On January 21, 2019, Realestate.com.kh  met with the Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association (CVEA) to congratulate Chrek Soknim who has been selected as the president of CVEA. The two groups discussed ways they can work together to help develop CVEA’s member capacity by improving use of technology in the industry.The newly elected CVEA president warmly welcomed the collaboration.“CVEA really appreciates the presence of Realestate.com.kh. In just nearly five years in Cambodia,​ it has impacted the market hugely in term of bringing an online platform for buying and selling.”  “Realestate.com.kh has developed useful and user-friendly technology where not only local buyers, but also international buyers can look for and buy any type of property they want,” he said, adding that everyone in the sector should focus on teamwork in order to move to the next level.Developing skills within the industry and boosting education will bring long-term benefits, according to Soknim.Moek Chenda, founder of Reaestate.com.kh, added that collaboration was key to improvements across the board.“We want to work closely with CVEA because we believe we can lead the market toward sustainable growth,” he said.  “We have been working together a few years now and still need to cooperate to address challenges. The outcome will be a better digital real estate market.”“As a tech firm, our aim is to help each of our clients transform from a traditional business into an operation with their own online platform.”One major goal for Soknim’s term as CVEA president is to boost the human resources within the real estate industry. He has called for greater training and a higher level of professionalism.Also, sign up for our newsletter today and stay up to date with the latest info. Looking for real estate for rent in Cambodia or real estate for sale in Cambodia?

According to the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC), nearly five million land titles have been issued in Cambodia as of mid-2018. There are around seven million land parcels across the country. Around a third still need to be registered, however.There are two ways for land to be registered at the provincial level: LMAP title and hard title for an individual owner. The latter is made at the owner’s request whereas the LMAP process is initiated by the government.LMAP registrationLMAP, or Land Management and Administration Project, was initiated by the World Bank in 2002 then handed over to the government. The MLMUPC selects key communes as priority areas to conduct the GPS-based land surveys. The process is used to accurately map and title large swathes of land.What are the steps of LMAP registration?There are committees set up at both local and provincial levels in order to oversee the LMAP process. Five key steps define the process of LMAP registration:Step 1: Defining the target areaThe government first determines specific communes which are in need of land titles. Local authorities then notify owners there. They inform locals about the process and what documents they will need to prepare. Step 2:  Land measurementCadastral officers come to measure land boundaries as indicated by owners and existing documents. Participation of landowners is crucial in this step. In the event of a dispute, both parties must agree on borders before they are officially laid down.Step 3: Announcement At this step, the authorities publicly announce the land titles and list of landowners. This happens within 30 days of surveying so that the people can check and appeal for corrections in the event of inaccuracies.Step 4: Final decisionThe cadastral officer then reviews titles and landowner claims. All information is recorded in a registration book. This is eventually signed by the head of the provincial land department and becomes official.Step 5: Land title issuanceAfter documentation at the provincial level is finalised, hard titles are distributed to landowners by the authorities.What documents do owners need?To register land ownership, the owner may be asked to produce a birth certificate, family book, marriage certificate, residence book, national identity card, military ID and letters of buy and sale.DisputesIf disputes arise during any step of the process, they are generally resolved by the commission. In the process of registering the land, if any dispute arises, generally such disputes will be resolved with the commission appointed. For a deeper dive into land titles, read our Investment Guide. Or, start your search for land in Cambodia.

House fires are, unfortunately, still common throughout the Kingdom. Fire in high-rises is rarer. Early this month, however, a blaze broke out at an 18-storey Poipet casino. Much of the building was destroyed. Luckily, there were no deaths. “Many local [building] owners haven’t yet paid attention to fire protection when constructing tall buildings,” said Hor Kunthea (Roy), CEO of Sokha Residences Group.     Roy, who also owns a condominium project in Poipet, claimed the recent fire was due to poor construction and building management.“I’m not surprised by the fire in Poipet, it can happen any time there is poor management,” he said, adding that owners must take precautions.His own 21-story condo project is covered by both building and fire insurance, he said. “For internal safety, the building is equipped with a Singaporean fire protection system.” Pushing precautionsKuang Catherine, a group planner at R&F Properties, said that fires are caused by either human factors or natural disasters. “I believe that most fires are due to human error,” she said, adding that smoking indoors, equipment malfunctions or poor safety management were responsible for most.“Our company’s projects are constructed under Chinese construction codes and are outfitted with a set of fire protection systems to minimize fires and reduce accidents,” she said, explaining that high-rises have more wiring and equipment that normal houses. So, safety needs to be stepped up as well.Catherine claimed the first step to boosting fire safety is to raise awareness. Equipment such as fire extinguishers and sprinklers must be properly maintained.A community concern In addition to both fire extinguishers and sprinklers, many new buildings now include fire alarm systems. This trifecta is a vital part of safety standards across the globe.Nong Samedy, an architect at Aerne Architect & Associates, called for greater care to be taken while installing electrical wiring in buildings. Samedy also urged the use of heat resistant construction materials and limitations on flammable substances allowed inside buildings. Additionally, he said high-rises should all have sprinklers, extinguishers, fire hoses at main points, smoke-proof barriers and special devices that cut power in the event of a fire.“Buildings need to be built using proper materials and set up with proper electricity systems,” he said.Mey Kalyan, general manager of Global Security Solutions, added that safety should be the top priority in buildings large or small.She claimed there were three major factors that increased fire danger: general building neglect, improper electrical systems, and excessive use of heavy equipment inside, such as air compressors and welding equipment. “In addition, we need to have emergency plans in place. That way, we can ensure everyone’s safety in the event of a fire.”Raising standardsSokha Residences CEO Roy summed up the issue by saying that fire safety should be a concern for the entire community. If one breaks out, after all, it can easily spread to nearby structures.“To ensure the safety, owners should hire professional property management. We need to push standards up to the next level.”If you need more information about making sure your rental property is safe, we have a handy guide. Our guides section has tons of handy resources you can use to keep yourself updated on everything in the real estate industry.For more breaking news like this, check our news section every day. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get news right to your inbox.

Scams within the real estate sector are declining. People are becoming more connected and well informed. Because of this, incidents of forgery, theft, and fraud are becoming rarer in Cambodia. That said, there were at least two major scams that happened this year.To see all the scams that have occurred in past years visit our guide to real estate scams in Cambodia. Indeed, staying informed is the best way to end criminal activity in the industry. The two types have happened over the last year are:The fake hard title scamThe fake development project scamMake sure you stay educated by reading up on all the scams. And stay tuned into our news section for any breaking stories. Below are two accounts of real estate scams that happened over the last year.1. Fake hard title scamEarly in 2018, a man identified as Mao Mao, attempted to sell a 580 square metre plot in the capital’s Toul Kork district at below market value. An unnamed land agent took Mao Mao’s documents to send off for verification. The agent gave Mao Mao a downpayment of $150,000. Over the next few days, three more people came to the agent to sell land. Plots were in Dangkor, Por Sen Chey and Sen Sok districts. Lot sizes were different, but all three suspects ended up with deposits of between $100,000 and $200,000. The agent forwarded all their documents off to the cadastral office for processing.Within a few months, the land agent received an alarming phone call from land officials. All four of the hard titles were fakes. Of course, the suspects weren’t responding to any phone calls or messages from the land agent. The scammed agent called capital authorities who soon located all four of the perps. They went to jail to serve time for their foray into fraud.Learning our lessonYou should always have documents checked at the district level before any money changes hands. Police determined that all the fraudsters were working as a team. It’s important to stay vigilant. If a deal is too good to be true it could be fake. The best approach is to deal only with legitimate real estate businesses. Check with a lawyer or consultant. Better yet, go through a well-established agency with a long history in Cambodia. We have a full list of the best agencies in the country.2. Fake development projectThis scam began in South Korea. Realestate.com.kh talked with Nok Nak, a plot land project agent in Cambodia. He said one of his current clients, a Korean man, was the victim in the scam.The man allegedly saw an advertisement on Facebook for a project in Cambodia. He even visited the Kingdom, met with the project’s leaders at their office and visited the site. Their proposal was so convincing that he ended up putting down a 50% deposit on two different plots. Two months later, the victim was back in Korea. He was unable to contact anyone associated with this alleged project. Their Facebook page was gone, phone numbers dead, and office building abandoned.The project had been a scam. Unfortunately, the suspects, in this case, are still at large, too.Do your researchThere’s a valuable lesson here: Don’t believe everything you read on Facebook. Scams that advertise on social media aren’t confined to real estate, either. The National Bank of Cambodia has warned about dodgy lending services over the past year. It said that many of these unlicensed groups use Facebook heavily.Before signing up with a new project, make sure you know the company. Make sure they have the proper licences. Look at firms that have already completed projects in the country. Our page on new developments in Cambodia is a great place to start. We've already vetted them. Again, if you’re at all unsure, consult with a professional.Our guides section has tons of handy resources you can use to keep yourself updated on everything in the real estate industry.Check our listings for investment property for sale in Phnom Penh and investment property in Sihanoukville.

