The Municipality plans to build a bridge across the Tonle Sap River to connect from Chroy Chongva Peninsula  to the Russey Keo area in Kilometre Number 6. On October 7th,  2016, The Municipality of Phnom Penh organized a meeting with officials to discuss a plan to build a new road and remove the old railway. Meanwhile, in terms of the construction of a new bridge across the Tonle Sap River, Pa Socheatvong – Governor of the Municipality of Phnom Penh – said that "the budget for the construction of a new bridge has already been prepared, and the construction will start soon."He specified that in the  next step, technical experts will conduct a study of the area and location conditions to ensure that both the east and west ends  will benefit in terms of traffic and the interest of the local population. As of now, the east side is being developed as a satellite city.He said, "The project for the west riverbank of the new bridge will be built on the old railway in Sangkat Russey Keo, Khan Russey Keo, across Route 5, and across the river, towards Street No. 70, Dam of Toul Kork.The governor mentioned that in order to tackle the negative impact of the traffic and to accelerate the process of the building, local authorities will cooperate with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to take out the old railway and replace it with the construction of a concrete road, measuring 30 meters wide, with a total length of 6 kilometers.He said when these two projects are completed, it will ease the traffic congestion at the entrance in Phnom Penh. This will make it more convenient to travel along National Road No. 5 at Kilometre Number 6, toward the Bridge of Chroy Changva. This will especially benefit the people in the Russey Keo area, who used to cross the Chroy Changva Bridge.Regarding the new project, In Setha, Advisor of VTrust Appraisal, believes that the project will be completed because it was thoroughly discussed as part of the government’s strategic plan for the area.He explains that there are currently only two national roads in the city that serve as entry points – Road No. 5 and 6. In some occasions, such as Phchom Ben Day or Khmer New Year, the traffic worsens. So, building the new road or bridge will help ease the traffic situation, both in the area and the whole city.He continues to say that building this new bridge is important to the local people. When the bridge construction is completed, another commercial road will follow. And this will bring more business on the road side. Some anarchic houses will also be removed, and more developments will reach the area.After the planning of the new bridge is completed according to the standards of the government, there will be 4  bridges across the Tonle Sap River; 2 in Chroy Changva, the Bridge of Prek Phnov, and this new bridge project in  Khan Russey Keo.Find out more the recent development news in Cambodia with Realestate.com.kh!   Click here to download your free copy!

Sihanoukville International Airport (formerly Kang Keng Airport) was established in the 1960s. After the Khmer Rouge period, services in the airport stopped until it started operating again in early 2007. But it wasn’t until 2011 that a scheduled service was formally done.A tri-weekly trip from Siem Reap’s Angkor International Airport began in December of 2011, where it was further adjusted in 2013 to accommodate trips from and across Sihanoukville, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh.Mr. Sin Chansereyvutha, the Director of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation said that Sihanoukville Airport is the largest airport in the country, which may be the case for the next 10 to 15 years.He explains that the economy of Sihanoukville had increasingly grown stronger, thanks to the economic contributions of the business sector, industry sector, transportation, imports and exports, and tourism. Sihanoukville is becoming a region of great potential as well for the real estate sector as the region was transformed into a special economic zone. Another important factor is the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, an international port. This is key for economic growth.In addition, Sihanoukville is also a tourist destination for both local and international tourists, with the Sihanoukville International Airport offering convenience and comfort to travelers.There are also domestic and international flights going to Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap, along with options to take private aircrafts and helicopters.The Sihanoukville International Airport also has the same geographical environment as the airports in Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, where they are near the ports and the sea.Find out more about new development on Realestate.com.kh !Click here to download your free copy!

There’s nothing particularly new with coffee places opening in Phnom Penh. There is a different brand of coffee shop at just about every corner.But the recent launching of the Starbucks Reserve brand in Phnom Penh seems to mean something significantly more for both the international F&B franchise sector, and local urbanite Phnom Penh citizens.Been There, Done That:With 45 years of experience in the coffee industry, Starbucks has managed to open around 22,519 stores worldwide (as of June 28, 2015). The brand has become one of the world’s most recognized, through intensive advertising campaigns and aggressive product placement. Fast-forward to October of 2016, another branch just opened to serve the Cambodian public in Phnom Penh’s BKK1 district. It was launched under the high-end “Reserve” brand of the company. The new branch features two floors and 650 square meters filled with local craftsmanship, including a mural centerpiece depicting the Cambodian Folklore of Sovann Maccha.Starbucks Cambodia has partnered up with a local NGO – Cambodian Children’s Fund – as part of its long-term community investment. They said, “We take a thoughtful, disciplined approach to growth in Cambodia that is locally relevant and in line with our company’s values. Our growth story is not just about expanding our store count in the market.”Something Brewing:Yet Starbucks’ opening of another high-end coffee place doesn’t only signal a positive outlook for the F&B industry…It also transcends into real estate. A few months back, the World Bank declared Cambodia a lower-middle income country - where Cambodians currently have an average yearly income of between $1,026 and $4,035. So, locals are now able to afford items that have a higher price tag, according to the Bank.With this rise in consumers’ expendable incomes, Starbucks isn’t worried about the huge difference in price of their coffee compared to local ones. The local coffee costs about $0.74 (and sometimes as cheap as $0.25), while a small latte from Starbucks is $2.95.If a cup of coffee is any indication of rising incomes, then sectors like real estate might follow a similar trend. Investors may be getting closer to a market in which the local population can afford resale units and higher rental rates. The current lack of a secondary market, resale and rental, for new development units is proving one of the biggest risks of the Cambodian market for pure investors.Furthermore, if the market can prove profitable for Starbucks, other international F&B and consumer goods franchises may look to enter the Cambodian market place as well - spurred by this signal of consumer confidence and affluence. So while Starbucks opening in BKK1 has been warmly welcomed by local cafe enthusiasts keen to try an international flavor, its significance for investors may have longer lasting influence. Find out more about Phnom Penh now in our comprehensive location profile!

Habitat Condos are a unique collection of boutique condo units, located across 14 floors, on cosmopolitan Street 21, of Phnom Penh’s Tonle Bassac district.With their showroom now open - and the opportunity to take possession as soon as November - Habitat Condos represents an assured asset with no uncertainties. Moreover, with the strata titling process underway, Habitat Condos is able to guarantee full freehold ownership upon signing and handover.Constructed to international standard and quality, Habitat Condos meets all embassy employee guidelines, with fire, electrical, security and construction standards of first-world quality and safety.   The developer, Intan Kosem, Cambodia born - educated in Australia, Switzerland and the USA - brings a homegrown sensitivity to Habitat, along with an international appreciation of quality and delivery, all underpinned by  a passion for living spaces that are sustainable and harmonious. Co-developer, Michael Davitt brings to the project his vast experience in construction in Australia.Reassuringly, with DK Sanctuary Apartments as a benchmark for the developer, the quality of construction, maintenance and property management services at Habitat are guaranteed. The company’s previous residential project, DK Sanctuary, also in Tonle Bassac, has maintained a consistent 95% tenant occupancy since opening in 2010. Its residential apartments are presently home to diplomats, CEOs and other senior managers. Strong occupancy levels, backed by testimonials, and a proven rental and property management record—along with the integrity of the construction—underline the developer’s ability to deliver a high-yielding investment in a competitive residential market.With experience in designing the Hard Rock Café in Siem Reap and Audi Showroom in Phnom Penh, Claire Croste of JPMC Architect & Consultant Ltd. has brought a wealth of experience to the Habitat development. With reputable builders, MEP contractors and designers (e.g., SpaceLogic from-Singapore, Luxury Machine -hotel and condominium security and access control) working alongside her, the outcome has been a residential development that sets a new benchmark for design and lifestyle within the cosmopolitan environs of Phnom Penh.  All units include beautiful hardwood floors, harvested from sustainable forests in Cambodia by a reputable international company, with full line traceability. Electronic key systems come standard, with CCTV throughout, and fire-fighting systems and codes in place, complemented by smart TV connections and ceiling ducted A/C systems in all units.Also inclusive to the property are dedicated community areas which include a rooftop saltwater swimming pool, gym, and a BBQ area on the upper rooftop. The top floor duplex units offer stunning views and benefit from a private direct access to these facilities.All buyers are guaranteed unobstructed views as neighbouring properties comprise new low-rise residential housing (30-40 meters) along with manicured areas of green space (an increasing rarity in downtown Phnom Penh). Habitat’s Tonle Bassac location is ideal, with Aeon Mall, Nagaworld, the newly opened Naga Walkway with luxury duty-free shops, Nagaworld II hotel and casino, and the capital’s famed riverside a walk or a short tuk tuk away. While, with the rest of Tonle Bassac on your doorstep and BKK1 just minutes away, the entertainment and dining options are as boundless as they are unique.The Numbers: The average net price is $2780/m2, at a medium gross price of $1750/m2, with a range of unit sizes and styles available, sized between 87m2 to 186m2 (for inclusions, please visit us at showroom or consult the detailed SPA).With a rental rate of return between 8% 10% and no marketing gimmicks, the developer offers a finished product and an honest appraisal of its worth:  “What you see is exactly what you get!” Ready to live, or ready to rent—the choice is yours.The developer’s moto is ‘Our Habitat is Your Home’.You can contact them today at 010 927 450 / 017445083 info@habitat.condos, visit them on www.habitat.condos or www.facebook/habitatcondos and book a showroom visit.See the full Habitat Condo listing!

