Cambodia’s investment climate and property market is expected to grow rapidly and steadily in the upcoming years due to the increase of local and international investors. Together with the growing supply and demand for premium homes, the need for matching premium home appliances is also growing. Bosch, the premium German home appliances brand under BSH Home Appliances Pte Ltd, has recognized this need. After bringing their products to several iconic projects into countries such as – Korea, UAE, USA, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia,  the Philippines and many more – BSH Home Appliances Pte Ltd has now partnered with Modern Kitchen Boutique (MKB) to distribute their products in Cambodia.  MKB was established in 2012. MKB is an extension of Gas Toansamay (Modern Gas) and together they have more than 30 years of experience in Home & Kitchen appliances. From the designing of the kitchen cabinet to its construction and to the installation of appliances, MKB provide complete solution to your Kitchen’s needs. Now with Bosch, it served to complete this already well-established entity.   Charlie Chea, MKB’s Product & Purchasing Director, said “The market in Cambodia is ready for one of the new premium level of lifestyle and we are glad to offer Bosch appliances going forward.”In addition, he added that “Since Bosch is filling a niche for premium European appliances, their product selection is very appealing toward the luxury retail market as well as the booming Project market.”  Some of the “premium European appliances” that will be distributed by MKB include Bosch’s winning Series 8 Ovens, which comes with a cook-assisted program and unique cooking functions, like perfect Bake and Perfect Roast. It also boasts of a 2.5” TFT Screen for improved usability and control. For anyone looking to complete the afternoon homemade pastry and coffee experience, MKB will also offer Bosch’s Automatic Espresso machine. It features a TFT display too that can easily guide users through options for coffee strength, coffee temperature, and type of coffee drink. Perhaps one of the products the company is most excited about is the washing machine with Eco Silence Drive. With its anti-vibration side panels and automatic loading sensors, the machine is not only pleasant to the ears. It’s also efficient both in terms of process and energy consumption.  Bosch’s product will be made available by MKB in its free standing showroom in Phnom Penh by end of June. So, if you’re planning on investing on development of a new construction, buying your first new home or upgrading your home, getting appliances from Bosch is an ideal choice to spruce up your home and future proof it along the way.  Find the best real estate news on Realestate.com.kh!

The concept of a co-working office space has been around for quite some time and is finally increasing  in popularity in Cambodia to satisfy the country’s short-term rental space demand. Most of co-working spaces offered are foreign companies that have progressed tremendously in just a span of a few years. Those shared spaces have become very popular among individual or groups of entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses. Co-working space is a new trend entailing a shared working environment, often similar to an office. Unlike in a typical office environment, these co-working spaces are usually not occupied by the same organization or company. There has been an increase in working space of this type both in Phnom Penh City and Siem Reap province. Some of the co-working spaces in Phnom Penh are Impact Hub Phnom Penh, Small world, Colap and a lot more. Meanwhile, Siem Reap has The 1961 Co-working & Art Space, and Angkor Hub.  Although co-working is still quite a new concept in Cambodia which begun in 2015, Olivia Hough, Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Impact Hub, stresses it has proven very popular for two years, saying: “we have expanded three times. It is likely to continue to grow as a trend as the startup scene continues to grow in Cambodia. We wanted to support and enable Cambodians to start their own social businesses.” Ms. Olivia explains Co-working is like an open plan office, with the difference that anyone can join. Our community at Impact Hub is made up of techies, creatives, NGO workers, entrepreneurs, freelancers, or writers, etc. It's very diverse, meaning you can work in a quiet environment with fast internet and like-minded people for a membership fee. It's also a great place to network and meet new people. Meanwhile, Mr. Ham Kimhoun, training director of Wecreate Cambodia, said: “Although new a  trend, co-working space is the office for everyone who is working long-distance, individuals, or small groups of people. Co-working office space offers a special and flexible environment as usually they include training, networking, referrals, and a venue for open discussions.” In fact, Co-working spaces in Cambodia are offering a good opportunity for Cambodians to meet people from different fields, allowing them to learn and exchange different business ideas.  Siem Reap, a multi-national melting pot, offers great opportunities for co-working spaces with a lot of encouragement and motivation. Mr. Loven Lamon, managing director of The 1961 Co-working and Art Space based in Siem Reap, said: “There is great potential for co-working office space in the Cambodian market. And Siem Reap comes second after Phnom Penh since it has many tourists, foreigners and young people in the area. with The 1961, members are also able to access more services and facilities such as meeting rooms, private skype rooms, and other wide range of rooms that can be used as needed.”  Mr. Loven added that The 1961 was converted in 2014 from a hotel to a co-working space. This was because they saw this growing trend, noticing many of business ideas from young people and didn’t have sufficient resource to rent an office space. Regarding rental price, Olivia said price for full-time membership is $60 a month, and part time (access to the space three times a week) $35. Members can also choose to have their own fixed desk with a locker for $150. For Mr. Loven, the price depends on the need of members: if a member needs to use the place for a day is $5, three-days $10, one week $20 and one month $100. This is the price for low season but it can go up during the high season. However, this price is still cheaper than working in their own office, or coffee shop, which won’t offer high internet speed and flexible environment. Co-working space is not a 100% real estate commitment, but it is a place where people can first prepare their business before they’re ready to occupy the actual office building for establishing the company. So, co-working space prepares the real estate market to accept actual business, according to Mr. Loven. Co-working spaces is not just a shared office, is more of a new community of like minded entrepreneurs and young business people. It offers a great opportunity to learn and grow connections. As the startup environment is not likely to stop any time soon, we can only foresee a further increase of co-working spaces.  Looking for office for rent in Cambodia? Find it on Realestate.com.kh!

Despite the upcoming parliamentary election, land prices in Sihanoukville keep rising as infrastructural developments and major investment announcements buoy investor and local seller confidence. However, some market insiders believe these prices are moving faster than demand. In an interview with local media, Oknah Cheng Kheng, ceo of Cambodia Properties Limited (CPL) said, “land prices in Sihanoukville are climbing because of the nonstop flow of investors, especially Chinese investors.” The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) is an ideal example of Chinese capital reshaping the coastal region. According to CBRE Cambodia’s Special Report on Sihanoukville, “it is estimated that at its completion, the SSEZ will be home to over 300 factories employee 80-100,000 people.” The same report also indicates four new major condominium developments that will contribute to the market’s residential supply as soon as 2018 hits. Echoing Mr. Cheng's view, Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association (CVEA) president, Kim Heang, in a local media report said that this year was a peculiar case, with trade in Sihanoukville property still active despite the upcoming election. This is contrary to the past when property trade came to a standstill in the months before elections. Yet, some market insiders suggest that high land prices in Sihanoukville, in particular around the beach areas, are being pushed up by unfounded speculation. According to Brad King, Managing Director at Cambodia Real Estate, a Kampong Som based brokerage, landholders in central Sihanoukville see major development happening around them and assume their land has also now doubled in price. “But usually it’s not the case,” says Mr. King, “with their land being inferior to post development land as it lacks base infrastructure such as water and electricity connectivity.” The especially high land prices apply to beach areas from Hawaii Beach all the way to Otres 3, says Mr. King, with prices anywhere from $1000 per square meter up to $2500 per square. According to Mr. King, even just two streets back from the beach, prices start at $300 to $750 per square meter. Sihanoukville foothills with small views start at $80 per square and go as high as $750 per square for unobstructed sea view land. “With the majority of beach plots being over 1 hectare, the entry level prices on the beach is $10,000,000 USD for 10,000 square meters,” says Mr King. “Other than this, you can find the odd plot under 1 hectare, but the prices are usually above the “average”. For example there is a one 5000 square meter plot left on Otres Beach for $1,250,” continues Mr. King. Mr. Den Sakal, ceo of Universal Real Estate, said that a Chinese investor has bought a considerable section of Otres Beach land shortly after Khmer New Year. In reply to this investment, land prices around the project plot rose very quickly.  According to Mr. Den, land prices on the Otres beach front have risen as high as $1,250 or $1,300 per square meter in some cases, buoyed by the confidence of a major Chinese development underway. However, Mr. Den notes that land transactions in the Otres area have not increased alongside the price increases. The rising prices are driven by local landowner speculation and it is unclear whether the sale prices will reach these heights.  Mr. Den suggests that this type of speculation will create a bubble in the market only suitable for Chinese buyers willing to pay exorbitant prices - and will freeze other investors interest in the area, both local and international.  There are 3 plots on the main road to Sokha Beach that are prime plots for development and still below the current market prices, notes Mr. King. These plots range from $550 to $750 a square meter with the size from 3,800 to 10,000 square meters, just minutes from Sokha Beach. Yet, the reason these plots are priced at “last year's prices” is due to the owners living abroad and not following this year’s price increases, says Mr. King. “Beach Land prices in Sihanoukville should not be as high as similar destinations in Thailand and the Philippines quite yet, as there is no supporting infrastructure in place to warrant those prices,” believes Mr. King. And while CBRE mentions in their report that, “The downtown area provides many services including international banking, medical, post office, business services and shopping,” Mr. King says that “the roads in Sihanoukville are in bad shape, there is no major shopping center, no quality entertainment, the hospitals are underfunded and not up to an international standard that gives investors confidence; and although the airport is becoming “international” it is far from happening yet.” Mr. King believes “the prices of land suitable for the small investor or retiree have slowed the growth rate of Sihanoukville - as it is out of reach to 90% of the western foreigners looking to retire or buy a holiday home there. This means the land on offer to the market is either too big for the average buyer and/or too expensive.” “The whole market is in a development cycle and hopefully some of the major landowners will see the long term benefits of developing mid range to high end villas and apartments which will give Sihanoukville long term sustainability in all seasons,” Mr. King said. For smaller investors Mr. King recommends buying established houses or established apartments built prior to these high land prices becoming the norm. If you want land, “look into the foothills or look at smaller blocks along back streets. Here there are plots of land for under $80,000 and below that are perfect for villas and/or apartments.”  All property for rent and sale in Sihanoukville!

