Phnom Penh's renowned Alley Cat Cafe is now for sale - a successful and profitable Mexican and Burger restaurant now in its 11th year of operation. Not only has the Alley Cat become renowned for its decadent tex mex cuisine, it has also become an institution for musicians and entertainers. In a town where entertainment venues come and go like the seasons, the Alley Cat Cafe has stood the test of time - and the flocks of guests - expats, tourists and locals alike - that still come to the lively eatery every week for food, drink and music is a testament to this.  The long-time owners of the Alley Cat have decided it is time to take on new challenges, and with reluctance put the Alley Cat on the market. This however presents a great opportunity for those passionate about F&B to own an established and profitable business that is well known on the Phnom Penh food and music scenes, offline and online! The restaurant occupies 130m2, and there is a further 74m2 of living and office space, and 30m2 roof space, with the possibility to create a hostel with the upper floors, all for an extremely attractive monthly rental, with a lease guaranteed until 2020. Located in a small and intimate side street in central Phnom Penh, very near to the royal palace, this business for sale in Phnom Penh enjoys plentiful traffic from 2 large boutique hotels situated next door. This is in additional clientele to the large expat following of customers that has already been developed by the owners since beginning in 2005. Tourists also visit the bar and resteraunt direct from other locations around Phnom Penh based purely on Alley Cat's great online reputation and online & offline marketing initiatives. The business has well established online marketing and SEO with various social media channels, a website that ranks page 1 on Google when searching Tex Mex Phnom Penh, and also ranks very well on Tripadvisor, with 2 certificate of excellence awards, and prominence on various other review sites. Daily promotions bring customers on all nights of the week with big draws being Rib Night on Tuesday, and live music twice a week on Friday and Sunday. A solid delivery customer base also provides additional revenue. The business for sale in Phnom Penh comes inclusive of everything you need to start making money immediately. Transfer of title will also come with a transfer of all the professional equipment needed to run the venue, full inventory available (valued at $13,000). On top of this, additional resources will be supplied, including recipes, cleaning schedules, training materials and ordering and accounting sheets. In short, this is a profitable business for sale in Phom Penh and detailed accounts are available for the past four years for serious viewers. Those who are serious about launching an F&B enterprise in Phnom Penh should check out this great property as soon as possible! Check out the full listing for this business for sale in Phnom Penh today!

Are you looking to invest in real estate but unsure where to start? You might come across terms like off-plan property or new developments without understanding the meaning behind them. In this article, Realestate.com.kh will walk you through everything you need to know about off-plan property investments, their advantages and risks, and where to find reliable projects in 2025.What is an off-plan property?An off-plan property refers to real estate that is sold before construction has begun, or while construction is still in progress. The concept of off-plan property is based on the idea that buyers can secure a property at a lower price than if they were to wait until it is completed. You sign a contract indicating a purchase price for the land and a house to be built from a specific set of architectural plans.Developers offer discounts and incentives to early buyers to secure funding for construction.These incentives often include flexible payment plans, guaranteed rental returns, and customization options. This type of purchase is particularly popular among investors looking for capital appreciation and homebuyers seeking affordable entry points into the real estate market.Benefits of an off-plan propertyThe key advantage of the off-plan property is that buyers have the opportunity to customize their property to their liking. This can include selecting finishes, fixtures, and appliances, and making changes to the layout and design of the property. Another benefit of the off-plan property is that buyers can benefit from potential capital appreciation. As the property is being built, its value may increase, providing the buyer with an opportunity to make a profit if they choose to sell before completion. This is particularly true in areas where property prices are rising rapidly, such as in emerging markets and in areas where there is high demand for new housing.Risks of an off-plan propertyDespite its many advantages, the off-plan property does come with some risks. For example, there is always the possibility that the development may be delayed or even cancelled, leaving buyers with a property that they cannot occupy or sell. Additionally, buyers may be required to make payments in instalments throughout the construction process, which can be a financial burden if they are unable to secure financing or if their circumstances change. It is preferable to have pre-agreements with the developer prior to signing your Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA), and legal advice. What does the process look like? This stage of development where buying-off plan deals get offered is called pre-launch. The developer is still in the process of confirming plans, obtaining permits, and performing an Environmental Impact Assessment. However, even at this early stage, they need money in order to move the project forward. Because buying at this point involves a long wait for the property to be completed and more risk than at a later stage, they typically offer incentives to early buyers. In addition to price breaks, they may offer guaranteed rental returns, financing options, opportunities to customize the early units and other perks.When the contract is signed, the buyer must make a deposit. The amount of the deposit may be 10-30% at this stage. Beyond that, the exact process differs from one country to another and even from one developer to another. This process involves a lot of flux. The plans may end up being changed, sometimes without the buyer's knowledge.The costs may end up going up for reasons that seem mysterious, especially if you are buying as a foreign national. Sometimes, the developer has at least one unit already completed as a showcase of their work. In such cases, they typically allow a walk-through so buyers can get a good feel for what to generally expect. It is wise to not expect your completed unit to be exactly like the showroom. How long before I can move in?You do need to be willing and able to wait a bit, but there is no hard and fast rule as to how long. Some developments get completed in as little as a year. Others can take up to four years. Your sales contract should spell out the expected date of completion, as well as details about what happens if that target date is missed. In some places, laws are in place that automatically require the builder to pay penalties even if the contract does not provide for them.Why you should get a lawyer Off-plan properties are more complicated than post-construction real estate deals. They involve more risk and more variables. Especially if you are a foreign national, there can be a great many laws and details that impact the sale and that you are unaware of. For starters, many countries have a cooling-off period. This means you have the legal right to change your mind after signing the contract and back out of the deal. The length of time you have to decide this can differ from place to place and how much it will cost you can also differ. The development may not actually be completed. Doing your own due diligence to see if the developer has a good track record and working with a lawyer are the best ways to protect yourself from this worst-case scenario.The finished unit may differ from the plans. Sometimes the difference is for a good reason, such as resolving a defect in the plan that the developer was unaware of at the time of signing. Sometimes it is due to human error or oversight. The contract may allow the developer to make limited, reasonable changes without your permission, but substantial changes without your permission are often prohibited.Talking to a lawyer about what is typical and customary in this jurisdiction can help you understand the scope of what to expect. Another tricky thing that should be discussed with your lawyer if offered to you is Guaranteed Rental Returns (GRR). In cases where the underwriting guarantee is merely a paper promise, they can be unreliable. A good lawyer can read through it and get an idea of whether this detail is something of real value or not. Read more about the best advice on GRR, from Realestate.com.kh here!A few additional practical details:If you are not very familiar with the real estate industry or are uncomfortable for any reason, it can help to look for a development with a pre-built show unit. This can give you a much better idea of the quality of their work.In real estate, valuation is determined by "comps" -- in other words, comparable properties that are as similar as possible to the one in question. However, when you buy off-plan, there are no comps to see. This can lead to inflated estimates of what people think the price will be, especially in areas with a reputation as a hot spot. In order to be as realistic as possible, check out the surrounding area with a critical eye. Find out as much as you can about the area and about other properties for sale. This is the only way to get a realistic idea of what you may be able to expect.In some cases, the real estate market depreciates between the time the contract is signed and the time the unit is finished. This can leave the buyer owing more than the unit is worth. This can be a problem if bank financing is needed. The unit may no longer qualify for a large enough mortgage to cover what is owed.It is critical to understand what your options are. A lawyer familiar with the laws, culture and customs of the location in question will make a big difference in how smoothly your buying experience goes. Therefore, it is usually best to find a local national specializing in real estate deals before you sign any contracts.If the goal is to invest in real estate with the expectation of generating rental income, it is important to keep in mind that buying off-plan can involve a substantial wait. If you cannot afford to wait two or more years, it is best to look elsewhere and invest in a completed property or a property close to completion.Before diving in, you can check out realestate.com.kh, which collaborates with licensed developers operating in the market to bring you reliable projects. Happy hunting for your dream investment property!

