Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s only seaport, a crucial import/export hub for the massive garment and agriculture industries - and, simultaneously, a tropical holiday resort destination on Cambodia's southern coast. Due to these two features, Sihanoukville city is growing rapidly and is an increasingly important Cambodian economic center. The Sihanoukville real estate market is diversifying fast too. Thankfully, in contrast to the neighboring beach/port areas in Thailand and Vietnam, Sihanoukville does not suffer from the threat of major flooding, typhoons, tsunamis or earthquakes. Even during the rainy season, the coast of Sihanoukville happily hosts guests. This is certainly a positive thing for the Sihanoukville real estate market. Although tourism has increased rapidly over the past years, the beaches of Sihanoukville remain some of the most unspoiled and picturesque in all of mainland Southeast Asia. Major improvements are also being made to Sihanoukville's airport currently, and plans are supposedly in place to build an international airport on the island of Koh Rong in future. Tourism in the province is expected to see a large boost in coming years, and the Siem Reap real estate market is certainly reflecting this. Tourism clearly defines certain sectors of the Sihanoukville real estate market, and land prices directly reflect this in tourism hot spots around the city, and along the coast.However, because Sihanoukville has been developed as a tourism destination in a relatively short space of time. What was once a city defined by scattered bungalows - and very little else - is quickly being replaced by high-end resorts and beachfront condo developments, casinos, world-class golf courses and monopolized mass tourism networks. These dramatic changes are not-surprisingly putting pressure on amenities such as water and electricity throughout the city of Sihanoukville, especially near the largest new developments. Nevertheless, power cuts and water shortages are much less frequent in Sihanoukville than smaller, less-developed tourist destinations such as Kep, Kampot or even Battambang. Keep these infrastructural considerations in mind as you choose which part of the Sihanoukville real estate market you wish to buy property in. For those businesses and individuals wishing to ensure consistently stable electricity, backup generators are a common sight in Sihanoukville. They are a cheap and dependable option. This is standard practice for the majority of major hotels, resorts and restaurants in Sihanoukville. Renewable electricity solutions are also increasingly available throughout Cambodia, especially in regards to wind and solar power. Renewable power solutions can be bought and installed at very competitive prices in Cambodia, and offer significant financial rewards in the longer-term - as they lessen dependence on the grid. Water is predominantly city-sourced in Sihanoukville city. For property owners this might mean the occasional shortage can occur in Sihanoukville. Drilling a deep well is an option chosen by many with high water demands in Sihanoukville; yet, keep in mind that water may still require proper filtration once pumped. Alternatively, and considerably more inexpensively, water banks are a solution recommended by many Sihanoukville property owners with high, or consistent, water demands. Cambodia's only deep-sea port is located in Sihanoukville. Plans have recently been announced to increase the capacity of this port through sand dredging. Sihanoukville deep sea port can currently only host “feeder” vessels. What this means, is that any long haul sea freight being imported or exported from Sihanoukville must first connect to larger “mother” vessels at deeper-water regional ports, such as the hub ports of Hong Kong or Singapore. Only after transferring freight cargo from feeder vessels to these mother vessels can it then depart to final destinations in the US or Europe; or, in the case of import freight, landing in Cambodia at the Sihanoukville port. When this port expansion is completed in 2020, mother vessels will be able to dock at the Sihanoukville port. This will mean costs for importers and exporters operating from within Cambodia will be significantly reduced, as will the time it takes to reach final destinations worldwide. Significant reserves of offshore oil have been prospected near Sihanoukville and are currently being sold by the Cambodian Government to various international extraction companies. Because to these potential resources, a considerable amount of international aid has been poured into Sihanoukville to improve the infrastructure of the province so far. No doubt, in the future, as the oil is sold and extracted, the city’s infrastructure will develop hugely. Now might just be the perfect time to stake your claim in the Sihanoukville real estate market before prices soar in future - so you had better get there fast...

While appraisals are generally performed by skilled professionals, anyone involved in a real estate transaction can benefit from gaining a basic understanding of the different methods of valuation.When you use professional and independent property valuation services, you get a properly estimated value of your property.Read news about changes coming for the Cambodian Valuation industry HereMaking an investment in property is only an attractive option because you assume you will gain good returns from it in the future. However, to see the value of that property rise, you must make sure it is valued corrected, and by a trusted appraiser whose valuation will be widely respected. Accurate real estate valuation is important to mortgage lenders, investors, insurers, tax collectors and buyers and sellers of real property. Valuation services are available for different types of property and are not restricted to residential property. You can find them available for offices retail outlets, industrial estates, hotels, and any other real property. For most people, determining the asking or purchase price of a property is the most useful application of real estate valuation.How is a Property Valued?The property valuation report includes all features of the property and helps you, the owner, and prospective buyers, to understand its exact current condition.The goal of an appraisal is to determine a property's market value: the most probable price that the property will bring in a competitive and open market.An estimation of your property’s current worth or “market value” should consider any prior valuations of your property, suburb valuation trends, owner information, selling history, transfer history and comparable sales in the area.The property valuation gives an estimated market value of a property which is determined using various property industry sources, such as information from the relevant Cadastral office where the property’s title was certified, recent sales statistics, property specific details and relevant price trends.Unlike many consumer goods that are quickly used, the benefits of real property are generally realized over a longer period of time. Therefore, an estimate of a property's value must take into consideration economic and social trends over time, as well as governmental controls or regulations and environmental conditions that may influence that value.A Professional Valuation will, therefore, consider:Demand for that property - the desire or need for ownership supported by the financial means within the market to satisfy the desire;Utility of that property - the ability of your property to satisfy future owners' desires and needs;Scarcity - the finite supply of competing properties of a similar type and description; and -Transferability - the ease with which ownership rights over your property are transferred.Want to learn more about how a valuation can benefit you? Learn more and get a valuation today - right here on Realestate.com.khA comprehensive and respected valuation report will serve you in many ways. Here are just a few:Selling your Property: If you want to sell your property and need to find out the appropriate price, using the services of a property valuator is the best choiceBuying Property: When you are interested in buying new property and need to make a pre-purchase assessment of it, you can find all the information that you need by taking up the services of a property appraiser.Tax Compliance: In case of a matter related to tax payment, a valuation of the property by property valuators is necessary to determine tax liabilities fairly and openly.Assessing Rental Rates: In a situation where you wish to lease out your property and need to set an appropriate rental cost based on the qualities of your property, a property valuation service will be useful in determining the amount based on your property’s value.Legal Settlements: For settlement of property rights between members of the family, matrimonial settlements, litigation settlements, etc. you need to know the appropriate value of the property in order to divide it fairly.Mortgages and Loans: In order to borrow money from the bank, you need to provide information of your real assets by which you can guarantee the loan. A good valuation will help guarantee your next loan or Mortgage.Insurance: When you have to get the value of your property for the purpose of insurance cover and claims, nothing can get the matter through faster than hiring the services of professional property appraisers.Increasing the Value of your Property: By understanding how your properties market value increases according to the criteria of the valuation report, you can upgrade features of the property to increase that value in time for the next valuation. A valuation report allows you to objectively analyze your property, and any business ventures attached to that property, and improve its market value.Ready to find a property valuation expert? Look no further! Through Realestate.com.kh’s “Valuation” page, we can put you in touch with a professional property appraiser near you, suitable to your property valuation requirements. Get advice on a Professional Property Valuation HERE.

