Buying property off-plan is a popular option in the Kingdom of Cambodia, and understanding how these off-plan (or pre-sale) purchases work is important if you are looking at entering the property market.
We explore some of the key considerations and benefits of buying property off-plan and what due diligence is needed when exploring the idea of buying a condo that hasn’t been built yet.
Is It Safe to Invest in Cambodian Real Estate?
Investing in Cambodian real estate is generally safe and reliable, but like any investment, it carries some risks. If you're considering buying property, Phnom Penh is the best choice as it is the political, cultural, and economic hub of the country, but Sihanoukville and Siem Reap also have potential.
Property buyers are attracted to Cambodia, and this applies especially for international buyers, because property can be purchased with 100% freehold ownership, and companies can be 100% foreign-owned. \
With a growing population, rapid urban development, and high appreciation potential, the city offers rental returns of 6%-10% per year.
For off-plan properties, it's essential to research the developer's background and ensure the land ownership is legally secure. To minimise risks, investors could also consider ready-to-move-in properties, which offer immediate ownership and rental income potential. As we have consistently advised, a developer’s track record and reputation should be a key consideration, and you can assess their on-time delivery and see previous developments.
The Cambodian Ministry of Land, Urban Planning, and Construction approved 1,300 construction projects covering 6.68 million sqm of land in the first third of 2025. These primarily were residential buildings and indicated an increase of 18 per cent compared to the same period in 2024, which had 1,099 projects.
Nearly 60,000 condo units across 132 projects were added to the supply in 2024, while the supply of serviced apartments is projected to reach just over 10,000 units by 2027.
Leading property handovers, which will add as many as 2,000 condo units to the market and are expected in 2025, include:
- Le Condé BKK1 (1,000+ units)
- Vue Aston (800 units)
- Time Square 306 (350 units)
A total of over 9,000 condominium units were originally scheduled for completion this year. The Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Royal Government have also extended additional incentives for stalled building projects in Preah Sihanouk province.
Find out more useful information on the Payment Options Guide for Buying Properties in Cambodia.
Property Types in Cambodia
Cambodia continues to offer a wide variety of properties, including apartments and condos, terraced houses, shophouses, townhouses, villas, traditional wooden houses and colonial villas.
Condos remain the most popular choice for foreign property buyers due to the diversity of availability, ease of purchase and legality for foreign property owners in Cambodia.
What Does Buying A Condo "Off-Plan" Mean In Cambodia?
Buying off-plan means purchasing a property before the condo’s construction is completed, and in many cases, even started.
As a buyer, you would be expected to sign a contract based on seeing the architectural and marketing plans, and be advised of the expected completion date. The payment terms are usually flexible or made in instalments based on construction progress.
This approach is especially common in Cambodia’s new condo developments, and one of the benefits for buyers is the potential price discounts and preferred unit selections.
What you need to consider are any potential changes to terms, and as is common globally with construction, there is the possibility of delivery delays. Always check what clauses developers may include in contracts that allow them to postpone delivery without penalty.
What Off-Plan Condos Are Popular in 2025
The Market Analysis 2025 – Cambodia Condominium Report from Realestate.com.kh indicates there is a strong preference for central Phnom Penh locations to buy condos, and Boeung Keng Kang 1 (BKK1) is again the most desirable location.
Preferences from buyers of condos in Phnom Penh were towards 1-bedroom units due to their affordability, ease of rental, and strong appeal to singles and couples. Preferences as a percentage are as follows:
- One-bedroom condos - 61%
- Two-bedroom units - 20.5%
- Studio rooms - 10.1%
- Three-bedroom units - 8.4%
Some of the ways in which developers have evolved in changing economic and market conditions, as well as investor preferences, are by offering payment terms that might include up to half of the payment only being due on completion to ease buyer risk during the construction phase and help build confidence. There have also been changes in the pricing models to better appeal to a broader pool of buyers, domestically and overseas.
A condo’s location, and those as part of mid-to-high-end developments, continue to attract investors seeking both capital growth and rental income.
Top Four Most Popular Areas To Buy Property in Phnom Penh
What is the Condo Off-Plan Buying Process?
The process to buy a condo off-plan in Cambodia would take place in the pre-launch phase of a new development. The developer may still be finalising permits, designs, and other assessments and offer units at attractive prices.
If you do select a condo unit off-plan, the following steps are generally:
- Sign a sales agreement, which should include the purchase price, unit details, and payment terms.
- Pay a deposit, which will vary project to project and can be from 10-30%.
- If there are flexible payment terms, you would pay in phases, which are aligned with construction progress.
- Final settlement & handover occurs once the property is completed, and the remaining balance would need to be paid - you would then receive ownership and keys (there should also be a snagging phase when you can check the property and identify any flaws which may need addressing).
Off-plan property buying in Cambodia can be beneficial for a buyer to secure attractive prices, an opportunity to customise property, and in prime locations. You need to take precautions and due diligence, but it's a proven method to secure your dream condo in Cambodia.
It can also be an excellent way to maximise your investment potential in Cambodia's vibrant real estate market, but always consider the potential pros and cons and stay informed about market conditions.
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