InternationalLiving.com's Annual Global Retirement Index has just named Cambodia as 1 of 3 top retirement destinations worldwide. The retirement index seeks to compare and contrast retirement destinations around the world - all of which are exhibiting relatively low costs of living by global standards.Retiring in weaker economies is becoming a global trend for expats from more expensive, developed economies, as the relative costs of living in cheaper retirement destinations guarantees a better quality of life for pensioners. In the past 10 years the Kingdom of Cambodia has become one of Southeast Asia’s most up-and-coming destinations for tourists and expats looking to enjoy the exotic charm of a country that also offers the most attractive cost of living in Asia. Cambodia has flexible visa requirements for citizens of Western countries who can obtain annual long-stay visas with a minimum of paperwork and a processing fee of just $285 per year. When you get there, everything from entertainment to renting is very affordable in Cambodia.Meanwhile, the Cambodian government looks set to make it even easier to retire in the Kingdom. The government has released plans to increase Cambodia’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign retirees, according to a draft policy obtained from the Ministry of Tourism Wednesday this week by the Cambodia Daily. "The draft includes a range of proposals to extract more income from Cambodia’s tourist industry by encouraging foreigners to buy property and stay longer in the country, with involvement from the ministries of tourism, finance and land management," said the Cambodia Daily report. The proposed policies are said to include measures such as the development of “special residences” throughout Cambodia with commercial tourist properties and a wide range of useful facilities. “Special tourists” such as retirees would have the right to buy, rent or sell property in these special residences, and also be entitled to longer-term and more flexible vi­sas, according to the draft of the policy.Find out why Chroy Changvar is becoming a development mecca!

Phnom Penh: Hotel Okura Co., Ltd. has just announced a contract with TEHO Development Cambodia Pte Ltd. to facilitate development and management of  "The Okura Prestige Phnom Penh," set to launch 2019. The 40 floor, 250 unit hotel will be part of The Bay project. Located just 17 kilometers from the Phnom Penh International Airport, the Bay complex will provide the hotel with lush views across the city, Tonle Sap and the Royal Palace. Hotel Okura Co., Ltd. is a big player in the hospitality-related industries. The Japanese company is also involved in hotel management through Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co., Ltd., currently operating three hotel groups. Hotel Okura will be the first Japanese hotelier to enter the high-end hospitality market in Cambodia, the nation seeing more and more visitors for leisure and work related travel every year.“We are greatly honored to bring our hotel to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant center of economy and commerce and a hub between Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok,” said Toshihiro Ogita, President of Hotel Okura. "We hope that visitors and locals alike will love The Okura Prestige Phnom Penh and that our brand will flourish alongside the people of Cambodia and ASEAN,” said Ogita.Want to buy a unit in The Bay? Check out the full listing on Realestate.com.kh today!

Located where the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers meet, to the north of the capital, the Chroy Changvar peninsula has undergone significant development over the last few years.Once a rural, marshy area, the peninsula is now seen as one of several future ‘satellite cities’ and accessibility has improved thanks to a second bridge opening last year, linking the suburb to the city center, and construction of commune and district roads and National Road No. 6A. With the much anticipated Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel opening its doors, along with some mid-rise and high-rise condominium developments completed such as Bellevue apartments and Galaxy condominiums, land prices have surged in recent years.According to VTrust Appraisal market research, the growth rate has been hovering around 20 percent over the past two years and is only set to continue. Current large scale project developments include LYP Satellite City, Borey the Flora, Borey the Royal Mekong, Mekong View II and III among others, and the advancement of the Chroy Changvar riverside boardwalk. Chroy Changvar district covers five communes, including Chroy Changvar, Preaek Lieb, Preaek Ta Sek, Kaoh Dach, and Bak Khaeng. An attractive calling card of the district is that it is less congested than those areas across the waterway and offers magnificent views of river and city skyline.A recent Vtrust land market survey from January 2016 found that land prices in the commune ranged from USD 420 to USD 1,750 per square meter depending on particular determinants such as significance of streets, zoning, and potentiality of development.“The land price is still lower compared to nearby districts such as Ruessie Kaev and Daun Penh,” says Mr. In Sitha, director of business development at VTrust Appraisal, “And only three kilometers from Phnom Penh’s city centre.”By contrast, the neighbouring district of Ruessie Kaev, located west and opposite the Tonle Sap River has experienced only a slight jump in land prices over the past two years, hovering around 8 percent.Chroy Changvar was found to be the fastest growing zone priced at USD 1080 per square metre in the second half of 2015 as compared to USD 670 per square meter in the same period in 2013. In says that land prices will continue to rise which is driven my major residential and mixed-use developments, and the peninsula realising its city master plans as mapped out by OCIC and L.Y.P Group.“There are several commercial developments underway and shop housing available at Borey Sopheak Mongkol and Young Commercial Supermarket. There is also potential to use existing commercial land for car showrooms, restaurants, banking and finance offices as well as office use for private companies,” adds In.VTrust also notes that there has been a slow market absorption rate influenced by a speculative demand deceleration due to an excessive supply of many large portions of vacant land that has seen a very slow pace of actual developments. However the evidence is clear that the district is packed with potential.Check out all properties for rent and for sale in Chroy Changvar!