Selling or renting a property that you own is unlike any other financial transaction you will undertake in life; after all, most people’s biggest asset is their home. For this reason, selecting a Cambodian real estate agent is a major decision.Locating the best person to manage the sale or rental of your home or investment property, is crucial to obtaining the best price for your real estate investment in Cambodia. The real estate market in Cambodia is largely unregulated and, therefore, it is critical to make a good judgment of your Cambodian real estate agent.This is the Realestate.com.kh guide to help you select a Cambodian Real Estate agent that is right for you.What are some great skills an estate agent should have?But before we jump into the detail of sourcing, interviewing and assessing the performance of your Cambodian real estate agent, it’s important to know what traits a great real estate agent should have:An ability to meet expectations at each stage of the sale or rental process.An understanding of Cambodian property titles, and the laws & taxes, as well as common practice within these domains.The agent exhibits interest in meeting or exceeding your expectations.Positive referrals from former clients (consider social media, blogs, friends and family).Thorough knowledge of similar properties for sale or rent in your relevant market (this is especially important in the big cities of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville).Being prepared to be open and frank regarding the prospects of achieving your goals to rent or sell the property.How to find a Cambodian real estate agent:The Cambodian real estate industry is generally subject to few local laws. This means there are thousands of individual people who call themselves agents. This can make it extremely difficult to find a professional real estate agent, especially outside of the major cities of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.The first place you might look at is the Cambodian Real Estate Agent Directory at Realestate.com.kh. Use the "Find an Agent" section to generate a shortlist, after which you should interview the agency (see our tips below), review feedback from former clients in blogs, Facebook, Twitter and other external publication online.If there are recommendations from former clients it is a good sign that the agent is reputable. From there, book an appointment with the agent. Generally, Cambodian real estate agents will suggest making an appointment at the property location. This is common as it enables them to perform an appraisal on the spot.Indicators that suggest the agent/agency is professional:The following are good indicators that the agency or agent you are considering dealing with is professional and committed to a high standard of ethics: Operating a trust fund: Trust funds are a great sign that the agency is serious about their business and protecting their client’s interests.Works from an office: Agencies who have premises with multiple staff are usually credible businesses.Has a website/conducts marketing: Agencies who have websites, conduct newspaper and online advertising and generally have good marketing are ordinarily serious businesses with a commitment to their profession.The Interview process: The interview process should be one of investigation to ensure the agent is a good fit for you. Here is a list of questions to ask the prospective agent during the initial meeting / real estate appraisal: How many years has the company/person been involved in the real estate industry in Cambodia?How many sales/rentals have they completed in the last year?The number of properties that are currently listed for sale/rent on their books?The number of prospective buyers/tenants they are in contact with?The preliminary estimate of your property listing in the current market, and the formula that they used to arrive at this figure?Proposed marketing strategy for the property (for example online, newspaper, an email database, events)? The most important question of all those above is the anticipated sale/rental price of your property. Ideally you will have also conducted your own research and have some notion of the price you expect to achieve based on other similar properties in your neighborhood. Experienced Cambodian real estate agents will provide an appraisal roughly in line with your research. In addition, highly professional real estate agents will also generally respond to your requests and provide a marketing proposal in writing following the interview. Making the Decision:Once you have reviewed your options and decided on the person who you believe will do a great job in handling the sale or rental of your home, you need to enter into a formal agreement. The written agreement will clearly outline the terms and conditions of appointing the real estate agent. It should contain an estimated sale or rental price, the total commission payable (in Riel or US Dollar terms), fees and charges, and marketing expenses. Assessing the performance of your real estate agent in Cambodia: So you’ve selected a great real estate agent and have the sale or rental process moving along; how do you know whether your agent is doing a good job? Here’s a checklist of things the agent should do, and if they aren’t doing these things, you might like to consider appointing somebody else: Provide you with regular updates regarding the number of buyers and tenants they have been in contact with (maybe agree beforehand on the best form of communication- email, apps such as WhatsApp/Telegram, phone calls etc)Have a screening process to determine a tenant or buyer’s suitability for the property (for example reference checks, confirmation of their job etc.).Ongoing marketing advice regarding the number of inquiries your property is receiving and how to increase its appeal to renters/buyers (for example, conducting advertising, furnishing the property etc.).Competently handle the negotiations of the monthly rental or the sale price of your property. This is probably the most important job of a real estate agent and a good real estate agent will be an expert negotiator.Demonstrate experience at handling the legal and financial process of managing the rental property and/or conducting the sale.Ready to start your search for the perfect Cambodian Real Estate Agent for you? Check out our Agent Directory now!