Unveiled in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an ambitious, trillion-dollar strategy that China is pushing across several continents. The initiative, also known as One Belt, One Road, involves the construction of a massive network of ports, gas pipelines, highways, railways, dams, and related infrastructure across countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe.For a deeper dive into the BRI and other investment topics go download our Investment Guide 2019.The initiative is divided into two major components: the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The Silk Road Economic Belt will bring China closer to Central Asia and Europe, while the 21st Maritime Silk Road will see the South China Sea and the Mediterranean connected via the Indian Ocean and two important shipping channels, the Strait of Malacca and the Suez Canal.The BRI includes six land corridors of economic integration: China-Pakistan Corridor New Eurasia Land BridgeBangladesh-China-India-Myanmar CorridorChina-Indochina CorridorChina-Central Asia-West Asia CorridorChina-Mongolia-Russia Corridor Trillions of dollarsMany say the BRI is one of the largest infrastructure and investment projects in history. As of 2019, the BRI involves 71 countries, which account for almost 70% of the world’s population and more than 40% of the world’s $90 trillion GDP.China has, thus far, invested between $1 trillion and $8 trillion into BRI-related infrastructure projects since the program was unveiled. Furthermore, figures promise to continue growing by leaps and bounds as more projects are approved.  Funding for BRI projects mostly comes from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), $40 billion Silk Road Fund (SRF), New Development Bank (NDB), and two of China’s biggest financial institutions, the China Development Bank (CDB) and Export-Import Bank of China (EIBC).Vehicle for peaceChina has touted the BRI as a vehicle for peace, stability, and prosperity. It says the BRI’s goal is one of economic integration, and that it will herald a new era of global prosperity.Some critics, however, remain wary. There are claims that the plan is pushing “21st-century colonialism.”  Officials from the US, Japan and India have linked the BRI to China’s military ambitions. Beijing has strongly denied these claims. BRI in Southeast AsiaSoutheast Asia is viewed as a critical part of the BRI. In fact, seven of the largest BRI projects in Asia are located in Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Laos.Indeed, Cambodia welcomed the initiative warmly. It has been seen as a pivotal way to overcome infrastructure gaps. It is estimated that Southeast Asian nations will need to shell out a combined $2.8 trillion over the next decade to maintain their rapid growth. So, help from China can certainly help temper these costs.At the same time, however, there have been voices saying the plan is a debt trap. Default in Sri Lanka Around 70% of those questioned in a recent survey by Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, a think tank connected to the Singaporean government, urged their governments to be cautious over the BRI.The poll involved 1,008 Southeast Asian respondents from the government, academia, business, media, and several other sectors across all 10 Asean states. Some claimed the BRI was a ‘Trojan horse’ meant to expand China’s sphere of influence. Suspicions were highest in the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia.Many detractors of the deal have pointed to what happened in Sri Lanka in late 2017. The country was forced to hand over control of the Hambantota port to China after it was unable to pay a $1.3 billion debt on the project. Roadblocks in Malaysia and MyanmarThe BRI has hit a rocky road in both Malaysia and Myanmar.Shortly after taking office in August of 2018, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad deferred or halted China-backed projects that were worth $22 billion. The projects, signed during the administration of former leader Najib Razak, included the $20 billion East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and two natural gas pipeline projects in Sabah worth $2.3 billion. Mahathir administration said the three projects were overpriced. “We don’t need [the projects] at this time and the debt accumulated from them could bankrupt Malaysia,” Mahathir explained.Pushback has also occurred in Myanmar. The government there ended up renegotiating a deal for a deep sea port in Kyaukpyu. Costs went from $7.2 billion down to $1.3 billion.Thailand and Indonesia waryReaction to the BRI was initially frosty in Thailand. They went as far as rejecting Chinese infrastructure investment three years ago. However, they flipped their stance and agreed to partner with China on a railway connecting Thailand, Laos and China. The project, worth $14.2 billion, broke ground in late 2017 but has been delayed by numerous disagreements.Several high-ranking Thai officials have since called for a reassessment of BRI projects.In Indonesia, the BRI has also come under scrutiny. The country is facing a $1.5 trillion infrastructure gap. Since becoming president in 2014, Joko Widodo has aggressively courted China to help bolster infrastructure. A slew of project deals was signed. Construction of a 150-km railway connecting Jakarta to Bandung, however, has garnered criticism. At $4.5 billion, many say it’s too costly and not necessary. The country heads to the polls in April of this year.Upbeat on BRI in CambodiaCambodia, as well, suffers from something of an infrastructure gap. Indeed the foreign investment from China has been welcomed to ease the gap. Other nations such as Japan and Korea have contributed on that front as well. China has become Cambodia’s biggest foreign investor, pouring in more than $1 billion every year since 2013.Under the BRI, China is funding the construction of the $2 billion Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville expressway and the $3.8 billion Dara Sakor project in Koh Kong province, which includes an airport, seaport, and a high-end resort.Given that these projects are still relatively small, there isn’t much risk over defaulting. Many inside the country have said that more lasting effects will come from the private sector, where investors will benefit from boosted infrastructure. Success in Vietnam, Laos, and the PhilippinesNext door in Vietnam, BRI has also seen success. A BRI-centred deal was signed during President Xi’s visit to Vietnam in November of 2017.China’s ambassador to Vietnam, Xiong Bo, who previously served as China’s top envoy in Cambodia, said during a BRI forum last November that China is willing to expand cooperation with Vietnam under the framework of the initiative. In Laos, the 414-km China-Laos railway project is proceeding on schedule. The $6 billion is the centrepiece of BRI in the region. It involves the construction of 167 bridges and the digging of 53 tunnels. The railway promises to make Laos a fully-connected country.Over in the Philippines, BRI projects have also been lauded. The pro-China administration of Rodrigo Duterte signed a deal in November to fund a sweeping $152 billion infrastructure overhaul. Projects include multiple railways and a dam.Future of BRI in the regionWhile it’s true that the project has gotten mixed reviews across the board. Less developed nations like Cambodia and Laos are eager for the assistance. Indeed, as the project evolves, China will be better at adapting to feedback. Its partnerships across Southeast Asia are no doubt strengthening.Most of the worries surrounding BRI are centred on larger projects. In Cambodia, however, most of the action is based on road work and port equipment.Indeed, China-backed road work is nothing new in Cambodia. By the last count, around 70% of byways in the Kingdom have been built with at least some assistance from China. The general consensus about BRI is quite positive in the Kingdom. There’s no doubt that boosting trade and stronger relationships with China can only serve to benefit investment activity in Cambodia. For a more thorough look at the investment climate in Cambodia, head over to look at out Investment Guide 2019. It covers topics on everything from real estate to manufacturing to agriculture.Check our listings for investment property for sale in Phnom Penh and investment property in Sihanoukville.