Axis Residences is bringing a unique standard of quality to the Phnom Penh condo market. Already, whilst the Singaporean-inspired project is still under construction, Axis is becoming a pop culture icon among a new generation of Khmer's looking for their first home in central Phnom Penh. The Axis residences showroom, now open in Phnom Penh, is built to the exact specifications of the completed units, as per international standards. This authenticity gives visitors to the Axis showroom a perfect understanding of the look and feel of their new condo home-to-be. But not only are the Axis Residence's units impressing customers, with early sales off to a flying start, the sleek and contemporary design is also impressing Cambodian celebrities and film makers. Recently, the renowned film production company, Hong Meas HD TV, has been using the Axis Residences showroom to film various drama series and movies. The directors and producers of these productions are well-aware that the younger generation of Khmer are craving a higher standard of living, and a taste in design style that the market currently sorely lacks. Because the Axis showroom epitomizes the style and quality that the new generation of home buyers are craving, and feature brand name appliances and fixtures throughout, it is only natural that Axis Residences should be the ideal location to film these popular films and drama series. Spring CJW, the renowned Singaporean development company behind Axis Residences, however, is well-aware that many younger Khmer interested in purchasing their first condo home currently lack access to sufficient finance to make such a dream a reality... With that in mind, Spring CJW has created a very attractive 15 year end-financing package in partnership with Phillip Bank, uniquely designed for their customers. As the payment schedule for this loan is based on each construction stage, off-plan buyers will only have to pay as each stage of the development is completed. The Partnership between Axis Residences and Philip Bank The Phillip Bank loan package, available to Axis Residences buyers, only charges interest for the amount that is supposed to be paid. For example, if the sub-structural phase of construction is competed, just 10% has to be paid to the developer by the end-buyer. This means that customers who purchase via the Phillip Bank loan will only need to incur interest for that initial 10%. This is not a common practice at all in Cambodia, as most projects will charge the loan interest on the full sum owing, and few banks are willing to support condo buyers. Not only that but, again uniquely, the principle sum for the Phillip Bank loan will only be payable at the completion of the Axis Residences project in its entirety, which is around 2 years later. Customers who use the Phillip Bank loan option will thus be looking at only around a $90 installment payment per month for the first year. This is not only affordable for young buyers, but acts as a guarantee that the project is completed to the promised standards, in the promised timeframe. Although this is Spring CJW's first condo project in Cambodia, they have entered the market to stay - and customer-friendly initiatives such as this are a testament to that! At Axis Residences, younger buyers are offered a chance to secure a state-of-the-art home on finance terms that they can genuinely afford. This is a golden opportunity for young couples to own a new home with a lifestyle that will be the envy of their peers for many years to come. If you would like to learn more about Axis Residences, click HERE to check out the full listing on Realestate.com.kh today. Inquire directly with Spring CJW and join their friendly and knowledgable property consultants right here in Phnom Penh for a tour of the famous Axis Residences showroom. Don't forget to bring your camera! Click HERE to request an information pack today!

An Opinion piece from Mr Sim Hoy Chhoung, ceo of V Trust Appraisal Co. Ltd.As the banking sector is growing in order to fuel the mortgage and collateral-based lending industry, so is the potential concerns over the property valuation standards and risk management systems currently in place in the Kingdom’s banking sector. The global financial crisis, which led to real estate bubbles across various countries around the world, offers a good lesson to explain the current concerns.Industry leaders agree: a risk analysis should be carefully taken into account. This was the suggestion of Mey Vann, director general of the Department of Financial Industry, Ministry of Economy and Finance, as cited by the Phnom Penh Post on 19 August 2015, one day after the inter-ministerial seminar on “Opportunities and Potential Risks in Developing Cambodia’s Property Sector” at Cambodiana Hotel. The 2008 global economic crisis, which impacted Asia and Cambodia, offered a lesson that “we must not let happen again,” he said.But how can we curb the potential risks associated with mortgage and collateral-based lending? From my experience, compliance to standards and professionalism in property valuation is one of the best ways to help mitigate the risks associated with loan defaults that could potentially lead to a wider market financial crash. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), one of the world’s most well-recognized organizations, representing professionalism and ethics in land, real estate, and construction appraisals, stresses that accurate and professional valuations are vital to a healthy property market and a stable economy, forming the basis of performance analysis, financing decisions, transactional or development advice, dispute resolution and taxation. However, not all banks in the country comply with valuation best practices and standards. While all would consider property valuation as a crucial part of any risk assessment, not all of them have clearly-defined measures to ensure compliance, often deciding to offer contracts to valuation partners that are not independent, and do not enforce professional and ethical codes of conduct, or lack professional indemnity insurance coverage. This sentiment has also been echoed elsewhere. While many of the banks seem to forget the potential risks, officials advise that property valuation firms should not be biased or under any influence that could cause an unfounded value inflation or deflation of the subject property. Kim Vanda, director general of Banking Supervision of National Bank of Cambodia, said, in the same seminar, that the malpractice could potentially pose risks to the banking industry as a whole, adding banks that have in-house valuation units should also use independent valuation firms to ensure that the appraised values of the subject properties are reasonably concrete and consistent. To ensure a healthy property and banking sector, an understanding of the weaknesses in the valuation process could help. The Central Bank of Ireland issued the December-2012 study report entitled “Valuation Process in the Banking Crisis – Lessons Learned – Guiding the Future” identifying three overriding areas of primary weaknesses in valuation processes during the boom lending years. First, a weakness could come from an inaccurate or inappropriate definition of valuation requirements by credit institutions, thus leading to a subsequent inadequate assessment and understanding of valuations.Second, it could be the result of inadequate valuation processes and standards, or a disregard for adherence to such processes.Third, the weakness could also be the result of a lack of appreciation of the significance of the valuation document as independent evidence of risk mitigation effectiveness. Many bankers did not fully regard the importance of independent valuations and the valuation reports as a key document underpinning the basis on which they were acquiring the risk. Besides identifying the overriding areas of weaknesses, the study also highlighted a number of critical issues that credit institutions should pay attention to in the property valuation process - such as the issue of conflict of interest, valuer panel management, and inappropriate use of informal valuations. In many instances, lenders would accept existing valuations that had been prepared by valuers on behalf of the borrower, not the credit institutions. In this case the study recommends that the valuers’ duty of care is to the credit institutions and this should be emphasized by credit institutions in their written instructions to valuers in accordance with its clearly defined terms of engagement. Valuation reports should always be addressed to the credit institutions that is advancing the loan funds to avoid any complaint or manipulation between valuers and borrowers or owners of the property. When it comes to valuer panel management, the study identified some weaknesses in credit institutions practices including the appointment of valuers without sufficient qualifications, without any evidence of sufficient professional indemnity insurance, with inadequate or no review of panel members’ performance, or on the basis they are a customer of the bank. In sum, to create a healthy financial environment, banks should comply with valuation best practices and standards. Two of the most credible standardized valuation systems advised by the study report are the International Valuation Standards, known as the White Book, and the RICS valuation standards, known as the Red Book. Although the study report seems to stress more on experiences and applications in settings outside of the Kingdom, it does not make any difference since globalization has made almost all the world’s systems into ‘one’ that applies for all and, more importantly, all central banks should be subject to the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision which should incorporate best banking practices into all standards. That said, the country’s valuers association is also working to benefit the industry. Cambodian Valuer and Estate Association (CVEA), which represents the country’s valuation and real estate industry, has taken measures to set minimum valuation fee charges for the industry. The minimum fees should help prevent valuation firms from competing on fees and in-turn compromise the quality of the final appraisal. Sim Hoy Chhoung is the chief executive officer at VTrust Appraisal Co., Ltd. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of VTrust Appraisal Co., Ltd.