Sihanoukville is becoming an investment target for both major infrastructural and residential projects by both local and international funders, and in particular the Chinese. Chinese investors are being attracted to the province by industrial incentives, ease of gambling related permits and a fast rising tourism market.  In recent weeks, various rumours have been circulating in the real estate community of Sihanoukville regarding major coastside land sales around Otres Beach to large Chinese companies looking to develop. These rumours already appear to be having a speculative effect of the land prices in surrounding areas.    Brad King, Managing Director at Cambodia Real Estate, an agency primarily focussed on land and landed properties in Sihanoukville, said, “I met with other local real estate agents in the area last week and several of those agents mentioned that a subsidiary company of Jack Ma’s Alibaba currently has an offer under consideration for the majority of land facing onto Otres Beach.”  Although this offer or any final transaction has not yet been officially announced or verified, Mr. King noted that in the last 2 weeks land prices on the second road back from Otres beach have climbed around $150 per square meter in response to the news.  According to Mr. King, prior to the news regarding the Alibaba offer on the Otres plot, land in this area was averaging $350 per square meter. Now, says Mr. King, that same land has risen to $500 per square meter listed price as local landowners speculate the increase in value with the news of a major Chinese development coming nearby.  A representative of Alibaba Inc. via email refrained from commenting on the topic, calling them “market rumours.”   A private real estate owner and broker in Sihanoukville who wishes to remain anonymous, mentioned that he could not verify whether Alibaba was in the process of buying land in Otres. However, he commented that there had been a recent land investment in the Otres area totalling around 300 hectares in its entirety by a Chinese company called “JetStar” that will be developed into a residential project. Mr. Den Sakal, ceo of Universal Real Estate, a Sihanoukville based brokerage, said that he has also heard that a major Chinese company has recently entered the market, investing in a large plot of land along Otres beach and some more inside the city. However, Mr. Den could not confirm any link to Alibaba, nor was he aware of the Chinese investor’s development plans.   Mr. Den added that this Chinese investor entered the area during May this year after Khmer New Year; and since this entry, land prices around the project plot are rising very quickly. In fact, prime land prices on the Otres beach front have risen as high as $1,300 per square meter in some cases, says Mr. Den, buoyed by the confidence of a major Chinese development underway.  However, Mr. Den notes that land transactions in the Otres area have not increased alongside the price increases. The rising prices are driven only by the local landowner speculation and it is unclear whether the sale prices will reach these heights, says Mr. Den. He suggests that this type of speculation will create a bubble in the market only suitable for Chinese buyers willing to pay exorbitant prices - and will freeze other investors interest in the area, both local and international. All property for rent and sale in Sihanoukville!

As already announced, Thai Boon Roong Twin Tower will be built in Phnom Penh - and once completed, it will be the tallest building in ASEAN. The construction is set to officially start the 1st of August, 2017. The upcoming skyscraper is a joint investment between the Thai Boon Roong Group and real estate development in Macao, Sun Kian Ip Group. It will be build by Construct by Hsin Chong Construction Group Ltd and the cost of the overall project is estimated at approximately $ 3,000 million. On April 3rd, 2017 the Prime Minister Hun Sen announced the permission to build the skyscraper Thai Boon Roong Twin Tower, which will be 550 meters tall and will feature 113 floors. Due to his height, the building can be regarded as the tallest building in ASEAN. When the Twin Tower project will be completed it will have to compete with a number of buildings in the ASEAN countries. Other skyscraper projects in the region include: MahaNakhon  in in Thailand, with a height of 313 meters, Petrovietnam in Hanoi 528-meter, Petronas Tower in Kuala Lumpur, which has a height of 452 meters, and GAMA​ in Jakarta, 289-meter tall. When the Twin Tower project will be completed it will have to compete with a number of buildings in the ASEAN countries. Other skyscraper projects in the region include: MahaNakhon  in in Thailand, with a height of 313 meters, Petrovietnam in Hanoi 528-meter, Petronas Tower in Kuala Lumpur, which has a height of 452 meters, and GAMA​ in Jakarta, 289-meter tall.  Once completed, this large commercial building is likely attract the interest of international companies, which have not established their presence in the Kingdom.  Please find out more about the project on Realestate.com.kh

A groundbreaking took place on Mong Rithy Street, Corner Road 1003 at Khan Sen Sok, surrounded by a group of workers and engineers, still actively working. This new construction site will soon be home to the first  wholesale supermarket in the country, known as Makro.According to Cambonomis, Makro supermarket will be built on an area of approximately 5 hectares with a height of 2 floors. It will be located in Sen Sok district, near Aeon Mall 2 (AEON), Japan supermarket.The upcoming supermarket is a joint venture between the company, LYP Group, which owns 30 percent., And CP Group owns 70 percent. This project will employ over 200 employees, working for the rising shopping mall.The local media have reported that yesterday's (29th of May) groundbreaking ceremony, the Mayor of Phnom Penh Mr Pa Socheatvong said "The establishment of supermarkets are within the government’s project. It's good to know when we have an upcoming wholesale supermarket so that the selling price of goods will not changing too fast, avoiding inflation"Makro is set to be the largest warehouse shop in the Kingdom which will bring Thai products to local consumers.In the past years Cambodia has seen many international projects of shopping centers coming into the market; and after the Japanese investments of AEON Mall and AEON Mall 2, it is now the turn of the Thai CP Group. Let’s wait and see who will step in next!Please find out development news in Cambodia on Realestate.com.kh

