016, robust leasing demand from domestic firms in the finance and technology sectors drove net absorption to outstrip new supply in Beijing, arresting the downward trend in rents.” Also among the cities that saw a downward rental trend are Jakarta, Perth and Kuala Lumpur; where an expected increase in supply has forced property owners to reduce rent prices, further decreasing rental returns for their properties. This, however, did not slow down or do significant damage to the Asia Pacific Prime Office Rental Index. As the average vacancy decreased by 0.2 percentage points, the index grew by 1 percent in the first quarter and accelerated from 0.2 percent in the previous quarter. The highest contributor to this growth is probably Tokyo which showed the highest 3-month percentage increase of 3.4 percent, followed by Seoul at 2.6 percent where both cities show a projected increase for the next 12 months. As Head of Research for Knight Frank Asia Pacific, Nicholas Holt, puts it, “despite our longer term forecasts suggesting we are nearer to the top of the rental cycle in many markets, the next 12 months will see further rental growth in the majority of markets tracked as tight supply and steady demand prevails.” This growth is expected to be seen across 14 out of 19 cities which include Melbourne, Sydney, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Taipei and Bangkok. "In Southeast Asia, Phnom Penh saw rents remain stable even as a surge in demand drove down the vacancy rate by 10.0 percentage points. With landlords vying to secure tenants as Hongkong Land’s Exchange Square nears completion, this trend is expected to continue." Considering that there are still many factors like government policy changes that may affect this continuous growth, Knight Frank is confident that prime office rental will remain to have stability at the very least. Holt explains, “While the macro-economic story across the region remains uncertain, office markets have tended to see rents hold up fairly well over recent months.” Recent years have showcased both extremes in terms of economic growth and the property market. It’s had its fair share of ups and downs, but as it continues to rise, it will really be an interesting and exciting time for the Asia Pacific region as it learns to nurture and cultivate its potential through proper investments.SEE KNIGHT FRANK CAMBODIA'S PROPERTY NOW