At the end of 2015, the 10 ASEAN nation states are on track to create the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) as a means to support the free flow of labour across Asia, and benefit all economies falling within the AEC by sharing human resources. Cambodia is expected to gain benefits through increases in foreign direct investment into the Cambodian market -but how the AEC will change the face of the domestic Cambodian labor market remains uncertain. With the ASEAN Economic Integration at the end of this year, Cambodia seemingly must strengthen its capacity in terms of human resources and professional expertise if it is to meet the regional market’s demand when the AEC integration fully comes into play. After the integration, labor flow will increase considerably for professionals with internationally transferable skill sets, such as accountants, health professionals, engineers, researchers and tourism workers. These Cambodian professionals will now be able to apply for positions throughout the region without restriction, and potentially gain higher wages. Chan Sophal, Director of the Centre for Policy Studies in Cambodia, said the AEC will bring new labor flows to professions that require high skill labor inside and outside of Cambodia.  This means, ' ... Enterprises in need of skilled workers within Cambodia will be able to hire them more easily than at present because the potential market will be larger,” he said.    As inter-ASEAN competition increases between its members in terms of labor flows, Cambodia must strengthen the aggregate capacity of its own human resources in order to meet the competitive labor market of ASEAN in the coming years, and to ensure employment opportunities inside and outside of Cambodia. In order to strengthen the labor market for the AEC, Sophal said, “the number one priority must be to better train and educate our students. This is the only way we can compete.” In regards to whether Cambodia is ready for the ASEAN economic integration, Sophal explained that, “While I think we have strengths and weaknesses within the Cambodian market, ASEAN, fully integrated, will provide opportunities to attract domestic investment that will in return create jobs for skilled and unskilled workers within Cambodia. In addition, new competition in the labor market within Cambodia is seemingly going to be limited due to the variability of criteria that may or may not attract workers to Cambodia.” Chrek Sok Ny, CEO of Century 21 Mekong, said the present Cambodian market is getting ready for the integration in many ways: 'I think it's beneficial to bring in new technologies and methods for construction into Cambodia in regards to construction standards and levels of development. But meanwhile, the AEC will boost Cambodian economy and strengthen cultural connectivity of all member countries. There will be free flow of goods and labor, and Cambodian workers will migrate for jobs abroad; whereas skilled workers from member countries will enter Cambodia filling the increasing demand for higher skilled positions that this development demands.” A joint publication released by the ADB and ILO at the end of last year, showed that Cambodia could be one of the leading beneficiaries of the AEC through the creation of an estimated additional 1.1 million jobs by 2025. Low-skilled jobs will account for 71.2 percent of this increase, predicts the publication, meanwhile, medium-skilled professional roles may increase by around 722,000 jobs. Despite that, the same publication goes on to say that Cambodians may well lose their domestic employment opportunities if there is no improvement in the market in regards to workers’ training and education. Furthermore, domestic higher-skilled workers may still look to migrate outside of Cambodia, as opportunities for higher salaries will now be available. Realestate.com.kh is proud to support the CVEA's Property View publication. Click here to get your copy, or if you are interested to join the CVEA today.

The increase in high-rise buildings across Phnom Penh is not only turning Phnom Penh into business and commercial hub, it is also attracting more foreign investors to inject their investment capital into the country. Sear Rithy, CEO of WorldBridge Land, is currently cooperating with Singapore-based Oxley Holding International to invest in ‘The Bridge’ development, a 45 floor, $300 million project. The same company is also preparing to build the Shangri-la Hotel in Phnom Penh, and three commercial buildings known as ‘The Peak,’ with 55 floors each, located near Diamond Island. Sear Rithy says that the emerging skyline in Phnom Penh is really attractive for investment.  "When foreigners visit Cambodia, they will be interested in projects like ours. If there are many high-rise buildings, they realize this country has been developing and they are interested in investing. They will then consider the legal system and government policy, economic growth, and political stability," he said. "Investment will grow along with the high-rise buildings."  The speed of development shall depend on each government's policy; however, Sear Rithy believes we are currently on the right track. Cambodia is better than all other ASEAN countries, besides Singapore, in regards to the conditions for increased FDI - because the Cambodian government allows foreign investors to own a one hundred per cent share of a company, they are exempt from tax for importing products and tax rates generally in Cambodia are lower.  "Cambodia has adopted a multi-ownership law which allows foreigners to own from the first floor up, which is good because it helps foreigners to be more confident in their ownership rights. It's like Cambodians trying to buy property abroad without having their name on the title of the property. Is it a worry? Yes, of course it is," he said.  According to an unreleased report by the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction that looked at 600 new buildings both finished and under construction, Phnom Penh’s development has been broken down into three categories. While the city is still dominated by buildings that range from five to nine floors, at a total of 361 buildings, it is not a surprise that their numbers showed a growing trend towards upward development. The report found that there are 167 buildings between 10 to 19 floors, 21 buildings were between 21 to 29 floors, while only twelve were above 30 floors, four of which are over 40 floors. Lao Tip Seiha, Deputy General Director of the Construction Department of the Ministry Of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, said looking at the change in Phnom Penh’s skyline is an indicator of the country’s development. If compared to neighboring countries, he said that Phnom Penh’s growth is following the same path as other major cities and that the high-rise developments reflect adequate urban planning and infrastructure advances. “More high-rise buildings illustrate that Cambodia has achieved more than it ever has before,” he said. “Foreigners who visited Cambodia even five years ago are surprised by the achievement.”Chrek Soknim, CEO of Century 21 Mekong, agreed that having high-rise buildings could well give more investment potential to Cambodia. He now sees a Chinese company planning to invest in a 500-meter building with high standards in Cambodia, and this reflects a good sign for the country. "Having more high-rise buildings will mean we attract more investors. If there are more investments such as this Chinese example, and they move their head office here, we will get more advantages for the greater economy," Soknim said.  "Cambodia does not have many big companies placing head offices here, so we have more potential to come in the future. But I believe we will attract them to bring their head offices here. Consequently, the GDP of Cambodia will increase to another level," he said. Realestate.com.kh is proud to support the CVEA's Property View publication. Click here to get your copy, or if you are interested to join the CVEA today.

Realestate.com.kh would like to present another of our featured agencies - Century 21 Advanced Property. Century 21 Advanced Property is the exclusive holder of the Century 21 Trademark & Systems in Cambodia. With our giant networking within 75 countries, 7,250 Offices, and 103,000 agents, we are sure to make the Buying or selling your properties should be a memorable and pleasant experience. [caption id="attachment_78878" align="aligncenter" width="323"] Mr. Long KimSuor (Right), Chairman of Century 21 Advanced Property[/caption] Check out Century 21 Advanced Property listings for rent and for sale on realestate.com.kh today Century 21 Advanced Property's vision is to become a diversified regional real estate holding company, specialized in real estate and related activities in locations where the company identifies an advantage, in order to achieve consistently increasing returns and growth to our value clients & Owner. Century 21 Advanced Property Mission: The mission of Century 21 Advanced Property is to be the most successful real estate firm in Cambodia. Century 21 Advanced Property incorporates proven, professional state of-the-art techniques specializing in the marketing, listing and selling of new and resale luxury homes, residential communities, condominiums, home sites, undeveloped land and commercial and investment opportunities. Century 21 Advanced Property Core Values: To fulfill our company vision we will incorporate professionalism, high ethical standards and innovative business practices and systems. Our values are honesty, integrity, and fairness in dealing with our clients, service providers, and colleagues. We will provide quality training and excellent education to our staff. The Century 21 Advanced Property Team: Working together is essential. Harmony and a positive attitude are critical to success. Without synergy and devoted teamwork our goals will remain unattainable. We at Century 21 Advanced Property highly appreciate talent and we continuously work to explore personal potential and to reward outstanding achievement. Century 21 Advanced Property Services include Property Sale, Buy and Rent; Property Consultation; Property Management; and Project Sales, Consultation and Management.Check out Century 21 Advanced Property listings for rent and for sale on realestate.com.kh today