Areyksat, located in Kandal province east of Phnom Penh City and just a short ferry ride across the Chaktomuk River, is increasingly catching investors’ attention – with a number of residential, industrial and amenity projects now in the pipeline. This attention begun last year after Phnom Penh Governor Pa Socheatvong revealed upcoming infrastructure development projects connecting the area to the central city; namely, three bridges connecting Phnom Penh to Koh Dach, Svay Jrom and Areyksat. Although some are hesitant to invest in Areyksat pending the launch of these connectivity projects, many real estate experts and locals are keeping their eyes on the area thanks to the other notable developments already underway. Mr. In Sitha, CEO of the real estate website cambodia21.com, said: “Areyksat is recently seeing notable developments in terms of housing projects such as Borey Chaktomuk, the Evergreen project, Chaktomuk View, and several plot land projects. These developments contributed to a rise in land prices compared to the past three or four years.” SkyLand, a joint venture between Jet’s Group, a Cambodian company, and India-based STAR5 Development Pvt. Ltd., has also launched a $90 million affordable residential project in Vihear Sour commune. Ms. Chea Vita, assistant general manager of Sky Land, said: “The company occupies a total land area of 7,770 hectares divided into different development projects such as sky condominium project, sky villa project, and flat house project.” “The first 1,000 hectares is used for plot land and residential houses. While the first plot land project is already completed, next month the company plans to officially announce a flat house project,” she added.  Just 14 kilometers away from Phnom Penh, the Sky Land project is located in an industrial area where there are around 20 factories with nearly 40,000 workers. This offers significant appreciation potential for those buying in this area, according to Ms. Chea. Besides this, Ms. Chea revealed the company has reached agreements with other development companies to bring more amenities and services to the area; including a water park, solar power generation for the area, a fitness center and golf club, and the first floating market along the Mekong River in the area of Vihear Sour. Due to the various projects underway, Mr. In added Areyksat is an area of great future potential, especially for housing developments as it is located right next to the city, it offers many green areas, fresh air and a great river view. Sharing Mr. In’s view, Mr. Seng Sopheak, Chief Operating Officer at Cambodia Properties Limited (CPL), suggests Areyksat enjoys a “strategic location, just a stones away from the city. It will certainly attract a lot of interests from more developers in the near future.” In regard to land prices, Mr. Seng said: “Areyksat’s land prices can be divided into residential, riverbank, lowland (lake). Prices saw a high peak in 2014 and 2015, but currently they seem to have stabilized.” “For residential land in the Areyksat Commune along road 380, starting prices are between $400 and $500 per square meter; riverbank land starts from $150 to $250 and the lowland $30 to $50 per square meter -- with guarantee of legal ownership. It is also possible to find lower land at a lower price, but there’s no assurance that there’s no hidden conflict,” he added. “For the land located close to borey and condominium projects, prices can range from $80 to $150 per square meter. In this area, there are also some subdivisions of plot land projects, and prices can go from $100 to $150 per square meter,” according to Mr. Sopheak. Mr. Sopheak notes that infrastructure developments in Areyksat are vital to local people looking to move there. And while basic infrastructure such as water and electricity is coming quickly, connectivity to the city remains a major impediment for the time being. Nevertheless, for investors with time to spare before expecting a return on their investment, buying before roads and bridges are completed mean that land prices remain competitive. Mr. Moeun, a shop vendor in Areyksat village, welcomes the government’s infrastructure development plan in his area, saying: “I wish to see this area to have more roads and bridges across the river. When these infrastructures are developed, then I think companies and new development projects will also start to move in. And one more thing, having a bridge is good and convenient for villagers to travel to the city.” Despite being uncertain of the infrastructure development projects in his area, Mr. Hen Hoeun, a villager in Areyksat commune, said: “I want a housing development to launch in Areyskat commune, then I will buy one for my family; I want to live here, and not have to move to another area.” Check out property for rent or sale on Realestate.com.kh!

Elections in Cambodia are drawing near - and if some investors are waiting to see how the situation will affect the country, others seemingly aren’t hesitant to invest. A possible investment opportunity will be the Kowloon Bay Twin Towers; a 59 Story, two tower development project to be located along Sothearos Boulevard in front of condominium buildings. The project is a joint venture between Star City Cambodia and WorldBridge Land. It will be built on a total area of 1.50 hectares. It was recently confirmed that it will be a mixed-use development project, comprising condos and shopping centers. However, since the development is still in the research and development phase, there is a chance of a variety of other property types being added into the plan. Although the project has not yet been officially confirmed, the developer remains optimistic regarding its approval for construction. According to thePost Khmer, Worldbridge Group chairman Sear Rithy said, "I still see that the project as well as the demand are positive." He added that "It doesn’t matter what other projects are currently present in the market. My only focus is the location." WorldBridge Land has already built several major development projects in the country such as The Bridge Project in the center of Phnom Penh, a high-potential area in front of the Australian Embassy in Tonle Bassac. This mixed-development consist of offices, a shopping mall, and residences. The developers are also working on their second project: The Peak. It is a diverse hotel development project located about 100 meters from The Bridge. The Peak will be completed in 2020 and will offer a taste of modern living and working in the city. Find out aboutupcoming developments on Realestate.com.kh

Following Prime Minister Hun Sen’s official visit to the Belt and Road (B&R) Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing last week, good news for Cambodia’s growth as part of a regional economic supply chain has echoed across local and international media.As reported by GlobalTimes.cn, Kao Kim Hourn, Minister Delegate Attached to the Prime Minister Hun Sen, "The Prime Minister's visit has greatly contributed to strengthening and expanding the diplomatic relations between the two countries." And as a result, according to Kao, both countries had reached a series of agreements that “underlined that the Belt and Road Initiative is a long-term strategy that enhances infrastructure, trade, finance and people-to-people connectivity." Mr. Kao also confirmed an MOU between China and Cambodia to revive the nation’s rail transit system. While more-immediate effects of the B&R initiative relate to logistics network development and increased capital and labour flows, experts involved in the Cambodia real estate sector suggest the policy will indirectly boost confidence in the Cambodia real estate market - for both local and international speculators and investors.H.E. Dr. Sok Siphana, lawyer and long-time Advisor to the Government, says that the policy, “directly accounts for the massive influx of Chinese investment in Cambodia. This includes major infrastructural projects such as energy infrastructure.” While on first glance this investment may not seem relevant to real estate investment, Dr. Sok notes that investors view a nation’s longer term growth prospects holistically; hence, “without achieving development in energy efficiencies, international business flows into Cambodia will remain limited.”Sam Yang, CEO of Eastland Development, suggests that the integration policy will increase demand for properties in general and ease worries of a bubble in the property market. Mr. Yang explains, “the Chinese plan to have a regional railway completed, effectively linking the Asian markets directly. Although supply is increasing quickly in the Cambodian property market, we should also see relative demand chasing as the region develops faster than ever.”Jasper Shin, a Taiwanese real estate agent and advisor based in Phnom Penh, shares the same sentiment. Mr. Shin says that, “Within this policy, when Chinese people come to Cambodia, the money also comes. And they invest their money into real estate. So, this is really good for the Cambodian property market. And in the next five to 10 years, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville will develop faster because of this.”Some also suggest that the policy may have positive effects on the potential for sustainable rental returns in the condo investment market, as a relatively affluent Chinese managerial class enters the Phnom Penh rental market. Victor Chao, Project Manager at New Consolidated Max World (Cambodia) Co., Ltd, adds that, “there are already many Chinese companies in Cambodia now, and those who are in middle management can already afford to rent a condo unit, apartment, or a serviced apartment. If this trend continues and occupancy rates can rise across the apartment and condo market, investors can be more confident regarding the returns on their property investments now.” The property market of Sihanoukville may also see an increase in its number of investments. As a result of discussions regarding the Belt and Road project, a 190km expressway was confirmed last week linking Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh - due to start construction by the end of the year. The expressway will be developed by China Communications Construction Company in a contract worth nearly $2 billion. Infrastructural developments such as this will likely pave the way for faster investment growth on the coast.Find the best real estate news on Realestate.com.kh