As proud sponsor of this years event, Realestate.com.kh is excited to bring you the latest updates on the upcoming Global Alumni Convention in Cambodia. A host of local and international guest speakers, all of which are leaders in their field, will join the 2nd Annual Global Alumni Convention (GAC) at the Hotel InterContinental in Phnom Penh from the 29th of this month. See the full program here!The event is hosted by the world’s largest provider of international education services, IDP Education, and brings together graduates from Cambodia, Australia Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the US, France, Russia, Korea, Japan, China, Malaysia, Singapore and other nations. Organizers anticipate that attendance will exceed 500 this year. See the full program here! The Global Alumni Conference creates an event at which all can meet, share ideas and network with industry leaders, decision makers and leaders from governments, the private sector, and civil society for education, trade and investment opportunities. The GAC 2016 will kick off with a Business & Education Networking Reception on 29 January and a Main Convention on 30 January. During the main convention, there will be a series of moderated, interactive panel discussions, with topics focusing on Cambodia-related issues. Some of the topics include banking and finance, energy, education, health, STEM and the labor market, urban planning and construction, media, trade, tourism, and the potential influence of the ASEAN community integration. On Saturday 30th, from 11.50am-12.50pm, realestate.com.kh's very own director, Mr Tom O'Sullivan will mediate the "Media & Communications" debate, aptly entitled "Gateway to the word" in 2016. See the full program here!   HE Sun Chanthol, Minister of Commerce, will officially open the reception event, while Education, Youth and Sport Minister HE Dr Hang Chuon Naron will open the main convention. A Special Plenary Session will include Hun Manet, son of Prime Minister Hun Sen, as a guest speaker and Rural Development Minister HE Chea Sophara will speak at the Closing Plenary Session. Details about joining the event are available on the GAC website.

While expats and wealthy Khmer alike scramble to properties in the highly desirable Chamkarmon, Realestate.com.kh looks to Toul Kork: a highly underrated and competitively priced location for expats moving to Phnom Penh.Anthony Perkins, director of special projects, finance & investments at the Royal Group of Companies, says that, "If you have a family and are not particularly concerned about your travel distance to work, Toul Kork should definitely be considered as a prime place to find a home for rent or sale."Perkins notes that Toul Kork "appears to have far less electricity cuts than other parts of town, and the various "Boreys" (gated communities) dotted around Toul Kork also offer security and a guarantee of no ongoing construction adjacent to your house." For those choosing to live in BKK, you can safely bet your bottom dollar construction noise will become a part of your life... There are a host of schools in the Toul Kork area also, including international standard offerings, catering to all budgets and student age groups. Entertainment and shopping venues are also well respresented in Toul Kork, with the highly popular TK Avenue shopping plaza & surrounding area cinema/restaurants."Toul Kork is often a forgotten Khan for expats, but it shouldn't be," says Perkins, "particularly for those with a family." For expat renters, a decent 3-4 bedroom house can be secured in Toul Kork for under $1000 per month, with security provided, communal pools/gyms and the rarest of rare in Phnom Penh: wide pavements to walk on and trees!Interested in Toul Kork? Search from thousands of properties on Realestate.com.kh now!

You have enough in the savings for a down payment. You have been pre-approved for a home loan. Now it is time to start looking at houses. Before you do that, you need to think a little more about what kind of house you need and want.Most first time buyers in Cambodia choose a detached house with land in the suburbs. This was well suited to first-home buyers in the past because housing was generally less expensive than it is currently and transportation to and from major urban centers such as Phnom Penh was also less of a problem. These days, however, costs are generally higher and life is more complicated.  In response to a changing world, the housing market has diversified in Cambodia. This opens up more options, but it also means the first time buyer has to do a little more thinking about the kind of property that will work best for them. With this in mind, Realestate.com.kh has thrown together a guide to choosing your first home! Tips On How to Think About This Question: First and foremost, try to let go of the idea that a detached house is necessarily "best" property type for you! Instead, think of this as an apples to oranges comparison. If you think that a detached house is "best" property type, then you will think of other options as inferior simply for being different. This is very likely to lead to disappointment, especially if budgetary constraints are a large factor in your home-buying decision.Instead, stop and make a list of lifestyle choices, tailored to you and your families life. Try answering some of the following questions before you read any further. Then evaluate different housing options in light of how well they fit your unique needs, rather than how they compare to a detached house on a suburban estate:Do you have children?Do you want children?Do you have or want pets?Do you own a car or do you prefer walking, bicycling and taking public transport?How close do you want to be to your job? Once you answer these questions, look through our general overview of what property type might be good for your needs. They are the following:1. Detached houses/Villas on a suburban estate:Good points:Houses like this, whether inside or outside a borey community, are typically relatively spacious.You have your own yard, which is great if you have children or pets.Boreys generally nurture community life - and have common areas for you and your family to enjoy time spent with neighbors.Price per square foot is relatively low for this kind of property type in Cambodia.There is a good supply of such homes, and the market is seeing more and more coming online in the next few years.Buying pre-construction or off-plan means you can get a better deal as an early-bird buyer.Detached homes have good privacy from their nearest neighbors.Bad points:You will need a car if you plan to work in the city, which drives the cost up in real terms for this property type.Nosy neighbors in a suburban estate may pay more attention to you than neighbors in the city, thus reducing your actual sense of privacy, despite the extra space.It can be a long commute to work - this will ultimately affect your life in many ways - and lifestyle considerations can be as important as costs.Some people see maintaining their garden/outdoor areas as a burden.If you secure hard title, you get the benefits of owning land, and a fairly safe investment for resale appreciation.2. Duplexes or row houses.Good Points:You will still have a yard, albeit a bit smaller with this property type.The yard's small size reduces the amount of maintenance it requires.They are typically more affordable than a detached house.You will not have additional fees as you tend to have with villas and apartment homes.If you secure hard title, you get the benefits of owning land, and a fairly safe investment for resale appreciation.Bad Points:Shared walls with neighbors can be a source of noise.They tend to be small, so might outgrow it if your family expands.You still have yard work to do.3. Centrally-located Townhouses:Good points:Shorter commutes are common with this property type.They are often more affordable than detached houses, row house and duplexes.No need for landscaping. You don't have to mow a lawn or clean a pool.If you secure hard title, you get the benefits of owning property in the city, and a potentially highly profitable investment for resale appreciation.Bad points:They can feel cramped, and often lack natural light.Lack of parking.There are additional fees and restrictions on what you can do with the property.Their value tends to increase more slowly, making them less of an investment property.4. Apartment unit in a smaller, lower-standard building.Good points:They are typically close to the central business district, giving you easy access to shops and restaurants.Easy access to public transport.No need to maintain a garden.Shorter average commute to work.Generally, co-owned buildings are secure.If you are a foreigner, you can still own if strata titles are available.Bad points:Additional fees can be incurred within the apartment management policy.Cost of repairs is shared by the owners of the units.They tend to be small. If your family grows, you may quickly outgrow it.If you want pets, the owner may not allow this.If you don't get on with your neighbors, you have no-where to hide.5. A high-rise condo unit in the urban center:Good points:Extremely short commutes and good access to public transit.You may be able to live without a car, thus making this choice more affordable than it may appear at first glance.On site amenities may include spas, pools, gyms and cafes. These offer a unique lifestyle, compared to non-communal arrangements such as villas and detached homes.These units have good availability in urban areas, and the supply of condo units in Phnom Penh is rising extremely quickly.Amazing views and fresher, cooler air.No garden maintenance to do.Now that strata title is available, even foreigners can own a condo.Bad points:Potentially much lower appreciation than a landed property.Additional fees to pay for maintenance and management.If you are afraid of heights, this is not the home for you.If you love to garden, this is not the home for you.Depending on the size of the condo unit, you might not be able to house the extended family.Different properties appeal to different buyers. The best property for you depends on details about your life and the lifestyle you want to have.If you have an established family or plan to start a family soon, having space both indoors and out may be critical to your decision. In which case, a detached house, villa, row house or duplex may be ideal, assuming you can afford it.If you are young and carefree, being closer to amenities and freed up of maintenance responsibilities may have more appeal. Living close enough to walk to pubs and restaurants can free you up to have a drink without worrying how you will get home safely. For people who love the nightlife, this can mean that an apartment or condo unit close to the CBD is ideal. Got a loan? Learn how to pay back your mortgage faster at Realestate.com.kh now!