International property investment is a booming market, to say the least.In the USA, international property buyers invested more than $90 billion in the country just last year; the Chinese are predicted to invest $114 billion in offshore real estate before the end of this year; Russian property investors spend over $12 billion every year on overseas real estate; And in Australia, foreign investment in real estate has risen two fold in just three years. Meanwhile, international buyers are particularly motivated to secure property in foreign markets, with around 60 percent buying property with cash up-front. The world is changing fast, and people are happier than ever to live, work and invest outside of their home nations. In fact, according to the United Nations, around 3.2% of the world’s population has already made the move to live outside their country of origin. This is one reason the international property market is getting hotter everyday. At Realestate.com.kh, through our “Featured Listings” package, we easily and automatically help Cambodian property developers enter the lucrative international property market, make international real estate connections, and, ultimately, sell property to wealthy international buyers - all without leaving thier computer chair. While 65% of traffic to Realestate.com.kh is from Cambodia, the balance of visitors are from countries with a strong interest in Cambodian real estate. We also help international property agents share their listings with Cambodian’s interested in investing in international real estate.How do we push your property listings around the globe?Realestate.com.kh has a partnership with the Property Guru Group.  PropertyGuru Group is Asia’s leading online property portal group used by more than 11 million property buyers, viewing over 104 million property pages and generating over 500,000 enquiries for real estate developers and agent advertisers – every month – across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.This makes life easy for property developers based in Cambodia, looking to sell or rent Apartment, SOHO and Condominium units to foreign investors. Developers who market with Realestate.com.kh, will have their property listing co-listed on all websites within Property Guru Groups portfolio. They are published in the international properties section of these portals, Cambodian properties for sale. In addition, ListGlobally, a partner of Realestate.com.kh, is the largest international real estate advertising network in the world and publishes property listings on over 50 leading property portals around the world – including all featured listings from Realestate.com.kh. Your listing will arrive on famous websites such as I-Property Singapore and Malaysia, Realestate.co.jp in Japan and many, many more.Get your international property listing on Realestate.com.kh today, and open up a world of property sales opportunities.

Tourism is a hot ticket in Siem Reap, and it is only set to grow. Siem Reap was ranked as the world’s second best holiday destination in 2015 by TripAdvisor.com. Yet, despite a rise in tourist numbers, Siem Reap land prices don’t seem to be rising dramatically.While the rise of tourism in Siem Reap, and its gradual spread across the city, is intimately connected to property prices and relative terms of rental agreements, recent statistics provide by Key Real Estate, Cambodia, suggest that Siem Reap land prices have barely changed at all during the first quarter of 2015, with the same quarter in 2014.One reason that rises in aggregate tourist numbers to Siem Reap may not be causing a significant increase in average Siem Reap land prices is the advent of mass-Asian tourism ventures in the region. Mass-Asian tourism ventures are a somewhat new force in the Siem Reap tourism and properties market, as Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and other Asian entrepreneurs/investors are choosing to monopolize their parts of the Siem Reap tourism economy.It is not a phenomenon that is isolated to Cambodia, however, as similar ventures dominate many lower-cost tourism destinations around Asia.To explain the process of mass-Asian tourism in more depth, let's explore an example:  A Chinese tourism company operating in Siem Reap owns the tour company in China that attracts clients who want a low cost holiday in Cambodia; that same company buys and manages the hotels and restaurants in Siem Reap where these tourists will eat and sleep when they arrive; And the same company may even gain commission from the attractions their clientele visit when they tour around Siem Reap.Anybody in tune with the media in Cambodia will know that the tourism sector is quick to celebrate any rise in tourist numbers, and often this is equated to direct market growth.However, while these mass tourism ventures may appear to be boosting the Siem Reap tourism industry on macro-assessments, potential investors and retail renters should keep in mind that the income from this type of tourism is not necessarily flowing into the local Cambodian tourism economy or the hands and pockets of non-affiliated tourism vendors. Mass-Asian tourism may also not be driving demand for Siem Reap central city land. Asian tourism vendors can opt for cheaper destinations outside of the Siem Reap CBD - as they obviously already have a monopoly on their clientele.This means that they don’t need to set up operations in the highest tourist traffic areas, because their clientele are the definition of a captive market. This keeps their costs low, and their venture profitable. It is no wonder they are becoming such a dominant force in the Siem Reap Property sphere. According to the above graphic, provided by Key Real Estate, the Siem Reap real estate market can be generally divided into nine zones. Included for each zone are the average Siem Reap land prices, per square metre (p/m2).Siem Reap land prices in Zone A, including Pub Street and the surrounding area – a tourist hub in Siem Reap - lie between $1,700 and $5,000 p/m2. Along the smaller streets of this zone, the land price drops to $1,500 to $2,000 p/m2.Zone B, which encompasses the Central Market right through to National Road 6, has prices from $1,000 to $3,000 p/m2 on the main artery roads, and $700 to $1,200 p/m2 on smaller roads.Siem Reap land prices in Zone C, home to the Angkor Night Market, show an average of $1,000 to $3,000 p/m2 on main roads and $350 to $700 on minor-roads and pathways.Zone D reaches from Wat Domnak to Wat Reach Bo near National Road 6. In Q1 2015, this zone saw prices pitched between $1,200 to $2,000 p/m2 along main roads and $450 to $1,200 p/m2 on sub-roads.Siem Reap land prices in Zone E, including Wat Reach Bo all the way to the National Road, range in price from $1,200 to $2,000 p/m2 and in the region of $120 to $350 p/m2 on the minor-roads and laneways.Zone F, from Sameki Market along National Road 6 all the way to Angkor Pyongyu, have seen land prices along the main thoroughfare range between $850 and $2,000 p/m2, and from just $120 to $300 p/m2 on the smaller roads.Siem Reap land prices in Zone G, which includes the Sokha Hotel along National Road 6 to the western outskirts of Siem Reap city, range from $550 to $1,500 p/m2 and from $120 to $350 p/m2 on the minor-roads.Zone H, along the main road from Krom Market to the west border of Siem Reap city, have seen prices range from $400 to $850 p/m2 and from $90 to $250 p/m2 on the smaller roads and lanes. Finally, Siem Reap land prices inZone I, stretching from Angkor High School, now range from $170 to $350 p/m2 along the main road and from $60 to $250 p/m2 on the smaller roads.Want to read more about Siem Reap Retail Property Space? Check out a related Realestate.com.kh post HERE.

