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!

Realestate.com.kh is proud to sponsor and support the Global Alumni Convention (GAC) 2016.The Global Alumni Convention (GAC) is organized by IDP Education to bring together graduates from Cambodia, Australia, the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, France, Russia, Korea, Japan, China, Malaysia, Singapore and other countries and give them a forum to meet, share ideas and network with experts, decision makers and leaders from governments, the private sector, and civil society for education, trade and investment opportunities.AIMS OF THE CONVENTION: The convention is designed around the themes of reconnecting with learning, knowledge-sharing, and being inspired to fulfil education, professional, and business potential. Organizers anticipate attendance by more than 500 alumni, professionals, experts and leaders from the public and private sector. The objectives of the GAC 2016:To learn about the pathways and successes that alumni from these countries have achieved.To showcase world class education systems and opportunities.To gain insights into Cambodia’s position in the world.To enhance friendship and cooperation within Cambodia and internationally.Who will attend the convention? The Global Alumni Convention is a high-profile event with 500 anticipated attendees being: Graduates from around the globe.Leaders from Governments and Embassies.Directors, CEOs and Senior Executives from business and civil society.Professionals, specialists, and experts from diverse industries.Cambodians and non-Cambodians.When and where will the convention be held? On the evening of Friday 29 and all day on 30 January 2016 at InterContinental Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Convention Format: The format of the panel discussions will be four panellists plus a moderator with an interactive Q+A. The convention will be in two parts – the Business & Education Networking Reception on the evening of 29  January  2016  coupled  with  the  Main  Convention  on  30  January  2016  and  concluding  with  the Convention  Cocktail  Reception. The  Business  &  Education  Networking  Reception  will  be  a  networking dinner  with  leaders  from  the  government,  embassies,  the  private  sector  and  civil  society. The  Main Convention  will  consist  of  a  series  of  moderated  panel  discussions  with  topics  being  on  Cambodia-related  issues  and  will  be  given  by  leading  figures  from  the  business  community,  the  public  sector, relevant industry figures and alumni themselves. GAC  VIPs: GAC 2016 will be honoured with a welcome address by HE Sun Chanthol, Senior Minister and Minister of Commerce on the evening of the 29th, and the official opening address by HE Dr Hang Chuon  Naron, Minister of Education Youth and Sport in the morning of the 30th January, 2016. REGISTRATION FEES: Early Registration – 01 Oct – 30 Nov 2015 (US$ 70)Standard Registration – 01 – 30 Dec 2015 (US$ 80)Late Registration – 01 – 28 Jan 2016 (US$ 90)Walk-in Registration – 29 – 30 Jan 2016 (US$ 100)To register, please go to www.cambodiaGA.org  ; For more information, please contact GAC Secretariat Office at gac@idp.com or 023 222 064.

On 26-27 December 2015, the Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association (CVEA) traveled in convoy to Sihanoukville Province to study the real estate market of the region, seek opportunities and benefits for the members of CVEA, and to build relationship and unity between the various CVEA members. The trip was attended by Kim Heang, President of CVEA, and Van Chanthorn, Vice President of CVEA along with members from over 13 different real estate agencies and companies.Visits included information sessions, tours and negotiations with Sihanoukville Special Economy Zone (SSEZ), Chork Kampongsom Special Economy Zone and the development site of D’ Sea View Condominium, a project of HLH Group and Camhomes. The CVEA was given a chance to introduce themselves to company representatives from these developments and propose cooperative measures between the various projects and CVEA members. All projects showed great interest in partnering with the CVEA and its members, and working towards greater cooperation in 2016. The official tour schedule ended with a dinner party on O’Chhoeteal Beach with all members in attendance. The overall feeling was one of cooperation, unity and growing friendship, despite the competition that traditionally exists between many agencies. The CVEA is bringing industry leaders together and developing strong bonds that will bring mutual benefits to all members as the industry pushes forward and competition becomes more fierce in 2016. The Realestate.com.kh team were proud to attend the tour as CVEA members and partners of all Cambodian real estate agencies and agents, whether big or small, and look forward to future CVEA events and tours such as this!If you would like more information about the CVEA, or are seeking membership opportunities, or you are a developer who would like to invite the Association and its members to visit your project - please get in touch with the CVEA today.