What is a Pre-Selling Property?  A pre-selling property is a property released for sale in the market at any stage before the development is completed. This is otherwise known as an off-plan property. Pre-selling properties exist for a few reasons. Developers offer it to finance the construction of the project, while others for an assurance that all units are sold before construction is completed. Some developers do it for both reasons too. But buying pre-selling properties has its fair share of advantages and risks. Advantages of Buying Pre-Selling It’s more affordable – off-plan properties are mostly, if not always, cheaper than buying units that are ready for occupancy (RFO). This is because you won’t be able to use the home just yet! As a reward for trusting the developer, buyers are given extra privileges in the form of a low-cost purchase amount and more flexible payment terms. So, you can pay for the property in instalments as well with little to no interest. Other developers also do special discounts for early buyers, making the property all the more attractive.Great investments – Pre-selling properties mostly increase in value as it is near completion. This can be used to the buyer’s advantage. For example, if you buy a property now in its pre-selling stage and its selling price is $120,000, in about two to three years, once it’s completed, the value can go up to around $150,000. That’s a $30,000 profit for doing nothing except waiting for the development to be completed. But of course, you have to do your study on the property first.More options – Since the property is in its pre-selling stage, not many have inspected the property and bought it. So, as a buyer of off-plan properties, you have more freedom in choosing your unit type, where it’s facing, what floor, and other similar factors. With RFO units, this is hardly the case. You’re stuck with manageable units, at best. Cons of Buying Pre-SellingChanging Terms - Pre-sale contracts can be ambiguous and vague sometimes. It can be subject to further changes, either legally or through a technicality or loopholes. The risk is that you might actually get a unit that’s very different from what you were promised. This includes changes in material, location, layout, size, and finishing. Time Management – A delay in completion and turnover is another risk an investor must look into. Sometimes, pre-sale contracts contain delay clauses that free the developer from responsibility for turning it up on time.  That’s why it’s important to always check the contract.Financial loss – If a developer goes bankrupt or the project doesn’t push through, you’re usually left with nothing. Sure, you can sue them, but that will take quite some time and funding.  Bonus Tips* Even with these apparent risks, the good can definitely outweigh the bad if you are well-advised of the developer and their past projects. So, here are a few things to keep in mind when scouting for properties and you just happen to run across a pre-selling one. Look for developers with a good reputation. Look for reputable agents Get a good lawyer to run through the contract with you to check for any inconsistencies or unfair clauses.Hire the services of licensed brokers to assist you with the process.Verify the legitimacy of the developer with related government agencies and ministries such as the Ministry of Land Management Urban Planning and Construction. Pre-selling properties are great ways to get the most out of your money. With proper precautions and a bit of research combined with these tips, you can make that money grow even further until the next property comes along.  To find more reliable off-plan propertiesClick Here

When it comes to inspections for a new rental property, the bulk of your search and consideration usually revolves around technical aspects of the new home, such as proximity to your office or your kid’s school, your budget, the number of bedrooms and the like – it is easy to overlook some of the smaller but equally important details during the heat of the viewing. What property should you rent in Cambodia? Here’s a checklist, thanks to Realestate.com.kh, to ensure you’re not forgetting anything!Safety First:Regardless of what your agent tells you, be personally responsible for you and your family’s safety when considering any new rental property. Walk around the neighborhood of any property you are considering renting, speak with neighbors (and other tenants if it is a shared building) and come back to the area at nighttime and make sure no hidden threats appear when the sun goes down. Also, always consider the potential for flooding. A 24 hour review is necessary to note any noise hazards too – there may be construction in the afternoon that you never noticed at the morning viewing, or a night club could open at night next door. For a little extra attention before agreeing to the rental contract, you can truly understand the pros and cons of the property.Little Things:Check faucets, door hinges, locks, door knobs, power points, appliances, water heaters and gas cookers before agreeing to rent. Most of the time these things look perfect until further investigation – but if you catch minor problems now, you can ask the landlord to fix them before the agreement is settled.  Photo Evidence:Before agreeing to the bond payment, take photos of every room in the house while it is empty. In these pictures, make sure you evidence any preexisting damage to the property. This way, when your contract eventually ends, the landlord has no grounds to deduct wear and tear damages from your deposit that in fact you weren’t responsible for.Missed Part 1? Find it on Realestate.com.kh! Interested in renting? Check out these properties now!

In last week’s edition we considered some real estate negotiation tips to help you think more laterally in your real estate negotiations and achieve better outcomes. Missed the first tips? Find them online at realestate.com.kh/newsUnfortunately positional bargaining in real estate transactions (that is, focusing solely on a price battle) generally results in poor outcomes for both parties - because everyone gives up the same amount and, therefore, neither party gets what they really want.Thankfully there are other ways to negotiate! Here are some more simple real estate negotiation tips and watch your odds change:3. Trust your judgment and make genuine offers:There is a saying in real estate that ‘time kills deals’ and in a fast paced property market such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville this is definitely the case. As such, we suggest researching the real estate market thoroughly and making an offer that is at, or very close to, your maximum.  By making an offer for what you know the property is worth, you have a strong chance of buying the home, land or commercial property, before other buyers swoop in and offer more. Remember this negotiation tip and don’t get caught out offering less than you know the property is worth - if this occurs you are likely to miss out as more aggressive buyers pay more and close the deal.4. Loose lips sink ships:Never let the other party know how much you have available to spend or what is motivating you to buy during any real estate negotiation; this risks the seller using these great negotiating tactics on you! This is a key negotiation tip in any situation, not just real estate.Similarly, given so many properties in Cambodia are marketed as “Price On Application”, it is very important to always make the seller name a price first before beginning any real estate negotiation. With that information you are well placed to make a counter-offer in proper context of the seller’s price. If a buyer makes the first offer, they are in danger of over-pricing the property from the start and that can only ever result in a bad deal.5. Cash is king:Sellers hate any uncertainty in a deal and offers made ‘subject to finance’ can be a deal breaker when a competing offer is for cash – even if the offer is for less. This is why it’s critical to have your finance arranged and be ready to settle on a deal very quickly once the price is agreed. See the bank BEFORE you see the seller! Cash is always king in real estate negotiations, in any country, but especially in Cambodia. Being able to offer cash gives the seller absolute confidence in your offer and this is often worth more to a seller than a higher offer that may never settle.Keep these real estate negotiation tips up your sleeve, and you will secure you dream property in no time; on YOUR terms, not the sellers!Want to learn more about how you can make money by investing in real estate wisely? Get on Realestate.com.kh today, the best source of information for property buyers & Sellers in Cambodia.

Sihanoukville has been the center of many discussions lately because of the various infrastructure upgrades and modern developments popping up.Some of these projects are D’Seaview condo, a new highway from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, and the Sihanoukville Airport expansion project. And it is these same developments that are paving the way for new investment opportunities to flow into the area – particularly as “Cambodia’s next real estate boom town.”Adding to its potential as an investment hub is the government’s coastal development master plan which aims to protect and maintain the ecological assets of the area, further promoting tourism. There’s also the 3,300 hectare-land-concession project at Ream which will see the rise of a hospitality zone for tourists and even locals. But the topic of investments can be tricky at times, especially for a market that’s just beginning to rapidly expand. That’s why Camhomes put together an event that aims to shed light into the current situation of Sihanoukville and how investors can take advantage of it.The event will be held on the 10th of March, 2017 at D22 – Tama Hotel Phnom Penh Tower. It will start at 6pm and will be graced by esteemed speakers, Mr. Tom O’ Sullivan – Director of Realestate.com.kh -- and Mr. Kuoch Lengkheang, PR & Marketing Strategy manager of Camhomes.Find the latest real estate news now on Realestate.com.kh