In Realestate.com.kh's Insider Analysis, real estate market leaders share their outlook on the 2016 Cambodian real estate market.    Sam Yang, ceo of Eastland Development HK Co. Ltd.1) What has been the overriding trend in the Cambodian real estate market of 2016 so far, and what has been the effect of this trend on the current market outlook?“I'd say the increased interest in landed properties and commercial real estate. In Cambodia the value of landed properties is largely driven by the increase in land prices. However, it is expected that during the Cambodian elections next year there will be a cooling trend regarding the land market. The price of landed properties is expected to remain relatively stable though they may drop slightly.As for commercial real estate, I believe the market will remain strong due to the great demand exceeding supply, especially towards the so-called “grade B” offices. Moreover, traditionally foreign enterprises or funds prefer to purchase or invest in projects near completion. As there will be only a few commercial buildings finished next year, I believe that the demand will drive this particular market upward.”2) In your opinion, what is one facet of the market that is most in need of development right now - and that you believe is crucial for the long term health of the Cambodian real estate market? Why? And how might this be achieved?“Education of investors is the most crucially needed factor to maintain a healthy market in the long-term. This is because so many non-Cambodians do not have a clear understanding about this country or even Phnom Penh. As for locals, they don’t yet appreciate fully the benefits of living in a condo. I suggest that there is a strong need to increase this country’s exposure to the rest of the world via advertising abroad, introducing the beauty of this country. And that’s something that the government can lead on and coordinate with the private sector in order to achieve success.”Ross Wheble, country manager of Knight Frank (Cambodia) Pte Ltd.1) What has been the overriding trend in the Cambodian real estate market of 2016 so far, and what has been the effect of this trend on the current market outlook?“One overriding trend that we have witnessed so far in 2016 is the increasing amount of investment coming from China.Previously, Chinese investment was mainly focused on infrastructure and construction contracts, but there has now been significant investment by Chinese developers into Cambodia, a lot of which is being invested in Sihanoukville and the hospitality/gaming sector.Whilst there have been concerns raised regarding the condominium market in Phnom Penh, Cambodia is still an attractive investment destination and Sihanoukville seems to be the next hotspot, which is largely being driven by improving infrastructure.Sihanoukville represents not only a tourist destination with much potential but also a key economic hub with Cambodia’s only operational deep sea port and several Special Economic Zones, and this will drive demand across all real estate sectors in the province. The medium to long term prospects for Sihanoukville are very promising; this is highlighted by the recent announcement that the five star luxury resort operator, Six Senses, will be operating an island retreat on Koh Krabey, scheduled to open in 2017, in addition to several global hotel chains eyeing up the coastal destination.”2) In your opinion, what is one facet of the market that is most in need of development right now - and that you believe is crucial for the long term health of the Cambodian real estate market? Why? And how might this be achieved?“Cambodia’s real estate market is still at a nascent stage of development and teething problems along the way are to be expected. However, a key area of focus for any developing country should be infrastructure. This includes both hard (physical infrastructure; such as roads, railway networks, mass transportation systems, utilities) and soft infrastructure (the education system, healthcare system, financial system) - and it is well documented that infrastructure development is important not only for economic growth but also for poverty reduction which, in turn, increases demand for real estate over the long term.The Government has certainly been making progress in this regard, with numerous major infrastructure projects having completed, commenced construction or been announced during the past few years, but there needs to be an overarching infrastructure policy to set the proper framework.A key obstacle to overcome is the funding of such projects, which is particularly relevant in developing markets. One way to tackle this is through planning policy, which is another area that needs to be addressed to improve transparency in the market. In developed markets, it is not uncommon for developers to be required to make significant contributions to infrastructure improvements to ensure that the impact of high density development on the existing infrastructure network is mitigated. With the increasing number of development projects being announced in the Kingdom’s capital, this is certainly an area that needs to be reviewed.”Matthew Rendall, senior partner at Sok Siphana & Associates, a member of ZICOlaw1) What has been the overriding trend in the Cambodian real estate market of 2016 so far, and what has been the effect of this trend on the current market outlook?“I think the residential condo development has remained the overriding trend.  This has been followed by the residential/retail mixed developments. The effect has been to broaden the areas of Phnom Penh where the expat community is considering residing. Whereas this was previously concentrated in the downtown BKK area, now it is common to see people considering residential offerings on the outskirts of town – out toward the airport as well as over the bridges. It has effectively expanded the expat residential area of Phnom Penh.”2) In your opinion, what is one facet of the market that is most in need of development right now - and that you believe is crucial for the long term health of the Cambodian real estate market? Why? And how might this be achieved? “Not sure on this point. However, what is crucial is the need for developers to organize a working exit strategy.  I.e. The long term management of the apartments blocks once the development is finished and completely sold. There needs to be a development of the owner-run body corporate culture (where owners come together as the management body and control the sinking fund etc).  Failing this, the developers either have to manage the apartments blocks in perpetuity or risk the development falling into disrepair. Buyers will start to look at developer's previous developments and judge them by how well they are managed (when deciding whether to buy into a developer's subsequent development).”Hoem Seiha, research director at VTrust Appraisal Co., Ltd.1) What has been the overriding trend in the Cambodian real estate market of 2016 so far, and what has been the effect of this trend on the current market outlook?“For Cambodia’s real estate market of 2016, a notable trend has been a flooded market supply of housing, namely condominium, borey landed housing units, and plot land parcels - all creating daunting competition among developers who have recently added a new focus on the middle-income group in order to stimulate their sales growth.Condominium projects launched for presale within Phnom Penh during the first half of 2016 came up to 13.3 thousand units, doubling the number over the same period last year. However, housing market demand has been slowing down since start of 2016 due to this oversupply and weak buyer confidence.”2) In your opinion, what is one facet of the market that is most in need of development right now - and that you believe is crucial for the long term health of the Cambodian real estate market? Why? And how might this be achieved?“The real estate sector for now has lots of room to improve, but one most important aspect that needs timely consideration is: (1) legal issues to do with plot land development; and: (2) a recent stimulus by residential developers to propel their sale growth following the overall slowdown in the housing market.For plot land development, this type of supply is a good move to drive the overall real estate market, yet the authorities should study it seriously and set up response mechanisms to encourage and protect licensed developers as well as curb with the unlicensed ones in order to avoid long-term legal troubles.For the recent market stimulus, developers have now offered another very flexible option for home and plot land buyers by applying a zero down payment scheme to drive their sales, and, in the short run, the practice looks good and helpful for the overall market.Yet, while banks are very careful when releasing mortgage loans to buyers, most developers have not conducted enough due diligence on their clients before releasing installment contracts, to avoid future defaults. If not well managed, this could, in the medium-to-long term, create over-indebtedness among unqualified buyers and therefore potentially lead to a mortgage crash. Regulators should study this seriously.”Sunny Soo, managing director of Keystone Property Consultants Co., Ltd., an international associate of Savills  1)  What has been the overriding trend in the Cambodian real estate market of 2016 so far, and what has been the effect of this trend on the current market outlook?“The trend of the real estate market of Cambodia in 2016 remains rather similar to its previous years, where foreign developers are still mainly the condominium builders whilst the local developers are still dominating the landed, gated-residential development.The effect has been much talked about lately -  a fear of oversupply in the future market. This fear and worry is only going to continue it seems, considering market optimism is subsiding in view of slower pick up rate in 2016.But the way I see it, it is normal to have winners and losers in a competitive market where development is in-itself a higher risk business. If any developer’s pre-development preparation is not market-driven but rather fueled by optimism alone, this is the price of ego the market has to pay.”2) In your opinion, what is one facet of the market that is most in need of development right now - and that you believe is crucial for the long term health of the Cambodian real estate market? Why? And how might this be achieved? “My take is the legal policies of a comprehensive town and country planning system has to be in place now and that it needs to improve continuously and simultaneously adjusting to a larger vision in the future, notwithstanding market transparency and good regulatory enforcement framework. There is no other way about it. Legal guidance and clearer future planning policies in line with good enforcement will be of utmost importance to serve and lead the market toward a healthier city development; whether the aim is to subside a strained city’s infrastructures or serving a role of directing sub-urbanization. But more importantly it also leads to better self-regulation in the future, and that’s when the level of assurance for a healthier real estate market can be elevated.”importantly it also leads to better self-regulation in the future, and that’s when the level of assurance for a healthier real estate market can be elevated.”    Read the latest and greatest real estate news on realestate.com.kh today!