Aircon units in your home or office need a service once a year if you want them to keep pumping cool air at full capacity!Now that the cold season's come around and you don’t need the aircon on, it’s the perfect time to give your unit a long needed check up! Stay cool and save cash on power bills with these simple maintenance checks, thanks to realestate.com.kh.Time for a new filter:If you have a central air system, make sure you change the filters every few months. If you have let it slide all year, now’s a prime time to do your chores and change it!And while you’re at it, clean the vents!At least a few times a year, you need to dust your aircon vents to keep the airflow free and easy. If it still seems muffled after this, you should hire a professional aircon cleaning person to give your air ducts and vents a full thorough blowout.Make sure you aren’t blocking the condensing unit:The air conditioner unit that sits outside and draws air into the system must be unrestricted and uncovered. It seems obvious, but sometimes people forget they left the mat lying on top. Make sure the induction vents a clean and clear, and you should be winning!Still seem Funky?If you unit still seems to be struggling, you might have an issue with your Freon Levels. Get a pro to check for a leak (especially if your aircon is an old model). While your at it, better get them to check the electrical controls and coils are in tip top shape too. They can also calibrate your thermostat if need be.Is wood or tile floors best for your home? Find out here.

Most people’s attention span lasts between 5 and 10 seconds… For those involved in marketing, and especially digital marketing, this means that you need to work extremely efficiently if you want to engage the right customers at the right place and the right time, and share with them a message that they will actually take on board. Don't forget to read part 1 first! Read it here.Because online marketing is our full time job here at Realestate.com.kh, we would like to share a few tips to get the most benefit from your various online marketing channels – and ultimately, sell and rent more property through the internet.  Online marketing with your own Website: Your company website is home sweet home, no matter what business you are – but, remember, your website must reflect your underlying objectives if you want it to be successful. Don't forget to read part 1 first! Read it here. Of course, the layout and functionality will be totally different depending on the online marketing objectives. Your website might exist purely for branding purposes, in which case focus on the presentation. But if you intend to sell directly through your website as an ecommerce application, your design must focus on functionality and smoothly facilitating the sale, and after-sale support. Regardless of the intent of your website, it is crucial that it is easy to navigate, and the content is relevant and engaging to visitors. Want to learn how to use LinkedIn for real estate sales? Success metrics are always at hand to advise of the development of your website, whether it be considering generic goals such as overall revenue and conversions - or more specific analysis, for example building offsite referrals from social channels, or considering the best demographic targeting for your website. If you want a bigger audience to visit your website, the sole answer is content. Clear, engaging and consistent content is the only way to grow your website sustainably. Remember that longer term trends and analytics must be well-considered during any development of your website. A website is not like a short term marketing drive. Your website is here to stay for the life of your business. This means any changes you make should consider the present, but always look to the future. Why online marketing can help you test ideas quickly!Online marketing with your Email Database: Business people and individuals can receive hundreds of emails every week. Because of this flow of info, if your email online marketing is stale it will quite-simply fail because those emails will never see the light of day. Nearly all email database marketing has the same objectives: increasing click-through rates to your company websites; and reducing the number of contacts choosing to unsubscribe from your communications. Thus, to improve on returns from email online marketing, make sure you keep a clean and organized database – this will allow you to build trust with recipients and recognized email addresses. Increase your open rate with inviting email titles, and always test innovation. Throw in new elements such as video, interactive features and try to maintain a personal touch for your database members. Don't forget to read part 1 first! Read it here.Alternatively - Let us take care of your digital marketing and send you the sales inquiries. Realestate.com.kh can share it’s huge online audience with you. If you are an agent or developer, there is no easier way to improve your online sales conversions. Find out more today.