Cambodia won’t stay hidden from international investors for much longer. Announcements have been circulating that GDP growth will be at 7% for 2018. Cambodia’s been growing this fast since the global crisis of 2008-2009.In fact, THREE different online investor publications in the last month have named Cambodia as one of the best places in Asia to lay down money. Check here and here and here. Both say there’s enormous potential in the region.As 2019 dawns we look back at the last decade of amazing success. Consistent growth in Cambodia has led it to become a “new tiger economy.” Seven percent growth each year is outstanding for a developing nation. But what’s in the cards for this year?Steady growth through 2020 has already been projected. What’s more, foreign investment in the Kingdom keeps ramping up. A few key factors that will come to define the property sector in 2019. There will be a boost to human resources. A new real estate school has already been established. Companies here are raising the bar for professionalism. Growing tech systems will play a larger part in the industry. Realestate.com.kh’s own CRM is already bringing agencies to the cutting edge. Adoption is quick and the country is more connected than ever. These systems will boost efficiency and productivity. Finally, regulators have embraced an open-minded perspective when setting the rules. Both the government and industry bodies want the sector to grow. They are committed to listening and working through challenges.Back to schoolPushing education is, of course, a major priority in the Kingdom. The real estate sector is no different. Experts have called for a boost to human resources. In fact, in our yearly survey, nearly 40% of respondents called for more standardised agent licences and training. The real estate program at the University of Economics and Finance (UEF) is doing a lot to raise the standards.Bun Chhay, board member at UEF, said the school is already admitting the second generation of students to its real estate agency and valuation program. The program began in August after a partnership was signed between the university and Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association (CVEA).“Over the course of 2018, we trained 400 students and prepared them for a range of careers in the real estate industry. Many have already be fully certified and have their licences from the Ministry of Economy and Finance,” he said, adding that many had learned to be real estate agents, property managers or valuation agents. Chhay said that the program was generating plenty of interest. He pointed out that within the next 10 years they planned to be offering full Master’s degrees in real estate.Let’s get professional As activity in the Kingdom’s real estate sector ramps up, customers want more professionalism. They expect better service and faster results. Indeed, international buyers expect service to be on par with countries like Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia.Realestate.com.kh itself has brought a new enterprise solution to the market that will take the industry to a new level. The customer relationship management system, dubbed RealestateCRM, is meant to be an all-in-one tool for local agents.“The tagline of the project is ‘work smarter not harder,’ the system will keep information centralised. It will save agents both time and money,” said Pheara Moeun, the company’s CRM manager.According to Mathew Care, CEO of Digital Classifieds Group, Realestate.com.kh’s parent company, the CRM is professionalising the market for agents.“There was a huge demand for a service of this king from Cambodia’s agents. It’s a tool they can use to build their businesses and we already have 50 major clients and over 15,000 listings,” he said.When asked how the Cambodia market is different from others that DCG operated in such as Laos, Fiji and Mongolia, Care said the Kingdom shifted and adapted incredibly fast.“There are a few key market segments in Cambodia, such as Chinese buyers, local buyers and Western buyers. Each one needs to be reached and communicated to in a unique way. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach,” he added.In a digital worldTech inclusion is rapidly sweeping across Cambodia. Data from the Mekong Business Initiative's 2017 report on Cambodia fintech showed there were over 7.1 million internet users that year, which represented a growth of 40% over 2016. What’s more, nearly all of those internet users are currently active on social media. It’s no surprise then, that companies are relying more and more on digital outlets to reach customers. B2B Cambodia, BizKhmer, Business Cambodia and Thmey Thmey are growing in influence and becoming major sources of information in the country. Realestate.com.kh is also one of the leaders of this group, bringing daily news updates, guides and tons of other resources to Cambodia’s internet users. We host over 25,000 listings and consistently get more than 20,000 pageviews per day.We even put together a full list of the tech that is set to reshape real estate in the coming year.  Flexible leadershipCambodian regulators are supportive of real estate industry growth. Indeed, they have embrace dialogue with industry figures. Chrek Soknim, the general manager of Century 21 Mekong, was last month named as the new head of the Cambodia Valuers and Estate Agents Association (CVEA). He mentioned during the announcement ceremony that bolstering human resources would be a priority during his two-year term."The world’s economic growth remains strong, and the Asean’s economy will be on the rise. For Cambodia, I am still optimistic about the real estate market over the course of 2019. The market will continue to grow in all aspects related to residential, commercial, and property management, including houses, condos, apartments, boreys and land," Soknim told Realestate.com.kh during an interview this week."China is still the leading investment country in Cambodia, following by Japan, and European countries."A tale of two marketsIt is becoming increasingly clear that Cambodian real estate has two distinct segments. The market for locals is based mainly on affordable condos, boreys, houses and land. Both local investors and international buyers, however, occupy the segment for mid- and high-range condos. James Hewson, manager of research and consulting at real estate firm CBRE, said that affordable condos are still a fairly new idea in the Kingdom. Adoption is slow, but there is demand.During the release of CBRE’s market outlook earlier this week, Hewson said there are slight fears of an oversupply in the mid- and high-end condo market. Affordable condos, however, have plenty of room for growth. "The recent completion of around 2,234 condominium units in Q4 2018 boosted total supply by 18.9% q-o-q, 40% of which was positioned in the mid-range segment. This high inflow of mid-range supply is set to continue throughout 2019, with 13,444 units forecast to be complete by the end of the year. Similarly, the high-end segment is also estimated to see a considerable increase of 243% to a total supply of approximately 10,611 units in 2019. This substantial influx in both mid and high-end condominium stock may catalyze market adjustments in the coming quarters. Whilst the affordable segment saw an additional 870 units added in Q4 2018, the total stock within the segment trails behind the mid and high-end supply at just 3,530 units," he said.Any fears of a shock, he said, were tempered by the fact that rental rates have remained steady for condos across the board.The new normalAll in all, experts are expecting this to be another year of positive growth building on previous success. New challenges will come, yes, but there's a new crop of professionals ready to face them.Stay tuned to our news section all year long for breaking updates on the real estate sector. For other great resources on the business climate in Cambodia check out our latest investment guide! Also, sign up for our newsletter today and stay up to date with the latest info.Looking for real estate for rent in Cambodia or real estate for sale in Cambodia?