Realestate.com.kh has created the following guide to creating and sticking with a monthly budget and we have even created an online Budget Planner to help you! We believe every Cambodian should be able to afford a home and this is our way of helping you to keep more money in your pocket and getting a handle on your finances so that you can make your new home a reality.But first of all, check out: “A Very Simple Guide to Managing your Household Budget”Additional Tips for Effective Household BudgetingKeep a record of everything and anything you spend over a 30 day period. It’s amazing to see what you actually spend your money on. This needs to be a family effort with everybody’s spending included in the household budget, HONESTLY!It’s better to overestimate than underestimate your expenses whenever you make your household budget. This way you are pleasantly surprised by any miscalculations.Be organised — don’t guess the figures. Rely on bills and take note of all transactions during your day. You need to know exactly how much you have, down to the last cent.Regularly review your bank records alongside your estimated household budget.Become a conscious spender by making a list BEFORE you do any shopping and STICK TO IT. Buy only what you need.Compare prices before buying large items and never buy on impulse.Live simply — the simpler you keep your spending habits, the more money you will have to pay off your mortgage, save for a new home or spend on your children. You might even be happier…Once you do start saving money, make sure you make the most of it by speaking to your bank manager or financial adviser.Keep your new savings in a bank account where you can’t access it from the ATM! Don’t let impulse spending spoil your new household budget.If you follow these simple guidelines, you should have more money for that new home or rainy day.Looking for property in Cambodia? Let us help!

If you’re planning to sell or rent your property, make sure you avoid the following property sale mistakes to ensure you attract the most buyers and renters and get the best price for your property. Dirty and smelly digsYour house needs to be cleaner than it’s ever been while it’s for sale. When making the decision to sell your property, get help from family, friends - or professional cleaners if need be. Pay special attention to bathrooms, kitchens, general living areas and backyards. No dishes or messy kitchens. Clean and fresh is the best smell when selling. Regardless of how great your home appears, if visitors are immediately confronted with overwhelming or unpleasant odours when entering a home, the likelihood that a sale takes place is extremely slim.Don’t list POA – Or No Sale PricePotential buyers generally read the home’s description and expect to see a listed price. As such, we strongly recommend that you include a price on any listing. If a home features a long list of unique details but lacks a sales price, buyers tend to think the home is very expensive or potentially overpriced. Make it easy for someone to investigate your home further by providing as many details as possible – including a list price.Nobody likes a reluctant sellerIt is not unusual for an individual or a family to become attached to a home. Especially when the residence is filled with great memories. However, once you make the decision to sell, you must keep the objective of a sale in the forefront of your mind. Try your best to keep emotions in check. Step back, and allow your real estate agent the freedom to perform their job.Lousy AgentGiven that real estate is an unregulated profession in Cambodia, you undertake thorough research before choosing an agent to sell your home. You can start you research on our Realestate.com.kh Real Estate Agent Directory Page. Consider if an agent makes themselves readily available to buyers. Agents who seem to rush clients, or seem distracted, do not have the interest of the buyer or seller at the forefront. Likewise, determine if the agent seems professional, honest and genuinely desires to make a sale. A dud agent could well be your number one property sale mistake, but with Realestate.com.kh this will never be an issue!Missed part 1? Get on Realestate.com.kh today, the best source of information for property buyers & sellers in Cambodia - and almost 50,000 property listings to search through.