Most people’s attention span lasts between 5 and 10 seconds… For those involved in marketing, and especially digital marketing, this means that you need to work extremely efficiently if you want to engage the right customers at the right place and the right time, and share with them a message that they will actually take on board. Read part 1 already? Read part 2 here!Because online marketing is our full time job here at Realestate.com.kh, we would like to share a few tips to get the most benefit from your various online marketing channels – and ultimately, sell and rent more property through the internet.Online marketing with your Social Media Channels: No longer are the ultimate goals of social media likes, follows, and shares. Nowadays, social media marketing is a direct source of sales and represents great and highly affordable opportunities for marketers of all kinds. Of course, it is no secret that online companies like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram have developed their services to support company branding and sales. By simple testing, you can soon find our which social channels deliver you the best rate of conversions, click throughs and brand awareness. However, if you are situated in Cambodia, it is a safe bet that Facebook will come out number one - as the majority of the country’s 3.4 Million strong social media users taking first and foremost to Facebook. Surprisingly, some locals still understand Facebook and the Internet as a conjoined concept. Want to learn how to use LinkedIn for real estate sales?Online marketing with Search Engine Optimization (SEO): SEO is the least understood type of online marketing – but can be the most expensive and, for many online businesses, the most important. Basically, your company website is as useful as it is visited. If nobody can find your website, it is as useful as a 50 foot billboard behind a wall. SEO can be divided by on-page and offsite SEO. On-page relates to developing the navigation of your website so that all content is easily available to visitors. Offsite SEO is like casting a net – developing your offsite SEO will mean more people searching on leading search engines, such as google.com and its international network of sites, will find your site in their search results, and before they find your competitors… Be patient when developing your SEO as results will not come overnight. Remember, once again, there is no avoiding the need for content.  If you want a bigger audience to visit your website, and improve your website’s organic SEO, content is key – now, more than ever. Clear, engaging and consistent content is the key to growing your SEO sustainably. New search algorithms demand that top ranking pages must provide the user with content that engages them, and is unique and well referenced. If your post is about buying real estate in Chamkarmon, for example, it needs to be genuinely useful to your readers if it is ever going to rank well in SEO. The days are over when you can simply load articles with keywords and expect search results. Further, your keyword selection is crucial for a successful SEO strategy. You must clearly target your strategy to bid for the search key words most likely to bring revenue to your business. Don’t waste any time or money trying to win key words that will never convert. Also be wary about your competition.  If you see that another website has dominated certain key words for a long time, your chances of beating them are much lower, and will require far more effort in regards to content creation. Look for the low hanging fruit first, and the key words that will convert. Why online marketing can help you test ideas quickly!Online marketing with Paid Ads: Whether you are considering implementing search, display, or social ads into your online marketing strategy, always pay attention to conversion tracking and testing first and foremost. Otherwise, you are swinging in the dark! By using conversion tracking for paid advertising initiatives, you can immediately gauge which ads and keywords bring revenue with the highest return on your investment. Test and optimize all elements of the campaign until your success metrics start to show growth. The same rule applies whether you are interested in branding or conversions. Keep in mind; you will incur additional creative costs during this process if you want to do it right. It is important that you ensure your content and other visual media is in line with your audience, marketing strategy, and company image. Enjoyed the post so far?? Read part 2 here!Alternatively - Let us take care of your digital marketing and send you the sales inquiries. Realestate.com.kh can share it’s huge online audience with you. If you are an agent or developer, there is no easier way to improve your online sales conversions. Find out more today.

Are you considering real estate investment? Would you like to purchase another residence for rental returns or appreciation? Or perhaps buy one to restore and renovate?In any case, this article will give you some good advice and put you in the best position to succeed, helping you use your sound judgment when putting your savings into real estate investment.Ensure you have a financial plan for your real estate investment:If you are a real estate investor putting money into any real estate investment, you need to start thinking of yourself as a small business owner - because that's effectively what you are now! A business owner must plan thoroughly and keep records of all plans, purchases and projections. Taking your real estate investment seriously means treating it as you would any business, so all these things must be done.When you plan to put resources into real estate investment, such as funds to repair the house you're purchasing, make sure your pre-purchase projections of the costs involved are manageable given your initial real estate investment costs, transfer costs and projected earnings from the repairs. Don't blow your cash on a house you can't bear to repair. Prior to scouting homes, it's better to check your funding.Know your goals for any real estate investment:Continuously ask questions about your real estate investment purpose and goals. Have a plan for your investment, and a reasonable schedule and pipeline for progress in that plan. What is your end objective? Everyone's objectives are slightly different, as are their paths' to success. How are you going to accomplish that plan? Make sure your plan is in touch with reality, and take it step by step.Do you have any partner or you are you investing by yourself?If so, you need to plan together and find out what suits your both best. It is really important to invest time making a strong plan so that you can access your relative success and failures. Proper education in real estate can lead to great profit.Keep reading our articles so you can boost your knowledge on real estate investment.

As the event's official property portal, Realestate.com.kh is proud to present the 2016 Cambodia Property Awards - part of the Asia Property Awards series, brought to you by Ensign Media. Don't miss Cambodia's biggest and most prestigious property event - Early bird tickets are now available, until the 26th of January 2016 only. The Cambodia Property awards will take place at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra on Thursday, 25 February.Email info@asiapropertyawards.com for booking, or click here to visit the website.

