Foreigners' Guide: Property Investment in Cambodia
Cambodia's real estate market has become increasingly attractive to foreign investors over the past decade. The Kingdom is a developing country, with a young demographic and has a strategic location in Southeast Asia. It is poised for growth and provides opportunities in various sectors as per the investment law. This guide provides essential information for foreigners interested in property investment in Cambodia, including property ownership, costs, taxes, location and procedures.Can Foreigners Buy Property in Cambodia?Yes, foreigners can buy property in Cambodia, but there are specific types they can own and certain restrictions to be aware of. Foreigners can own condominiums and offices if they are strata-titled.Strata title is a form of ownership in Cambodia, introduced for condominium projects in 2010. Therefore, foreigners can only own condos built from 2010 onwards. There are ownership quotas and restrictions on these properties. Foreigners cannot own more than 70% of the condos in a building and cannot own ground-floor units. Additionally, strata titles cannot be used for projects within 30km of a land border.A sample of a Strata Title issued by the MLMUPCTo read more about property ownership titles, click hereCan Foreigners Own Land in Cambodia?Direct land ownership is restricted to Cambodian citizens or Cambodian entities. However, there are alternatives for foreigners who want to control land:Establishing A Landholding Company: Foreigners can buy land by forming a Cambodian company, which must have at least 51% Cambodian ownership, leaving the foreigner with a maximum ownership stake of 49%.Nominee Structure: Foreigners may seek a legitimate partnership with a Khmer citizen or use a nominee arrangement where a local acts as a silent shareholder. This method can be risky and requires careful consideration.Trust Company: allows a foreigner to buy land in Cambodia through a trust company, which must be registered with the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Under the arrangement, a foreigner can own various types of real estate including land, with the company acting as the property manager. However, the company is not authorised to sell the holdings without the consent of the foreign owner.Leasehold Property: Foreigners can buy a leasehold property, giving them 15 to 50 years of access to the property, renewable for another 50 years. This allows them to develop and construct structures on the land, though the land itself remains state-owned.Seeking advice on acquiring land in Cambodia, contact usHow Much Does it Cost?The cost of real estate will depend on several factors, such as its type, location and market trends.For instance, the cost of purchasing a condominium in Cambodia is relatively affordable compared to other Southeast Asian countries. In Phnom Penh, the starting price for a studio/1 bedroom condominium is under US$40,000, with many available around the $50,000 mark. To find more condominium options click here.How to Finance Property Purchase?The purchase of property for foreign nationals can be achieved in multiple ways. The easiest method is to pay in full if you have the required amount. However, if you do not, there are various ways to settle the payment, such as through bank financing, or a developer’s loan.If you are living and working in Cambodia, certain banks allow you to obtain a mortgage under specific conditions. If you are living abroad, it is recommended that you seek bank loan services in your home country.Developers in Cambodia understand the need for buyers to have instalment options. Therefore, projects often include what is commonly referred to as a “developer’s loan”, allowing buyers to pay monthly instalments with or without interest, or payment according to its construction phase depending on their policy.What Are the Additional Costs When Owning Property in CambodiaTransfer Tax (Stamp Duty): This is 4% of the value of the immovable property paid upon transfer of the title to the new owner.Annual Real Estate Tax (TOIP): Levied at 0.1% of the property’s market value exceeding US$25,000 (approximately 100,000,000 Khmer Riel)Rental Income Tax: If one seeks to rent out the property after purchase, there is 14% for foreign owners, based on the gross rental amount.Capital Gains Tax: Individuals selling immovable property will pay a 20% Capital Gains Tax. Currently, this tax is levied until the end of 2028.Unused Land Tax: This applies to any vacant land without having any buildings. It only requires a 2% tax rate per square metre of the unused land value price and does not require any annual property tax (TOIP) payment.In Which City To Buy Property?In Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, and Siem Reap are the three main cities that draw interest from foreign buyers when it comes to property. But, before investing it is important to understand the dynamics in each city.Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is experiencing rapid urbanization, attracting people from across the country seeking better job and education opportunities. The city boasts superior infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and transportation. Economic activities in the capital are significantly more vibrant than in other cities in the country. Therefore, for many, Phnom Penh is an ideal place to invest, especially considering that affordable real estate can be found in prime locations within the city.Sihanoukville Cambodia's coastal city, has seen the majority of projects and developments over the past decade. However, the pandemic and ban on online gambling have left many buildings abandoned. To revitalize the city, the government is now encouraging investors with new incentives. Investing in Sihanoukville at an early stage presents unique opportunities, as it is the country's only seaport where the majority of goods are transacted. Sihanoukville is easily easily from Phnom Penh via the expressway. Moreover, it is the gateway to Cambodia’s famous islands, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem, which are must-visit destinations for tourists.Siem Reap is the ultimate attraction destination in Cambodia, being the main gateway to the Angkor Wat temple, the largest religious structure in the world. Life can be much quieter than in the capital, Siem Reap also enjoys a fair share of activities, mostly revolving around tourism. Hotels, guest houses, and F&B establishments are the main interests for real estate investmentsWhat is the Process of Buying Real Estate?The process of buying property in Cambodia typically involves working with a real estate agent or agency. It is advisable to seek assistance from an experienced real estate agent and a reputable company to guide you through your acquisition.The real estate agent or agency acts as a mediator between the buyer and seller, handling payments, negotiations, and other matters. They also ensure that the property documents are legitimate by conducting due diligence.Once all documents are verified, the agent will prepare a Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA). This legally binding document outlines the terms and conditions of the transaction. It includes details about both the buyer and seller, a description of the property, the sale/purchase price, payment terms, ownership registration, and handover details.Where to Buy Real Estate?Realestate.com.kh is Cambodia's leading property portal for purchasing, selling, and renting property. With over 50,000 active listings on our website, we offer various options to suit your needs. Our experienced real estate agents are ready to advise you on Cambodia's best locations, projects, and investments.Are you interested in buying property in Cambodia? Our customer service team is ready to assist you. Contact us via:📞+855 92 92 1000📧 info@realestate.com.kh🌐 www.realestate.com.khClick here to speak with our teamEasy, Fast & FreeRealestate.com.kh helps you find your dream property or real estate investment in Cambodia.