The National Committee on Management and Development has halted construction along Sihanoukville’s Otres Beach and also announced that some existing buildings will be demolished.The news comes as the Royal Group's proposed construction of a port on Otres Beach (to support development on Koh Rong) was abruptly halted this week, under order of the government.  According to Neb Samuth, Tourism General Director, in a recent Khmer Times report, Otres Beach has been selected by the ministry as a model case for ensuring that bays and beaches remain environmentally friendly. This protection is being implemented in order to encourage more domestic and international tourists to the coast of Sihanoukville and its islands. Samuth went on to say that a “Coastal Master Plan” is likely to get approval from the Ministry of Tourism and other government ministries in the middle of this year. Other fresh news on realestate.com.kh, Cambodia's #1 Real Estate news source: Chroy Changvar plot, open for bids & Property Registration Fees Waived for Family Members

On the heels of its first housing development success – Embassy Residences, which has sold 90 per cent of its units – local developer Urbanland is wasting no time in establishing its second project, Embassy Central. Being at the pulse of Boeung Keng Kang 1, and within strolling distance of renowned restaurants like Topaz Restaurant, Malis Restaurant, and Eric Kayser Bakery, with retail stores along the nearby Preah Sihanouk Boulevard such as Charles & Keith, Pedro, and Mango, and more cafés and bars interspersed around, there is no area more bustling and convenient than where Embassy Central is located. Thriving hub aside, Embassy Central itself is a building to behold; its discreet brilliance is reflected through its minimalistic and sleekly structured design. Only 25 storeys tall and 119-unit strong, Embassy Central holds its own in dedicating its composition to the importance of an urban lifestyle that is in sync with modernity, yet maintaining a green lifestyle with its outdoor landscape features. Check out the full Embassy Central listing today on Realestate.com.kh! With only 119 units, Embassy Central has a more private and intimate feel, with four sky gardens in different parts of the building that residents can fully utilise to their liking. These open spaces provide a tranquil respite from the hustling bustle of the city; spaces where you can exercise or do yoga amidst the rising or setting sun, sit and read a book by the trees, or simply bask in the crispness of the air. Besides its multiple sky gardens, another distinctive feature of Embassy Central is its vertical green wall garden that runs through the building from the 4th floor to the 25th, with the main purpose of brightening up usually enclosed hallways with natural sunlight. The condominium’s swimming pool is surrounded by lush greenery, as it is on the same floor where the vertical garden begins. The impressive architecture of this condominium comes from the same masterminds behind Cambodia’s most popular coffee chain – Brown Coffee. The same attention to detail, quirky steeled structures, and top-notch finishing seen in all Brown Coffee outlets across Phnom Penh are mirrored in Embassy Central’s building and showroom. Hok Kang Architects, who wholly designed Embassy Residences and Embassy Central, and are also the people behind Urbanland and Brown Coffee, aptly sums it up: “Embassy Central is a very special project for us. We want to design a building that responds to a hot tropical climate such as Cambodia. Vertically designed elements and oversized balconies help to shade the building from the harsh tropical sun. The building is punctuated by pockets of green gardens, giving it a more iconic architecture, and also its residents a more liveable space that is close to nature. Upon its completion, Embassy Central will be the emblem of contemporary urban living at its finest in the heart of BKK1.” Urbanland and Hok Kang Architects comprise a small but diverse team, and being local adds value and trust among Cambodians – that a relatively small developer is able to bring to the Kingdom international standards of ideas, design, and product. Urbanland is committed to investing in its home country, and seeing it thrive as an urban cosmopolis. The company prides itself on catering as much as they can to their niche clientele’s needs, offering interior design services or suggestions that will complement the overall flow of the building units’ designs. Embassy Central’s showroom is fitted with high-end furnishings, with cleverly streamlined storage spaces and enclosed air-conditioning, while everything that is attached to the walls such as the lights, cupboards, console table, and appliances come together with the unit. Singapore investment firm, Terrasia Capital Investment, has said that the quality of interior fittings and finishes is a game-changer that sets a very high benchmark for other developers to follow. In Urbanland’s Marketing Manager, Victor Huot’s words, “what you see and feel in our showroom will be the same experience you will get when you walk into your Embassy Central home.” “The most prestigious address in Phnom Penh, crafted with design and high-quality materials, Embassy Central is a gem of investment that will only increase in value over time,” Terrasia Capital Investment concluded. Check out the full Embassy Central listing today on Realestate.com.kh!