Strata Titles have been a staple in the real estate sector for years, but how did it start and how does it work exactly? Grant Fitzgerald, Country Manager for Independent Property Services Cambodia, gives us a rundown on the topic in his recent interview with Realestate.com.kh.How did the Strata Title Law Start and Evolve?Given Cambodia’s desire to grow economically, Fitzgerald explains that the government created the concept of building co-ownership for foreign investors through Strata Titles. He states that there had been much confusion as to the allowance and limitations of this concept since its introduction, but he clarifies that the strata titles are only applicable for buildings constructed after 2010. He adds that foreigners can only own up to 70 percent of the property which should be above the ground floor, and should not be within 30 kilometers of any border.How Strong is a Strata Title and how do End-buyers verify it?Given that the strata title is legitimate, strata titles are a strong form of ownership, Fitzgerald qualifies. He says, “The Strata Title’s registered at the Ministry of Land Management, which is the highest level of government here. So, any title issued at the ministry is a very strong form of ownership.”To verify the legality of the title, you should do ask for both the master hard title and the master development plan. Fitzgerald explains that this gives you access to key information such as the owner’s details, the property details, and the title classification itself – if it really is a hard title. He said, “A part of the process of applying for strata titles is that it needs to be built on a hard-title property. If a developer doesn’t have a hard title, they have a soft title, then they won’t be able to apply for a legitimate strata title condominium.” A developer will also not be able to apply without first submitting a master plan. In addition to that, foreigners aren’t allowed to own properties only with a soft title.Fitzgerald also advises to check the sales and purchase agreement for any reference to strata titles and co-ownership. Without mention of it, he says it should raise a red flag.How is a Strata Title Turned Over/transferred?“The titles are officially applied for when the units are a hundred percent finished and they’re ready to be handed over. That’s when the final paperwork for the strata title’s submitted,” Fitzgerald mentions. He also says that all parties must be present in the country in front of the ministry for transfers to occur. Fitzgerald also mentions that names of the spouses are not required to be on the title unless a buyer wants their spouse to be on it. In this case, the spouse should also be present for the transaction.Strata titling has recently undergone a crackdown due to leniency in the past. And as the government pursues ways to improve growth, we maybe yet to see the strata title law and practice evolve into, hopefully, better forms.Please read more: Cambodia Land Title Classifications Explained, Once and For All!

Toul Tum Poung, better known to most expats as Russian Market, has long been a destination for shopping and eating for locals and tourists - the district being centered by a large traditional wet market, full of stalls stocking everything from motorbike parts to silk, herbs and spices to electronics, and almost anything in between; ideal for anyone in search of a sensory shopping experience.Yet in the last few years, Toul Tum Poung (TTP) has moved beyond a stopover destination and transformed into a hotspot for expats living in Phnom Penh. It has also attracted attention from affluent locals, some seeking a home closer to their inner city workplace and others looking set up retail or accommodation venues.With this inflow of money and foot traffic, retailers are flocking to the area to launch trendy bars, restaurants, gyms and fashion boutiques, with innovation and influences being drawn from the eclectic community here. Meanwhile, apartment and condo developers are also centering in on the area, given the popularity of the area for expat renters and buyers.The cause of this newfound popularity can be traced to a rise in rents and land prices in the Beong Keng Kang (BKK) districts; this area of Phnom Penh once being the first-choice for this class of residents. Yet as condo and hotel developers have dominated land purchases in the BKK suburbs, land prices have risen as high as $7,000 per square meter; and with some of the highest occupancy rates in the capital, rents have jumped significantly also.Celia Boyd, co-owner of LOT 369 cafe and bar in TTP, mentions that “a lot of expats have started moving to TTP because it was still fairly central, but not nearly as expensive as BKK, and in particular BKK1. There are still some great markets, shops and restaurants around, but the area still has a local Cambodian charm.”And unlike other areas in central Phnom Penh, TTP isn’t awash with backpackers, says Boyd: “Tourists come to the markets, but it's not an area for backpackers like street 271, or Siem Reap's Pub street, for example.”“It’s also easy to get around,” continues Boyd, “most places are walking distance from each other in this area, and there's a nice community feel to it.”Brendan McCarthy, proprietor at Long After Dark bar and eatery, notes that, “Life in Russian Market tends to operate at a slightly gentler pace, the community is extremely friendly and it has its own unique rhythm that resonates well with us.”“More and more interesting eating, drinking and shopping options are popping up all the time which is adding to the vibrancy of the suburb,” adds McCarthy, “and I think that the same neighbourhood charm that drew us to the area initially is responsible for this growth.”The boutique fashion industry is rising across the capital city in waves, and none least in TTP. There are more and more boutique vendors such as ESQ, a trendy clothes shop opposite the main market, are opening every month, ideal for those who want a western shopping experience, complete with aircon and fitting rooms. For the best bargains though, or tailored shoes and clothes, stroll around the central Russian market - and get ready to haggle!Seng Hour, co-owner and grill chef at the Toul Tom Poung Grilled Seafood BBQ restaurant, opened his shop in 2012 on the side of the main market. These days Seng’s restaurant serves up over 80 kilograms of freshly barbequed seafood - crabs, fish, shrimp, lobster, shellfish and squid - every night of the week.Seng says his secret to success has been the quality and freshness of his food, fast service and high-hygiene standards, allowing his restaurant to outlive many around him.But Seng say’s it wasn’t always so busy: “The TTP area is completely different than it was just two years ago. Before only few people from around the Russian market came to eat; now local people from Toul Kork and Sen Sok come together with friends and family just to visit our restaurant.”Seng notes that foreigners didn’t really know about his restaurant before, but now “we have lots of foreign diners because they are living in apartments in the area. And more and more serviced apartments are launching in TTP these days.”Yet, as comes with any suburban development, residents of Toul Tum Poung may start to feel its gentrification when it comes to rental rates and sale prices in coming years - just as those in BKK experienced before.Keiko Fujita-Hix, co-founder and owner of Sesame Noodle Bar in Toul Tum Poung, notes that since her restaurant opened in 2012, rents have risen over 50%. Meanwhile, in her venue’s case, the restaurant will soon have to move location - as the landlord looks to convert the section into a new apartment complex development site.But Keiko notes that Sesame will definitely stay put in Toul Tum Poung, even if they need to move venue.“There is a unique community spirit that exists here,” says Keiko, “and a community that our business has invested in - we are close to workers’ family homes, our loyal clientele of diners, and other local businesses that mutually support us, and we wouldn’t want to move anywhere else.”Check out the best properties for rent in Toul Tum Poung on Realestate.com.kh now!