Plans for a Chinese Railway network across ASEAN are beginning to solidify, with China pushing the long-stalled project into action in recent news and signing an agreement with the Laotian government, and now, Thailand. If this Chinese railway ultimately extends to Phnom Penh, the real estate market should certainly see benefits. This is not a new story, however.Thailand and China announced the beginning of a cooperation agreement this week to develop Thailand's first standard-gauge double-track railway line, a 845-kilometer line that will link Bangkok with the northeastern city of Nong Khai near the border of Laos. Construction is slated to begin in May 2016. This latest announcement comes after China and Laos reached agreement last month to build a 40-billion yuan ($6.28 billion), 418-kilometer railway from Kunming, the capital of southwestern China’s Yunnan province, to Vientiane, Laos capital, according to the official China Economic Herald report that followed a signing ceremony. The ceremony was attended by the National Development and Reform Commission, China Railway Corporation, and Export-Import Bank of China. According to Chinese media, China will cover 70 percent of the necessary investment for the new Chinese railway line, while Laos will be responsible for the remainder. Once in operation, the Chinese railway will be Laos’ longest and fastest yet, with an average speed of 160 kilometers per hour and 60 percent of the line being bridges and tunnels. The next step for China’s Silk Road railway is yet to be seen, and the world waits to see whether a full-scale ASEAN Railway will become a reality.

Camhomes’ maiden mixed development at Sihanoukville, D’Seaview, aims to bring an integrated concept of living to Sihanoukville, which focuses on the convenience that only a mixed development can offer: living and shopping at the highest standards in the same building. Besides offering high quality homes while retaining affordable prices, Camhomes’ Group General Manager, Ryan Ong, also emphasised on the potential capital appreciation and first movers’ advantage for buyers who invest in a D’Seaview unit, regardless of whether they are residential or commercial buyers. Investing in a mixed development at Sihanoukville that comes to life through commercial and residential owners and tenants, acts as a hedge against future inflation. Having the advantage of being in a prime economic seaside location like Sihanoukville, with its deep-sea port, Special Economic Zone, international airport, as well as its oil and gas industry commencing operations soon, D’Seaview is the market leader in high-standard condos that extends its services beyond just quality housing and to the world of commerce. “With Sihanoukville being an up-and-coming booming coastal city, it is only a matter of time before more foreign businesses start coming into this province, and when that happens, housing will be the first few things they will look out for, thus we are hoping to fill up this hole,” Ong explains. Envisioning what expatriates and locals would appreciate within such a mixed development at Sihanoukville, D’Seaview places its focus on the integration of convenience, facilities, lifestyle, and status. In addition to its two residential towers, D’Seaview has four commercial blocks comprising 66 units. These include a vast ground-level space of approximately 500 square metres dedicated solely to F&B, either a food-court or a restaurant, which is priced at an estimated $1.7 million. Also, there is the second level that will be left as a wide plan for retail purposes. From the third to the seventh levels are smaller commercial units with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. D’Seaview also has a hotel block, which is open to investors, as well as local shophouse-style blocks that are targeted at Cambodians who would like to set up their business as well as live there. A typical commercial block features a third-storey roof terrace, which D’Seaview visualises to be a childcare centre, a spa, a salon, or even a family karaoke lounge hall. However, the final outcome depends on the imagination of the buyer. The variety and potential of D’Seaview’s commercial hemisphere brings the term mixed development to a whole new level, “which will be satisfying a lot of purchasers’ requirements and demands,” as explained by Ong. Such is the flexibility of D’Seaview in catering to its commercial purchasers’ needs that if a buyer wants to purchase an entire floor, Camhomes will be more than willing to work with them and help them in re-designing the floor plan. The starting price per square metre for a commercial unit within the compound is from $1619. Some commercial units have already been sold since the launch of its retail store spaces last weekend. With a ready pool of customers from the 735 units of residences and the 98-room hotel, D’Seaview’s commercial hub looks to be abuzz with consumer activities once the development is completed in Q1 of 2018. Open to the public, the lifestyle element is a factor of appeal, as the commercial units will feature a slew of trendy bistros and cafes that has the potential to be the new uptown of Sihanoukville. D’Seaview envisions itself to be a cosmopolitan hub with a balanced mix of locals and foreigners. On what sets D’Seaview apart from other housing developments, Ong elaborates, “we have the advantage of the seaside and close proximity to the port, thus reducing travel and delivery of consumer goods. Our central location among the seaport, airport, and the future highway connecting Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh, is also another great advantage.” Realise your housing and commercial dreams now; visit Camhomes’ D’Seaview showroom at Canadia Towers and talk to their property consultants. Phnom Penh Post, Post Property.