Yong Yap Properties have officially moved into their riverside office...And it is a beauty! At this momentous juncture, the Yong Yap Properties team would like to say thank you to all their valued and loyal clients for the support over the years. It is an exciting time for the Yong Yap Properties team and the new office will be their home base for the coming years.The new address is #95A st 118 cnr st 17 - but phone numbers are still the same 023 223 712 / 017 400 700.The Yong Yap team look forward to seeing you all shortly!And don’t forget to check out Yong Yap Properties’ listings on realestate.com.kh today.

Welcome to another Realestate.com.kh Dream Home Report.Every week we will showcase some of Cambodia and the world’s most luxurious, interesting and unique properties. We want to show you the home gems of the International property market. This week we show you a home with a superstar legacy.David Bowie’s Caribbean island retreat has apparently been sold to an unknown buyer, according to a recent report from Domain.Rock legend Bowie died at the age of 69 at the start of this month.Bowie once used the island villa as his private getaway home throughout the 1990’s, with its own personal pool and wet bar. Recently on the market for an asking price of $20M, the five bedroom mansion is now under-offer – suggesting it has been snapped up by a savvy buyer who understands the potential appreciation value now the Bowie has passed. The Indonesian inspired villa home on the private island of Mustique was built as Bowie’s private getaway in 1992. The lush house overlooks the Caribbean. Check some more Dream Home reports here:Dream Home Report : Unique Khmer HomesDream Home : Song Saa Private Island Villa

D’Seaview brings Sihanoukville’s first fully integrated residential and commercial mixed development, located alongside Sihanoukville’s most beautiful beaches.With its twin towers standing at 28 storeys each, D’Seaview will bring a collection of premium executive condominiums, commercial units and a hotel to Sihanoukville’s pioneer integrated living complex.D’seaview’s waterfront location, close to Sokha beach, remains idyllic, yet the vicinity is overflowing with international and traditional Khmer dining, bars, discos, night markets, spas and shopping plazas. The official D’Seaview groundbreaking ceremony will be held at the development’s building site on Saturday, 16 January, to celebrate the physical launch of Phase 1 of the project. All are invited by Camhomes to witness the occasion and join the festivities, starting from 8am onsite. The event will be presided over by H.E. Yun Min, Governor of Sihanoukville province. Following the groundbreaking ceremony, a complimentary lunch will be provided for guests at the Sokha Hotel and Resort, Sihanoukville. In addition, Camhomes is offering a special “sure-to-win instant lucky dip” to award attractive prizes for new buyers who purchase a D’Seaview unit in the month of January. The development, encompassing 735 residential units, offices and hotel units, is slated for completion in an estimated 28 months. D’Seaview will give its residents a level of convenience that only a mixed use development can offer: living and shopping at the highest standards in the same building. Not only can residents live, work and play within the complex, investing in a mixed development with both commercial and residential owners, and tenants offers a unique hedge against future inflation, assuring appreciation for your asset. D’Seaview’s integrated hotel is also open to bids from investors, as well as local shophouse-style blocks that are targeted at Cambodian retailers who would like to set up their business as well as live within the complex. The resident’s lifestyle will reflect the quality of D’Seaview’s design concept, and already buyers are proud to gain the status of first movers for this momentous development. In the first phase of sales and booking, already over 80 per cent of the 300 units in phase 1 have been successfully subscribed by both local and international buyers at price per square metre ranging from $675 to $1943. And it is no surprise that Cambodians and international investors are increasingly looking south for new property investment opportunities. Cambodia’s southern coastal resort town, Sihanoukville, is not only one of the nation’s premier tourism destinations, known for its tranquil beaches and idyllic islands, but it is also the fastest growing commercial city outside of Phnom Penh. Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s coastal economic hub and is growing faster than ever; it is host to the nation’s sole deep-sea port, the largest Special Economic Zone, as well as a large scale oil and gas industry soon to commence extraction. As Sihanouk province grows in popularity, more flight and bus connections are being established, linking it to the rest of the country and region. Sihanoukville International Airport now operates flights from South Korea, Singapore and China, as well as daily flights to Siem Reap. Realise your housing and commercial dreams now; and visit Camhomes’ D’Seaview showroom at Canadia Towers and talk to their property consultants, or check out the full listing information online at realestate.com.kh. And don't miss the D'Seaview groundbreaking tomorrow. To find out more information about the D’Seaview groundbreaking ceremony, please call +855 23 985 828 today.