The area near Cambodia’s border with Thailand holds huge potential for real estate with high investment returns. Flat​​​​ house and Villa  Star Gold is number one in its class and gives you the easiest way to start your business.Located on a prime location near plenty of five-star casinos in Poipet’s Samaki Meanchey village, Flat house and Villa  Star Gold is closed to collection of casinos, hotels, restaurants, banks, schools, markets,  entertainment centres and many more commercial complexes.  Lun Nin, sales and marketing manager at Star Gold Flat and Villa, said that this project holds potential for many businesses because it sits in a central location.“It is less than one kilometre from the new off-plan project, Thailand’s famous mall ,Big C,” Nin said.He added that Poipet is growing rapidly because it hosts a wide range of facilities and amenities; it’s connected by sturdy infrastructures such as roads, and railroad tracks and welcomes industries with the local special economic zone.The developers of this groundbreaking project are offering both local and international buyers a free tour of the site. What’s more, foreigners can obtain a long-term lease for up to 99 years.Nin confirmed that Flat house and Villa  Star Gold was developed to bring high-quality construction and a luxurious lifestyle to its residents. He said it’s an investment in the future.On top of everything, Flat house and Villa  Star Gold is now offering discounts of up to 7% ($15,000). Buyers are guaranteed rental returns of up to $1,200 a month for the first three years. You won’t even have to do anything to get this return. If you rent the unit out yourself​ you could even make as much as $4,500 per month.Making payments for a property is so simple. Installment payments are offered for five months and there is no fee for the transfer of hard titles. Don’t even worry about spending money on a full range of appliances because the house will come with high quality partly furnishing. What’s more, every buyer will get a free online casino licence.  And there are prizes too! If you buy a unit now you will be entered for a chance to win an iPhone, a television, a refrigerator, a washing machine and much more.For those who want to start a business near the border with Thailand, buying a shophouse within the Flat house and Villa  Star Gold project is the best choice. You will be generating income while you sleep. Nin added that Poipet is set to be one of the hottest secondary locations in all of Cambodia.There are two types of residences available at the complex. Shophouses measure 4.2 metres by 16 metres, boasting five bedrooms and six bathrooms​ with 4 floors in total. Linkhouses, on the other hand, are 5 metres by 12 metres and have four bedrooms and five bathrooms with 3 floors in total. There are 540 total units in the project which spans a massive 10 hectares. Both types of units have a parking area in the front and patio in the back.Flat house and Villa Star Gold project is where you will find the happiness of residential life!

From 1867 to 1953, Cambodia was classified as a French protectorate. This was an important time historically for the Kingdom, but it also came to define the architecture of the country. In fact, this is when Phnom Penh became known as the Pearl of Asia. Much of the French colonial architecture is still alive, too, and can be explored to this day.Some of the best surviving examples of French colonial architecture are to be found in the capital. However, there are tons of buildings dotted across the country. Battambang, Kep, Kampot and Siem Reap host colonial buildings as well.To check out what's on the market now, look at our listings for villas for sale in Phnom Penh and apartments for sale in Phnom Penh.What makes a French colonial building?France previously had colonies all over the world. Many in the southern US and Southeast Asia embrace the tropical heat with high ceilings that bring ventilation. Tall windows and wide balconies also helped mitigate the Cambodian heat. Secondly, French colonial structures tend to be very rectangular. They are designed symmetrically and have squared off lines. What about that signature pale yellow? Well, only royal buildings could be yellow in France so they followed suit with government structure in Cambodia.Where are the French colonial buildings?Prime examples of colonial architecture can be seen around the capital at places such as:The Post OfficeCapital Railway StationFCC Hotel/The MansionOld Police StationRaffles Hotel Le RoyalNational MuseumCentral MarketInterestingly, The National Museum looks to be built in the traditional local style. Indeed, it does take cues from Khmer adornment. But it was designed in full by a Frenchman and sports many European influences.Central Market, on the other hand, was built by the French in 1937 and exhibits striking art deco style. Of course, it still has the symmetry and clean lines of other colonial spots.Srin Sokmean, founder of Amazing Cambodia, a social media group that seeks to preserve culturally significant artifacts within the Kingdom, said there has been efforts to restore many colonial properties.“The main building of the Ministry of Education is being repaired and Hotel Le Royal has always maintained its historical architecture. Additionally, the Fish Market in Kampot has been given a facelift inside its original structure,” he said.Colonial on the coastThough many of the mansions in the seaside town of Kep have fallen into full disrepair, it can be a great place to tour the ruins. In its heyday, the area hosted more than 500 estates. Likewise, Kampot has plenty of colonial-era buildings. Some have been renovated, but some definitely have not. A trip up Bokor Mountain is definitely necessary for anyone interested in historic buildings. Battambang, too, is known to have tons of colonial buildings. Many have been turned into boutique hotels.Head over to our listings for real estate for sale in Kep, real estate for sale in Kampot and real estate for sale in Battambang to see if anything catches your eye! And we have guides giving you information about real estate in every region of the country.Buying a colonial buildingColonial buildings have survived through war, flooding and years of neglect. Nonetheless, There are still historic buildings available for sale in Phnom Penh and across the country.We took a look at listings for colonial-era spaces and made some interesting findings: First off, these places don’t come cheap. If you want to buy a colonial home or apartment you will probably be paying somewhere between $150,000 and $400,000.The beauty of the building adds a premium, but so does location. While there are a few historic properties available in Toul Kork, most are in central areas such as Wat Phnom or the riverside. They tend to be quite spacious as well, usually boasting two bedrooms or more. Colonial spaces in other provinces such as Kampot or Battambang will be much cheaper. There is currently a two-storey apartment on the market in Kampot, for instance, for $120,000. The sky’s the limit if you have an unlimited budget. Currently, a French colonial villa in Phnom Penh can be yours for a cool $1.5 million. MTV’s Cribs might come asking for a tour, however.Conserving the landmarksYou might think high rises are the only thing new happening in Phnom Penh real estate. Nevertheless, the growing skyline doesn’t tell the whole story. There are still efforts going on to renovate older structures and breathe new life into colonial-era buildings.Raffles Hotel Le Royal, in particular, is keen on preserving its status as a Phnom Penh colonial landmark. Originally opened in 1929, the hotel has pursued many renovations over the years.Vanessa Han, communications manager at the hotel, added that upkeep for such an old structure can be challenging, but the history behind the building sets it apart from other luxury accommodations in the city.“From our famous Elephant Bar, which serves the femme fatale [dedicated to Jacqueline Kennedy, who stayed at Raffles in the 1960s] to the paintings done by the countries royal artist, we are practically a tourist site on our own,” she said, adding that the company was dedicated to keeping its history alive.Andrea Suteu, who runs La Villa Boutique Hotel in Battambang, a fully-restored colonial villa, said that keeping the place running smoothly can be a challenge. Most guests, however, come to the hotel for the unique experience. "Ninety percent of our guests come to experience this building. I am trying not to bring anything modern to the design. I even designed our new menu in a vintage style," she said.Turning to tourismOf course, there has been a broader move toward tourism-focused businesses that leverage unique locations. Colonial buildings fall squarely into this category. Many across the Kingdom are being converted into boutique hotels.Sokmean expressed optimism that an interest in history is indeed growing in the country, even as investors are pushing for more modern buildings. He said there was a rumour that an abandoned governor’s mansion in Kampong Thom province would soon be turned into a luxury hotel. Indeed, we are seeing many colonial structures being used for tourism, business or even government functions. The growing tourism industry has been on everyone's minds lately. In a recent guide, we looked at the top factors for starting a hotel in Siem Reap. We even did a deep dive on what it takes to start a business in Cambodia.Also, sign up for our newsletter today and stay up to date with the latest info. Looking for real estate for rent in Cambodia or real estate for sale in Cambodia?