(A sample of Cambodian property ownership title)Cambodian land title classifications can be rather confusing to a new property buyer. That’s why we’ve come up with a simple guide to the 4 different property titles you need to know. Before we get started, we have to note a fundamental rule when it comes to talking about land property/ownership in Cambodia: According to Cambodia’s constitution, only Cambodian nationals can own land and landed property within the Kingdom.Now that’s out of the way, let’s explore the main ways property ownership can be secured in Cambodia.Property ownership can be secured by one of the 4 main forms of Cambodian property titles, namely: Hard Title, Soft Title, LMAP Title, and the Strata Title. We’ll give you a quick rundown of the important points to remember below.Types of Cambodian Property Titles:Hard TitleHard title is the strongest form of property ownership in CambodiaIn the rare occurrence that a disputed land has both a Hard Title and a Soft Title, the owner of the Hard Title will win the dispute. Hard title is a land ownership certificate provided by the Land Management and Planning office.Hard titles contain detailed information that has been duly recognised and certified at a national level with the Ministry of Land and the concerned cadastral office.A Transfer tax of 4% percent will be paid based on the total property value upon the facilitation of the Hard Title transfer.The facilitation of a Hard Title transfer usually takes up to 12 weeksForeign nationals are constitutionally prohibited from obtaining Hard Titles.Soft TitleSoft title is the most common form of ownership and the most commonly issued Cambodian land title as the transfer taxes and fees are cheaper than a Hard Title.It is estimated that 85% of Cambodian property owners only have Soft Titles to back up their property claims.It is a Cambodian land title that is recognised at the local government level (Sangkats & Khans)Soft titles are provided by the local Sangkat or District office and are not registered at a national level - but are still considered a valid legal document of ownership. Soft Titles are relatively cheaper and quicker to acquire for CambodiansEstimated to take anywhere between 10 to 12 working daysForeign nationals are prohibited from owning a Soft TitleLand Management and Administration Project (LMAP) TitleThe LMAP Title is another property ownership title issued and recognised on a national level by the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC) - along with the relevant cadastral offices.The main difference of the LMAP Title from a Hard Title is its inclusion of the exact GPS coordinates that determine the boundaries of the property in question.LMAP Titles can only be obtained on land that has been indexed on a cadastral map. So, if a plot of land has not yet been indexed, an LMAP Title cannot be issued for that property.If the MLMUPC is presently undergoing the necessary LMAP titling process in your village or area where you live, this means you only need to follow what your local authority informs you to do once the project is completed. It is their obligation to communicate with you.It is possible to own a Hard Title without an LMAP Title due to the above-mentioned limitationA Transfer tax of 4% percent will be paid based on the total property value upon the facilitation of the LMAP Title transfer.Foreign nationals are not permitted to own an LMAP title.Strata TitleStrata Title is a special title commonly used for condo unit purchases which is available to both Cambodian nationals and Foreign nationals.There are other mechanisms not necessarily involving a Strata Title available for property ownership for Foreign nationals which you can see in our investment guide.Strata Titles can only be granted if the property in question satisfies these criteria: Only applicable to buildings constructed in 2010 and beyondForeigners can only own 70% of the total surface area of the building or propertyStrata Titles cannot be issued for properties on the ground floor and/or undergroundStrata Titles cannot be issued for any property within 30km of the nearest land borderPrivate Ownership in co-owned buildings (also known as Strata Title) is the most recent form of ownership and allows foreigners to legally own property in Cambodia.Strata Title is a less common Cambodia land title, but the numbers are growing fast.Most new condo development projects offer this type of title to accommodate foreign demand to own property in Cambodia.The Law on Foreign Ownership’ was promulgated on 24 May 2010. This law limits foreign ownership to co-owned buildings. Foreigners still cannot own land, as it is unconstitutional.Co-owned buildings are defined as a building or construction in which several owners reside (eg. a condo complex or office tower), consisting of some parts that are the exclusive ownership of each co-owner (private units) and some other parts that are common spaces for the common use of co-owners (common areas).Strata Titles are issued by the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction. Which means Strata Titles are recognized on a national level.A Transfer tax of 4% percent will be paid based on the total property value upon the facilitation of the Strata Title transfer.How to Transfer A Property Title in CambodiaWhen you purchase property or land, it is critical to obtain outright ownership in order to feel secure about your new asset. To complete the process for transferring land titles of ownership, there are particular steps that need to be followed, documents that need to be obtained, as well as the necessary consultations with relevant agencies.Step 1: Verify the title certificate with the relevant Land OfficeThe buyer will first need to verify the land title certificate with the Land Office at the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC), to check for any debts or other claims to the property. This process requires:The buyer must obtain the original title certificate from the seller to verify their genuine ownership.The buyer will then verify the title certificate with the Land Office at the MLMUPCThe Land Office will inform the buyer if there are any liens (debts), mortgages or other claims registered to that property.Relevant Government Agency: Land Office at MLMUPCEstimated time to completion: This takes approximately 10 days (should occur simultaneously to steps 2 and 3)Step 2: Obtain information on the propertyThe buyer must then obtain information on the property from the relevant Commune Council Official. This involves the buyer contacting the village chief or the Commune Council Official in which the property is located to obtain information about the land/property. In addition to this, an official search of the title should take place at the Khan/District Land Office.Relevant Government Agency: Commune Council (Relevant District/Khan office in your property’s area)Estimated time to completion: This should take approximately 10 days (we advise that this be done in parallel to Steps 1 and 3)Step 3: Obtain the certificate of incorporation and official documents from the sellerIf the landowner is a legal entity, the buyer must obtain;A copy of the ID of the shareholder, or person acting on behalf of the company,A certified/notarised copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of the seller’s company as issued by the Ministry of Commerce.Any other official documents from the seller relating to the company and the transaction.All of these documents are needed to verify the accuracy and identity of the company name appearing on the title certificate. Further documents needed to verify the seller’s authorisation to transfer the property to the buyer are;A special power of attorneyA Resolution signed by the Board of Directors from that company authorising the named individual (seller) to represent the company at the Land Office (MLMUPC)A power of attorney specifically stating that the seller can bring into effect that Resolution to transfer land titles of ownership to the buyer.Relevant Government Agency: Ministry of CommerceEstimated time to completion: This process should take around 10 days (should occur simultaneously to steps 1 and 2)Step 4: Apply for registration at the District Land Office (MLMUPC)When the buyer and seller, whether they are as an individual or a company wish to complete the property transaction, they must go together to the District Land Office at the MLMUPC to arrange, to prepare and sign the relevant documents.The documentation needed for this step isThe Company’s statuteThe Company’s Certificate of Incorporation (obtained in Step 3)Both of the Power of Attorney documents (obtained in Step 3)The original Title Certificate held by the seller must be presented to the District Land Office at the time of signing the deed, in order to have the name of the new owner officially inserted on the document.Relevant Government Agency: District Land Office, MLMUPC (District Land Office of the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning & Construction)Estimated time to complete the step: This step takes between 20 and 30 days.Step 5: Pay transfer taxA transfer tax of approximately 4 percent of the total value of the property is paid to the Ministry of Economy and Finance at the General Department of Taxation, in the district that the transferred property resides. A tax receipt is then issued to prove that the property transfer tax has been paid.In Phnom Penh, however, this tax is not assessed based on the true transacted value of the property; but, rather, based on a schedule of the price of property determined by the Phnom Penh Municipality. The assessed valuation by the Phnom Penh Municipality is based upon factors such as; the total number of square meters, the land’s location, use, potential use, and other variables.To put this quite simply the transfer tax is not based on the actual price of the land which is sold, which is usually the case, rather it is based on the assessed value made by the Phnom Penh Municipal office, which may be higher than tax rates in other provinces.If the land is more than 1200 sqm, the surplus of the land will also be subject to “unused land tax.” For land less than 1200 sqm, the unused land tax is not applicable. The time for the General Department of Taxation to complete the calculation of transfer tax will depend on the location of the land and its size.Relevant Government Agency: General Department of TaxationEstimated time to complete the step: This process should take around 1 dayStep 6: Return to the cadastral office to complete the registration processAfter all relevant taxes are paid, the parties may return to the cadastral office at the District Land Office of the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning & Construction (MLMUPC) and sign/thumbprint an MLMUPC form for buying/selling real property, as filled in by MLMUPC official.The signing/thumbprinting must be witnessed by a local authority such as commune chief, who will also give their thumbprint. These procedures are based on Land Law Articles; 65, 244 and 245. Land Law Article 69 bars transfer of property unless all necessary taxes are paid. The documentation provided should include payment receipts of the transfer tax. (obtained in Step 5).Step 7: Obtain the certificate of title from the Municipal Land OfficeObtain the certificate of title from the Municipal Land Office: The Khan/District land office forwards all the “transfer documents” to the Municipal Land Office where it issues the final Certificate of Title in the new owner’s name. It is now registered.Relevant Government Agency: Municipal Land OfficeEstimated time to complete the step: 1 to 2 weeks. The last procedural step in practice can take several weeks, depending on the diligence of the land officials and interested parties.Stay up-to-date on the real estate industry in Cambodia and get real-time updates on real estate news as they happen. Download the Realestate.com.kh App now!Article by:

Siem Reap is a prime tourist destination in Cambodia and serves as a doorway to the historical site of Angkor. Each year, visitors from all over the world travel there to explore Angkor which magnificently reflects the 12th century civilization and is listed as a World Heritage site of UNESCO.Aside from being a top tourist destination, it is also becoming an increasingly important spot for real estate investments. The city is now filled with luxurious hotels, beautiful colonial buildings, impressive handmade crafts, nightlife, and much more.An increasing number of people are considering purchasing land in this province. What is there to know about this area and why is becoming so attractive?Location:The city is located around 314 kilometers northwest of Phnom Penh, and is well connected by the National Road 6, which will take you to the city in less than 6 hours. It has a total area of 10,299 square meters and the province has 11 districts, 1 town, 13 Sangkat, 87 communes, and 921 villages. Siem Reap is a true natural beauty: is settled in southern Tonle Sap -- the largest lake in Southeast Asia. The lake serves as a shelter to hundreds of bird and fish species and without any surprise, the lake was recognized as the first Biodiversity Conservation area by UNESCO back in 1997.The area is also home to the Cham and Vietnamese communities living in floating villages around the lake.The fascinating Siem Reap city center that includes many luxury hotels, beautiful colonial buildings, a buzzing Pub Street and nightlife, markets, crafts and much more...The potential of this area is significant with strong growth potential in the tourism and service sectors as well as craft production, fisheries and of course real estate.Growth of business in Siem Reap:Pub Street is probably the most famous street of Siem Reap: it has the highest concentration of bars, pubs, karaoke places and restaurants. As a result of a combination of tourism growth, progress, and F&B businesses, pub street and the road nearby, are in high demand for their retail spaces.Although the real estate sales in the area aren’t that many, the leasing of activities has increased and became one of the major sources of profit for the area.Real Estate in Siem Reap:In 2015,  the price of Land in Siem Reap increased by 5% to 10% and growth in the ring road area up to 15%. So far, the city center has been the main target for real estate investments; This includes four major Sangkats: Slorkram, Svay Dangkum, Salakamreuk, and Korchak.Tourism, hotel, entertainment, retail and service sectors have had a positive effect on the area’s economy. Although rental has grown rapidly in the four sangkats in the last 10 years, the real estate market of Siem Reap is said to be developing in a healthy way.Land prices in Siem Reap:Year after year Siem Reap is still one of the most attractive destinations for both local and international tourists.According to Mr. Po Eavkong, General Manager of Asia Real Estate Co., Ltd "Land prices will increase by an average of only 5 to 10 per cent this year, the same percentage points as in 2015.”Eavkong also explains that because of this “landed property could fetch between $300,000 to $400,000, or equal to $4,000 to $5,000 per square metre. Meanwhile, along Sivutha Boulevard prices could range from around $2,000 to $2,500 per square metre, with land further afield along National Road 6 falling anywhere from $300 to $150 per square metre.”Sok Sarath, a local estate agent, also believes that Land in Siem Reap is a good investment. He stated that businesses are growing rapidly, the​ province displays many vacant land and residential project developments along the ring road cities are raising.Is it good to invest in land?Kim Heang, president of CVEA said "Investing in Land in Siem Reap, it's suitable for those who have financial means and do not require a loan". He continued, "But if you invest land by borrowing from banks, it might not be the best option if you are looking for quick returns. Although interest rates are only 8 percent a year, it will take approximately 2 to 3 years before you will be able to sell the land and make a profit."What area in Siem Reap is good for investment?Areas with potential for quick profits include development projects alongside the ring road. Businesses along that road are also expanding: hotels, restaurants, private clinics, schools, factories and other institutions. Slorkram, Svay Dangkum, Salakamreuk, and Korchak have also showcased the most dramatic growth in recent years.Why invest in Siem Reap instead of Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh?As mentioned, Siem Reap has seen an increase in business and tourism. Investments in real estate development can already be noticed, and had influence on the city’s growth figures. The land prices here are still lower compared to the ones in Phnom Penh and  Sihanouk Ville. The population is also lower, resulting in a stress free environment with very limited traffic and pollution. Siem Reap is particularly suitable for those looking for tranquility and privacy.Find more investment guide in Cambodia on Realestate.com.kh now!Take 2 minutes to complete our survey and win and IPhone 8!

(Check out our update on real estate scams in Cambodia in 2019)Despite the huge growth in the Cambodia real estate industry, there are still many operators that are conducting real estate scams and misinformation for a quick profit. Here is a list of the most common scams in the market, thanks to Realestate.com.kh. If you ever think you might be getting scammed, seek professional legal advice!The Double Title Scam:Properties in Cambodia come with soft titles and hard titles. Sometimes a property may have both. This scam involves an owner selling the house to two buyers. One buyer gets the soft title and the other gets the hard title. The person with the soft title loses the house because soft titles are only recognized in the local government, while a hard title is recognized at a national level. There have also been cases of multiple titles being issues, or forged – and sellers selling the same property to multiple people. There is a possibility that the buyer with the hard title is involved in the scam, but that is not always the case.You can avoid this scenario by making an inquiry with the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction and the local government office managing property registration. Get a copy of the title from the seller and check it against official records.Another safety precaution is to check whether the neighbors have hard titles. If they do, this means that the government has already titled the area. Buying a soft title in a place where most neighbors have hard titles is not advisable.Hidden Land Disputes:Having a soft or hard title in this scam is hardly relevant. This scam involves the property standing on a land with an ongoing dispute. Usually, talking to neighbors reveal this issue. But you should also conduct a title search through a commune council official or the Ministry of Land just to be on the safe side. A professional real estate agent will do this on your behalf, or a lawyer with experience in property transactions.Deposit Disappearance Act:This scam is done by a fake owner. A buyer is asked to pay a deposit to secure the property. The seller then disappears after receiving the deposit. You may opt to pass the deposit through a reliable third party or an intermediary escrow bank account until everything is settled to protect yourself from this.Want to learn more about how you can make money by investing in Property in Cambodia? Get on Realestate.com.kh today, the best source of information for property buyers & Sellers in Cambodia.Work with the best and safest agents: find them here!