Searching for expat rentals in Phnom Penh can often be a stressful and daunting task, especially if you are an expat who is new to town. Here at Realestate.com.kh, we've compiled a top 5 list of advice and tips, to ensure your next rental home search will be a great experience.There are no shortage of agents who are ready to assist you finding expat rentals in Phnom Penh - from fully registered agencies, right through to "work from home agents." In fact, you can bet even the good old tuk tuk driver will know a few places for rent if you ask them.But how do you weed out the good from the bad when searching for quality agents with expat rentals in Phnom Penh? How do you save the time & stress when searching for an expat rentals property?Ask your friends or colleagues if they know a great agent: Chances are, if they’ve been in Phnom Penh for a number of years, your friends, family and acquaintances would of dealt with several agents before, and can share their experiences with you. Find out who helped them to secure their expat rentals in Phnom Penh, and learn as much as you can from that experience.Use an a professional agency: Professional run agencies such as the “featured agents” listed at the top of Realestate.com.kh’s “Find an Agent” section, are well established, and, in some cases, this list includes some particularly expat orientated agencies.  Professional agencies with an expat focus should have a full range of listings on Realestate.com.kh and on their own website, fluent English agents, great market insight and experienced with Cambodian rental agreements.  As they offer a free service to potential tenants, professional agencies should be your first call. Some current “Featured Agents” who specialize in expat rentals in Phnom Penh include Yong Yap Property, IPS Cambodia, Knightrank Cambodia.Does the agent understand your requirements? It takes time to visit properties and you don't want to waste half a day viewing properties that are not relevant.  There are agents out there who only hear your budget of $500 and do not care that you want to live in a specific area or that a large balcony is the most important feature you require.  Ask the agent to show you photos of the property first to save time.Check their referrals: Quality agents have a track record of happy clients and would be proud to show you some positive feedback from their previous clients. If they have a testimonial section on their website or feedback on facebook, see what previous clients have said about the agent's service. Don’t forget to consider their after-sales support track record - this is often the difference between an average agent and a very good one.Attention to detail: Does the agent respond emails/phone calls in a reasonable amount of time? Does the agent show up to appointments on time?  Do they dress smartly? All these signs give you an indication of the type of agent they are, and the standard of service that they are likely to bring to you. If the agent makes the effort to present in a professional manner to you, it's a safe bet that they'll provide quality overall service.Found an agent? Now it's time to inspect the properties they recommend! Checkout our property inspection checklist now!

Realestate.com.kh understands that the Phnom Penh rental market can be a little daunting for expats fresh to the Kingdom looking for a new home. In light of this, Realestate.com.kh has taken a survey of the average prices of rental properties in Phnom Penh, and let you know what differently classified Phnom Penh rental properties are likely to provide.Not surprising, Phnom Penh offers a host of real estate options for expat renters - whether it be a traditional wooden Khmer-style townhouse, a classic French-inspired Villa home, or a state of the art condominium unit, built by an international investment company. Clever expat or local renters can win in the Phnom Penh market place if they know what is available, and what reflects a reasonable price for those properties. The following should be a good start, thanks to Realestate.com.kh! We can break the Phnom Penh rentals market into four broad categories: Full-Serviced Apartments, Western Apartments, Khmer-Style Shophouses, and Renovated Shophouses.Let’s explore the attributes of each type of Phnom Penh rental property, and the average cost of leasing in different areas of town.1) Serviced Apartments in Phnom Penh: Luxury is increasingly in demand in Phnom Penh - but as the supply of luxury serviced apartments begins to exceed demand, luxury can also be very affordable. Full-service apartments provide almost everything you could want in a Phnom Penh apartment.Expect, at minimum, western style architecture and interior layouts, natural light, views, modern equipped kitchen including an oven, modern bathrooms, and expansive closets. Services such as laundry, Internet, cable, water, and even concierge services are included in the new breed of serviced apartments around Phnom Penh. Most of these accommodations also include one or more elevators, security, car, bike, and moto parking, gyms and/or swimming pools. Expect organized rent collection and hasty replies to your maintenance requests. You will almost certainly have air con.Serviced apartments are generally easy to find in the city, but expect prices to be higher than other types of accommodation, and don’t be surprised if vacancy rates low. Service apartments are somewhat impersonal, compared to other types of Phnom Penh rentals. Due to their size and relative vacancies, it may be more difficult to get to know your neighbors or your landlord. For a young professional or family, however, this extra space and privacy may be appreciated. They are also generally high rise apartments, so chances are you can land a great view of the city! Rough Price Range for 1 Bedroom Service Apartments:CBD - Chamkarmon, Daun Penh = $1000 – $1700 per month;Outskirts - Toul Kork, Sen Sok, Olympic, Toul Tom Poung = $800 – $1200 per month.2) Western Style Apartments in Phnom Penh:A “Western Style” apartment is a term that is thrown around a lot on the Phnom Penh rental market – and those properties fitting this description can vary widely. A “western” apartment can in fact represent anything from a few apartment units on the third floor, to a unit within a high-rise multi-unit tower. However, generally, those properties termed as western-style apartments in Phnom Penh have more amenities than those sold as Khmer-style units.So called “Western apartments” are generally newly constructed, have windows in every room and plenty of natural light, western style toilets and a kitchen with full cooking amenities; this should include all standard appliances and plenty of cabinet space, counter space, and an integrated cooktop. Often these apartment’s bathrooms will include a hot shower, a bathtub and floor tiles. A western style apartment should have a larger living space with somewhat modern lighting fixtures.Western apartments will also generally be furnished, and with furnishing such as plush sofa’s – as opposed to purely wooden furniture preferred in traditional khmer houses. Internet, cable, water and sometimes cleaning are generally included in the rental rate. Some of these properties will have elevators and might even have shared rooftop terrace areas. Expect parking for bicycles and motos. You should always get an air conditioner – in fact, this can be the sole reason the seller has called it “western.” Essentially, the “Western” label should lead you to believe that the construction is of a higher standard, as is the overall security of the building.For a foreigner there is also the benefit of having many foreign tenants, making it easy to make friends when your first settle in. Owners of western apartments are generally more experienced with this market and will follow through with your rental maintenance requests. Price Range For 1 Bedroom Western Apartments (non serviced):CBD - Chamkarmon, Daun Penh = $600 – $1000 per month;Outskirts - Toul Kork, Sen Sok, Olympic, Toul Tom Poung = $500 – $700 per month. 3) Khmer-style Shop House: A Khmer-style shophouse is still one of the most common property types in Phnom Penh, found in nearly every Phnom Penh neighborhood. They can also be built into three or four-story low-rise row homes. A shophouse, khmer style, is generally about four meters in width and roughly 16 meters long. The doors to enter will be in the front or back of the shop house, and the walls on either side will almost always have no windows. In a khmer-style shophouse, bedrooms won’t generally have windows, and if they do, they will face toward the interior of the home as opposed to the outside – thus, generally providing no natural light.Bedrooms will normally have movable dressers or rattan shelving, as opposed to inbuilt storage space provided in the more modern designs of apartments. Kitchen layouts in Khmer-style shop houses are generally fairly basic too. Expect to see a sink or two and a one burner gas cooktop. Don’t expect an oven and you will be lucky if you get much cabinet space.Don’t expect hot water, anywhere in the house. Bathrooms generally won’t have a separate shower or windows - but will be well equipped with floor to ceiling tiles, and the infamous bum gun. Bathrooms are just “wet rooms” without a separate shower in many cases. Home furnishings are seldom included, and if they are, expect them to be either rattan or wood. Expect, in terms of furnishings, no more than chairs, coffee table, and a table for eating.Although basic shop houses are still surprisingly popular with foreign renters, ultimately, their simplicity creates a kind of charm – and the price gap between these common shop houses, and new serviced units entering the market, are incomparable. Those that accept these shophouses for long term rents are generally expecting the landlord to make improvements or are being permitted by the landlord to make changes and modifications to the home themselves. With the right design and decoration, this style of house can be tailored to your preferences, and made to look much more valuable than their rental price. Expect to live close to your neighbors and get to know your neighborhood – which is a valuable experience for many expat renters. Rough Price Range For 1 Bedroom Khmer-style Shop Houses:CBD - Chamkarmon, Daun Penh = $300 - $400 per month;Outskirts - Toul Kork, Sen Sok, Olympic, Toul Tom Poung = $300 and under per month.4) Renovated Shop House:A renovated shop house, basically a khmer shop house that has undergone a makeover, can be harder to find in Phnom Penh. But when you find the right renovated shop house, you can get the authentic khmer style of living, with all the western amenities at hand. Adding to your search, the renovated shop house can often appear camouflaged from the outside as they generally have the same construction and outward appearances as the standard Khmer-style shop house.However, look inside to discover a gem – as the owner has in fact renovated the apartment interior with Western finishes, fixtures and amenities, yet still encapsulated in the same 4 x 16 meter layout. Keep your eyes peeled for new floors, added windows, and updated lighting fixtures. Other home furnishings will be newer – such as plush couches/sofas, and maybe a glass coffee table. A clear sign that a shop house has been renovated are the addition of external windows in the bedroom, facing the outside.Bedrooms may also have added features since the renovation, such as built-in closets, built-in shelving and air-conditioning. Renovated shop house kitchens will usually have cabinets for storage, and newer, western style appliances. Still, be aware that furnishings and construction may be cheap and require maintenance.Renovated shop house are great for foreigners who want to live comfortably on a budget while meanwhile maintaining the charm and community of living in a Khmer-style shop house. Owners are quite often friendly to expats and eager to please throughout the contract. More importantly - the prices are affordable. Rough Price Range For 1 Bedroom Renovated Shop Houses:CBD - Chamkarmon, Daun Penh = $600 - $700 per month;Outskirts - Toul Kork, Sen Sok, Olympic, Toul Tom Poung = $400 - $600 per month.Learn more about the Phnom Penh Market here. Check out our pre-signing checklist for rental properties now!