Before buying a home, you need to carefully consider how you will spend your time and money. When you buy into a borey, you should make sure of several things: Construction quality must be strong. Also, the project must be licensed and legal.If you want to find a project that meets all the strictest requirements, Borey VIP is the best project for you. This project is one of the most modern developments in Dangkor district, a growing area on the outskirts of Phnom Penh.Covering seven hectares, Borey VIP has nearly 1,000 homes. Buyers can choose from two different types of luxurious units. Both are quite large. The first type measures 4.2 metres by nine metres and the other is a full three metres longer. Both have both a front parking area and a back patio.We saved the best for last, however. Borey VIP is in a perfect location, it is extremely affordable and payment terms are convenient. This community will be for regular Cambodians and their families.Borey VIP is located in Dangkor district on Street 217. This is a well-established investment zone and is just three km from the Khmer Beverage factory.The project area will have everything in terms of services and amenities. Markets, schools, banks, restaurants, cafes and resorts are all close by. What’s more, the upcoming Aeon 3 complex will be just 10 minutes away. The centre of the capital is only a little further, as well.The price of a unit at Borey VIP starts at just $28,800. You can pay just $188 per month, however!In just 18 months the project is set to be complete. Units will be handed over starting in mid-2019. So don’t wait to get in on this project.For more detail about Borey VIP please contact us today!

Chrek Soknim, general manager of Century 21 Mekong, has been selected for a two-year term as the president of the Cambodia Valuers and Estate Agents Association (CVEA). Speaking at a conference announcing the appointment on December 14, Soknim said he was firmly committed to leading the CVEA so as to benefit the entire country's economy. Elaborating on future plans in his new leadership position, Soknim said his first priority was to re-structure the system of leadership. Indeed, effective management is a key point for Soknim. Additionally, Soknim stressed the need to bolster the group's legal counsel. He said this was necessary to ensure the interest of all members was represented. Secondly, Soknim expressed the need to boost cooperation among members. Making sure everyone was properly advised and moving in the right direction would be of the utmost importance, he reiterated.Making a list, checking it twiceListing five key action items that he would be tackling during his mandate, Soknim said he would:1) Develop new strategies for the group and successfully implement them.2) Build the capacity of individual members by focusing on human resources.3) Seek to adequately support and protect each member firm.4) Create and bring opportunities to CVEA members.5) Mediate any problems that members encounter.New training courses"Capacity building is a necessary part of our process," he said, stressing that technical competence was still limited. He claimed it was the association's responsibility to mitigate these shortcomings by offering training courses."The utilisation of human resources and the opportunity for skilled people to join the association is a high priority," said Soknim.Soknim will officially assume his new post in early 2019. He follows Dr. Kim Heang, who has been the president of the CVEA for the past two years and lead a remarkable period of growth. As 2018 comes to a close, many are looking ahead to the new year fuelled with optimism about the real estate industry. News has already broke that GDP growth for 2018 will, yet again, be near 7%. Here at Realestate.com.kh we have released the much anticipated Cambodia Investment Guide 2019. You can download this business cheat sheet completely for free!Additionally, you can find tons of resources in our guides section, location profiles, and reports. Make sure you stay current with our news section.Also, sign up for our newsletter today and stay up to date with the latest info. Looking for real estate for rent in Cambodia or real estate for sale in Cambodia?

Realestate.com.kh has expanded its vaunted marketing campaign to include transit advertising.Since October 2018, five buses have been running on Lines 1A, 2, 3, 4B, and 5 bearing the Realestate.com.kh brand. In addition, 100’s tuk-tuks (100 in Phnom Penh and 50 in Siem Reap) are rolling around town with signage promoting Realestate.com.kh in both Khmer and English.Cambodia’s leading real estate website and marketing agency made a foray into transit advertising as it continues its biggest marketing campaign ever. The campaign also includes promotion on Cambodia’s leading networks CTN and MY TV, and billboard advertising.To do transit advertising, Realestate.com.kh signed an agreement with the Phnom Penh City Hall to allow it to advertise via the public bus system.Realestate.com.kh’s decision to enter the world of transit advertising is expected to pay dividends big time. Transit advertising is one of the best and most effective forms of marketing. This type of promotion is inexpensive, reaches a wide audience, and offers high visibility on a daily basis.Transit advertising is seen as particularly effective for a small city like Phnom Penh where the public bus is a popular and constant presence.  The air-conditioned buses form the backbone of the Phnom Penh public transport system.They are the cheapest form of transportation within the city and its suburbs, are clean, and give passengers a cool, comfortable ride to their destination.Phnom Penh City Hall currently operates more nearly 200 buses donated by China and Japan. The buses run from 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM every day and crawl to a halt at every bus stop along the route to offload and pick-up passengers.A ticket for a single trip only costs 1,500 riel or less than $0.40. Workers and students can ride the buses for free by just showing their labor card or student ID.During important public holidays like Pchum Ben, the buses are used for the free transport of people from Phnom Penh to the provinces and vice versa.At present, the Phnom Penh public bus system services 13 routes.Realestate.com.kh, Cambodia’s home of real estate, has the most up to date information for buyers, sellers and property enthusiasts! Sign up for our newsletter today and stay up to date with the latest info…Looking for real estate for rent in Cambodia or real estate for sale in Cambodia?

The Cambodian government is working to set a minimum wage for construction workers in the Kingdom.Prime Minister Hun Sen made the announcement last week during a visit to Kampong Speu province. The Prime Minister noted that the government’s plan is to include construction workers in the expansion of the Kingdom’s minimum wage policy. Currently, the largest group of workers covered under the minimum wage law are garment factory workers.Cambodia’s minimum wage currently stands at $182 per month. However, the minimum wage does not apply to the construction sector.The PM said that careful study and the input of relevant stakeholders, including construction companies, will be taken into consideration in the minimum wage deliberations.“We have to study each and everyone [priority sectors]…we can include construction companies to determine the minimum wage rate and the research must be conducted by construction companies first,” he said.The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) is already in discussions with the International Labor Organization (ILO) on the proposed expansion of the minimum wage policy.Heng Sour, MLVT spokesman, noted that the ILO needs to research the size of the market and conditions to produce the best possible results or policies.He explained that it will take some time to complete the research and corresponding consultations with relevant stakeholders.  “It may take about one year because relevant stakeholders will need to meet and discuss the ILO's findings,” he stressed.The Prime Minister stressed that the move to give construction workers minimum wage is meant to lessen the problem of worker migration.Lured by the bigger pay and better working conditions in other countries, more Cambodians are working abroad, with neighbouring Thailand as the top destination. A substantial number of Cambodians are also employed in Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Saudi Arabia. In 2017, nearly 100,000 Cambodians were sent out to work abroad, representing an increase of 12% from the previous year’s figure of 85,000.The vast majority of manual labourers in Cambodia’s construction sector are paid less than workers in other countries in the region. Moreover, construction workers do not receive insurance or other benefits. Currently, construction workers earn on average $7 (28,000 Riel) per day. In a month, the average pay of construction workers is between $150 and $200. In Thailand, construction workers receive $10 to $12.5 per day.There are 250,000 to 260,000 Cambodians who are employed in the construction sector.It is expected that the minimum wage proposal will gain the support of the majority, if not all of the stakeholders, including construction companies.Realestate.com.kh, Cambodia’s home of real estate, has the most up to date information for buyers, sellers and property enthusiasts! Sign up for our newsletter today and stay up to date with the latest info…Looking for real estate for rent in Cambodia or real estate for sale in Cambodia?