Phnom Penh commercial property space is expanding everyday. Whether it be the rise of office space in the central city, or the spread of ranging industrial areas on the cities outskirts.Phnom Penh Office Villas:Traditionally, as a city lacking a skyline, villas were the preferred option for businesses seeking Phnom Penh commercial property for office purposes. This was because a villa is flexible for anyone seeking Phnom Penh commercial property. A villa can easily be used for many things: an office, family home, restaurant, guesthouse, production area – or any variety of these things. Villas are affordable and flexible. Villas are more expensive than flats, at around $3,500 to $4,500 per sq. m. Typical rental prices for villas range from as low as around $6/sq. metre to $25/sq. metre. However, longer leases or opting to sign as an anchor tenant may see these rates reduced. Beware though – working out a fair lease can be a challenge in the Phnom Penh commercial property market, and Cambodia generally, as villas (and other property for that matter) will often be priced according to your presumed budget rather than fair market value. Increasingly, however, villas around Phnom Penh are being pulled down to make way for new luxury developments and condominiums, or being secured and modified for retail purposes. A decrease in supply has increased the value of those villas that still remain.Phnom Penh Graded Offices:Presently, prime and mid-level office space across Phnom Penh is rising dramatically, with a variety of new tower projects opening now, or planning to open in the near and not so distant future. These new office complexes are often coming to town at the cost of knocking down villas, flats and other older real estate. Phnom Penh commercial property options are only set to boom in the upcoming future, especially with the rise of ASEAN and the AEC.New office developments are generally being built to improved construction standards and offer more and more amenities suited to businesses, Khmer and International. A building’s grade is classified by its design, quality, location, size, services, amenities, facilities and the internal management systems it provides. The rental price is reflected by this grade throughout the Phnom Penh commercial property market.In Phnom Penh real estate, the office space sector is for the most part made up of Grade C/C- standard offices – according to CBRE’s July 2013 MarketView analysis – constituting around 70 percent of the macro-office space market in Cambodia.  Grade B/B+ offices make up the remainder. For example, the 22-storey Phnom Penh Tower and Canadia Tower office complex offer Grade B+ office space to the growing Phnom Penh real estate sphere, and, accordingly,  these facilities entail a modern layout and fixtures. Fully serviced office centres such as these are proving popular with international companies who wish to move operations to Cambodia, as are more modest versions of the same office block model. These complexes offer businesses  security and integrated facilities perfect for start-ups.Grade B standards are still noticeably higher in comparison to the majority of offerings in the Phnom Penh commercial property market- but, obviously, fall below that of Grade A. This differentiation is usually in terms of location and facilities offered. Several new Grade A office developments are being constructed across Phnom Penh, with the nation’s forerunner, Vattanac Capital Tower, now open – the country’s first Grade A office space venue. Vattanac will provide over 35,000 square metres of prime office space to Phnom Penh businesses. Along with this, GT Tower is set for completion this year, to become the fourth largest office tower in Cambodia.Regardless of grading, as Phnom Penh is still an unsaturated office space market, these new office spaces are entering the market at competitive rental prices compared to the greater region.Can't wait to find an office space? Find Phnom Penh's most professional agents through our online portal. Or you can just use the search engine to enter in your criteria and you will be presented with a large list of Phnom Penh real estate properties.

The Phnom Penh Retail Property market is undergoing vast changes, and these changes are altering the face of the city. International brands are joining the burgeoning Cambodian market faster than ever. Some of these new brands are specifically chasing the increasingly available aspirational middle class dollar; others are focusing on the Khmer and expat high-end retail market. Meanwhile, local retailers continue to grow and expand their operations in leaps and bounds.In reply to this, the Phnom Penh retail properties market is growing quickly and demand for retail space in certain areas of the city is driving rental prices higher than ever before. Yet, inner city congestion and lack of affordable housing options inside the CBD are redefining the preferred retail zones around town, adjusting the Phnom Penh real estate market accordingly.Another trend is in regards to the advent of high quality shopping centers and malls. Cambodia’s first international shopping mall opened its doors in June 2014: Aeon Mall. Aeon has since seen high demand for store space from both international and local retailers. A new breed of international franchisers who have for many years ignored the Cambodian market and refused to enter it, see the attractiveness of occupying slots in complexes such as Aeon Mall as it reflects international standards of retail space and retail space management. The new mall has convinced some of these franchisers that opportunities exist and that there are viable spaces for them to locate their brand. Parkson Mall on Russian Boulevard is the next of its kind to open in Phnom Penh, and is currently under construction.Popular Retail Zones in Phnom Penh:Every food and beverage retailer is ideally seeking space on a corner in BKK1, and/or a corner in Tonle Bassac or Daun Penh. Corners are particularly popular for retail space in the Phnom Penh real estate sphere because they automatically offer at least six to eight parking spaces. Parking is a real and growing issue in high density areas of Phnom Penh as more and more vehicles get on the road and more people move into, or work, in popular urban areas.Bigger brands are increasingly seeking properties on the street corners just over Monivong Bridge in Chbar Ampov. These retailers are moving to this area of town because they have realised that they’ve got to follow the market - and that’s where the Khmer middle-class are now living. Also, growing traffic is making it harder for consumers to come into central Phnom Penh to shop.  Similar retail development is happening for similar reasons in the western and northern parts of the city, around Sen Sok and Phnom Penh Thmey, next to central Tuol Kork.Begin your search for the best Phnom Penh retail real estate in town by communicating with Phnom Penh's most professional agents right here through our online portal. Or you can just use the search engine to enter in your criteria and you will be presented with a large list of Phnom Penh real estate properties.