Although a relative newcomer the market, Bodaiju Residences has already sold over 60 per cent of Phase 1, according to Tomohiro Yakushi, vice president of the Japanese developer Creed Group. See the listing here.Yakushi believes that the reason for this is that most new developments across Phnom Penh aim solely to capture foreign investors but, Bodaiju Residences, the largest development in Cambodia by a Japanese Company, has gained huge interest by local investors and home owners who understand market potential and the need for well-financed projects in Cambodia, especially those located in strategic areas.In fact, Her Excellency Louk Sovanna from the newly formed KH Niron Investment company, a local property investor, has already announced that they have purchased 37 units at a total cost of around $5 million, according to a recent report in the Phnom Penh Post.“Unlike other condominium projects that mainly target foreigners, we aim to target locals pursuing home ownership and high standards of living,” said Yakushi. Bodaiju Residences have already gained local confidence:  the key to success in the Cambodian new developments market.“We mainly want local people to live here - not only foreign investors buying and selling condo units. We want to add real value,” Yakushi said. Hence, the majority of sales thus far are local Cambodians, at around 65 percent of Phase 1 sales; in addition, Korean buyers represent 15% of phase 1 sales, Japanese equate to 10%, Singaporean, 5%, and the remaining 5% of the units have been sold to other nationalities. This demographic will provide a multicultural and vibrant community in Bodaiju Residences.Inquire about Bodaiju Residences today on Realestate.com.kh and find out more!Based on current sales success, the Creed group predicts that at least 75 per cent of sales in Phase 1 will be complete in October 2015, according to a recent interview with the Phnom Penh Post.Creed is also making financing available, for local and international buyers. In fact, financing is available for up to 90 per cent of the property value by ORO Financecorp—a subsidiary of Creed Group— meaning that property investors can acquire loans starting from as low as 5 per cent interest.“This means that the low-entry investment starts at $100,000,” Yakushi adds. The average net selling price of Bodaiju units is $1,600 to $1,700 per square metre.The Bodaiju Residences project is the first and biggest project to be invested in outside of the city center and instead in front of Pochentong International Airport. This shall be the future focal point of Phnom Penh, and is an attractive position for investment based on rising land prices. It is a widely known developer's rule that very few property markets around the world fail to grow in areas near international airports.Inquire about Bodaiju Residences today on Realestate.com.kh and find out more!

Realestate.com.kh would like to present another of our featured agencies - Rooftop Real Estate Cambodia.Check out CDN Property listings for rent and for sale on realestate.com.kh todayEstablished in 2010, CDN Property 's philosophy of exemplary customer service is based upon the mutual trust and respect of our clients. CDN Property guide each client with our extensive knowledge of Cambodia's real estate market, and CDN Property provides all services to help, educate and inform buyers and sellers for free. CDN Property consultant real estate services include; assisting clients to sell, purchase, lease, and manager their real estate assets. Through CDN Property 's extensive alliance real estate network, they can also provide strategic planning and research, portfolio analysis, and site selection  and space location assistance. If you are looking for an experienced Realtor and current listings, CDN Property and its team of real estate professionals are focused on helping clients, old and new, buy and sell real estate that best suits their needs. [caption id="attachment_78805" align="alignleft" width="430"] Socheath Yim, Director of CDN Property[/caption] Focusing greatly on recovery, Cambodia’s economy has been increasing rapidly over the last five years. Tourism has been a great help as it contributed millions of dollars for the country’s national budget. While the international image of the country has not been fully reverted yet, investors who are aware of the nation’s efforts to recover are now pouring in money into it. Cambodia real estate is one area where the country is counting on to jump start their growth. The government is offering incentives and safety measures for future investors who are interested to invest on Cambodia real estate. One very radical move being considered by the government is to lift its rule of not allowing foreigners to own real estate property in the country. Although opening up to the foreign real estate investors is a risky attempt to salvage the country’s economy, the nobility of the purpose is something that is noteworthy. CDN Property advise clients on the acquisition and disposal of a wide range of investment land and property opportunities, throughout the key locations in Cambodia. CDN Property Management team provides a wide range of services to owners, occupiers and investors for all types of property in Phnom Penh. The CDN Property team provides property management services for offices, condominiums, apartments, housing estates and villa. The main aim of our property management is to organize and to realize successfully all the necessary operations concerning real estate. Check out CDN Property listings for rent and for sale on realestate.com.kh today