Flanked by life-sized statues of Japanese cartoon character Doraemon, and the infamous one-eyed yellow minions made popular by the animated American movie Despicable Me, China’s Prince Real Estate was far from alone at the official launch of their showroom (opposite the National Assembly), and the opening ceremony of its latest development Prince Central Plaza, a HOPSCA—Hotel, Offices, Parks, Shopping Mall, Convention Centre, and Apartments—last Tuesday. Want to learn more about Prince Central Plaza? Here is the full listing, on Realestate.com.kh. While the launch aimed to spice up the humdrum of a typical property launch, Pol Lyta, a property consultant for Prince Central Plaza, explained the deeper meaning behind the unusual marketing strategy, saying, “Doraemon is a robot cat that comes from the future [22nd century], and can go back into the past, and he is also able to fly all over the world.” With the ability Doraemon possesses, it seems to refer to Prince Central Plaza’s outlook on the future of Phnom Penh in making the development the integrated business and lifestyle nucleus of the Kingdom, while retaining an avant-garde take on traditional Khmer architectural design. As countless Doraemons had flown in to Phnom Penh to station themselves at the opening ceremony, Despicable Me’s yellow minions had also come along for the ride, possibly to inject some humour and entertainment to a typical lacklustre affair. Being an entertainment-centralised hub, Lyta elaborated that “the minions from Despicable Me represent the fun and entertaining side of what Prince Central Plaza’s various amenities and facilities can offer.” Want to learn more about Prince Central Plaza? Here is the full listing, on Realestate.com.kh. To emphasise its point, guests at the launch were also given freebies in the form of the one-eyed yellow minion soft toy plushies. However random it may seem, such cute and fun twists are not uncommon here. In 2012, an Angry Birds Foreign Language School had sprung up in Banteay Meanchey province, riding on the wings of the insane global phenomenon that the Angry Birds game had prompted. Nonetheless, the opening ceremony of Prince Central Plaza was not all fun and games. Having sold an approximate 200 out of its 1,786 residential units just at the launch itself, it has also sold an estimated 40 per cent of its homes thus far. Prices range from an average of $58,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, to $100,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. Almost all of its snazzy penthouses, which cost from $250,000 to $600,000, have been snapped up as of the launch day. As with the case of the Angry Birds school, whose owner was nonchalant in using the fowls’ infamousness without consulting their copyright holders, it is unclear whether these future robot cats and one-eyed yellow minions were lawfully licensed as mascots for Prince Central Plaza’s opening ceremony. What is definitely clear, however, is the completion of the impressive Prince Central Plaza slated for May 2018, located at the pulse of Phnom Penh’s heart south of Norodom Boulevard, wherein its residents may just be lavishly greeted with another surprise appearance by the unofficial mascots. Hanamariya Halim, Phnom Penh Post, Post Property. Want to learn more about Prince Central Plaza? Here is the full listing, on Realestate.com.kh.

An administrative building, and a large underground parking lot that can accommodate up to 300 cars will be officially inaugurated in 2016, according to Long Dimanche, a City Hall spokesperson. Dimanche told the Post that the City Hall administrative building, which is 12 storeys high, is almost 90 per cent completed. He added that, “this is a workers’ building of the City Hall, adding to the existing building since the City Hall has many government officials working,[therefore] we need more buildings for work”. As of present, the City Hall has an estimated 340 officials, with the total number adding up to 800 officials with the inclusion of all district and commune officials, according to Dimanche. However, he did not disclose the cost of building this structure and parking lot, only mentioning that the developments were financed by City Hall’s funds. This new administrative building of City Hall is located at the south of the old City Hall building, which was left empty since after the end of the French colonization. Construction of this building had commenced at the beginning of 2015, and is slated to be completed by 2016 if no further adjustments are made to the plan. Seng Lot, spokesperson for the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, offered no comment when asked about this plan, directing it to the City Hall spokesperson to answer instead. Phnom Penh Post, Post Property.