The up and coming ASEAN hub has everything from the latest breed of luxury sky rise condominiums and opulent french inspired villas located throughout the city's hotspots, to a host of affordable apartments, flats and borey houses outside of the inner-city. If you are looking for prime retail space or serviced offices for your business, Phnom Penh real estate has all variety of offerings and more and more new developments are appearing every day. The city is compact and manageable for a first time buyer, with very encouraging rules for foreign investors. It's a great time to consider Phnom Penh Real Estate investment opportunities.Phnom Penh Residential Property Price Ranges:Flats located in central Phnom Penh cost around $3000 USD p/m2, as averaged across the prime residential areas of Daun Penh, Tuol Kork, Chamkarmon, and 7 Makara. Rents range from $9 – $13 p/m2 per month.Villas are generally more expensive than flats, at around $3,500 to $4,500 p/m2. Rental prices for villas typically range from as low as around $6p/m2 to $25/m2. However, longer leases, or creating a contract opting to sign as an anchor tenant, may see these rates reduced.Low-to-middle range apartment developments, targeting the local market, average $350 to $400 a month per unit in the central areas of Phnom Penh City. The high-end and luxury condo market is priced considerably higher than this – but these prices vary greatly across developments depending on scale, location and quality.Popular Phnom Penh Residential Property Areas:Phnom Penh real estate is growing very quickly, and Phnom Penh residential properties are developing quickly. BKK1 is seeing many luxury residential apartment developments. Previously home villas were a popular option for families wishing to live in BKK1 and Chamkarmon gernerally, however, many of these villas have now either been demolished and the land sold, or converted into boutique hotels or restaurants.Other upcoming Phnom Penh residential property areas include Toul Tom Poung/Russian Market and the west and south of the city generally. These locations are very close to central Phnom Penh yet property prices remain considerably cheaper. In addition, growing congestion and a lack of parking in and around the city centre is increasingly causing problems for inner-city Phnom Penh residents.For these reasons, Olympic City, Tonle Bassac, BKK3 and Wat Phnom are also becoming popular with foreigners and wealthy Khmers looking to rent or purchase property.  The Daun Penh and 7 Maraka districts are also seeing a huge amount of development and increased demand at present.Toul Kork remains a popular area for wealthy Khmer families, and is home to a large number of luxury standalone villas, villa boreys and several new high rise condominium blocks.  Especially in outlying areas of the city such as Toul Kork, there has been a rise in gated community developments. These are known as boreys. Boreys offer an alternative to the traditional standalone villas that once dominated Phnom Penh.Chroy Changvar is also seeing fast development with the introduction of the Chinese bridge over the Tonle Sap. This development has increased the number of lanes, eased congestion and boosted the potential clientele of businesses located on the far side of the river. Having now largely dealt with the infrastructural limitations of the Chroy Changvar, the real estate market in Chroy Changvar is set to boom in the coming years if interest continues to grow.Begin your search for the best Phnom Penh real estate in town by communicating with Phnom Penh's most professional agents right here through our online portal. Or you can use our site's search engine to enter in your criteria and you will be presented with a large list of Phnom Penh real estate properties.

The following are five real estate negotiation tips to help you think more laterally in your real estate negotiations and achieve better outcomes.  After all, why meet in the middle when both parties can achieve their goals? Missed the first two tips? Read Part 1 Here.3. Trust your judgment and make genuine offers: There is a saying in real estate that ‘time kills deals’ and in a fast paced property market such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville this is definitely the case. As such, we suggest researching the real estate market thoroughly and making an offer that is at, or very close to, your maximum. Of course we also recommend starting your research at Realestate.com.kh to conveniently view all available properties in Cambodia! By making an offer for what you know the property is worth, you have a strong chance of buying the home, land or commercial property, before other buyers swoop in and offer more. Remember this negotiation tip and don’t get caught out offering less than you know the property is worth, if this occurs you are likely to miss out as more aggressive buyers pay more and close the deal. 4. Loose lips sink ships: Never let the other party know how much you have available to spend or what is motivating you to buy during any real estate negotiation; this risks the seller using these great negotiating tactics on you! This is a key negotiation tip in any situation, not just real estate. Similarly, given so many properties in Cambodia are marketed as “Price On Application”, it is very important to always make the seller name a price first before beginning any real estate negotiation. With that information you are well placed to make a counter-offer in the context of the seller’s price. If a buyer makes the first offer, they in danger of over-pricing the property from the start and that can only ever result in a bad deal. 5. Cash is king: Sellers hate any uncertainty in a deal and offers made ‘subject to finance’ can be a deal breaker when a competing offer is for cash – even if the offer is for less. This is why it’s critical to have your finance arranged and be ready to settle on a deal very quickly once the price is agreed. Cash is always king in real estate negotiations, in any country, but especially in Cambodia. Being able to offer cash gives the seller absolute confidence in your offer and this is often worth more to a seller than a higher offer that may never settle. Keep these real estate negotiation tips up your sleeve, and you will secure you dream property in no time; on YOUR terms, not the sellers!Missed the first two tips? Read Part 1 Here.

The following are real estate negotiation tips to help you think more laterally in your real estate negotiations and achieve better outcomes.After all, why meet in the middle when both parties can achieve their goals? Have you ever negotiated like this?Car salesman: “The price is $5000.”You: “I’m willing to pay $2500.”Car salesman: “I can give you a small discount, how about $4000.”You: “What about $3000.”Car salesman: “Ok, I spoke to my manager $3500 is our final offer.”You: “Done. I’ll take it.”In the above example you and the car salesman start with a $2500 gap and eventually ‘meet in the middle,’ almost. This is the most common form of negotiation and is known as ‘positional bargaining’. Unfortunately positional bargaining generally results in poor outcomes for both parties because everyone gives up the same amount and, therefore, neither party gets what they really want.Thankfully there are other ways to negotiate! Follow these simple real estate negotiation tips and watch your odds change:1. Consider the objectives of all of the parties:As a property buyer, the most important person in the transaction is the seller and you should focus on their desires first. Do some research with the agent and find out what is really motivating them to sell. Especially focus on non-monetary considerations. You would be surprised how often the sale of a home or other property is caused by something other than money. For example:The seller needs to move from Phnom Penh to another country urgently: Perhaps offer shortened settlement terms during your real estate negotiation, for example 30 days. Or offer to pay a 50 percent deposit immediately - and the balance over a longer period.The seller is building a new home to move into: Offer to rent the seller the property after the purchase on a month-to-month basis until their new home is complete.The wife of the seller is reluctant to sell the family home: In the real estate negotiation, offer to have a professional photographer to come in and take portraits of the family in the home before they move out. This will give the wife some comfort as she then has a permanent memento of the home.2. Don’t forget the real estate agent:Remember, a big part of any real estate negotiation and the ultimate purchase is the real estate agent. The agent represents the interest of the seller, but they are also self-motivated. Therefore, it’s critical to have the agent on your side in any real estate negotiation so that they put your offer in the best possible light to the seller. For example, if two offers are equal on a financial basis, the agent will likely influence the seller to accept the offer from the buyer they prefer. There are a range of things you can do to improve your real estate negotiation tactics with the real estate agent:Promise the re-sale of the property to the agent.Offer to appoint the agent as the rental manager of the property.Offer the agent a written, or even video, testimonial regarding their great service, if the sale is a success.Promise to give the real estate agent a referral to all of your friends should you be the successful buyer.Like the advices you've read in this article so far? Read the second part of it here.