Are you an Expat expecting just a temporary stay in the Kingdom? Are you nervous about signing long-term leases when you are not sure if you can satisfy the contract length? Are you finding that most Cambodian landlords are unwilling to have tenants stay for less than six months? Here is a guide to Long v Short Term Rental Lease in Cambodia, from Realestate.com.kh.Learn more about Phnom Penh rental market and other Cambodian rental advice here.Here's a check list for securing your dream Phnom Penh rental!Benefits of a Long Term Lease:Signing a six-month or year lease locks in a rental price in a market that is growing in leaps and bounds every year.Rental rates climb 10-15% annually in Cambodia, especially in the urban and tourism centers, and as new buildings offering all types of modern amenities continue to enter the rental market, these prices will continue to rise.A long term lease will save you from a price hike when the lease term ends and you are no longer able to find an apartment of the same value for the same price.Signing a long-term lease will also grant higher negotiating power: the landlord should be more flexible because they know you will stay for a longer period of time. They may add furnishing that you request, and negotiate on set rates.Remember that most owners want to build and maintain a relationship with their tenants. A long term lease allows this trust to develop.If you end up securing a lease for longer than you are able to stay in Cambodia, many expats are seeking shorter length, sub-lease agreements. This will give you the opportunity to finish your lease agreement payments through a sub-lease with a short term tenant. It pays to check with the landlord that will be possible before signing the leasing contract.Alternative, the landlord may allow you to transfer the entire lease to a new tenant that you have found - if you can't satisfy the contract. Enjoying this guide to Long v Short Term Rental Lease in Cambodia so far, learn more about Phnom Penh rental and other Cambodian rental advice here. If I do sign a long term lease, what sort of contractual and non-contractual terms can be negotiated with the landlord?Most importantly, the monthly rental price – as despite what the landlord and agent may say, in the Cambodian market there is always an element of flexibility in it!Consider requesting the installation of window screens, new or more fans, and new or improved furniture.Rates for services, such as water, electricity and rubbish collection may sometimes been thrown into the final rental price, at no extra charge.You should check whether the landlord is open to a sub-lease if you can't stay for the whole length of the lease agreement. If they are, let them know that they will have an opportunity to screen the new sub-leasing tenant before they are accepted. Also, check whether they are open to transferring the bond to the new sub-leasing tenant. If the new landlord accepts these terms, the additional lease length shouldn't be such a risk to you.Remember, negotiation is about compromise. Consider the landlords objectives and unique circumstances - and try to compormise a rental agreement where both parties can feel satisfied. Here is some useful real estate negotiation advice. Enjoy this guide to Long v Short Term Rental Lease in Cambodia, from Realestate.com.kh? Here's a check list for securing your dream rental!

Budget should not be the only concern for home buyers when they are deciding on a new property! Realestate.com.kh examines the top factors that scare buyers from investing in real estate in certain areas and localities.Before deciding to buy or rent any new property, you must first weigh the pros and cons of not only the property that you are looking at, but also the area where that property is located. While your property might look like a steal at first, sometimes paying a bit extra to live in a more expensive area could pay off in regards to the available infrastructure and amenities.In Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, and other centers in Cambodia, investors choose infrastructure over cheaper prices. For example, Special Economic Zones are extremely popular for foreign investors in Cambodia looking to manufacture: “Overall, an SEZ is a safe place for FDI because the conditions are found to be stable, safe and have less inherent investment and direct operational risk as opposed to locating outside of an SEZ,” said Charles Esterhoy, former-COO of Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone (PPSEZ). This is despite the fact that these areas are more expensive in regards to price per square meter.Buyers looking for a property for their own personal or business use will always prioritize the location of that new property, and social, civil and physical amenities/infrastructure available nearby.In regards to short term investors, these types of buyers still need to consider the area’s fitness. They might decide to occupy the property at some point, or alternatively, they might be dependent on rental returns from the property to sustain their investment. Regardless of the use, the capacity and attractiveness of the property becomes crucial.Below are the major factors that will discourage property buyers from investing in a particular area/locality:Vacancy:Particularly high vacancy levels throughout any locality will damage the the confidence levels of any investor. Low residency means hidden problems may be lurking in the area and these will make prospective buyers slow to invest in the locality/area. Maybe the infrastructure has some holes?Open Lot:An open piece of land sitting at the back of a residential building is warning sign for Investors also. Why? because it may get developed into almost anything in the future. Imagine if a noisy factory appears on the unit in the future - this will damage your quality of life and the resale value of the property. However, on the flip side of the coin, if that plot is turned into a beautiful park/garden, it could well add to the value of your building dramatically. Hence, the trick is when there is any free land in the neighborhood to gauge the future ownership and intended usage of that property before you buy.Poor Logistical Connectivity:Lack of transport access, and public transport services, will lower the attraction to even the dreamiest real estate. This infrastructure is crucial! It is wonderful to live on a coastal mountain overlooking the ocean - but if a trip to the city involves a 3 day horseback trek, chances are the property will lose its aura fairly quickly. In the city, real estate that is ages from metro stations, bus stops, main highways and any other crucial transport hubs will generally command much lesser price per square meter than those that have an array of easy transport options located nearby.Distance from Necessities/Amenities: City properties that do not have markets, schools, hospitals, ATMs, cafes, banks etc. in the close vicinity will also  generally extinguish the buyer’s interest. Too larger distance from these types of amenities can affect the value of the property hugely. For personal use or for an investment purpose, remoteness from basic necessities is not  an appealing factor when considering buying any house. In the commercial sphere, buying land or real estate with access to key transit corridors, artery roads, warehousing facilities and storage options are valued highly.Nowhere to Park:This is becoming an increasing problem in Phnom Penh. Without ample and convenient parking zones, a new properties value can be uncertain. Especially in cities like Phnom Penh, where many believe that personal vehicles are a necessity, parking spaces must be considered before buying into a property - be it commercial, an office tower, or residential premises. Tenants too must make this consideration a priority.Water Issues:Having a sound and reliable water supply in terms of quality and quantity is something that almost no buyer can compromise on. Hence, you should stay away from localities where the water supply is in short supply and/or poor in quality. It will naturally be extremely difficult to sell or rent a property in a dry locations.Power Outages:Frequent power cuts will adversely affect any buyer’s decision. Backup power sources such as generators on your property may provide a short term solutions, and these are extremely common throughout the Cambodian provinces, yet living in a neighborhood with frequent power cuts or dodgy power service will usually overshadow and deteriorate any positive attributes of the property.How's the Neighborhood?The state of the neighborhood also affects the property buyer’s ultimate decision. No streetlights, damaged roads, poor waste disposal services and noisy features can become crucial turn-offs for new buyers and renters. Safety is very important also. Crime in the vicinity is never welcomed. Hence, localities with imbalanced neighborhoods will naturally yield lesser income and profit from property sales and rentals, and hence, are unpopular among investors - short or long term. Want the latest on investment and infrastructure? Check out the news section of Realestate.com.kh now!