Realestate.com.kh is excited to announce the release of the Cambodia Investment Guide 2019. We’ve consulted all the experts, read the reports and compiled all the information in one place. It is essentially the cheat sheet for doing business in Cambodia. What’s more, it’s completely free for you to download.Belt Road Capital Management, the foremost authority on investment in Southeast Asia, supported the creation of the guide, as did DFDL, one of the top law firms in Cambodia when it comes to real estate.Packed full of data, streamlined graphics and gorgeous pictures, this guide will have something for everyone. Whether you do business in the tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, banking or real estate sectors, you will want to read this comprehensive document. Even better, download the PDF, print out a few copies and give all your employees an invaluable resource for understanding Cambodia.We start off the guide by giving you a complete briefing on the country. Demographics, culture, visa requirements and cost of living are all covered. For instance, the cost of living in Cambodia this year was 37.1% less expensive than in the US. After that, we dive into how the economy works in the Kingdom. There are explanations of US dollar usage, banking and money transfers.Then, the guide does a deep dive into Cambodia’s key industries. All the bases are covered. There are sections about garment manufacturing, agriculture, construction, tourism and future industrial development. You may be surprised to learn --from a handy graphic on page 13-- that the banking sector here is worth a whopping US$539 million.Seven percent yearly GDP growth is truly an incredible feat. Cambodia is holding strong, too, and 2018’s numbers are expected to be just as high. Further, as the influx of foreign investment ramps up, nearly every market is changing. No worries, however. This guide is all you need to stay up to speed with all the shifts.On page 18 you can see tons of data about tourism in the country. Did you know tourism accounted for 12.2% of the GDP in 2016? The section is packed full of useful data like that.Dedicated sections cover Chinese investment, their One Belt, One Road infrastructure plan, Cambodia’s place within Asean and all the laws governing investment. China’s investments in the Kingdom accounted for a massive 44% of all foreign direct investment over the last 25 years. Last year alone, Cambodia attracted a fixed asset investment of $1.43 billion from China. All this and more is covered in the guide.Every form of infrastructure in the country is explained in full from air to sea transport. If import or export are on your radar, you need to read this guide. Flip to page 24 and you’ll be treated to a map of all 33 special economic zones in the country.Are you a foreigner who wants to invest in property? Section two has vital information for you. All the mechanism of foreign ownership are explained in detail. DFDL helped to make sure this part of the guide followed all relevant laws as well, so it can serve as a trusted and quick source.Section three is where the guide shines. It’s a complete breakdown of the real estate sector in Cambodia. Every type of property is explained from shophouse to borey. Borey projects with units costing $30,000 to $40,000 were some of the best performing this year. We explain why in this section.All investment areas are given their own focus. Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and secondary markets like Battambang and Poipet are all scrutinised. Finally, we finish up with an investor’s toolbox. This can be used as a handy guide you consult before every major decision.So, before the start of a new financial year get a headstart with the Investment Guide 2019. While you’re in the mood for learning more, check out all of our resources such as our yearly consumer survey and our massive list of guides and location profiles. Also, stop by our news section and remember to sign up for our newsletter to stay current on the entire industry.It is completely free and available for download on our site right now!

Phnom Penh’s district of Toul Kork is currently be stealing the spotlight. However, there’s an area in the south of the capital that could soon steal the crown for the hottest place to live and work. Certainly, Meanchey district is on the rise. Woodland Residences, in Meanchey district’s Chak Angre Krom commune, is a project that will make the area unstoppable in 2019.Woodland Residences is strategically located along Hun Sen Boulevard, which is rising to become one of the largest commercial corridors in the entire country. In fact, the third location of the amazingly successful Aeon Mall will be located along this road. Set to open in 2023, Aeon 3 will be larger than both Aeon 1 and Aeon Sen Sok City combined.Don’t worry! There’s no need to wait for amenities. Tons of cafes, name brand stores, and commercial facilities are already established in Meanchey district. World-renowned international school ISPP is here, as is Royal University of Law and Economics. This is truly an area meant for families.This new borey project comes courtesy of Naki Group, a luxury residential developer that builds projects to international standards. Woodland Residences has everything for a fulfilling modern life. An infinity pool, clubhouse, garden, coffee shop, convenience stores and a 24-hour security system are all on offer to residents. What’s more, Singaporean architecture firm Ong & Ong made the complex an all-around beautiful place to call home.The 85 units in this groundbreaking development come in three different styles, linkhouse, shophouse, twin villa and queen villa. Every type has three storeys, is decked out with full furnishings and appliances and has enough parking space for two vehicles.Both the woodgrain accents inside and the trees outside will make you feel at ease and connected to nature. Natural light falls in through the windows and each floor plan is designed for maximum flow of fresh air. There’s no need for vacations when your home is a dream-like oasis!Get more information about Woodland Residence and learn more about Cambodia’s newest developments by visiting Realestate.com.kh!

Yuetai’s Phnom Penh Harbour will be the first commercial hub in the harbour area of the Kingdom’s capital. Indeed, it is set to become the centre of both business and cultural tourism for the region.This ambitious projects will not only come to define the city’s riverside, but it will also be one of the largest complexes in the country.Encompassing a total area of around 1.05 million square metres, Phnom Penh Harbour will be located in Daun Penh district, the commercial centre of the city.The project includes Grade A office space, five-star hotels, shopping malls as well as serviced and high-end apartments. It is comprised of 22 buildings covering 118,687 square metres. There will be a transport centre on site, commercial plazas, offices, duty-free shops, professionally managed residences, shopping centres and 7,000 parking spaces. All the urban glamour of Phnom Penh will be represented here."We hope that people can learn about Khmer culture and arts through Yuetai's products," a manager from Yuetai Group said."That's why we are including elements of the Angkor empire in our concepts and blueprints. We are not only developing a commercial project but also establishing one of the best tourist attractions in Cambodia, perhaps even in all of Asia."Since coming to Cambodia in 2011, Yuetai Group has built a number of landmarks including East One and East View, two urban complexes, as well as East Commercial, a business centre. Soon another famous landmark will be gracing the city’s skyline.Four stages will punctuate the construction of Phnom Penh Harbour, which is set for completion within seven years. The White Swan, a five-star hotel, will be completed during the first stage. It is set to become one of Cambodia’s top luxury hotels.The pre-sale stage of properties in the first stage has just recently begun. Clever investors are already lining up for this once in a lifetime deal.Get more information about Phnom Penh Harbour and learn more about Cambodia’s newest developments by visiting Realestate.com.kh!