To the new property buyer, Cambodian land title classifications can be rather confusing. Let’s explore the three main ways property ownership can be secured in Cambodia, and the major misconceptions surrounding Cambodian property ownership and Cambodia land titles. All Cambodian land title records were destroyed between 1975 and 1979. This meant that after the war, proof of ownership had become near impossible. In 1989, a Cambodian Land Law was passed and a revised version was issued in 2001 allowing private ownership of land. The 2001 Land Law created the land registry system issuing Cambodia land titles that remains in place today. Since then, more than two million Cambodia land titles have been issued to Cambodians. Property ownership can now be secured by one of three forms of Cambodia land title: Hard title, Soft title and Private Ownership in Co-owned Buildings – also known as Strata Title. In addition, a LMAP title is also now available.1)      HARD TITLE:Hard title is the strongest form of property ownership in Cambodia and the best Cambodia Land Title.Hard titles are an ownership certificate provided by the Land Management and Planning office.Hard titles contain detailed information that has been duly recognised and certified at a national level with the Ministry of Land and a cadastral office.A Transfer tax of four percent applies when a hard title transaction occurs.2)     SOFT TITLE:Soft title is the most common form of ownership and the most commonly issued Cambodia land title.It is a Cambodian land title that is recognised at the local government level.Soft titles are provided by the local Sangkat or District office and are not registered at a national level – but are still considered a possessory status.The majority of property transactions still occur with soft titles to avoid ownership transfer taxes and fees.However, most new major development projects are being transacted with hard titles as these are the most durable Cambodia land title.Check another useful blog post on Realestate.com.kh relevant to Cambodia land titles: “Pitfalls for Foreign Property Ownership in Cambodia."3)     PRIVATE OWNERSHIP:Private Ownership in Co-owned Buildings is the most recent form of ownership and allows foreigners to legally own property in Cambodia.This is more commonly known as a Strata Title.Strata Title is a less common Cambodia land title, but numbers are growing fast.The ‘Law on Foreign Ownership’ was promulgated on 24 May, 2010.This law limits foreign ownership to co-owned buildings. Foreigners still cannot own land, as it is unconstitutional.Co-owned buildings are defined as a building or construction in which several owners reside, consisting of some parts that are the exclusive ownership of each co-owner (private units) and some other parts that are common spaces for the common use of co-owners (common areas).  Learn more about the strata title process here.*LMAP TITLE*:A titling system called LMAP (Land Management and Administration Project) has been introduced in Cambodia by the World Bank to improve land tenure security by the Ministry of Land Management Urban Planning and Construction.Under the scheme, GPS coordinates are being registered for all land plots in the country.If you have an LMAP title already, the borders have been agreed between neighboring parties so all border disputes have been resolved.This is the safest type of title.Foreign Property Ownership in Cambodia may not be simple, but it is increasingly possible. Always do your due diligence and take your time, and soon you will achieve foreign property ownership in Cambodia, and gain a valuable property asset.Looking for real estate for rent in Cambodia or real estate for sale in Cambodia?

Smart property investors and rental managers know that attracting a reliable expat rental tenant can be an excellent way to ensure you receive the best rental income from your property.As more and more expats come to live and work in Cambodia, the expat rental tenant sector is only expected to grow. Here are a few easy tips that will help you get your piece of the expat pie and find your next expat rental tenant. So, how do you attract the best expat rental tenants for your property? Potential expat rental tenants search for their new rental property online well before moving to Cambodia. So, make sure you advertise your property online up to 3 months before it becomes available for rent. Advertising on Realestate.com.kh is an excellent way to reach expat rental tenants.Because expats often can’t view the property in person, or have trouble navigating new cities, they rely on the photos more than most property seekers. Therefore, it is wise to make sure you and your agent take high quality photos – always use a camera, not your phone! The more photos, the better! Expat rental tenants often move to Cambodia with a young family – so be sure to explain the local schools and conveniences near your property. Schools form a vital part of a foreign community’s backbone for those arriving in a new country with young children. What are the top Universities in Cambodia? Furnished or unfurnished? Be prepared to provide some of the basic furniture requirements to help the tenant get started in Cambodia. However, you may not need to provide everything. The potential expat rental tenant must be able to imagine living in your property. Because of this, you should think of your property as if it were a five star hotel as you prepare to advertise. The only way you can justify your price is if what you’re renting looks perfect: Remove all personal attachments in the house; Give the walls a fresh coat of paint, preferably in white; Highlight the best features of the property in your photos; And always add detail to your listing about the un-seen features of the property that are worth advertising. Security is especially important to expat rental tenants - so be sure to take the time to explain what security features your property has, such a cameras, guards, fencing, good neighbours and secure entries. Check out these great home security tips, tailored to Cambodia...Keep these simple tips in mind and you will be enjoying added income from expat rental tenants in no time. Want to know more about the real estate climate in Cambodia? Stay updated with everything that's happening through our news section now!