Now that 2015 has come to an end, Realestate.com.kh would like to start 2016 with a recap of the Kingdom of Wonder and its burgeoning real estate sector. No wonder real estate is booming... The economy is growing rapidly: Cambodia’s economic growth over the last 10 years has been some of the fastest and most-consistent in the Southeast Asian region, recording an average GDP growth of 7.0% per year since 2010. In 2015, this rate dropped very slightly to 6.9%. Cambodia has a total population of 15.4 million, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city and economic hub with a population of around 2.5 million, in 2015 was second only to Laos in Southeast Asia for the fastest rate of urban spatial extension, as indicated by the World Bank. One of Cambodia’s key secrets to success in its economic growth has been creating an attractive environment for foreign investment, and this remains a key driver. In 2015, Cambodia received over $4B in foreign direct investment (FDI) and has a permanent expat population of over 78,000. Realestate.com.kh suggest that Cambodia is becoming a magnet for FDI due to the abundance of low-cost labour, rapid urbanisation, an increasing middle-class consumer market, low barriers to entry for foreign businesses, relative proficiency in english language, attractive tax incentives and import/export duty exemptions, continually improving logistics networks, and an economy backed by the US dollar. Furthermore, with the solidification of ASEAN, Cambodia is well located, surrounded by strong regional economies who are increasingly outsourcing low and mid-level skilled manufacturing operations to the Kingdom. These new industrial opportunities are lessening the economy's reliance on the garment industry, and offering low-wage workers more opportunities for career and skills growth. Cambodians are also entering the global community en-masse through technology - namely through dramatic increases in internet penetration throughout the population. In 2015, Cambodia had over 5 million internet users, a third of the population. Since 2010, foreigners have also been allowed to own apartments and condominium units in Cambodia - but not land, and, accordingly, not the first floor of buildings. While foreign ownership of land in still unconstitutional, land can be easily held by foreigners on long leases that are renewable, and through majority locally-owned companies incorporated in Cambodia. These structures are arguably safer than comparative legal schemes in other Southeast Asian states in which foreign land ownership is formally prohibited. Phnom Penh Overview: Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia, situated at the confluence of three rivers, the Mekong, the Bassac and the Tonle Sap. The Phnom Penh metropolitan area is home to about 2.5 million permanent residents. Phnom Penh is Cambodia's economic centre as it accounts for the largest portion of the Cambodian economy. High economic growth rates in recent years have triggered a real estate boom in Phnom Penh and construction is taking place across the city, with a plethora of new hotels, restaurants, bars, and high rise residential and commercial buildings springing up around the city. Industrial zones at the edge of the city have also expanded continuously in recent years, along with huge growth in the “borey” sector throughout the suburbs of Phnom Penh, “borey” essentially meaning gated community residential developments with self-serving infrastructure. These types of properties are extremely popular with local buyers and offer various housing types. Most of these properties are being bought off-plan. The Phnom Penh Master Plan 2035, supposedly nearing completion by the government this year, seeks to dictate the urban planning for the expansion of the city and construct new infrastructure to accommodate the growing population. Until now, the city has had no zoning regulations of note nor identifiable urban development planning. According to Realestate.com.kh research, flats located in central Phnom Penh cost around $3000 USD p/m2, as averaged across the prime residential areas. Rents can range from $9 – $14 p/m2 per month, depending on location and quality. Villas are generally more expensive than flats, at around $3,500 to $4,500 p/m2. Rental prices for villas typically range from as low as around $6p/m2 to $27p/m2. Low-to-middle range apartment developments, targeting the local market, average $200 to $500 a month rental per unit in the central areas of Phnom Penh City. The high-end, serviced and luxury condo market is priced considerably higher than this – but these prices vary greatly across developments depending on scale, location and quality. Beoung Keng Kang, Chamkarmon, represents the highest priced district in Phnom Penh with price for land reaching 6000p/m2 in some parts. Previously, home villas were a popular option for families wishing to live in Chamkarmon generally, however, many of these villas have now either been demolished and the land sold for development, or converted into boutique hotels or restaurants. High-end condo developments and hotels are changing the area dramatically at present. However, growing congestion and a lack of parking in and around the city centre is increasingly causing problems for inner-city Phnom Penh residents. Other upcoming Phnom Penh residential property areas include the west and south of the city generally. The peninsular of Chroy Changvar is also seeing huge development from foreign and local developers, and here height restrictions on new buildings are largely unlimited. These locations are very close to central Phnom Penh yet land prices remain considerably lower. Real Estate Trends: Presently, prime and mid-level office space across Phnom Penh is rising dramatically, with a variety of new highrise projects beginning to be released into the market, or slated for completion in the coming years. These new office complexes are often coming at the cost of knocking down villas, flats and other older real estate. Grade B and C are proving most popular, as Grade A office space is beyond the budget of most local firms. Phnom Penh commercial property options are only set to boom in the upcoming future, especially with the rise of ASEAN and the AEC. Another trend is in regards to the advent of high quality shopping centers and malls. Cambodia’s first international shopping mall opened its doors in June 2014: Aeon Mall. Aeon has since seen high demand for store space from both international and local retailers. A new breed of international franchisers who have for many years ignored the Cambodian market and refused to enter it, see the attractiveness of occupying slots in complexes such as Aeon Mall as it reflects international standards of retail space and retail space management. The new mall has convinced some of these franchisers that opportunities exist and that there are viable spaces for them to locate their brand. Parkson Mall on Russian Boulevard is the next of its kind to open in Phnom Penh, and is currently under construction. Aeon 2 is also in the pipeline. TK Avenue is another well known, well-established and modern shopping plaza and cinema complex, located in Toul Kork. The condominium market in Phnom Penh continues to expand, with early investors in centrally located developments enjoying appreciation of up to 30% from off-plan purchases. High-end condominium development looks set to continue in prime residential locations, with developers also looking to offer luxury projects outside of traditional residential districts. While the condo market was originally dominated by foreign investors, Khmer buyers are beginning to demand condos, predominantly for investment purposes and rental returns. This has led to a trend of local developers offering lower-range condo development projects to the market, and these types of developments range of $30-60,000 per unit off-plan and are being bought primarily by local buyers. Domestic demand is a key element of a successful condominium project for any developer in Cambodia, due to foreign ownership of an individual building (strata law) being restricted by law to 70%. Another trend we will see more of in 2016 are mixed-development complexes, including condo, office space and retail. Realestate.com.kh suggests that the reason for this is that developers are aware of a potential oversupply in the pure-condo market in 2018-19 and are thus hedging thier bets with mixed development offerings. Increasing investment from Singaporean, Japanese, Korean, Hong Kong and Chinese residents continues to grow in Cambodia, and the comparatively high yield guaranteed by many developers is still attracting overseas purchasers who see positive chances for appreciation in Cambodian developments compared to their slowing home markets. Thus far developers in Cambodia have focussed on the highend market, and to some extend the upper middle class, as these two markets represent the lowest hanging fruit. Still, suggests Realestate.com.kh, a massive demand exists for quality, affordable housing development in Cambodia suited to the needs of the lower-middle class and lowest income earners, especially in expanding urban centers. Without any proposed government intervention in the market for this demand, this appears to offer a great opportunity to developers able to cater to this large demographic. Sihanoukville Rising: As property prices in Phnom Penh continue to push upwards, many investors are quickly being priced out of these first-tier markets, as are many developers seeking land for their next project. Sihanoukville in particular stands out as an exciting investment destination worth serious consideration. Home to the Kingdom’s only deep-water port, Sihanoukville is the capital of the province of the same name and is home to a fast-growing population of approximately 300,000. Many of Sihanoukville’s residents are there for the port or its associated export-focused manufacturing. The city is Cambodia’s second-largest manufacturing base after Phnom Penh, with most of its output consisting of garments and shoes. The government plans to transform this area into an entire Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and is currently dredging the port to support larger freight vessels. Large reserves of oil off the coast of Sihanoukville has also been prospected, and plans are being made for its extraction in the coming years. In 2015, the average percentage of growth year-on-year was around 15-25 percent for land located in the city centre of Sihanoukville, according to Realestate.com.kh research. But along the seaside road and main commercial roads, prices have rose dramatically in recent years - in some places between 40-50 percent compared to prices 2013-14. Sihanoukville offers opportunities for cheap land to be developed into resorts, offices, guest houses, hotels or apartments. As investment capital continues to flow into the region, in particular from the Chinese, the region is also seeing the beginning of a high-end condominium market, with various grand scale projects already underway. Read more great Cambodian real estate news, insights, property reviews and analysis on realestate.com.kh/news today. Also check us out on Facebook. Check out more great info-graphics, from Realestate.com.kh: Prime Development Land Price Growth Tops ASEAN