On November 27, more than 100 media outlets in Cambodia and China turned the spotlight toward Dara Sakor of the Long Bay Resort Town on the west coast of the Kingdom. The move will see an upgraded tourism plan and has resulted in admiration from Chinese investors.China’s One Belt, One Road policy is being carried out within several of Cambodia’s special economic zones (SEZs). Meanwhile, Dara Sakor becomes the first section of the 360 square kilometre SEZ in Koh Kong, the culmination of a decade of progress and Chinese investment. After launching on the global stage and hosting a groundbreaking ceremony, Dara Sakor will set its sights on creating a world-famous tourist resort.Temi TownAlso touted by the team behind Dara Sakor was the sweeping Temi Town project of Koh Kong province. The massive undertaking, which is set to include everything from resorts to airports, was shown as a prime example of the group's dedication to the One Belt, One road plan.Union Group Urban Development Group Co., Ltd's chief marketing officer said that the project shows that relations and cooperation between Cambodia have never been stronger.One Belt, One Road brings global recognitionAt 5pm on November 27, the ground was officially broken for the Dara Sakor Long Bay Resort Town project. This is the first project of the Dara Sakor Special Economic Zone and is a direct result of both the China-Cambodia Economic Cooperation Model and the One Belt, One Road policy. It is also the highest-profile cultural tourism project in Cambodia.Seeing the value of the project, it has been looked on favourably by the Cambodian government and national leaders. Development plans for the Dara Sakor Tourism Resort Special Zone even stretch all the way back to 2008. After 10 years of infrastructure construction, the project is now being introduced to both global media and investors. Leaders from Cambodia, Zhengheng Development Company and partners from more than 100 Chinese and Cambodian media outlets were invited to the event.Holiday destination and industrial areaTriumphant music began at 5:30pm and the groundbreaking was underwar. The head of Zhengheng Development and other stakeholders delivered speeches and presented the blueprints for 360 square kilometres of Sea Empire and 200 hectares of world-class travel and holiday destinations to all the guests.Dara Sakor’s Long Bay is located at the core of the Dara Sakor Special Economic Zone. The project covers a total area of 200 hectares, surrounded by mountains and the sea. It hosts 1.9 kilometres of coastline, standing as a hub of tourism, and integrating financial capital, holiday resources, overseas resources, IP, services, smart cities, cultural travel and much more.It will create a new destination for world-class travel and vacation by creating smart industry parks, commercial style neighbourhoods, core areas of cultural travel, sea view apartments, villa resorts, yacht marina resorts, coastal leisure resorts and quiet sea bathing areas.Dara Sakor’s Long Bay started as a 55-hectare industrial park, which is an exclusive smart park. The development team, who has visited dozens of cities, deeply understood the industry rules, and analysed the main points of the industry, focusing on top security and support.As a starting point, Dara Sakor’s Long Bay plans to construct a 5A office building on the coast, a hardcover delivery condominium, a gourmet restaurant, a commercial block and a sports venue. Everything will feature triple security measures to ensure a relaxed, safe and long-term operation for all enterprises in the park. The project will be based on digitalisation and modern technology and will bring work to 80,000 industry and tourism personnel within five years.Investors already signing upOn-site guests reported high investment enthusiasm for the project. After the meeting, under the witness of the Cambodian national leaders, Zhengheng Development Company and many Chinese and Cambodian journalists, a grand signing ceremony for investors entering the park was held.Dara Sakor-Long Bay launch ceremony was a great success, marking a successful step of China's One Belt, One Road project in Cambodia. This is not only the development model of Zhengheng Development Company but also of the Chinese government.This exciting step will push global economic cooperation and tourism development in the country. Indeed worldwide attention is already growing rapidly.More information contact：carina.cai@realestate.com.kh  (+855) 012 426 538Find out more about new developments in Cambodia at Realestate.com.kh

New real estate developments have been shooting up across Siem Reap over the past few years. Indeed, the Kingdom’s main tourist draw has seen a spate of new hotels, boutique accommodations, guest houses and apartments. Earlier this year Mario Tan, sales and marketing director of Hunter Estate, claimed the number of tourist-centric structures has surpassed 1,000. That is double what existed in the city just two years ago, he added.It’s no surprise that the home of the Angkor Wat temple complex has seen such a massive demand for lodgings. According to Angkor Enterprise, the custodial organisation for the park, the number of visitors nearly hit 2.5 million in 2017.Phin Vanna, CEO of Camglobe Realtor in Siem Reap, noted that larger hotels—those with more than 100 rooms—have seen a massive influx of Asian tourists, especially Chinese nationals.“Boutiques, guesthouses and homestays have not grown as fast as large-scale hotels,” Vanna said, adding that the number of Western visitors to the area has gone down by about 50 percent. The number of Chinese tourists, he claimed, has doubled in recent years. He mentioned that most groups from China come as a part of packaged tours.Charles Evans, director of Siem Reap’s Cambodia Property Shop, said that the hospitality sector is still front and centre in the area, and there is still untapped potential.“I am working to help foreigners invest or rent hotel businesses in Siem Reap,” Evans added.“There are many hotels featuring many rooms across the city. Last year, 30 new boutique hotels were built nearby Damnak pagoda. This brought hundreds of new rooms to the market,” he stressed. Interestingly, Camglobe’s Vanna claimed that, prior to July’s national election, investor interest in hotels saw a noticeable spike. Now, however, renter and buyer demand has flattened out. “A 100 to 200 room hotel can be rented for between $50,000 to $100,000 per month, in accordance with its location and facility,” he added. Vanna, however, noted that majority [90 percent] of building owners prefer to sell the whole hotel rather than rent it out. “A hotel with 100 to 250 rooms can sell for between $20 to $60 million,” he revealed.  Cutthroat competitionOf course, more options in Temple Town means more competition. Commenting on this, Evans noted that some hotel owners who aren’t able to generate enough income are shifting their property over to long-term stays.Choch Cho, founder and CEO of Siem Reap Property Services, echoed the claims that competition was getting more fierce as new hotels emerge in the city.Cho explained that, although visitor numbers were on the rise, supply was still exceeding demand due to the number of new projects.Growing competition isn’t the only challenge the sector is facing, either. Phy Sophov, general manager of Ring Boutique Hotel, said that owners need to stay in tune with the preferences of travellers. If they simply stick with the same business model, he said, they will fail.Sophov added that, despite growing numbers, the market is in the midst of a cooling down period. Large-scale luxury hotels have the most room for growth, he claimed.“The market is still relatively strong and developers can profit as long as they bring something unique for their clients,” Sophov pointed out. Perhaps due to the falling number of Western visitors, many small boutique hotels have suffered or even closed over the past year. Sophov’s Ring Boutique Hotel, however, has capitalised on the growing trend toward eco-friendly accommodations. It offers 22 rooms on a 1,425 square metre plot.“We bring the unique feeling of living within the natural environment of Siem Reap,” Sophov claimed. He added that they weren’t seeing as many foreign visitors, but domestic tourist numbers at the hotel were up by 70%.Noting that keeping rooms affordable was pivotal to their business, Sophov said that rooms could be had for between $30 and $35 per night during low season.Camglobe’s Vanna noted that boutique hotels were popping up at nearly every price point, however. “Four-star hotels in the area are charging between $100 to $250 per night. Many boutique hotels are also in this market segment,” he said.If you're staying in Siem Reap long-term, be sure to read our latest guide to life in Siem Reap.You might also be interested in browsing our listings for investment property in Siem Reap or real estate for sale in Siem Reap!

Cheng Fung Investment (CFI) specialises in real estate, hospitality, and finance, providing advice on investment, management and marketing for clients as varied as hotels, restaurants, real estate developers, construction companies, banks, microfinance organisations and insurance companies.CFI's consulting services, based on professionalism and ethics, can help form strong business partnerships and boost investment in the country. They can also draw up clear and strategic business plans to provide outstanding one-stop professional services for all your needs. The company draws on close relationships with big corporations and the government.“Our team is highly experienced in a wide range of markets from real estate to finance, tourism, and business consulting,” Buth Kerady, CFI's CEO, said.“We understand fully how to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to business competition or project planning in the Cambodian market. We have a clear, strategic business plan to provide outstanding professional services. Our commitment is to deliver quantity and quality projects,” she said, adding that the company is based on the core values of professionalism, relationships, integrity, connections, and ethics.“Our vision is to be the market leader and your ultimate partner with our outstanding level of services, together with professional expertise to achieve your business goals,” she said.“To achieve this, our mission is to develop long-term business relationships built on honesty and integrity with the flexibility to adapt to any business blueprint aimed at achieving success.”Kerady said CFI will provide all the expertise for investors to understand the Cambodian market. The company’s highly qualified experts aim to deliver satisfaction with operational insight into quality projects.“We are the best institution for you to ensure satisfaction because we consider personal interaction as the key to ensuring every client’s business is run according to their needs.” According to the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), the government agency responsible for investment activities in Cambodia, committed investment from foreign countries grew from US$2.9 billion in 2012 to $3.6 billion in 2016. Chinese investors were the most instrumental in this growth.Last year, Chinese investments worth $5.3 billion made China the number one investor in Cambodia. Chinese investors are investing in almost all fields, from energy to infrastructure, tourism, real estate, finance and human capital. Chinese investors entered Cambodia in different forms, including groups of businesses, corporations, branches, joint-investment projects, and other projects.“With the increase of foreign direct investments into the Kingdom year on year, particularly from China, it requires to have a professional consulting firm provide the best advisory services to investors on their business activities and investments,” the CFI CEO added.Realestate.com.kh, Cambodia’s home of real estate, has the most up to date information for buyers, sellers and property enthusiasts! Sign up for our newsletter today and stay up to date with the latest info…Looking for real estate for rent in Cambodia or real estate for sale in Cambodia?