If you’re planning to sell or rent your property, make sure you avoid the following property sale mistakes to ensure you attract the most buyers and renters and get the best price for your property.Poor exterior paint choice:Don’t try and sell a highlighter green house. Consider re-painting your property using a conservative colour scheme. This will allow it to appeal to a wider audience. Look for a good quality exterior paint, which makes your house look as new as possible and avoid this classic property sale mistake.The overgrown garden:An overgrown yard or garden suggests that your whole property has been badly maintained and will make a bad first impression – an obvious but all-to-common property sale mistake. Try to cut bushes and trees, tidy your lawn, plant some hardy plants and re-mulch for a fresh clean look.Too much mess and clutter:Buyers want to see and buy your house – not your things! So avoid a property sale mistake and don’t leave them lying around! Even houses that are decorated well can have too much clutter when it’s time to sell. The bigger your house seems, the more attractive it will be. Buyers want to feel the house or apartment has space, and will accept their furniture and their sense of style. So be prepared to de-clutter, move furniture or make your decorations more neutral.The shadow seller:Make sure you give your agent and their buyers plenty of space and privacy while viewing your home, and certainly don’t follow them around the house. Buyers want to imagine living in your house and that’s really hard to do while you and your family is waiting outside, or inside.Lack of storage:Buyers look for plenty of storage in any property. So, avoid leaving any overstuffed wardrobes and cupboards in the house because this will show the prospective buyer that there isn’t enough room in the house for all of your things – or their things! A final top-tip, use mirrors in small rooms to help the space appear bigger! Avoiding the above property sale mistakes ensures your home will be easier on the eye, the nose and the nerves of any prospective buyers or renters – and will have them making you an offer in no time!Want to read more articles like this? Get on Realestate.com.kh today, the best source of information for property buyers & sellers in Cambodia.

Undertaking a property inspection for the first time can be an overwhelming task.You need to have your eyes open to all aspects and features of the home – because no one wants to buy their dream home and it turn out to be an expensive nightmare! Do your property inspection right and see the benefits into the future. Where possible, it’s always advisable to contact a qualified building inspector to carry out a rigorous property inspection for you.However, the following are a few simple property inspection checks you can carry out yourself:Can you see any water stains or corrosion on the walls surrounding the shower or bath? Or are there any signs of moisture on the walls surrounding the bath or shower? This may be a sign of water leakage, which can be costly to repair.Are the ceilings sagging? When you’re doing your property inspection, take a torch and shine the light across the ceiling, this will show any defects. Is the ceiling fixed firmly flush into place or does it have a ‘parachute’ appearance? If the roof is sagging, you’ll need to contact a builder to carry out repairs to the ceiling sheeting.Check that all roof downpipes are discharging into storm water soak wells and not just discharging onto the ground. You don’t want a flood in your new home when the monsoon season comes.It is also wise to look for any signs of previous flooding around the base of the roof downpipe. This can be an indication that the soak wells are not suitably sized or require cleaning out, which can be a costly maintenance item. If the property does not have the proper drainage, having a soak well installed can be very expensive.As part of any property inspection, look for any large cracks in the walls. Specifically, the inside and outside walls should be checked for cracks over 2mm in width. If the house has excessive cracking you must call a building inspector to check the soundness of the property’s structure.If you are still unsure about a property after carrying out these property inspection checks, contact a qualified building property inspector to carry out a detailed property inspection report.Want to read more tips for making sure you choose the right property? Read Part 2 Here.

Here are some clarifications of the most common misconceptions surrounding foreign property ownership in Cambodia for non-Cambodians.Foreign nationals are unable to buy land freehold within Cambodia as according the the Land Law 2001 and the Cambodian Constitution unless a landholding company is set up with the majority of shares being held by a Cambodian citizen or citizens.Alternatively, foreign nationals are able to acquire land on long-term leases as an alternative to foreign property ownership in Cambodia. These long-term leases for a foreign owner have a maximum lease term of 50 years as determined by the civil code established in December 2011. These leases can be registered at a national level with the Ministry of Land Management Urban Planning and Construction. Long-term leases are a compromise chosen by many international investors due to the difficulties of foreign property ownership in Cambodia. Learn more about long term lease law.It is extremely important to remember that it is illegal for foreign nationals to own a property under soft title.However, due to a common misinterpretation of the Law on Foreign Ownership by local authorities across Cambodia, some sangkats (local councils) are currently allowing foreigners to purchase property under soft titles in their own names.In addition, this misconception is supported by some agents and brokers who mis-advise their foreign clients as to the true nature of their soft title, claiming that it in fact represents full ownership. However, not all sangkats allow this. Boeung Keng Kang Sangkat, for example, will not allow a foreigner to be represented on a soft title whatsoever.Furthermore, a sangkat officer can interpret a soft title as they wish.  As David Murphy, Director of IPS Cambodia, explains, ”Sangkat Officers are publicly elected officials who stand for election every five years. This means that when a foreigner owns property under a soft title in their own name, there is a significant risk that any change in the elected officials of the relevant sangkat may result in the correct interpretation of the law, jeopardizing or voiding that foreigner’s effective ownership.”To protect from this misunderstanding, ensure that you always conduct a title search with the relevant Ministry of Land Office or Commune Office before purchasing property. Such a search should confirm who holds the title to the property and reveal any registered mortgages or other encumbrances on the title.Keep in mind, as the land buyer; you may not be given the actual title to conduct the search, because this is the seller’s only evidence of ownership. The buyer will instead get given a copy of the title, so it is important that you confirm that it is the most recent copy.Foreign Property Ownership in Cambodia may not be simple, but it is increasingly possible. Always do your due diligence and take your time, and soon you will achieve foreign property ownership in Cambodia, and gain a valuable property asset.Learn More: “Cambodian Land Title Classifications Explained, Once and For All!" & "Can Foreigners Own Land in Cambodia?"