Realestate.com.kh is pleased to release the results of the 2016 Realestate.com.kh Consumer Sentiment Survey. The survey reveals key information for investors, developers, retailers, financial institutions, insurers and personal home buyers and sellers.The intention and scope of the December 2016 survey was to dig deeper into the hearts and minds of Cambodia-focused real estate consumers in regards to their perceptions of the market and their current spending and borrowing habits. By doing so, the survey allows us to predict future buying and selling trends in the market.The responses revealed a generally positive attitude towards the real estate market of the Kingdom, which is currently perceived as growing, improving and, more importantly, a target for investment. As a matter of fact, almost 80% of those surveyed believe that purchasing a property in Cambodia represents a good investment.However, the survey has also produced data that suggests many consumers perceive a series of weaknesses in the market - namely in regards to the current affordability of property (especially for local buyers), the need for financing for property purchases, and gaps in the market regarding professionalism and transparency in the real estate sales and valuation professions.Download the Full ReportMethodologyThe survey was distributed over email to the Realestate.com.kh database of both local and international subscribers. It was also featured on the Realestate.com.kh website for a two week period, and shared on the Realestate.com.kh facebook and Linkedin. We also had guests to the Realestate.com.kh display booth at the Cambodia Construction and Property Expo at Koh Pich Exhibition Center in December 2016 complete the survey.In total, 5000 respondents completed the survey in the space of just two weeks of December 2016.The survey was available for respondents in two languages, English and Khmer, depending on the user’s preference. The results of the English and Khmer surveys have been tallied separately for one data set, and together for an aggregated data set.To date, this is the most comprehensive real estate consumer sentiment survey ever conducted in Cambodia.The following are the key results of the survey:AffordabilityUnderstanding the financial capabilities of the potential buyers is crucial in order for property developers and agents to shape their property product correctly for their target markets, and predict future needs and trends of that market. It is also valuable information for finance providers attempting to understand the needs and means of the home lending market in Cambodia.When asked “How affordable is housing in Cambodia?” respondentsreferred to local property as “moderately unaffordable” (34%), “affordable” (28%) and just 16% stated that is “moderately affordable”.However, it is important to note that the survey was distributed in English and Khmer. Upon analysis of the non aggregated data set, we can see that the price perception of the real estate market greatly differs among nationalities. The majority of those who have filled the survey in English (37% in total) have described the market as “affordable;” whereas more than half of the Khmer respondents stated that the market is “moderately unaffordable”.Price Increases in the MarketThe investments of property developers have been highly visible around the capital of Phnom Penh in the past year, greatly increasing the local supply. Other urban centers such as Siem Reap and Sihanoukville have also seen increased investment in the residential sphere, albeit incomparable to Phnom Penh.Yet prices for end buyers do not appear to be dropping across the market despite this new supply.More than half of those who took part in the survey suggested that they have seen a general increase in property prices over the past 12 months (58.6%). Furthermore, 54.6% off all respondents expect property prices to continue to rise in the coming 12 months.What is interesting to notice is that although the imminent price rise perception, regardless of this, almost 80% of the participants believe that now is a good time to purchase a property in the Kingdom.Almost half of the respondents (45.4%) stated that they fully own the properties they reside in. Meanwhile, 30% of all respondents are currently renting and are considering purchasing a property soon. In fact, an impressive 70% of all respondents surveyed showed great confidence in the local property market by declaring that they are considering purchasing a property in the coming 12 months.This divergence in the perception of affordability of property is likely to depend on the difference in household incomes between Cambodian Nationals and non-nationals. When analysing the customer's profile results, almost half of the Khmer respondents’ income fell into the less than $500 per month category (42%), and 30% of all Khmer families fell into the $500-1000 monthly household income bracket.In comparison, only 15% of non-Nationals stated to earn less than $500 per month, 30% earn between $500 and $2000 per month, and 15% stated to earn over $10,000 per month in total household income.In conclusion, property in Cambodia is generally affordable for international residents and investors; whereas it is still moderately unaffordable for Khmer nationals.Buying PowerIn terms of buying power, more than half of the respondents (67%) have less than $70,000 to spend on a property; 13% of respondents have a budget ranging between $75-$100,000; and another 13% can afford a property between $100-$200,000.  Lastly, a lucky 3% can afford properties between $200-$300,000, and 3% are able to invest over $300,000.According to the results, 35% of respondents have enough liquidity for a downpayment of 10% for any property purchase, but almost 30% of the potential buyer pool do not expect any down payments whatsoever; 17% can afford a 20% deposit and just 12% can put down 30% for the deposit.Yet, naturally, these figures differed in regards to English respondents versus those completing the survey in Khmer. Of the Khmer respondents, 36% expect no down payment; 36% expect only 10% down; 14.4% expect 20% down only; and just 9.5% can afford to put down 30% on signing.In comparison, of the English language respondents (which naturally includes non-Nationals and investors), 28% are able to put down a 30%+ deposit.These statistics would suggest many of the new development products on the market needing initial deposits of over 20% of the total unit price, especially in the prime condo market, are largely out of reach of the local market’s buying power - with or without financing.Home Loan Needs and MeansA positive result has been shown for banks in Cambodia, with 69% of those surveyed saying they will require a mortgage in order to purchase a property.When asked which banks they are likely to approach for a mortgage, the result showed a wide spread: Acleda ranked first with 22%, followed by ABA with 18%, ANZ 15%, Canadia 13%, Maybank 11.5%, CIMB 11.2%, and lastly Hong Leong with 9%.The wide spread of results regarding consumer bank preferences is likely to be explained by the dominant factor for those shopping for a home loan being the interests rates offered by that bank. After this, home loan consumers noted that “industry market knowledge,” “response time” and lastly “bank fees” may influence their decision on which lender will be preferred.These results suggest that home loan demand is expected to increase and that there is still room for improvement for the banks in terms of interest rates and customer support. Further, those projects supported with sound financing terms, either internally or through an external bank partner, will naturally have an advantage in the market.Are Cambodian Properties Insured?Only 26.6% of home owners currently have house insurance. Regardless of a very low rate of insurance penetration, 59.5% of those surveyed still think that this is a good time to purchase major household items, giving insurance companies market opportunities in the year ahead.Investment PreferencesWhen asked about the purpose of purchasing a property in Cambodia, the respondents opinion almost fell in the middle: 53.3% wish to purchase a property to live in, while 46.7% is buying as an investment.Land is the preferred type of property to invest in, as selected by 24% of the respondents, 23% of respondents are aiming to acquire a condominium unit, followed by 22% aiming for a shophouse and 18% for a villa.When asked whether they would rather buy an independent house, a home in a borey development, a condo in a new development or land in a plot land project, respondents favored and independent house (35%), borey (26%), condo (22%) and finally plot land (16%).Without any surprise, Phnom Penh (65%) came as a first choice for those interested in purchasing a property, followed by the fast developing Sihanoukville (15%) and world famous tourist city of Siem Reap (10%).Investigating further within the preferred areas of Phnom Penh city: Toul Kork, Chamkarmon and Chroy Changvar were the most popular locations to buy in; and Russey Keo and Prek Pnov coming in last as the less desirable.The dominant factor that influences the property of choice is location (50%). This is followed by the return on investment (20%), price (16%) and surrounding infrastructure (10%).How do Consumers Find Property in Cambodia?The vast majority of the respondents (71%) start their property search online. This does not come as a surprise, as according to wearesocial.com, internet penetration continues to rise in Cambodia and is now used by a third of the population - and increased by 32% since March 2015. Hence, the internet is rapidly being embraced by real estate agents/developers, and end buyers and renters.However, there remains a mix between online and offline searching for property in Cambodia - with 17% of the respondents preferring to visit real estate agents directly and 12% relying on advertisements in newspapers and magazines.Real Estate Agents play an Important roleAccording to the results, real estate agents still play a significant role in the house hunting process. However, respondents showed some clear concerns.Although commission scheme plays a big part in choosing an agent, honesty and professionalism are the key characteristics that customers are looking for when selecting their property sales representative.Further, consumers generally seem to be particularly concerned in regards to the unregulated nature of the Cambodia real estate market: 45% of all respondents wish to see a standardized valuation pricing, 38% a compulsory real estate agent license, and 18% wish to see regulated commission schemes for the agents.ConclusionFor all those that took the time to complete the 2016 Realestate.com.kh Consumer Sentiment Survey we offer our most gracious thanks. The insights that your 5 minutes of time have offered the market are extremely valuable; and creates data with the potential to improve the real estate industry across Cambodia - and Realestate.com.kh’s service as the leading online source of real estate in the Kingdom.With information on what is driving consumer decisions - agents, developers, banks and insurers are better able to provide products that the market will value. And likewise we are able to tailor our website services to better serve your needs. Download the Full ReportStay tuned to Realestate.com.kh for more market-leading research and data over the course of 2017.