Currently, there is significant growth in the Cambodian market for subdivision plot land because it returns a good profit - and the idea of buying land is a lot easier to understand for local investors. It’s possible for them to have a quick return on investment if they find a good location and invest wisely. It can also be done with just a little savings - so this market has opened up opportunities for the lower middle class to invest in property.But in terms of subdivision plot land buyers, there is a great need for a holistic consideration of the project and the original investor before deciding to buy land in a plot land project.In the discussion regarding the challenges of buying plot land in the Cambodian market, Yin Leangkong – editor in chief of Property View Magazine, and presenter and editor of real estate and economics at BTV – suggested that in the past, the plot land market has faced various problems between developers and buyers.He raised up three corelated aspects that need consideration to avoid disputes that occur over plot land now and into the future.Buyer's due diligence:Buyers must be cautious before buying any land area. You need to know what type of land title the seller has - whether it’s a soft or hard title. Leangkong explains that if there’s an investor with a hard title but only transfers the soft title to the buyer,  this creates great risk for the buyer. In the case when the seller migrates or dies, the hard title will be transferred to their children, relatives or anyone else, according to the law, and a buyer who only has a soft title will not gain possession of the plot land that they have already paid for.Developer/Seller’s Ethics:The second aspect, plot land developer/investors themselves should respect professional ethics and not deceive people. If you have a soft title, transfer it to buyer. If you also have the hard title, transfer it to buyer. Leangkong believes that this is one way of protecting people who buy the land from plot land projects.Meanwhile Leangkong also said that investors need to consider the residential layout and the infrastructural layout that is being provided for all citizens within the project - such as road plans, sewage systems, and electricity connections. He said that when the layout is properly managed, the area of plot land will become a fast development area in the future that’s organized and aesthetically pleasing for residents. This equals investment returns in the short term for buyers, and even more in the longer term.Yet, in recent years, while many plot land projects have been sold with promises of infrastructure to come, in fact, these investors ultimately did not provide what they said they would. Also, some took no control over the management of the land post-sale. Some plot land buyers built high houses, some small, some together or even some for business - which didn’t look like an appealing place to live in once it was all finished, says Leangkong. And some buyers didn’t even build homes because they were waiting for the right time to sell again to make a profit, effectively degrading the whole area.If this continues in the future, this will create anarchy for housing construction within developments, according to Leangkong.Government's Role:The third aspect relates to the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Leangkong urged the two ministries to speed up the establishment of a law pertaining to the subdivision plot land management.He said that if we have clear and proper legal provisions, the Ministry will easily be able to implement regulations for investors - such as how many meters to keep for building the road, what the residential layout will be, the drainage system etc. These are for sustainable development which comply with environmental standards and the visual character and beauty of the city.Plot Land Buyers Advice:When asked about what critical point plot land buyers should inspect before buying, Leangkong mentions that most of the buyers of plot land are in the middle and lower middle class, and some of them bought the land for future investment returns. He stressed that most of the prices of plot land aren’t rising anymore. If prices do go up, it won’t be by much because the large-area investors have already taken most of the profits. So, buyers should consider this point before buying in the hopes of dramatic returns.He explains that well-off and wealthy citizens will not buy plot land because it’s a slow development site with relatively slow returns. He adds that the already existing houses that are built without proper planning will most likely not see an increase in value as well.However, Leangkong clarifies that the subdivision plot land has been beneficial to the whole society in some ways because it allows the middle-class or lower middle class to afford to buy land. Everyone should have land for building a good home down the line, concludes Leangkong.Invest with care: Read the ultimate Plot Land Buyers Guide - from Realestate.com.kh

Big cities with lots of small spaces are an old tale that’s been told many times before. It may be because of a housing budget issue or maybe because of a lack of proper planning and innovation. And while some choose to focus on what isn’t there, others have chosen to make use of what they have as they try and expand their property – or at least give an illusion of it.So, what should you do if you find yourself cramped and uncomfortable in your own home?Here are some handy tips to make that small condo unit, apartment of shophouse feel more spacious and open, without knocking out any walls! This can improve your lifestyle as a resident in that condo, but it is also a useful trick to use when it comes time to sell or rent that space.Play with Colors:For years, psychologists have deduced that colors play a significant role in affecting our emotions and our behavior. But you can push that a bit further and use that concept to trick your brain.Using light colors on your walls can create the illusion that a room is actually bigger than it is. The reason for that is because we associate dark colors with enclosed spaces like prisons, coffins, and closets. Brighter colors remind us of the sky, the beach, and the open sea. It’s all about using colors and the concept of association.Create Dimensions:While you can go for a more monochromatic feel, using only light colors doesn’t mean you can’t use different shades on the wall to create more depth. It’s all about balance. Alternately, you can also achieve the same effect by actually eliminating the depth between the wall and your furniture. You can do this by using objects of the same color as your wall or use a slightly different shade to create some variation. You can also make use of light and bright color palette to keep your house looking fresh and alive.Spacing Your Space:There is a natural tendency for people to push the furniture as far back to the wall as they can in order to create a big centralized space inside a room. But this hurts your cause more than it helps.Providing small spaces in between furniture not only literally gives you more space, it also gives you the appearance of a bigger room. You can even angle it out so that lines on the room begin to bend and break. This takes the focus away from the corners and effectively widens the visual perspective.Open Up:Just because you’re trying to make your space look bigger doesn’t mean you can’t utilize the space outside the room for continuity. Infinity pools are great examples of this concept.If you have windows, it’s best to not put up curtains. This not only keeps the room’s aesthetic light, it also helps incorporate the view into the space. If you’re at an area at the center of the house though, you can opt to have small windows installed that go through to other rooms. For example, you can install a window between the dining room and the kitchen. This then opens up both spaces and makes both look wider than it is. Make it Magical:Magicians are full of tricks. They use a lot of distractions, slight of hand, and illusions in order to show the audience what’s there and even what isn’t. We can take a cue from that and use tools like mirrors to magically make enclosed areas look bigger by visually duplicating the space. This simple and subtle tip has been effectively used by interior designers for years now.Small spaces don’t have to make you feel like you live in a small space. The only limit to how big small spaces can feel is a little bit of work and a little bit of creativity! Try some of these tips in your home today!Catch the coolest property tips on Realestate.com.kh news today!

Although the housing market’s currently experiencing a slowdown, Yin Leangkong – editor in chief of the magazine Property View and presenter and editor of real estate and economics at the BTV – said that developers should keep investing intelligently in the housing sector.He suggests that intelligent investment means developers should divert their development capital to meet the customers’ needs by targeting affordability for the middle-class and lower middle-class families. After all, these lower income brackets are where the majority of the Cambodian population are currently classed.In practice, some developers are also using some new strategies in the market to counter the sudden decline and appeal to the lower end of the market. Buying Boreys usually required customers to deposit in advance, but the new strategy used by many developers to stimulate sales allows the customer to pay monthly installments - even after the construction is complete - in order for them to buy their desired house.He says this is good for investors and also makes it easier for buyers because they do not need an initial deposit anymore. However, Leangkong warns that "long-term payment from 10 to 20 years means customers have to spend more money than pay cash one time. So, customers need to consider what options would suit their desired outcome seriously.”A report of the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction show that citizens need around 10,000 residential units per year. This was from data gathered where 2014 was met with an insufficient supply and in 2015, there was almost enough units to meet the demand. In 2016, however, the supply seemed to have met the market demand for the year.Leangkong explains that in 2016, the high-medium and high-class citizens have already bought residential homes. Thus, the housing market for these people is already enough. As a result, a number of projects were brought to a halt and the construction sector started slowing down.Leangkong continues that investors will find success in affordable housing for the middle-class and lower middle class as there are more people in these classes and because it will be addressing a visual demand. The bestselling homes still range from $30,000 to $50,000.And according to a Ministry of Finance and Economy report, real estate development shifted from both middle-high and high standard of living to middle and lower middle class to meet with most people's needs. For example, Okhna Sear Rithy’s project is underway to develop an affordable housing project near Phnom Penh.In conclusion, Leangkong urged all the developers to consider selling affordable properties to people to help reduce a social dilemma, to strengthen the economy, and to help the whole country progress towards civilization and modernization.Read another great editorial article: Are Cambodia lifestyle preferences changing?