Jay Cohen, Director and Partner of Tilleke & Gibbins Cambodia, joined Ivan Cano, Content Manager of Realestate.com.kh, in sharing an introduction to Guaranteed Rental Returns.Cambodia’s property market has seen massive growth and changes over the past decade. The influx of foreign investors made the landscape quite the competitive field and many new property investment opportunities throughout the Kingdom now come with Guaranteed Rental Returns (GRR).What are Guaranteed Rental Returns?In layman's terms, GRR is a future rental income that is guaranteed by the developer or management company to the property purchaser for a contracted period of time after the purchase agreement is signed.For example:Property Price$100,000Guaranteed Rental Return (GRR)6% per yearGRR Period2 yearsExpected Rental Return$12,000 over 2 yearsSharon Liew, CEO of Huttons CPL, notes that Guaranteed Rental Returns is a reassurance scheme for new investors looking to try out a new, somewhat uncharted international market. Standard net returns being advertised in the condos and new developments market range from 4 percent to 9 percent, normally for a two to five year period.Key considerations for Guaranteed Rental ReturnsFor potential investors faced with promises of Guaranteed Rental Returns, there are several points to consider before signing that dotted line.Make sure the GRR is on a contractual documentFirstly, it is crucial to find out exactly what is underwriting the guarantee. If it is merely a paper promise it is potentially illusory - a marketing exercise that will collapse after the developments launch. However, if there is an actual contract in place, containing the potential for legal recourse should the income not be generated, the GRR presents some value.“If there is a GRR scheme, the investor needs to make sure the GRR is set out in writing,” said Jay Cohen, Partner and Director of Tilleke & Gibbins Cambodia, highlighting the importance of having the Guaranteed Rental Return rate in writing. “There needs to be some sort of contractual document that sets out the rights to the GRR”Guaranteed or Gross Rental Returns?After setting the GRR out in writing, investors need to consider additional costs that may reduce an investor’s expected return; a common mistake that some novice investors make is to take the Guaranteed Rental Returns being offered as a reference point to calculate their returns.Jay Cohen notes that investors need to be careful and understand what other costs may be imposed by the developer that may reduce their GRR. “Often in GRR schemes, there may be other costs that will reduce that amount. For example, management fees, sinking funds, utilities, furniture packages, and property taxes” he said.For example:Property Price$100,000Guaranteed Rental Return (GRR)6% per yearGRR Period2 yearsExpected Return$12,000 over 2 yearsManagement fee per month$125 ($1,500 per year - $3,000 for 2 years)Utility bill per month$80 ($960 per year - $1,920 for 2 years) Expected return: $12,000 after 2 yearsCosts over 2 years: $4,920 (Management fee + Utility bill)Net Return Return: $7,080 over 2 yearsJay emphasizes the importance of having the GRR and the associated costs of owning the property to be on a contractual document and from there, understand what is their net return over the contract’s expressed period of time.Sam Kiers, Director of Sales and Marketing at Elevated Realty, agrees: “This ultimately leads to investors seriously considering the time it takes for the investment to turn profitable.”Desmond Yap, General Manager of Yong Yap Properties, believes that if it is the developer offering GRR, it is fair to assume they have done their calculations and have ensured they will not create a loss of profit for their company. “Thus, in effect,” says Yap, “the buyer is paying for their own Guaranteed Rental Returns.”Know the going rate of similar propertiesJay Cohen notes that developers often look at surrounding properties of a similar tier along with calculating their desired ROI to come up with a GRR offer. Jay additionally impresses on investors that it is not uncommon for developers to inflate the rental guarantee figures to create a good impression on buyers considering the longer-term benefits of their investment. The opposite is true as well that a developer can undercut GRRs if they are confident they can rent/lease the property out for a much higher price.For investors, another consideration about any GRR promise should be whether the rental income figure appears realistic and achievable in the current market, keeping in mind where the property is located. If it is clearly unrealistic, the investor should foresee a dramatic reduction in returns on their unit once the guaranteed rental period ends.Sharon Liew explains that “In general, the projected GRR is usually lower than the market rental rate by about 20 percent, to protect the developer from any losses - this means, that anything higher than 20 percent (per year) is likely too good to be true.”What happens after the GRR period ends?“After a GRR period ends, the investor takes over the property and they have an obligation to lease it out themselves,” said Jay Cohen. Depending on the developer, they may offer their services to lease an investor’s property post-GRR for a nominal fee/arrangement. Jay Cohen emphasizes that this should be spelled out in a contractual document to avoid ambiguity or the requirement of additional services resulting in more fees.Do a background check on the developerIt is advisable that the buyer must consider whether the developer or their property management company in fact has the ability and resources to manage the property properly and sustain rental tenants for the property over the guaranteed period.Liew confirms that “The developer’s credibility and presence in Cambodia are extremely important, as most GRR only kicks off after the development is complete. This makes upfront rebate on Guaranteed Rental Returns a more attractive option.”Look for an experienced property management operation, with past success in the local market.“Be sure to check the validity of the GRR agreement and the quality of the management team," says Desmond Yap, “and, if possible, see how the management company is arranging their finances.”Force Majeure, enforcement, and dispute resolution of GRRsGuaranteed Rental Returns in Cambodia came at a time when the real estate market was booming. Business travelers and tourists were flying in and Cambodians from the countryside were flocking to big cities like Phnom Penh to find work - constituting a large base of property buyers and renters. But COVID-19 has disrupted this growth.So can the developer reduce the GRR under certain situations? Can the developer altogether stop paying the GRR if there’s a force majeure event? “It depends,” says Jay Cohen. He reminds investors that the GRR is a contract between the purchaser and the developer. “Whether the developer is allowed to reduce the GRR because of events like a pandemic, or a force majeure event, that really comes down to the nature of the contract”.Cambodia has legal concepts of force majeure. Jay says that developers may rely on this law but warns this may be a difficult issue as it is not clearly spelled out under Cambodian law.He suggests that a “dispute resolution” be negotiated between the investor and the developer. “Give some thought to dispute resolution,” he said, “the agreement may be regulated by Cambodian law, and may give investors the choice of the Kingdom’s courts or arbitration”.“Arbitration in Cambodia may be a good path as it’s faster. So that may be a way to enforce the agreement” he said.Recap and additional tips when considering Guaranteed Rental Return offersJay Cohen reminds investors there should be a document aside from the Sale-and-Purchase Agreement (SPA) that clearly sets out the GRR, obligations of the developer, and any other additional expenses to be shouldered by the purchaser.Additionally, even if a GRR is reasonable and competitive, they are not the sole indicators of a good investment. Saraboth Ea, Managing Director of  Maxem Property warns, “GRR needs to be considered amongst many other factors that determine whether an investment is a good value or not. This will consider the buyer's objectives and investment timeline, which varies from individual to individual.”“As the market matures,” continues Ea, “We hope to see developers put less emphasis on rental returns, and establish a good balance between local buyers who will reside in the property versus those who buy purely as an investment.”Looking at both sides of the Guaranteed Rental Returns debate, the rental guarantee is important for investors who need immediate reassurance on their investment - however, the guarantee is only as good as the strength of the company offering it. Ea says that a healthy skepticism around GRR is only natural in Cambodia, as it is a relatively new concept for local buyers and investors: “Rather than being the sole incentive for a buyer, we view it more as a gauge of the developer's confidence in their project.” Looking for property investment in Cambodia? Let us help!Article by:

Mortgages (or home loans) are an essential consideration for most people buying, selling, or simply owning a home. While the concept of borrowing from a bank or lender appears simple - home loans can be a lot harder to understand than you might first think. However, realestate.com.kh is here to help with our “mortgage matters” series. And when you are ready to consider a loan more seriously, we can even put you in touch with Cambodia’s leading lenders.Inquire for a home loan here.Drawing on  the experience of others who have mortgages (any number of your friends and family who already have a home loan), and with a little extra homework, we believe that any body can make sound financial decisions.What is a Mortgage?A mortgage is a loan, quite simply, with your house and land used as security for that loan. That means, if you don't pay back the loan in the prescribed time frame, the lender (usually a bank) has the right to foreclose your home. Foreclosing means to take possession of a mortgaged property when the mortgagor fails to keep up their mortgage payments. Basically, the bank takes your home and sells it to settle the debt. The loan is secured by a “lien” (in other words, the "mortgage") against the property in question (your house and land). The lender still doesn't own the house, you do. But if you can't pay, they have the lien with your house as their collateral/security.  You still have full ownership rights - yet subject to the mortgage.When looking for your first mortgage is it most important to consider two things: What you can actually afford?What you can borrow?Why are these two questions different? Because, the lender/bank is never going to look at how much you spend in a month on partying with friends, or movies and dinner, or how happy you'll be with a big payment.Put in your loan requirements in realestate.com.kh's mortgage calculator now! In reality, they may well be willing to loan you considerably more than you think you can spend on your home mortgage. You must consider this seriously - because only you know how much flexibility your lifestyle and spending habits have, which ultimately determines how much you can afford when searching for a new home. If you miscalculate this - you risk not being able to satisfy payments and ultimately losing your new home.Learn more about how to budget better for you and your family here.A lender/bank will look at your income, and future income potential vs. your proposed debt, as well as your bank savings and credit history. Having considered these factors, the bank will then determine how much of a risk you'd be for the lender/bank to take on and issue a loan. Meanwhile, they look at the value of the house you want to buy, and potential future value, and compare against the interest rate of the loan you'll be getting. After this analysis, the bank/lender arrives at a loan amount that they consider a healthy risk. If all things go to plan, this loan amount will match (or potentially exceed) what you need to satisfy your down payment and the final price of the house you want to purchase.Read part 2 of Realestate.com.kh’s “mortgage matters” series. And when you are ready to consider a loan more seriously, get in touch with Cambodia’s leading lenders.

The latest boost for the kingdom’s booming property industry will kick off the prestigious industry awards programme in 2016... As the acclaimed Asia Property Awards officially launches in Cambodia Undoubtedly home to one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting and rapidly evolving property markets, Cambodia is set to receive the region’s real estate industry seal of approval when it becomes the latest country to be included in the coveted, decade-old Asia Property Awards series. Sponsored by TEKA, the first Cambodia Property Awards 2016 will recognise and reward the achievements of the country’s most successful, dynamic and innovative developers and developments, as well as introducing the market to a wider regional audience of affluent investors and major industry players. The Awards’ successful launch party was held on Tuesday, 6 October, at the Chinese House in Phnom Penh, attended by nearly 150 guests and members of the press. Nominations from industry players and the general public have now started to pour in for the Cambodia edition, and will close on Friday, 4 December. The glittering awards ceremony is set to take place on Thursday, 25 February 2016 at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra and will present more than 20 awards covering the condominium, housing, hotel, office, retail, green and mixed-use segments, all of which will be grouped into three main sections, namely Developer, Development and Design. While Cambodia’s property market may not yet be as established as its regional counterparts, the kingdom is stepping up in the development sector, with numerous low-rise and ambitious high-rise projects currently in the planning stages or under construction in Phnom Penh, which is undoubtedly establishing itself as a desirable investment destination due to the relatively low prices and average rental yields of 5.3 percent – very attractive for an emerging market. Industry analysts also expect the overall condominium market in the capital to increase its supply by 40 percent within the next three years, which is one indication of the growing interest in local real estate. Other destinations such as Siem Reap and Sihanoukville province are also showing on many local and foreign investors’ radars, thanks to the kingdom’s existing laws giving investment incentives, and an open and free economy. “Cambodia is a comparatively small market, but it is quickly emerging and is definitely deserving of the recognition it will receive at their very own Property Awards,” said Terry Blackburn, CEO of Ensign Media, event organiser and publisher of Asia’s industry leading magazine, Property Report. “Competing in Cambodia will give the winners of the top awards the opportunity to showcase their latest projects at our South East Asia Property Awards grand finale to be held in Singapore.” As is the case with all the events of the Asia Property Awards, successful entries will be supervised by BDO International, one of the world’s largest accounting firms, and assessed by an independent panel of highly-experienced judges led by chairman Simon Griffiths, associate director of CBRE Cambodia. “There is a definite market trend in Cambodia of a flight to quality,” Griffiths said. “If developers can truly distinguish themselves through innovative and truly quality developments, from design and architecture to construction, execution and operation and by winning an independent award it helps consumers identify those properties, it can only be a good thing for developers and design firms.” For more information on the inaugural Cambodia Property Awards, visit the website. Super early bird tickets for the gala dinner are available now at Ensign-Media.com, offered until 11 December only. Sponsorship and media partner opportunities for the kingdom’s premier real estate event are also available. For details, email info@asiapropertyawards.com or call +66 (0) 2662 5195. Follow #AsiaPropertyAwards to join the conversation about the Asia Property Awards series on social media.

Real estate agencies in the Kingdom are shifting their focus from traditional, low lying real estate market and are adapting in order to cash in on the condo boom. The local Khmer market is traditionally fixated on land, villas and borey homes. With prices between $1,500 to $3,000 per square metre for high-end condo units in the capital, the local market has been slow to respond despite international excitement.