After a tumultuous year in Cambodia for Singapore-based TEHO International, the developers of the $500 million The Bay condominium project on Chroy Changvar peninsula said construction will begin early next year with a new marketing strategy after another managerial shakeup. Want to inquire about a unit in the Bay? Check out the full listing today, on realestate.com.kh.  Announced on the Singapore Stock Exchange earlier this week, ECG (Cambodia) was bought out and formalized into the parent company ECG Property—a wholly owned subsidiary of TEHO International that handles all marketing and promotional activities. Previously operated by the joint venture’s partner, Sok Bun, ECG Cambodia was purchased to a tune of $71,776, or what amounted to 45 per cent of the initial paid-up share capital. Currently, the unaudited net assets for ECG Cambodia as of July 2015 amounted to $169,836, the statement read. While ECG Cambodia will still perform its duties as the acting real estate agency for The Bay, all marketing and promotional activities will be conducted at the head office back in Singapore. Phua Cheng Boon, Financial Controller for TEHO International, said, “it is good to have full integration of our projects.” “We will have somebody based in Singapore who will be able to run operations regionally as well,” he said. Want to inquire about a unit in the Bay? Check out the full listing today, on realestate.com.kh.  It was previously reported by The Post that 100 condominium units had been sold since the soft launch in September. However, Phua declined to provide current figures. “While we can’t disclose the level of sales, we are confident to say that construction will begin in the first quarter of 2016,” he said. With a new marketing strategy, he added, the development “will not be about big exposure.” TEHO International, which formally launched the project in February of this year, had spent $1.1 million on advertising and promotional activities, as well as around $600,000 in legal and professional expenses to promote the development, an annual filing in August stated. While Sok Bun, who resigned from his position as director of the board, currently awaits trial for the beating of a former TV star, his shoes has since been filled by Yim Chhay Line, the daughter of Deputy Prime Minister Yim Chhay Ly. “She is a good asset to the group and I am confident that all the necessary requirements for construction have been achieved,” said Phua. Kim Heang, CEO of Khmer Real Estate, said that a marketing shift to overseas investors is the “smartest” market strategy for The Bay, as it faces more competition and is also behind schedule. When asked if The Bay would miss out on the local segment, Heang explained that it is too small, “so why [do] they need to waste time and money [on] the local segment?” With a few soft approaches to buyers in Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan recently, Phua said sales “have picked up.” “We are doing this gradually because The Bay is a rather large project. We are going to all these different countries to do soft launches to get sufficient buying. We want to position [ourselves] as [a] more exclusive development,” he said. Want to inquire about a unit in the Bay? Check out the full listing today, on realestate.com.kh.  Kali Kotoski, Phnom Penh Post, Post Property.

Local and internationally-based real estate agencies, as well as new development sales teams, are using investment junkets to encourage foreign investment into Cambodian real estate, especially for bigger developments that largely depend on cash from overseas.“Investment tours provide a unique opportunity for personal interaction to close the gap between the investor and the opportunity,” says Grant Fitzgerald, general manager of IPS Cambodia.“This can range from professional meetings with local fund managers and banks, development company headquarters, showrooms, law offices, accountants and even local government representatives.”These tours, aimed to grease the wheels and spur investment, are typically subsidized by the agency or developer, and can last from as little as a few days to a week. They will always include visits to popular development corridors, such as Chroy Changvar and Diamond Island, says David Kim, CEO of Informax Real Estate Service.Imtiaz Panjwani, chairman of Seer Realty India and Ivanna Capital London, who consults on London and Dubai properties, as well as overseeing various international investment accounts, is one investor who joined a tour earlier this year.“Living and working in London real estate, few investors venture all the way to Cambodia,” he remarked. “But the chance to relax in a tourism hotspot such as Cambodia has recently become, and also survey the rising property market was, irresistible.”Yet, while the tours are focused on bringing in cash, one of the main goals is to present Cambodia as a whole. Investors generally undertake trips to main attractions, and spend nights out on the town with their fellow investors.“While I came as investor, I had to check out Angkor Wat while I was here and try the local bar and cuisine scene,” said Panjwani.Ly Senleap, CEO of Furi Real estate and F.U.G.I Investment, said that investor tours seek to defeat an outdated mindset.“Honestly, before I came to Cambodia, I expected to land in little more than a large village,” said Panjwani.While Cambodia’s construction boom continues, and the country grapples with wrestling itself out of least-developed country status, many perceptions of the wealth of the country have been overlooked, despite nearly two decades of swift economic growth.Kim recalls when one group of investors brought boxes of Coca Cola to their Cambodian partners as gifts when they arrived. “They thought this would be a novelty for Cambodian people. Little did they know, Cambodia already has its own Coca Cola factory. This is just a funny story, but it is true that many investors are genuinely surprised by the level of wealth among local people when they first arrive.”  “Due to Cambodia’s history and lasting international image, buyers need to witness the growth of the nation for themselves and see just how far from reality the stigma actually lies,” Ly said.With this in mind, Ly’s company, F.U.G.I Investment, is currently planning an investor’s seminar to be held in Phnom Penh in early 2016.Due to fluctuating investment conditions in their home economies,Kim says most tours bring potential buyers from Singapore, Taiwan and mainland China. Meanwhile, few Japanese and Western investors currently make the trip.While these tours aim to wine and dine investors by ramping up a hands-on sales pitch as many sales are sold on speculation, Ly notes that for developers who offer guaranteed rental returns, these tours can legitimise a development.“If the area is growing fast, and current price increases reflect the estimated potential of the proposed Guaranteed Rental Return (GRR) – buyers will have confidence that promised GRR will, in fact, come once the project reaches completion,” he says.However, some think that it takes more than just a stroll around the block to prove if an investment will pay off.“Finding a property with good capital growth profit and positive rental yields is like finding a rare gem,” says Edwin Low, general manager of Axis Residences. “You can research on the rental yields from the surrounding properties but you need real foresight to recognise the growth potential. Investor holidays provide at least a start.”While these tours aim to bring a superficial understanding to a burgeoning market, Chee Yap, project director at Grand Phnom Penh International City, believes that a short holiday tour does not provide a true insight into local business and consumer behavior, “or undefined regulations and policies in Cambodia.”“Investors must also meet with investors already settled in the country who are aware of these less obvious risks, and their country’s embassy representatives. Always obtain third party perspectives and advice,” he advised.Kim suggests investor tours are not seeking to sidestep risks by painting a rosy scenario, but rather to put Cambodian property risks into perspective. “As high risks always come with high returns, it is important to let investors visit Cambodia to see what the market’s risks really are and how best to control them.”Many investors eyeing Cambodia already understand that poorer countries have bigger potential for investment, he explained. While many foreigners have concerns over Cambodia’s political stability, he says “if they visit here they will soon see the market is stable for economic growth.”After one visit, Panjwani views the boom in Cambodian construction as the start of something much larger. He plans to enter investment opportunities in 2016.“Phnom Penh brought flashbacks of the development of the Indian property market of the 1990s and early 2000s. The potential is here,” he said, noting that the heavy construction on Diamond Island was also reminiscent of Dubai in 2002 when freehold ownership laws for foreigners were allowed.“The government of Cambodia should market Cambodia very aggressively as a destination for travel and investment,” said Panjwani. “It is of paramount importance to get people to visit Cambodia and change its perception.”Want to know more about Cambodia? Head over tothe news section of Realestate.com.kh for all the latest updates!