Kicking off the 1st quarter of the year, the 2017 Real Estate & Construction Forum gathered property experts and enthusiasts from all over Cambodia and the world to achieve a common purpose. To advance in their knowledge of the industry. As such, speakers like Tom O’Sullivan – CEO of Realestate.com.kh – came out to talk about matters of grave importance. And one of those is the rapid growth and potential of Sihanoukville.Sihanoukville Investment prospects appear to be growing steadily in 2017. But what is so special about Sihanoukville and why should people start taking it seriously? Realestate.com.kh gives you the lowdown from Tom O’Sullivan himself.Why is everybody suddenly moving to Sihanoukville and considering Sihanoukville Investment?For one, O’Sullivan said that initial steps of the proposed master plan are already being completed. He mentioned that there’s actually a plan to conserve Sihanoukville’s natural resources and although this is giving difficulties for some businesses, ultimately it will benefit Sihanoukville. New developments and international names already include D’Seaview, Blue Bay, Royal Bayview, Sunshine Bay, Novotel, Marriott, Grand Mercure, Alila, and the Six Senses.Casinos are also making their way to Sihanoukville, granting multiple licenses to build and operate in this area. O’Sullivan mentioned that these developments build the confidence of investors and developers.He also added that infrastructures such as highways, roads, and port expansions are driving additional interest for other businesses because they not only aid travelers but connect other areas to Sihanoukville to either access its beaches or the SSEZ which employ thousands upon thousands of employees.Find out more about Sihanoukville Investment in our comprehensive location profile!Have these changes been visible to the consumers?In an attempt to look at the situation from another angle, O’Sullivan explains that Realestate.com.kh also conducted its own research to get a better understanding of the perceptions of the consumers.Around 5,000 people took part in the survey, which O’Sullivan says is a testament to the continued interest in properties in the country. The survey also showed that around 73% of the survey respondents are interested in buying in the next six months, and the majority estimates a budget of $50,000.With over a million people surfing the Realestate.com.kh site yearly, analytics have revealed that while Phnom Penh remains the most popular area for property seekers; However, taking 2nd place for the most searched area is Sihanoukville province.This is substantiated by inquiries from their customer base which O’Sullivan says grew to 25% in 2017, from 10% last year. He stated that most of those inquiries are from customers wishing to buy in Sihanoukville, especially for land. Most of these are Chinese investors. O’Sullivan quoted Juwai.com, a famous Chinese property portal, which suggests that 57% of Chinese consumers actually plan to purchase properties in countries in which they’re traveling to.So, will Sihanoukville overtake Phnom Penh?To realize the magnitude of the market slowly shifting towards the Sihanouk province, O’Sullivan first explains that the Phnom Penh market still enjoys a great property climate. In fact, the consumer sentiment survey shows that Phnom Penh is still the "first choice for those interested in purchasing a property" – leading at 65%, whereas Sihanoukville is at 2nd place with 15%.All in all, Sihanoukville has an attractive property market not because it’s safer for investment than in Phnom Penh. It is an attractive market because it is continuously building itself with its own character, with both a tourism and industrial focus, setting it apart from both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Thinking of investing in Sihanoukville? Look at the latest developments in Cambodia's premier resort town now!

If you're looking to buy or invest in condominium property in Cambodia, it's important to understand the steps involved. Whether you're a local buyer or an international investor, in this guide, Realestate.com.kh will break down the basic buying process in short article with simple terms to help you feel confident and prepared.Here’s a step-by-step look at what to expect:1. Unit Selection & BookingFirst, choose the property or unit you like. Once you've made your choice, you'll usually pay a booking fee (between $500 and $2,000) to reserve it. This takes it off the market while the paperwork is prepared.2. Review the SPA (Sales & Purchase Agreement)Next, you'll receive the Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA). This is a key legal document that explains the terms of the sale, the developer’s responsibilities, penalties for delays, and when you’ll receive the title. It’s important to read everything carefully or get help from a legal professional.Further reading: Understanding the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) in the Cambodia Real Estate Market3. Sign the SPAOnce both parties agree to the terms, you and the seller will sign the SPA. This makes the deal official and legally binding.4. Downpayment Right after signing the SPA, you’ll make a down payment—usually the amount is according to the condition of payment method and the percentage of the total property price.Further Reading: Common Payment Methods for Buying Properties in Cambodia5. Payment ScheduleThe rest of the payments will follow a payment schedule, which depends on the stage of the project. Payments may be monthly, quarterly, or based on construction milestones. The developer will provide this schedule.6. Ownership RegistrationAfter you’ve paid the full amount and the unit is finished, you can register the property under your name with the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC). This step gives you official ownership.7. Handover & Key CollectionFinally, you'll collect your keys once the property is complete and inspected. This is also when you should do a final check for any defects or issues and have them recorded before you move in as well!In short, buying a property in Cambodia doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you have the right support. If you’re unsure about any of the steps above, feel free to let our professional agents guide you through all the process from start to finish smoothly!Additional reading: 50 Must-Know FAQs for Real Estate Investors in Cambodia-Contact us now via- 📞+855 92 92 1000📧 info@realestate.com.khOr come and visit us at The Connect Center- Opening hours9:00 - 5:00  Monday-Friday 10:00 - 5:00        Saturday - Sunday Location: #306BCD,Monivong Blvd (93) Sangkat Chakto Mukh, Khan Doun Penh, Phnom Penh

Considering an investment in Cambodia, especially with high-rise condo developments, may be a wise decision, especially in view of the economy of the country, which has been continually growing in the last several years.According to the National Bank of Cambodia, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during 2016 increased to $2.15 billion, a 25% increase compared to the year before.However, we understand that buying a property is a big decision, and you might have some hesitations. For this reason Realestate.com.kh is here to help you in getting to know better the local market.Does Cambodia have a stable economic growth?The Asian Development Bank refers to Cambodia as the “Asia’s new tiger economy.” In fact, Cambodia is now one of the fastest growing economies in the ASEAN region. The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) has been growing by 7% each year since 2011 and is expected to keep moving at that pace through 2017.What types of condos are you looking to invest in and how much are they?Ownership Laws Cambodia: Condominiums are the only residential houses which are available for foreigners to purchase for ownership in Cambodia.Developers have divided condos into three types, including: low-end condo, middle range condo, and high end condo which are available. These are newer projects that have been built to cater local and foreign investment.According to CBRE Cambodia’s quarterly report for Q4, low-end condos have an average starting price of $1,550 per sqm and mid-range condos start at an average of $2,700 per sqm. Meanwhile, the average starting price of high-end condos start at $3,000 sqm.The report also states that Cambodia’s average condominium price is at $3,000 per sqm, significantly lower than Ho Chi Minh’s $4,000+ per sqm and Bangkok’s $6,000 per sqm.What facilities will the condo unit include?Buying any new condo unit in Cambodia also entitles owners to access different facilities such as for instance the parking lot. Other facilities such as tennis courts, residents’ lounge, multi-purpose room, BBQ areas, reading rooms, steam/Sauna, gymnasium, swimming pool, spa pool, security services, and children's playground might also be in place depending on the condominium.What are the hotspots for condominiums in Phnom Penh?When talking about prime locations for buying condo units, investors or buyers should look at the three hotspots OF the capital of Phnom Penh. These include Boeung Keng Kang in the Chamkarmon district, Boeung Kork in Tuol Kork, and some areas in Duan Penh. These popular areas are brimming with a variety of low-end to high-end condo developments.There areas are also popular due to the are many amenities that can boost your quality of life. Businesses and entertainment facilities include restaurants, pubs, bars, coffee shops, karaokes, clubs, fitness centres, international schools, standard hospitals, clinics, tourism areas and many other service-centered businesses. These areas are also generally classified as more modern and peaceful.Just walking around the area helps if you’re interested in buying and want to take time to understand the characteristics and features of each area before you make a decision.What’s the importance of internal regulations and professional property management for your condo investment?Investors and buyers need to take into account the internal regulations and the management services of a condominium before purchasing condominium units.Checking out the internal regulation reveals the rights and obligations of your unit. This is where you learn the locations of common areas, private units, and the conditions of use. It also helps you understand costs related to cleaning, maintenance, and repairs of the common areas.Property management is the management and control over common areas and services offered in the condo. Property management companies will take the overall control of the property on behalf of the owner for things such as cleanliness, maintenance, and all necessary repairs.When you’re considering purchasing a condo, it’s recommended for you to consider a professional and experienced property management firm to handle financial, legal and technical issues. Also consider firms that have a wide network to ensure that the condominium runs efficiently.Failure to do so can strongly affect the real estate asset as internal rules and condominium management can have significant impacts on the value of your condo units.Can foreigners own ground floor unit in Cambodia?Ownership Laws Cambodia: Foreigners can own any property in Cambodia however, there is a limit in ownership rights. According to the Foreign Ownership Property Law, foreigners can only own properties from the first floors up and up to 70 percent of a condominium building.A “Strata title” is applied as an ownership title for foreigners who buy a condo unit in Cambodia. It’s is a type of hard title that is used for a co-ownership building. It’s now applied to all the new condo development in Cambodia.What are the taxes on ownership of Cambodia’s condo?When buying a unit from a developer, you need to transfer the strata title which costs around 4% of the value of the property, where the value of the property is evaluated and set by the cadastral official.Do you know your guaranteed rental returns?There are many new condo developments offering “Guaranteed Rental Returns” to their customers. The standard net returns being advertised by condos and new developments runs from 4% to 9% a year for about two to five years. Some developer will also offer up to 20% and even more for short-term period rentals.Make sure you do your research before purchasing a condo, it will help you maximise your investment!Check the condos available in Phnom Penh here.