Infrastructural projects like railway completions, airport expansions, and road widening have been fast-tracking growth in Cambodia. As a result, the tourism sector is experiencing a sudden surge.  According to the Ministry of Tourism, around 2.7 million international visitors traveled to Cambodia. Leading the herd of visitors are the neighboring Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, and South Koreans.  So, this is being utilized as a resource towards a better tourism strategy.Anticipation Builds:Though declining to communicate project cost and timeline, Chinese-owned development company Tianjin Union Development Group (UDG) announced last week that a plan to construct a coastal airport has already been finalized and that “a geological survey and initial design work has been concluded for this high-grade international airport.” This is according to a representative from UDG. The representative adds, “The construction is ready to go.”The Union Development Group signed a 99-year lease with the government and has been developing projects in its 45,000-hectare of land concession in the districts of Kiri Sakor and Botum Sakor since 2008. Along with this is the government’s commitment to deny any application to construct new airports in the area, making UDG’s development the main airport of the province.The Bigger Picture:Most of the arrivals into Cambodia go through Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, accounting to around 90 percent of visitor arrivals. In comparison, coastal areas only received 8.8 percent of visitors who mostly arrive either by sea or by land. The developers are hopeful that this move will bring that number up. This airport will be a part of a bigger plan that includes the Dara Sakor Seashore Resort and a free trade zone with ports. And much like the expansion project of the Sihanoukville airport, the construction of the new airport in Koh Kong is expected to address any possible congestion.The airport development will be a part of the UDG’s $3.8 billion dollar plan to turn Koh Kong province into one of Cambodia’s main tourist destinations. Once completed, this airport is expected to bring in planes as big as an Airbus 380 and around 10 million travelers.So, will the construction of the Koh Kong airport allow the province to soar high or struggle to fly? We just have to wait for more details about the project to see.Find out new development in Cambodia on Realestate.com.kh

One of the biggest complaints you’ll hear from home and business owners in Cambodia is the high utility bills – particularly, the electric bill.According to the ADB, around late ‘60s and early ‘70s, the power sector started to deteriorate. Attempts at reviving supply ushered in the engagement of  private power producers in the early ‘90s through heavy usage of fuel and diesel. Around 2005, the government started the construction of sub-transmission lines that import electricity from nearby countries.And although Cambodia has locally produced the majority of the supply last year, it still imported 135.5 megawatts from Thailand, 4 megawatts from Laos, and around 277 megawatts from Vietnam. This import process then causes an increase in charges and sets an average Cambodian back $0.25 per kilowatt.Going GreenThe government has been proactive in addressing the issue on power supply and generation throughout the years. And this transcends just constructing eco-friendly buildings. In a recent statement by the tourism department, there are plans to create a garbage-fueled plant and a solar plant which will cost $167 million and $89 million, respectively. The two plants will be situated in Phnom Penh which is expected to generate 30 megawatts and Siem Reap which will generate 55 megawattsThis will be made possible through the ministry’s partnership with French green energy firm Quadran International and Chinese waste incinerator specialty company Shanghai SUS Environment.More Than Power:Other than generating power for Cambodian citizens, the Tourism Ministry sees this as an opportunity to attract even more foreign visitors.Minister of Tourism, Mr. Thong Khon, says, “The policy of green development in Cambodia is transforming the country as a tourist destination, making it green and clean to attract overseas visitors. We hope Phnom Penh will be in the running for Asean’s clean tourist city in 2018.”Not only is it good for tourism, but it will also be good for waste management as this will be one of the primary sources of energy.Will this plan pan out or will the lights dim on these innovative projects? If enough effort is given to making this happen, then there may just be enough spark to make it happen.Find out more about recent infrastructure developments in Cambodia!

For almost two decades, the real estate sector had flourished in Cambodia. For instance, many tall buildings have grown like mushrooms in the City of Phnom Penh. Land prices had also risen robustly. Some areas have doubled, tripled, and even quadrupled in terms of land prices too.Are you planning to invest in land for sale? How much money do you have? Where and what should you buy?The third issue of Property View Magazine from the CVEA has brought professional knowledge from experts as basis to consider and analyze profitable areas for investment and development.What is the purpose of buying land?Do you intend to buy land for quick profit through resale or do you intend to buy it for development? Kim Heang, the president of CVEA explains that if you want to buy land for a condominium project, office building, or hotel, it’s best to buy land within the Chamkarmorn area.If you’re planning to buy land to sell for future profit, you should buy in Toul Kork and New Phnom Penh. However, if you decide to buy land that are 7 to 10 kilometers away from the city, you have to wait at least 7 years to get profit. If the distance is about 30 kilometers away from the city, you can make a profit in around 10 years.Buying land for investment, good or not good?Kim Heang says now is the great time to invest in land if you already have a significant amount of money and don’t know where to invest. But he warns, it’s not advisable to invest using a loan from the bank. Experts have given a firm "no". Some may think that bank loans are just 8 percent a year and land prices rise up to 20 percent a year which makes it is possible to borrow from the bank to buy. But it's confusing because you cannot immediately sell that land. It takes time, and you may be stuck with it for two or three years.Which areas have the potential to make the fastest profit?Areas with the fastest potential for investment returns on land for sale is in Khan Sen Sok, Khan Por Senchey, and particularly in the Toul Kork and New Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh Thmey) area. Land prices in these areas are expected to double in the next two to three years.Which Provinces are the hottest area to buy land right now?Experts say that it’s best to buy land in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville because other than these two provinces, there are no other areas that have higher potential in this sector. Between these two provinces though, Sihanoukville has higher potential than Siem Reap. But if you’re purchasing land in the province for a good return on profit, it’s best to wait around 10 years.Land Investment is not always a good choice Investing in land for sale is not always a good option, because there are far better and faster investment options in other industries than in the construction and real estate sector.Kim Heang said that if you’re already 50 years old or are almost at the age of retirement, you shouldn’t invest in land any more. Instead of that, you should buy a condo unit. If you’re going to buy land, buy it to build houses to rent out. You can also purchase an apartment for rental that can be paid immediately. Conversely, if you are aged between 30 and 40 years old, you should invest in land because it can be highly profitable.How much money do you have?How much money do you have? How is your life situation? Since decision in this condition is very important before investment for land for sale in this sector.Kim Heang mentions that no matter where you invest, you should also have specific conditions in terms of capital, job conditions, life conditions, etc. He said, if you’re a newly married couple and have around $10,000, the first priority to buy a house for accommodation. If you already own a house but still have a bit of money, you can opt to buy a condominium unit because it’s the new trend for the younger generation.This story was featured in the September 2016 edition of PROPERTY VIEW magazine, produced by the CVEA.Realestate.com.kh is very proud to support the CVEA’s Property View publication. For more information about joining the Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association (CVEA) please click here. And, if you are interested in advertising placement or advertorial in the next edition of Property View Magazine, please contact Mr. Virith via email: virith007@yahoo.com Or call: 078 959 567  or 098 66 26 68 Check out available land for sale on Realestate.com.kh now!