International property consultancy, Savills, signed a contract earlier this month with Keystone Property Consultants to make the local firm the Cambodia-based associate of Savills.The move strengthens Savills’ presence in South East Asia, and increases Savills’ Asia Pacific presence to 58 operations across 17 countries in the region. Sunny Soo, Managing Director of Keystone, has been working in emerging real estate markets in Malaysia, China and Mongolia since 1997. He arrived in Cambodia in 2010 and continued in the same profession. Soo says, “The hardware of the Cambodian property market is upgrading quickly; in a very short space of time, the country has become host to a new breed of world class projects that will change the city skyline beyond recognition. The advancement of these developments also means the software must keep up, and this means more professional and holistic real estate consultancy is in demand.”Savills, with their Indochina representative in Vietnam, has been in close contact with developers in Cambodia for over a decade. Hence, the Cambodian extension, through the association with a local sought after consultancy, is only natural, says Soo.Neil MacGregor, Managing Director of Savills Vietnam, said, “Current international clients of Savills were seeking investment consultancy and other services within Cambodia and Indochina region. The association with Keystone though will allow us to leverage both parties’ expertise, will further strengthening Savills portfolio across this dynamic region.”Soo also commented that a considerable amount of current projects underway in the Cambodian real estate market currently may encounter difficulties in the future due to lack of necessary preparation and calculated foresight in planning. “We are wishful for the opportunity to serve the industry and hopefully in time the market will recognize and welcome us as a valued consultant”, he said.Presently in the development of business infrastructure, expect to see the physical launch of the Savills’ association - Keystone in early 2016.

Serviced apartments are the creme de la creme of the Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville real estate sphere, and these luxury abodes include all amenities fit for a king, or queen.Serviced apartments are plentiful in Cambodia’s major cities, but prices are comparatively high and overall occupancy levels can be quite low. Serviced apartments are the number one choice for young professionals who want to live alone in the central city, close to work, and save time managing their home. They are also increasingly popular with families, who appreciate the privacy and quality of living in serviced apartment complexes. The supply of serviced apartments is only set to soar too - with a host of new options ready for occupancy in 2020 and beyond.What should I expect in my serviced apartments unit?When you start considering serviced apartments for rent, or possibly purchase, expect western style interior decoration, plenty of light and windows, views of the skyline, fully functioning kitchens - including ovens, clean and modern bathrooms, and expansive storage space and closets. What should I expect in the serviced apartments complex?Serviced apartment buildings will generally incorporate elevators, full security services (including a 24 hour guard, CCTV, intercom and possibly fire safety provisions), ample parking for cars and motos, fully equipped gym, and in most you can even find a swimming pool. When you live in a service apartment your landlord shouldn’t be hard to deal with - expect professional  and well-documented rental payment collection and fast feedback on requests for property maintenance. Make sure you get a good contract, here are a few tips!What should I expect in my serviced apartments amenities and services?In regards to services included in serviced apartment management fees, expect services such as house cleaning, laundry and drycleaning, fast and consistent internet, cable television, reliable water and a water heater for the shower and bath, and often serviced apartments also include full concierge service. The concierge will be able to help you navigate the city, book taxis and buses, and generally make sure everything is to your taste in your new home.  What's the price range for serviced apartments in Phnom Penh?Let’s compare service apartments vs. non-serviced apartments (prices based on Realestate.com.kh data):For serviced apartments:Lower = $600 – $800Middle = $800 – $1,400High = $1,500 ++For standalone apartments:Lower = $300 – $500Middle = $550 – $900High = $1,000 ++Check out over 200 serviced apartments for rent in Cambodia on Realestate.com.kh!