Are you a Cambodian based investor that wants to invest in the United Kingdom in a safe and socially responsible 10 year investment opportunity? Look no further...Introducing a very exclusive investment opportunity New Castle, United Kingdom, with Ivanna Capital Ltd, UK. Buy a unit of Learning Disabilities Center in Gateshead, UK, with guaranteed rental returns for 10 years, and sell-back opportunity after 10 years.Investment cost: £64,950 Yield:10%Guarantee phase with 10 years Deposit: £5,000 per room purchase 5% returns will be paid during development phase for people who pay the full £65k at exchangeMore information on the Investment Opportunity:  "The amount of quality spaces available for people with Learning Disabilities across England is massive below the required demand levels based on local and national figures. Many Local Authorities have to place residents as in other local areas because the facilities are just not available locally. This places a huge financial burdon on the local authority. The need for this type of accommodation in Gateshead Borough is massive. The Local Authority is working with our Care partners to try and reduce the need but to also design something that is truly unique and groundbreaking." "The 40 bed unit which we are building will be the first of its kind nationally and will provide not only supported accommodation but also access to the highest possible education. St. Camillus Care Group Ltd want to change the way people with learning disabilities are supported and this represents a fantastic investment opportunity. There is a legal duty on Gateshead Council to house people who have an assessed Learning difficulty. Gateshead Council has currently not got enough accommodation to accommodate and is a priority area of development." "Based on current accommodation trends and population growth, the research estimates that there will be 19,860 new registered care bed places and at 14,222 extra supported accommodation places in England and Wales over the next 15 years. "The research found that 172,000 people with a learning disability in England and Wales known to social services. This differs to estimates of over a million when combined with the people that are suspected of having a learning disability but are yet to be statemented." "Over the next 15 years, based on population growth of adults with a learning disability known to social services we will need to following provision in England and Wales: 19,680 new registered care places14,122 extra supported accommodation places10,766 extra general needs tenancies with local authorities and housing associations73% of people with a learning disability want to live in some form of independent living. This currently sits at 16% due to the lack of accommodation to support individual need.The research also found that it is likely an additional 33,000 people with a learning disability will continue to live with their parents even though both service user and parent would like to find somewhere which would promote independent living." "Gateshead is on the opposite to Newcastle across the River Tyne. The site we are building on has fantastic views up the Tyne River providing a tranquil and idyllic environment for service users to live and learn. Excellent central locationPerfect for students as Gateshead College is less than 1 mile awayWalking distance to City Centre, stations and parksSafe neighbourhoodWealth of local amenities including bars and cafesAward winning Sage Gateshead less than 1 mile awayThe need for this accommodation is based on in depth research and over 50 years’ experience in the field of social care and commissioning.The Local Authority are supporting the development and are willing to commission beds over a number of years safeguarding financial returns and the initial investmentThis approach sits firmly in line with the newly produced UK Care Act which places a duty on local authorities to do more to make sure that people do not need to travel away from their local area to receive the right kind of support "Securing your investment: Your investment will sit in a 3rd party client account until stage progress is signed off by a qualified Quantity Surveyor. Once this has been completed funds are then released for the next stage of the build. This protects the investor and makes sure that the investment is secure during the building stage of the process." "Guaranteed Buy Back Option: Guaranteed buy back option (at end of year 10) at original value £64950.Reserve your unit now for just £5,000.Your balance of first payment will be due within 28 days from receipt of reservation contract.Buyers solicitor will then be engaged.Financial return paid in arrears quarterly direct to your nominated bank account.5% interest given on funds received at exchange until refurbishment has been completed 1st September 2016.""NOW:Reserve your unit now for just £5000 deposit.UK solicitors instructed and contracts issued.First installment of £26000 due at exchange of contracts 28 days after reservation.Second installment of £26000 due February/March 2016Completion monies £7950 due July 2016"Please contact Immy at Ivanna Capital Ltd  for more information - UK : +44 7448588234 ipanjwani42@gmail.com

The UK Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICs) launched their first specialist course on Plant and Machinery Valuation, in partnership with IBC, on the 3rd September in Phnom Penh, The course, which represents a first for the Kingdom, taught local and international participants the fundamentals of Plant & Machinery (P&M) Valuation Standards, Valuation Methodologies, Code of Ethics, and Risk Management principles. RICS promotes and enforces the highest professional qualifications and standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. The organisation accredits 118,000 professionals and any individual or firm registered with RICS is subject to it's quality assurance. Their expertise covers property, asset valuation, real estate management; the development of infrastructure; and the management of natural resources, such as mining, farms and woodland. Read another useful article about valuation standards in Cambodia here. In addition to the RICS course, BritCham, in partnership with IBC and RICs, recently organised a half-day forum on the promotion of building and fire safety standards. To-date Cambodia still does not have a set of Building or Fire Safety standards in the area of construction. Several initiatives within the Government are currently being developed, as well as by the private sector and relevant institutions. This led to the UK Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office and UK Trade and Investment to commission the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICs) to produce a report on the topic with a view to providing the Cambodian Government with assistance in developing building standards and ensuring better regulation. The Report's findings and recommendations were presented to and welcomed by the Government last year. The Report further provided the foundation for the country’s first Building ConstructionLaw, drafted by H.E. Dr. SOK Siphana. Following on from this, the purpose of the joint IBC and BritCham seminar was to bring together relevant stakeholders - both from the private and public sector - to examine the findings and recommendations of the RICs report and discuss a common approach to the developing building and fire safety standards for Cambodia. Read another article about fire safety standards in Cambodia here.

Come celebrate the launch of the first-ever Cambodia property awards, the latest addition to the Asia Property Awards series, on 6 October from 18:30 - 20.30 at Chinese House.Enjoy a welcome cocktail, brief presentation, free-flow drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

Mr. Kim Heang, CEO of Khmer Real Estate Co., Ltd, was awarded the honor of becoming the President of the Cambodian Valuers and Real Estate Agents Association (CVEA) at the presidential elections held at the Cambodiana Hotel last Friday, 25th of September. Kim has over 12 years experience in the Cambodian real estate industry, and has demonstrated leadership in several roles - the foremost being his position as CEO at Khmer Real Estate.  In his presidential pitch, Mr. Heang presented the members of the CVEA with promises for the direction of the Association under his leadership. "Firstly," said Heang, "I will gain the trust of the members and the general public and will set a goal for the organization which I can achieve during my term as President." Mr. Heang's promises included reaching out to sponsorship of the CVEA through various levels of membership. The majority of these sponsors will be Real Estate Developers, Construction Companies and Banks. Heang vowed to all members to see the CVEA, "work with the Ministry of Economic and Finance, or State University, in bringing an International School into Phnom Penh for a Real Estate and Valuation focused curriculum." Further, Heang wishes to see valuation services standardized in regards to price and quality: "We need to make the minimum charge at $170 per valuation report, as of January 2016, and increase this minimum rate to $200 per report, by January 2017." Realestate.com.kh wishes Mr Kim Heang the best of luck in bringing these initiatives to reality - and hopes the CVEA can continue to provide support for the real estate community.