Moving away from its undeveloped past, these days Toul Kork has become a popular suburban area filled with a variety of villas that people can either rent or own, apartments and office complexes.Offering land prices significantly lower than hot inner city districts such as Chamkarmon and Daun Penh, families have the chance for a larger living area when they move to Toul Kork. The outskirts of Toul Kork are key industrial areas of the city, and many residents in the area work nearby. Toul Kork in 2016 is seeing a huge rise in establishments such as restaurants, clinics, and private schools, and an increasingly eclectic mix of Traditional Khmer families and expatriates.How’s the property market?LAND MARKET:According to a report released by V Trust Appraisal, there was a slight increase in land prices in the area from 2013 to early 2016 which moved average rates from $2,150 to $2,530 per square meter. Prime commercial streets have also been reported to reach up to $5,750 per square meter in central Toul Kork. The lowest land price average comes from the Boeung Kak Ti Muoy Sangkat, at $1,820 per square meter. The highest land price average comes from the Phsar Depou Ti Bei Sangkat, at $3,630. According to V Trust, “Over the last preceding decade, Northern fringes of Tuol Kouk district was the first main destination for residential relocation because of its available large portions of vacant land and a neighborhood of the central parts of the capital. “V Trust also notes that many of the locations in the Toul Kork District now appear to have reached their market price caps. Hoem Seiha, the company’s director of research, says “The market started to show sign of slowing down since the fourth quarter of 2015. The whole year (2016) is foreseen to be a bit sluggish.”RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES:Depending on your preference and needs, you may opt to rent a condominium in Toul Kork. You can get a furnished one-bedroom condo unit to rent for $180 a month up to a four-bedroom fully-furnished lower-end unit for $2,000 a month near TK Avenue. Prime Units in Boeung Kak 1 have three bedroom units, for around $2,100 per month.Serviced apartments are also widely available, starting from $350 upwards to around $4,000 per month, depending on the area, services and amenities.For a villa, the rental prices range anywhere from $550 upwards, depending on quality, rooms and amenities such as swimming pools.  Villa’s are much more freely available for rent and sale in Toul Kork, as compared to prime inner city districts where the availability of villas is now very low, and also much more expensive than those in Toul Kork.An increasing number of borey developments are also popping up around Toul Kork, proving very popular with local buyers seeking shop houses and villas with sound infrastructure and a safe, neighbourhood environment.OFFICE SPACES AND BUSINESS CENTERS:There are a number of office spaces for rent in Toul Kork. Rental fees of these offices start as low as $4.50 per square meter per month.  You can also rent out a decent multi-level building for around $8,000 a month.Other than renting office spaces, entrepreneurs, small businesses and startups may want to check out the SmallWorld Business Center, a unique business center that provides the necessary facilities, amenities, guidance, community support, and provision for budding businesses. They mostly cater to the younger generation, but all entrepreneurs are welcome to both seek assistance and contribute here. It has a set of foreign and local entrepreneurs in its roster.NEW DEVELOPMENTS:The new Appenines Condominium by KHSI Investment PTE LTD will reach completion around early 2018 or late 2017. It will rise to be 17 storeys tall, and will include units that will range from one bedroom to three bedrooms. It will also have shared condo facilities such as a gym, car parks, and a pool.Conveniently positioned in front of the Royal University of Phnom Penh – TK Royal One is a luxury residential and office complex on Russian Boulevard, very close to Toul Kork. This property provides residents with sweeping views of parklands and the greater Phnom Penh City.Lifestyle facilities include the fitness center,swimming pool, community lounge and roof garden. TK Royal One is close to the Prime Minister’s Office, major banks, shopping malls and the three overpasses along the Russian Boulevard to ensure the smooth traffic between Phnom Penh International Airport and downtown.Toul Kork Lifestyle:What schools are in the Toul Kork area?There is no shortage of schools in Toul Kork. The educational institutions in the area which cater to the needs of students from kindergarten all the way to college. This area is perfect for those who need to live nearby key educational institutions.There are a mix of local and international schools in the area such as the Footprints International School, Learning Jungle School, Hope International School, Western International School, Western University, Stamford International Academy, Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia, the Institute of Technology of Cambodia, and the Royal University of Phnom Penh.Most of these schools also have international accreditation from organizations like the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the Cambridge International Examination Centre, and the International Baccalaureate.How do I move around the city?There are a few familiar modes of transport that people may be familiar with such as the taxi, tuk tuks and the occasional public bus.Motodops are motorbike taxis that serve as a source of income for locals. Tuk tuks and motodops may be the most convenient and fastest way to get around if you don’t have a vehicle of your own, but bus routes in Phnom Penh also pass through Toul Kork. Bus stations in the area include the Daem Kor Market bus station and the Kampot Express Limousine Bus terminal. How is Infrastructure in Toul Kork improving?There are already two major roads – Mao Tse Toung Boulevard and Russian Confederation Boulevard – that connect Toul Kork to different districts around Phnom Penh, making neighbouring Khans and Sangkats accessible, and also offering Toul Kork residents a quick drive to the Phnom Penh International Airport.The Russian Boulevard overpass connecting Toul Kork to the rest of the city has recently undergone a massive improvement, and already traffic congestion at these key crossroads points have decreased significantly. Roads such as Hanoi Street have also seen drastic improvements over the last year. The ongoing development of Boeung Kak lake will also greatly ease pressure on Toul Kork infrastructure moving forward.What if I get sick? Are there Toul Kork Medical Centers?There is no shortage of medical facilities in the area. Toul Kork has the Cambodian Red Cross, National Pediatric Hospital, Khema Clinic & Maternity Hospital, Toul Kork Clinic & Maternity, Biomed Phnom Penh Laboratory, and the National Institute of Public Health. It’s also the location for Cambodia’s Ministry of Health.For your dental needs, you can pay a visit to the Dental Clinic Le Sourire that’s located at the Russian Confederation Boulevard or the American Dental Clinic at Street 289.Is the Toul Kork area prone to natural disasters?When the government and private sector developed Boeung Kak Lake, pumps were installed to transfer water to the surrounding rivers, as the lake previously helped regulate floods in the area. But since the lake’s development, flooding became an issue in surrounding areas such as Toul Kork and Daun Penh. But not all locations here are easily flooded. This “no flood” attribute has been a selling point for some of the properties that are listed online. So if you are looking at ground floor properties in Toul Kork, it is best to check with your agent and previous owners/tenants as to whether or not your future house, and the street you live in, is a flood free area. If it’s not, you may get a surprise next rainy season!What’s the nightlife like in Toul Kork?Though known to be a quiet area, Toul Kork has plenty of places to wind down after a hard day’s work. If you want to go out for some fun, karaoke, food, and good company, you can go to the numerous KTV bars and restaurants located here. You can choose between the Romantic KTV, M2 Restaurant & KTV, Moonlight Restaurant & KTV, and many others. If you’re looking for dance parties and loud music, there’s also the Egypt Nightclub on St. 112 in Boeung Kok II. It has a wide dance floor, good local songs playing, food, and drinks. It’s open from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am. Are there any places to shop and eat in Toul Kork?There are a number of shopping malls and facilities in the area such as Hin Sokha, but most of the people are drawn to the open air shopping experience of TK Avenue.For those seeking international cuisine and want to do some shopping, or catch a movie in the cinema, your best bet is TK Avenue. A trendy shopping and eating plaza, famous among local culture vultures and expats, TK Avenue has french, korean, japanese and american food on offer, and a whole lot more. You can also catch the latest blockbuster movies here on the big screen. The plaza has its own supermarket too, if you need to pick up your groceries while you are there.Find several retail, electronic, and F&B businesses like Dairy Queen, Chatime, Browns coffee, Breadtalk, Penshoppe, Romanson, Pedro, Chateau De Sable, Lily, Sony, OSIM, and Esprit.If you’re searching for a wider selection of food, drinks, and produce though, you may also want to check out the Thai Huot Market, just a drive away from TK Avenue. It was built to serve the needs of both locals and expatriates by providing local and international products you would rarely find elsewhere. But there are also other markets in the area such as the Daem Kor Market, the Neak Meas Market, and the Phsar Plaecher.There are also many restaurants around Toul Kork, but one of the favorites in the area is a branch of the Sonivid Fresh Seafood Restaurant that serves a hefty serving of seafood in asian style. But if this does not satisfy you, you can also go to Burger King, Ratana Srey Mao, Metro Azura, The Blue Pumpkin, J8 Korean Grill & Casual Dining, or the Red Wine House to satisfy your cravings.Toul Kork will also be the location for the Aeon Mall 2 which will stand with four floors and a total area of 151,000 square meters that aims to serve the growing number of tourists and middle-class citizens. The Aeon Mall 2 is expected to be completed by May of 2018.Where are the Gyms, Fitness and Wellness Centers in Toul Kork?For the fitness buff, a couple of gyms are scattered within the area such as the Core Fitness Center along Russian Confederation Boulevard and SeaStone Fitness Center along Street 219.But if you’re looking to get some action through actual sports, there are a couple of sports centers in Toul Kork as well where you can play Soccer, Badminton, and other activities as well. The list includes the Akira Sport Club, Tuol Kork Sport Club, Premium Sport Club, and the Ramar Football club.If you get exhausted after that, spas like the TK Steam Sauna Massage Spa and New Men City Hotel & Spa await you to help you relax and unwind.What Costs of living should I expect in Toul Kork?In a recent Numbeo survey, it was shown that one way transport tickets may cost you an average of $2 and a monthly pass might cost you $29.69. Taxis, meanwhile, start at $1 for short trips in the city. If you have your own vehicle though, gasoline prices in Phnom Penh are expected to be around $0.93 per liter.Depending on your usage, utilities may vary. But the basic utilities such as waste disposal, water, and electricity are at an average of $84.12 per month for a one room apartment, and the internet is approximately $34 for 10mbps of unlimited data. A minute of call on your prepaid phone sets you back just about $0.06.For the food, milk is priced $2.36 per liter; a dozen eggs costs around $1.55; rice is $1.03 per kilogram; a loaf of white bread is at $1.33; and water is $0.77 per 1.5 liters. Meals prices also vary. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs an average of $2.75 per person. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around $16. Learn more about life and real estate in Phnom Penh!