Whether you are approaching retirement, want to cut down your commute time, sick of an uncontrollable garden, or maybe just fancy a move – it could be a good time to downsize your home!Downsizing is a great way to cash in on your current real estate asset, especially when the market is hot - and can help you save some extra money once you move into a smaller, more-manageable home. What makes property owners want to downsize? - Here are a few of the most common reasons.Finally free from the kids!When your children move out to go to university, start a job in the big city, or marry and start their own family – your current house might have vacant bedrooms and lots of excess space. It can be great always having the bathroom available - but when there is a chance to cash in on your property asset by downsizing your home you had better ask yourself "Do you need such a big home now?" Without your kids causing havoc, a big home might feel empty once they go. It also requires a lot of cleaning and maintenance, without any real benefits for those still living there. If this sounds like something happening in your home, try marketing your property for sale and consider downsizing.Cut the Commute:Generally, the closer your home is to the CBD, the more expensive the land/property is. This is why inner-city workers are increasingly looking to apartments and condos in Phnom Penh.  If your house is in the suburbs of the city, but your workplace is in the center – every day you might be spending hours in traffic. So for those who know they will need to live in the city for years to come – consider downsizing your home, and move to an affordable apartment or condo in the inner-city.  Cut Living Costs:A home is always in need of cleaning and other general maintenance; a home is also always in need of electricity and water and other utilities. Of course, it is easier to clean one bedroom, compared to four. A big home can also be hard to cool, or heat – depending on the season. For these reasons, you can bet that a smaller home will be have less maintenance needed, and ultimately cost less to live in. Thus – a smaller house = smaller bills = less work + more cash in your pocket.  Cash-in on your Asset:It can be easy to make money by selling your over-sized home in exchange for a smaller one. And the extra money could even settle your mortgage repayments. Especially when the property market is as hot as the current Cambodian real estate climate – cash in on your current home, and buy a smaller, more affordable property with a good chance of future appreciation.Want more updates and information? Check out Realestate.com.kh now!

Total value of Cambodia's new construction projects approved by the Government increased by 33 percent in 2015. This brought new construction to a total value of approximately $3.33 billion for the year, as compared to 2014, according to a recent Cambodian Daily report based on documents received from the Government. The report suggests that 2,305 projects were approved by the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction. And these projects will ultimately cover a construction area of around 7.7 million msq! Condo supply is naturally booming too. Check out CBRE's latest findings!

2016 has now arrived, and as the New Year comes you might be turning your attention to your long-ignored mortgage.  Although no one likes to think about their mortgage repayments, you need to analyze it regularly if you want to find ways to make your repayments more effective and move yourself closer to financial independence. Missed Mortgage Matters Part 1 or Part 2? Read them first!With that in mind, bring in the New Year with these 5 handy ideas from realestate.com.kh to speed up your loan repayments, and work towards a financially free future!1. Don’t automatically decrease your repayments just because the interest rates falls: For many loaners, as soon as bank fees and interest rates decrease, and minimum repayments are lowered accordingly, this immediately means a happy camper - with more money in the pocket and less for the bank. However, this is short sighted. Instead of pocketing the cash, if you keep your repayments at the same level when the interest rates are falling - because this is a prime opportunity to reduce your principle with each payment and make faster progress satisfying your total loan in the longer-term. As opposed to seeing it as a time to relax your repayments – this year you should see it as an opportunity to get ahead of the bank and pay back your principle faster. 2. Test out an “Offset Account”: If it is possible for your loan, try using an offset account. A mortgage offset account is directly connected to your mortgage and the payable interest on your mortgage month to month will be calculated by deducting what funds exist in your offset account against your loan. To clarify, here’s an example: if your total mortgage is $200,000 and your offset account currently has $5,000 in it, you will only pay interest on the remaining $195,000. An offset account allows you to save interest while still allowing access to your savings if needed. For investors, offset accounts are also useful for the preservation of mortgage tax deductible benefits. 3. Refinance and get a better run for your money: Maybe you have worked out that your current mortgage is not suitable to your needs and financial circumstances now that 2016 has dawned. If this is the case, you need to change your loan quickly before it seriously hurts you. If you are not sure your current mortgage is right for you, it is best to consult a professional finance broker before it is too late. A well-attuned broker will negotiate with your lender about fees for additional repayments, refinancing, or any other necessary measures to help you save on your loan. A good broker should identify the perfect terms for you and then negotiate the best rates for that plan. Get in touch with Cambodia’s leading lenders today!4. Make smaller mortgage repayments, more regularly: If you make more payments, naturally these payments will be smaller. But more regular payments, even if they are smaller, will mean ultimately you can pay off your loan faster because you will lessen your interest repayments in the long term. If you currently repay your mortgage on a monthly basis, try changing to fortnightly loan repayments. Now, your monthly mortgage repayments might equal $2000 per month, for example. If you can instead pay $1000 every two weeks, by the end of 2016 you would have made significant savings on your interest costs, and will be a little bit closer to satisfying your overall loan repayment. 5. Take measures to pay back a little bit more each time: Remember, your “minimum repayment” is exactly that: it is the least possible amount you need to repay each month. So, for most mortgages there in nothing stopping you from paying more than the minimum necessary payment. And it doesn’t matter if you pay extra regularly, just when you can afford to now and again is still worthwhile. Even a little bit here and there can add up and eventually reduce your mortgage. When you receive bonuses, tax returns or other monetary gifts you should seriously consider putting this expendable income into your mortgage repayments before it disappears into thin air. Read more about home loans on realestate.com.kh today. Missed Mortgage Matters Part 1 or Part 2? Read them first!

CBRE’s third quarter 2015 Condominium Report, currently unreleased, details eight new projects that have been officially launched in Q3 2015, compared to four in Q2, according to recent reports from the Post Property. Ultimately, this equals an additional supply of 10,000 condo units, which demonstrates a 435 per cent increase since the preceding quarter.The report states that "as of 2018, the number of condominium units in Phnom Penh would increase to almost 20,000 units, an increase of 915 per cent compared to the number in 2015." The report follows on to say that 1/3 of these units would reflect high-end properties, and approximately 1/2 are mid-range quality.  The report states that average condo prices per square meter for mass-market are $1,500psm, mid-range sits at $2,250psm; and high-end units are average $2,900psm. Learn more about the strata title process for condo purchase here. The report also says that “roughly 40 per cent of condominium owners are Cambodian”. Yet the report suggests that the vast majority of Cambodian buyers hope to “speculate or rent out”, rather than to live in the finished condo units. Learn more about Cambodian land titles, strata title transfers and foreign ownership regulation on Realestate.com.kh today!