The R&F Phnom Penh City sales centre was inaugurated and R&F Glory was introduced at a ceremony held in Phnom Penh on November 18.R&F Glory, another high-quality residential project, was introduced by R&F Group, following their last project R&F Phnom Penh City. The pattern represents a new trend in urban residences, showcasing fresh ideas and adherence to high standards. The new complex will extend the vision of creating a flourishing and multicultural community. It will truly be another masterpiece of the capital’s skyline.Phnom Penh R&F Group city sales centre opening and R&F Group Glory introduction ceremonyAt 9:30am the echoes of the solemn Chinese and Cambodian national anthems rang out. This represented Phnom Penh ushering in a remarkable event. The splendour of the Phnom Penh City sales centre was opening to the public and R&F Glory was being introduced with an official ceremony.Accompanied by a traditional Cambodian blessing dance and the majestic Chinese lion dance, the ceremony was a sight to behold. Many distinguished guests came to the podium to touch the lion’s eyes for good luck. They all wished for a lasting link between R&F Group and the Cambodian people, in order to forge a prosperous future. Local superstar Aok Sokunkanha serenaded the crowd, perfectly fulfilling her role as the spokesperson for R&F Group.Subsequently, Mr Wang Zhihao, vice chairman of R&F Group Cambodia, delivered a speech and expressed his warmest welcome and heartfelt thanks to the guests, including the media and fans. He added that R&F Group is actively building on the Chinese government’s One Belt One Road initiative, noting that the group has the honourable opportunity to contribute their efforts to Phnom Penh’s construction industry.On behalf of R&F Group, Mr Wang Zhihao sincerely thanked the Cambodian government for their full support. He said the government’s guidance will help R&F Cambodia develop and succeed further. He closed by thanking all partners and associates that had helped the group move forward.Speech by Mr Wang Zhihao, vice chairman of R&F Group group CambodiaPhay Bunchheun, the vice minister at Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment, was specially invited to deliver a speech at the grand ceremony. He said that China and Cambodia have enjoyed a profound friendship since ancient times. China and Cambodia are now in a period of rapid development and the bond is growing. Either in economic development or urban life, there have been incredible cooperative achievements.Phay Bunchheun spoke highly of R&F Group's ceremony, which he said proves that R&F Group are riding the wave create by One Belt, One Road. The group’s outstanding projects have fuelled the Cambodian property sector and brought prosperity to the country.Deputy Environment Minister Phay Bunchheun delivers a speech at the ceremony.Oknha Heng Vuthy represents The Cambodian Chamber of Commerce.Then, amid thunderous applause, Phay Bunchheun and other officers of R&F Group raised a curtain to reveal the sales centre for Phnom Penh City. All guests were then guided by a concierge to explore the brand new showroom which showcased both of R&F Groups projects.The Phnom Penh City showroom officially opens to customers.At 11:10 am, the introduction ceremony of R&F Glory officially began. The showroom was already bustling at this point. Buyers came with their families and were eager to line up for the event. Sales of both residential and commercial spaces located along Monivong Boulevard were offered up to the first winners of a lucky draw. Streams of people queued to hear about the location, different unit types and property services. The optimism was palpable; R&F Group has a reputation for building confidence with leading developments.R&F has always believed in the strength of quality and glory of reputation. This year, by introducing another high-end residential project in Phnom Penh, R&F Group is again contributing a treasure to the beautiful capital of Cambodia. As one of the pioneering high-rise residential buildings in Phnom Penh, R&F Glory will provide the most luxurious and wonderful experience for residents. It will truly bring excellent construction quality, high-end facilities and star-level property services to the city.Looking for real estate for rent in Phnom Penh  or real estate for sale in Phnom Penh?Get more information about R&F Glory

Cambodia is undergoing a massive population shift. Day by day, Kingdom residents become both more connected by technology and more urbanised. Job opportunities are drawing an increasing number of people to the capital and industries are rushing to keep up.Numerous international reports from bodies such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund have highlighted the need for infrastructure development to keep pace with the expanding economy.The Kingdom’s roads are often the subject conversation concerning infrastructure. Late last year, over half of the country’s roads were deemed to be in poor condition by the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MPWT). Furthermore, 70% of roads were funded by money from China. According to many experts, infrastructure in the country needs a facelift. Oknha Ly Hour, chairman of Housing Development Association of Cambodia, said Infrastructure investment is a critical factor in the continued success of Cambodia’s real estate sector.He explained that more money for building roads, railroads, bridges, and other infrastructure means better growth prospects for Cambodia’s urban areas where real estate development is concentrated.Soth Virak, CEO of Huttons CPL, said that in order to sustain long-term real estate growth, first, Cambodia need to improve the infrastructure across the country.“Currently, major cities, such as Phnom Penh, Kampot and Sihanoukville have seen the construction of new roads, railway, bridge, and waterways,” Virak said.According to local media, MPWT has announced plans for another ring road around the capital, as well as major overhauls to national roads 2, 3 and 4, and a 190 km highway linking Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville.Vasim Sorya, director general at MPWT, said some of these projects are being studied while some are ready for work to begin. “Government will need a huge amount of money to build such major projects,” Sorya  confirmed, adding that building infrastructural system is necessary for the Kingdom’s economic development.”Sun Chanthol, minister at MPWT, earlier this year urged all departments to improve road repair procedures in order to raise the standards for the Kingdom’s thoroughfares. Woes over master planOne major obstacle in the drive toward improving and advancing infrastructure seems to be the dissemination of a centralised plan. Vann Vat, a local urban planning expert, said that developers have been given a master plan for Phnom Penh as a whole, but have not been given specific commune-level plans by which to lay out new buildings. “The Ministry of Land Management’s policy is good, but we are seeing problems arise with implementation,” Vat said, adding that flooding, sewage, traffic and pollution problems were causing frustration as well as economic losses because of infrastructure shortcomings.He further speculated that there needed to be a strong commitment behind a master plan, as well as proper funding and investment in human resources. “People come to Phnom Penh to find jobs, infrastructure obstacles are holding back the economic process.”Indeed, the resounding feeling is that any slowdown in infrastructure development could be a major barrier for the Kingdom.Teng Rithy, founder and director of Property Investment Realty Partner, told Realestate.com.kh earlier this year that infrastructure is imperative to the expansion of the capital. “To support the economy and welcome more international investors to Cambodia, we need to have stable infrastructure in the form of transportation, power and communications as well as solid support systems in place,” he said.“These moves are leading more people to relocate to the city.”Realestate.com.kh, Cambodia’s home of real estate, has the most up to date information for buyers, sellers and property enthusiasts! Sign up for our newsletter today and stay up to date with the latest info…Looking for real estate for rent in Cambodia or real estate for sale in Cambodia?