Cambodia isn’t really known for its healthcare system, which is why Cambodians choose to travel to another country to receive treatment. This is how the term “health tourism” was coined.But the government has taken it upon themselves to build trust in local doctors and healthcare.This is assisting the Kingdom in raising its profile as a retirement investor destination. As the level of healthcare rises, more and more retirees will look to Cambodia - the nation already has favorable climate for the elderly, a low cost of living, and many other enticing features. Yet, for Cambodia to become a respected retirement destination, the level of healthcare must continue to rise.Addressing the need:As part of their initiative to lessen health tourists going to nearby countries like Thailand for medical care, the Government of Cambodia has allowed foreign private investments over the years to build quality healthcare developments.One of these private investments include the Sunrise Japan Hospital. This state-of-the-art 50-bed hospital is set to do their first consultations on the 17th of October, where it will officially join the ranks of Phnom Penh’s top hospitals, like the Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, Sen Sok International University Hospital, and the Embassy Medical Center.Although there is no guarantee that this facility will also be able to cater to lower-income citizens, fees will still be relatively lower than what Singapore and Thailand doctors and hospitals charge. If that’s not enough though, a charity fund is also in the works to assist less fortunate patients in receiving quality healthcare.  Bridging the gap:Sunrise Japan Hospital’s clinical director Dr. Yoshifumi Hayashi says, “Here, maybe without me, some cases can’t be solved.” This is something that the hospital wants to improve on. Already sending 80 of its non-Japanese staff to Japan for training, Dr. Hayashi hopes that students from the university and doctors from different hospitals can also utilize the premises to facilitate learning.On top of new learning opportunities though, Prime Minister Hun Sen also mentions that new developments like the Sunrise Japan Hospital will usher in not only an advantage for the citizens. He explains, “Having a hospital with such high standards isn’t just beneficial for the Cambodian population. It builds trust among investors and tourists with money who come from far away,” offering relief for both the healthcare sector and Cambodia’s economy. Read more about expat life in Cambodia!

Phnom Penh has undergone surprising changes in the last decade. Commercial buildings and skyscrapers have been and are being built, turning this once haunting ghost city to one of the newest civilized and modern cities in the world.But the changes aren’t quite done yet. A 78-storey commercial building will rise from the ashes for the first time in Phnom Penh where construction will begin in early 2017. This will add to the estimated 600 existing tall buildings – living up to the Asian Development Bank’s designation of Cambodia as "Asia’s New Tiger Economy.”A staff of the Yung Chung Company who does not wish to be named said that “the building design has been completed, and the construction is scheduled to begin in early 2017. The development will reach total completion by 2021, but its showroom will be launched in November this year.” He added that “this building will be a mixed-use development and will include shopping malls, condominiums, hotels, as well as a swimming pool and a rotated restaurant on the 78th floor.”He continues, “The detailed plans of using this building was completed, but details are still confidential at the moment. This project has already been approved by the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction.”Seng Lot, the spokesman for the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction confirms, “The ministry has already agreed to provide a license for Yung Chung Real Estate to construct a building of 78 floors.”Ann Sothida, director of CBRE Cambodia, said that as far as she’s gathered, this mixed-use business center will be built in the future. But the market is not doing good, and that could cause a delay in the construction of the project. She added that with the company’s innovative approach of the building though, this project should not have any problems in the Cambodian market once it is completed. According to her, the project will be located behind “The Bridge” building, which is near Diamond Island (Koh Pich). However, she did not show the feature details of the plan.President of CVEA, Kim Heang, said that “Investors of the skyscraper project will be through a developer from China. The project will also  occupy a total area of 4,500 square meters and will cost lower than $20 million.” He adds that “if the project owner has enough money to complete this huge building project, it will not be a problem for this market.”Once completed, it will become the 2nd tallest building in Phnom Penh, next to the 133 floor Thai Boon Roong twin trade center which is 500 meters high.Dr. Van Vat, Planning Specialist, explains that Cambodia already has a regulation to limit tall buildings. So, if our law enforcement is good, it will not only protect the heritage in the city, but it will maintain the beautiful sceneries and will minimize the environmental impact as well. He continues to say that normally the construction of  such a high building requires the company to have studied all the technical standards, and the specialist from the ministry has to inspect and go over the construction standards to make sure that the company’s complying with the request or not.He adds that "Having these tall commercial buildings, it is a national pride because it is not only improving the economy, but it also provides employment and income for the people as well."Check out the hottest new development homes and offices!This story was featured in the September 2016 print edition of PROPERTY VIEW magazine, produced by the CVEA.Realestate.com.kh is very proud to support the CVEA’s Property View publication. For more information about joining the Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association (CVEA) please click here. And, if you are interested in advertising placement or advertorial in the next edition of Property View Magazine, please contact Mr. Virith via email: virith007@yahoo.com Or call: 078 959 567  or 098 66 26 68

In an effort to manage the demand for properties, the Singapore government went to great lengths starting in 2009 to curb the real estate market's growth, fearing too-faster growth may cause issues in the long term. This is what they called cooling measures.Given the current market climate in Cambodia as of 2016, this Singaporean story offers various points worthy of reflection by local market stakeholders and policy makers. During this time, policies like the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR), Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), and Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD) were implemented to keep property prices at bay. And while this was presented as an opportunity for homeowners and buyers, developers and investors took a great hit when house prices started to plunge. Bloomberg says that this property curb initiative dragged house prices down by almost a tenth. But is that enough to encourage the authorities to backpedal and ease some curbs in Singapore now? For the People: The TDSR framework has assisted and relieved homeowners throughout the years, but everyone took a deep breath as the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced last week that it had fine-tuned the rules of the TDSR refinancing. The Managing Director of Singapore’s Central Bank, Ravi Menon, clarifies that this is not meant to make a demand for housing loans. Instead, the goal of the MAS is to ease the debt burden of homeowners.He explains, "This doesn't represent an easing at all. If you look for a prop up to the market, this is not going to help as it doesn't apply to new loans. This is to improve financial prudence without creating new demand for housing loans. We won't ease anytime soon."Proper Pacing: In March this year, Singaporean Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat said that easing the curbs might be premature.But Executive Chairman of City Developments Ltd., Mr. Kwek Leng Beng, says “I think they will do something this year, that’s my speculation, as there are a lot of mid- and low-end homes coming up. I suspect it will be the abolishing of the buyer’s stamp duties.”And while this has stirred negative reactions from investors who wish to enter the market, some still believe that there is a potential to accommodate both ends.The Real Estate Developers Association of Singapore President, Augustine Tan, calls for a reform and re-evaluation as he explains that the government still needs to tweak its cooling measures to avoid crashing and burning. If not, Trading Economics projects a gradual decrease of new home sales from 1,091 during the 2nd quarter of 2016 to only 400 in 2020.Temperatures rise and they also fall. And as climates begin to change, we are yet to see what the next season will hold for Singapore.Looking Outside of Singapore:Since the implementation of these policies, developers and investors have taken a keen interest in surrounding countries such as Cambodia where yields are much higher – a value of 5.33 percent compared to Singapore’s 2.54 percent, according to Global Property Guide. And although there is increasingly stricter enforcement of existing laws such as taxation, the market climate in Cambodia still huge freedom for investors compared to more developed markets.Some classic examples of this are the Oxley Holdings Group and the HLH Group, both Singaporean based companies that have entered the Cambodian real estate and development market in force over the last half-decade.Yet, not only developers are pointing their capital towards Cambodia; individual property investors are increasing purchasing investment properties in the Kingdom as a means to escape the low-rewards of the Singaporean domestic investment market.While there is some potential for an oversupply in the Cambodian foreign investment properties market in coming years as developers flock to capitalise on the property boom; still, with the correct guidance, the market appears robust in the longer term and still highly competitive against the cooling Singaporean property market climate given the continued regulation.Ross Wheble, Knight Frank’s country manager, says “the Cambodian economy has recorded impressive growth over the past decade and, with the implementation of prudent macroeconomic policies, this is forecast to continue over the coming years.”Learn more about the state of the Cambodian market from a regional perspective with CBRE Vietnam  and CBRE Cambodia managing director, Marc Townsend

The Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association held its 3rd quarter general members assembly last September 13, 2016 at the Cambodiana Hotel. Members of the association gathered to discuss the different challenges they’re facing and to share their knowledge ofthe real estate sector in the country.In the forum, they also presented about the study tour held in South Korea late last August, entitled “Incheon International Realtor Conference and Expo 2016” (IIRCE) which talked about the “Advantages and the real estate industry of Cambodia today”Kim Heang , president of the Cambodia Valuers and Estate Agents Association, said that after the workshop was completed in Korea, CVEA was also invited to participate in workshops that will be organized by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) for the month of November 2016. The NAR has more than 1.5 million members."As we are members of this association and are colleagues, I spoke as if we’re friends. But we are also competitors. We should expand knowledge more here, we need to provide education and skills for our staffs and stakeholders who are involved with the real estate industry in order to make it stronger in the country. Traveling abroad does not provide answers to anything. We must look at ourselves first in order to progress and reach that stage,“ said Alex Evengroen, CEO of real estate firm KEY Real Estate Co., Ltd.When asked about what else was discussed in the meeting, Director and founder of KEY Real Estate Co., Ltd. Sorn Seap said, "We have taken important topics that will explore the typical challenges and business experience in real estate as a whole, particularly regarding professional ethics and the transparency of competition in the real estate sector. These are important in order to help the real estate industry grow. In addition, we also discuss about election the next president of CVEA.”He adds, “The CVEA also plans to invite a professor from the University of Technology Malaysia (UTM) to teach in Cambodia for 3 weeks, training participants to have the best interests of the real estate industry. Knowledge from the course can effectively be employed in the development of the real estate industry, to strengthen professionalism in providing property evaluation services to a wider network in the country.”Please find out more about real estate news on Realestate.com.kh

Imperial Crown is strategically located in the most-desired residential location available in Phnom Penh, namely street 360, BKK 1, Khan Chamkarmon.Since as early as the 1980s, NGOs, diplomats and expats have viewed BKK1 as the safest and most valuable residential area in Cambodia. Today this label remains; BKK is home to the majority of embassies, expatriate residents, upmarket and international style restaurants, cafes and nightlife. The elite of Phnom Penh is and will continue to center itself around this prestigious district; and current land prices as high as $6000-$8000 per square meter are a testament to this demand.see the full listing for Imperial Crown condominium and find out more!Imperial Crown has by far the highest standard of interior decoration out of any project currently underway in Phnom Penh. 15th-16th century Baroque interior design has been maintained throughout Imperial Crown condo units with impeccable attention to detail and high quality materials, finishes and fixtures. Every unit’s entrance door is imported and handmade in Italy and Taiwan from carbon fiber steel, and it is totally thief, fire and sound proof, available in a series of unique, artistic designs. Each unit includes classic Baroque style furniture handmade from 50 year old mahogany, all of which is hand painted with real silver.Swiss and German ceramics and faucets are standard throughout: Kitchenware is imported from Germany with the brand of Bauformat; and full oven, dishwasher, induction heating cooker, and high quality cabinetry is standard throughout. Sanitary equipment is imported from Switzerland with the brand of Teka, Laufen and Steinberg. Each house unit comes with Rinnai water heater, and air conditionings.And absolutely all furnishings are included in the completed units, as shown in the BKK1 showroom and Sales and Purchase Agreement.In other projects in prime districts such as BKK, developers are generally sacrificing parking space in order to maximise profits on residential units. However, given the current shortage of parking facilities in this area, the Imperial Crown developer has ensured their residents will have ample car parking space. A total of six floors of car parking is reserved for residents, with a total of 144 parking spaces. Meanwhile, Imperial Crown residents will not need to wait on elevators; the project will include four high speed elevators, each able to travel at three meters per second.While some developers in Phnom Penh are retaining rights of ownership over the common areas of the finished condominium, Imperial Crown unit owners will automatically own a share of the common area when they receive their strata titles, totalling 25.8% of the total property - and the developer retains no ownership of this area to ensure that no conflict of interest arises. Once the project is complete and occupied, the management and maintenance fees for the common areas will be paid directly to a third party. Once the third party property management company receives this money, it will be kept in a cash pool to maintain or repair the common areas when need be.The development is now underway with the guidance of renowned construction company, RockStone from Taiwan, along with Beijing Urban Construction - renowned for famous projects such as the Beijing National Stadium “Bird’s Nest”. This is their first project of many in Phnom Penh, all of which will soon become landmarks of the city.The Imperial Crown project will include the highest grade of structural engineering elements, including 53 counts of all casing concrete pile drilled straight into the bedrock, with the use of reinforced concrete for the basic building structure. The outside wall, from the ground floor to the fourth floor, will be constructed from marble; and from the fifth floor upwards, colored sand stone coating will be used. This stone coating is waterproof and blocks incoming heat from the sun. Painting on the exterior wall will generally deteriorate in around three years, while sandstone used in Imperial Crown lasts more than 20 years without maintenance.Available units at Imperial Crown include two bedroom condos with one smaller office room integrated into the design. However, on the buyer's request, these units can be modified into three bedrooms. There is a total of of just 161 units, with 6 units on each floor.  Prices range from $500K to $700K, and uniquely this net price includes all the interior electronics, fixtures and furnishings. Loan financing is available for buyers and the project has already sold around 55% of units. Guaranteed Rental Returns are guaranteed at 6% per year, for the 3 years, totalling 18% yields. see the full listing for Imperial Crown condominium and find out more!

Just a decade ago, the Camko City was merely a lake area of Phnom Penh, Boeng Pong Peay. At that time, it was considered as the Northern end of Toul Kork, which has been traditionally a wealthy residential area. However, so far, the scene has dramatically changed, transforming into Northern center of the capital.Since the first satellite city planning was approved by the government in 2005, World City Co., Ltd., the developer of CamKo City introduced a global standard of residential, commercial, and business complex for the first time in the property market. The development has been slowed down due to external turmoil such as global economic recession, financial crunch and partners’ financial difficulties. However, we now witness that the area has strongly settled down as one of sought-after places.Some of the luxury villas in R2 Secret Garden project are being completed one by one, and ready for move-in.These finest properties will add more value to the existing residential area.Furthermore, commercial activities are becoming livelier. The shops along the Angkor Boulevard, a 30-meter wide road at the center of CamKo City, are recently occupied by more business owners, and they seem to enjoy prosperity with the increased number of residents and visitors.World City Co., Ltd. has resumed suspended condominium projects, and now is rigorously preparing to launch new upcoming projects.Regarding to the new projects, Mr. LEE SeungHyung, Senior Vice President of CamKo City mentioned, “Now, our follow-up projects are under careful planning and preparation. The market, in particular investment sentiment and demand trend, has changed. Our next projects will be responsive to this diversified demand.”“As population continues to increase in this region, there is a strong need for large scaled commercial, business facilities and amenities. Accordingly, an attractive commercial complex and high-street area is under planning for the C10 plot between R1 condominium and R2 Secret Garden villas. Also, in the M6 plot just north of R1 condominium, a mixed development of medical center, office spaces, serviced residence and retail is already planned. These new projects will begin one by one in an appropriate manner,” added by Mr. LEE.Lastly, the contribution to National Housing Policy is one of the biggest interest of the developer as well. Increase in housing demand and lack of affordable housing supply are raising significant social concerns. It is said that, reflecting the demand, a mid-ranged residential complex is already prepared in CamKo City and waiting for the launch.Also in the surrounding area of CamKo City, within Sen Sok and Russey Keo, noticeable developments have got into full swing. To the West of CamKo City, the second AEON Mall recently commenced the construction with the completion expected in 2018. At the North end of CamKo City, a renowned Australian International School Phnom Penh (AISPP) is about to complete the construction. In addition, large number of various high-profile residential projects are already completed and on process nearby.With all these developments both within CamKo City and the surrounding area, and along with Phnom Penh’s expansion,we expect to witness and enjoy the area’s further transformation into the global-standard satellite city, as initially sculpted by CamKo City.View the latest new developments on Realestate.com.kh!This story was featured in the September 2016 print edition of PROPERTY VIEW magazine, produced by the CVEA. Realestate.com.kh is very proud to support the CVEA’s Property View publication. For more information about joining the Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association (CVEA) please click here. And, if you are interested in advertising placement or advertorial in the next edition of Property View Magazine, please contact Mr. Virith via email: virith007@yahoo.com Or call: 078 959 567  or 098 66 26 68