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Welcome to another Realestate.com.kh Dream Home Report.Every week we will showcase some of Cambodia's most luxurious, interesting and unique properties from throughout our listings database. We want to show you the gems of the Cambodian property market.This week we want to survey some homes with a unique Khmer flavor.Another restored traditional wooden house in Siem Reap, is now home to one of the most popular bars in town. The David Thompson Aqua Mekong River cruise is the ultimate in house boats! Which could be called home for a few weeks - while you float through from Vietnam to Cambodia. This stunning stilt house is located in Siem Reap was certainly built for all weather conditions. The tree top eco-lodge in Ratanakiri is great for those who want to live like a monkey.One of a few stunning private villas in Kep, Cambodia, available to rent! This stunner was built in the 60’s.Check some more Dream Home reports here: [caption id="attachment_79536" align="aligncenter" width="150"] Dream Home Report : Unique Khmer Homes[/caption] [caption id="attachment_78348" align="aligncenter" width="150"] Dream Home : Song Saa Private Island Villa[/caption]

Savills, one of the world's largest International real estate and property consultancies, and the largest agency in Vietnam,  has announced that they will soon enter the Cambodian real estate market.Savills will join the Kingdom's market through a partnership with Keystone Property Consultants in Cambodia, according to recent announcements. After Savills joins the Cambodian real estate market, their Asia Pacific presence will increase to 58 operations, across 17 countries in the Southeast Asian region. Phnom Penh based Keystone, is a leading investment and property consultancy in Cambodia. It's executive director, Mr Sunny Soo, was the preceding country manager for Knight Frank Cambodia. Sign up for real estate news updates with Realestate.com.kh to find out the latest developments in this story in the coming months.

From January until November of this year, the construction investment mounted to $2.96 billion, marking a 27 percent increase compared to the same time span in 2014, according to new data released by the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC).Im Chhun Lim, senior MLMUPC minister announced the new figures at the annual construction fair that was organized by Cambodia Constructors Association (CCA) last week. According to Lim, of that total amount, $1.5 billion, or around 54 per cent, is invested in buildings ranging from 10 to 55 storeys. On that note, the investment prompted the minister to call 2015 “The year of condo and apartment construction.”Pung Kheav Se, head of CCA stressed that the exhibition was “to show the development and improvement of the construction investment in Cambodia, as a result, there are multi-storey buildings [and] modern structures roaming up the capital city of Phnom Penh, which is stunning.” He added that the fair was essential to present the supporting activities of the association as well as the government’s plans for the construction sector. Not addressing any government plans for the next year however, Im Chun Lim dwelled on “political stability, the social security and the economic policy of a free market and the good construction investment conditions the government created in previous years,” which has made Cambodia’s economic growth of 7 per cent per annum possible, with the construction sector contributing the biggest growth figure of two per cent. Unmentioned however, was the warning issued by the World Bank this October that pointed out the threat of an over reliance on the construction sector as its growth outpaced traditional industries like agriculture and garments. Nor was there mention that Cambodia ranked among the lowest in the World Bank’s latest Ease of Doing Business report. The report specifically singled out Cambodia as the ASEAN member state where getting a construction permit and registering property was the hardest in the world, ranking 181 and 121 respectively. Supporting the notion that Cambodia’s construction surge came from circumstances, rather than effective policy making, Sung Bonna, director of Bonna Realty Group, said that the recent growth of real estate investment over the last year, happened due to the oversupply of real estate in China, Hong Kong and Singapore, thus resulting in the relocation of investors who see Cambodia as a new market that can draw substantial profits. “As our country is small, when the investors flock in, we feel it is a lot, while in fact some of the investors also spread to other countries like Vietnam and Myanmar,” he said. Siv Meng, Phnom Penh Post, Post Property.