Whenever renting a new house or commercial space for business, the things that grab our attention first and foremost are the location, price and the supporting lease clauses. However, we often miss out on and overlook certain small but equally important things. You should remember that your final lease agreement is not going to include a lot of important stuff that will ultimately make or break the rental agreement, and this could well be the same stuff that even your landlord or broker won’t reveal pre-contract. Read another Checklist for Securing your Dream Rental Here.Here is a few extra things to consider above and beyond the rental agreement, thanks to Realestate.com.kh:How's the Landlord?Always do a background check of your landlord to make sure everything is above board. This need not be a difficult one, or necessarily call on any official records. Neighbors and grocery shop owners in the vicinity are often the best sources that can help you ascertain your prospective landlord’s nature and his ownership over the property. Also, you should check how far or close he or she lives from the rented apartment. A  landlord who is too nosey is sometimes equally as bad as an extremely laid back one. A lot of good apartment rental experiences are ruined because of landlords - so work out fast whether or not yours in a keeper. Also, try to speak with past tenants. The landlord may be able to provide contact details of the last tenant. If he or she does, call them - and get the down-low on the property and the landlord before agreeing to sign on.Meet the Neighbors:Similar to the above regarding landlords, a bad neighbor can ruin your rental experience. Try to meet your neighbors before finalizing the house agreement and find out whether they will have an overbearing influence on your life. Consider their set up too - is it a family living beside your house or a bunch of young guys? This will make a difference to your satisfaction once the contract is done - so find out before the point. Visit at night:Visit the area where your new residence resides at night to check its safety. A neighborhood that’s calm during the daytime can turn into a very noisy place at night time. Does a KTV open next door after 7pm? Is the entrance to your prospective home lighted sufficiently? Do you feel safe in the new area? If you don't, you can bet your family won't.Is your pet allowed?Find out your landlord’s stance on pets, if you have any. Many landlords don’t allow pets, so finding one which does can often be a challenge for the renter with fluffy friends.Consider the local commute:Try and get to work, or school, from the new house - before agreeing to live there. Many times,  our commute related research is merely based on the rough distance between your home and destination. Walk through your travel route and see how easy and efficient it really is.You’re now ready! Get on Realestate.com.kh/rent today and start the search for your dream rental! Of course, Realestate.com.kh’s 6000+ rental listings make it effortless to see what is available across the Cambodian rentals market. Read another Checklist for Securing your Dream Rental Here.

Finding the perfect rental can be a taxing experience. Of course, Realestate.com.kh’s 6000+ rental listings make it effortless to see what is available across the Cambodian rentals market. Yet, when it comes to inspections, the bulk of your search and consideration usually revolves around technical aspects of the new home, such as proximity to your office or your kid’s school, your budget, the number of bedrooms and the like – it is easy to overlook some of the smaller but equally important details during the heat of the viewing. Here’s a checklist, thanks to Realestate.com.kh, to ensure you’re not forgetting anything! Additional costs: Most rental rates are exclusive of extra monthly charges. Monthly maintenance, waste collection, gas and water rates, electricity bills, bond payments etc. can add to the monthly rental price significantly – so make sure you inquire about all extra expenses while you are viewing. And confirm them in the rental contract before signing. Expect to pay no more than 1000Riel/$0.25 per Kilowatt for electricity, $5 per month for water charges & trash collection and $5 per month for TV cable connection. Read the contract: Seems like a no-brainer – but read your rental agreement with care and attention. Learn the ways in which you can be liable for a breach of your contract, for example having pets or parties – different land lords’ stipulate different reasons for being allowed to throw you out, so make sure you know what the land lord in question expects of you before you agree to stay. Get the right title!Everyone haggles! Always bargain the price with your landlord no matter how it makes you feel. Learn how to haggle here. The same goes for your real estate agent. Remember, that while your real estate agent is acting in your interests to some degree – they are ultimately acting on behalf of the sale, and their commission will be higher if the final agreed price is higher. If you are applying for a long term rental, 1 year or over, use this as a bartering tool. Also, while the landlord may not be flexible on monthly rental price, you may still be able to push them for additional services or home furnishing/appliances for free as contract sweeteners. An upfront advance on your first few months’ rent may also be an enticing bartering point for landlords looks for a fast cash injection in the short term, but ensure everything is receipted correctly. Here's some tips to finding the perfect agent.Safety First: Regardless of what your agent tells you, be personally responsible for you and your family’s safety when considering any new rental property. Walk around the neighborhood of any property you are considering renting, speak with neighbors (and other tenants if it is a shared building) and come back to the area at nighttime and make sure no hidden threats appear when the sun goes down. Also, always consider the potential for flooding. A 24 hour review is necessary to note any noise hazards too – there may be construction in the afternoon that you never noticed at the morning viewing, or a night club could open at night next door. For a little extra attention before agreeing to the rental contract, you can truly understand the pros and cons of the property. Little Things: Check faucets, door hinges, locks, door knobs, power points, appliances, water heaters and gas cookers before agreeing to rent. Most of the time these things look perfect until further investigation - but if you catch minor problems now, you can ask the landlord to fix them before the agreement is settled. Here is a pre-purchase property checklist.Bug Free? Keep your eyes peeled for any signs of a bug infestation. It is not uncommon and it’s easy to miss signs that your new home is shared by a family of cock roaches, termites, mice or other pests. Unless it’s a critter co-lease you’re looking for, find out before it’s too late. Photo Evidence: Before agreeing to the bond payment, take photos of every room in the house while it is empty. In these pictures, make sure you evidence any preexisting damage to the property. This way, when your contract eventually ends, the landlord has no grounds to deduct wear and tear damages from your deposit that in fact you weren’t responsible for. You’re now ready! Get on Realestate.com.kh/rent today and start the search for your dream rental!

The borey life is the dream of countless families across Cambodia. However, not all boreys are equal. Here is a checklist from Realestate.com.kh to make sure you are in fact securing the right property for you and your family - and a sound investment.What is a borey?Essentially, a borey is a gated community of flat houses, twin villa houses and single villa houses, including public areas, gardens and full security services. Those who want to buy a borey home are looking for privacy, a safe place for their family to grow, areas where communities can develop, and a place where all modern amenities are assured. They are they prefered first home of newlywed Cambodian couples looking to start a new family. Not Cambodian? Not sure if you can buy a borey? Learn about foreign ownership laws here. Learn more about Phnom Penh Residential Space here.Is it a registered borey you’re buying?Before purchasing any “borey” home, or any gated community home which calls itself a “borey,” you must first ensure it is infact registered as a borey and has all the correct licenses. Ask your real estate agent, or the property owner, to provide all certification before considering purchasing the property.Here is what you need to see:Correct Hard Title:  The borey development owner must first have hard title for the entire project property, and it must be divided into individual hard titles for each housing unit within the borey. Learn more about Cambodian land titles here.Registered Development Company: The owner/developer must be a registered Cambodian company.Master Plan Approval: Before any construction begins on a borey development, the Ministry of Land Management must first approve the developer's Master Plan.Construction License: Having approved the master plan, the construction company is scrutinized. In order for a gated community development to call itself a “Borey,” it must be built by a single, registered construction company, with a license to construct from the Ministry of Land Management. This ensures the buildings are built to an adequate standard, and necessary amenities and infrastructure are guaranteed.Borey License: If everything is in order, the Ministry of Economics and Finance issues a borey license - which means that the Government is satisfied with the quality of the development’s design and sales plans, and the correct land titles for that housing project are in order. Each property within the development will have an independent hard title, meaning the future home owner has full ownership rights on purchase. This means the development can legally be called a “borey”.Buying a registered borey home means due diligence has been done for you by the Government - at a national level - and you can guarantee that the correct construction and legal processes have been followed.In comparison, Cambodia hosts many large developments of flat houses which look exactly the same as a borey community in their design, and sometimes even called a borey in their marketing. However, those developments have not been scrutinized or licensed. Developers avoid registering as a borey because of the additional expense and scrutiny over their construction and legal standards. To build and sell a flathouse development, not titled as a borey, means less licensing is required, and official permission for construction and selling is only needed at a Khan or Sangkat level. Your title may not be valid, and the quality of the house’s construction and its Sales and Purchase Agreement is not certain. Avoid unregistered flathouse developments, or risk investing in a insecure asset that may not match pre-sale descriptions.Check out Cambodia’s latest and greatest borey homes for sale and rent on realestate.com.kh today!