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Location Comparison: Buying in CBD vs Suburbs in Phnom Penh
Location Comparison: Buying in CBD vs Suburbs in Phnom Penh
August 3, 2022, 9:50 a.m.
The old adage of โ€œlocation, location, locationโ€ rings true in modern-day Phnom Penhโ€™s property buying scene. The Cambodian capital is at a point where its core districts are forming with skyscrapers while its outer districts are covered in sprawling gated communities, locally known as boreys.In this guide by Realestate.com.kh, we will be giving you an overview of the pros and cons of buying between Phnom Penhโ€™s modernizing central business districts and its fast-developing suburban areas. And hopefully, by the end of this brief overview, you get to answer: โ€œWhere is the best place to live in Phnom Penh?โ€.What are the Central Business Districts in Phnom Penh?While there are no official distinctions on what the cityโ€™s CBDs are, the de facto areas considered CBDs are Phnom Penhโ€™s core districts:ย Daun PenhBeoung Keng Kang (mainly BKK1)Toul KorkChamkarmon (mainly Tonle Bassac)7 MakaraBeing on the ground in the capital city, one can easily see that these districts are much more developed in terms of concrete roads, sidewalks (some areas), and of course, towering buildings where big multinational corporations, financial institutions, banks, law firms and government offices are located.These districts also host a high concentration of commercial and other leisure establishments such as shopping centres, high-end bars, restaurants and shops that offer branded goods and services.Phnom Penhโ€™s central business districts are also where the mobile and standard internet connections are the strongest and most readily available. Suffice to say, Phnom Penhโ€™s CBDs are where modern city staples are found.Looking for properties in the city centre? Let us help!Advantages of living in CBDCentral Business Districts (CBD) as mentioned above are where most staples of a modern urban centre are found. Residents living within the core districts of Phnom Penh enjoy a diverse set of amenities and conveniences that make city-living the popular lifestyle that it is.Shopping malls such as AEON Mall 1, Chip Mong Noro Mall, Eden Garden, Olympia Mall, Exchange Square and a few others are just within 5km of each other. This isnโ€™t even counting the myriad of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) found in shophouses lining the capital cityโ€™s main roads. Whatever it is you might need, Phnom Penhโ€™s core districts have you covered.Speaking of having you covered, most delivery services have Phnom Penhโ€™s inner city in its service range. Foodpanda and Nham24 are the biggest delivery services in Cambodia and their operations only became more cemented in the daily life of Phnom Penhโ€™s residents at the height of the pandemic (2020-2021). Being in the CBDs allows for much more delivery choices (and cheaper delivery charges) when it comes to deliveries if youโ€™re feeling like a couch potato for the day!Living in the CBDs certainly presents the most convenient options when it comes to working as well. Most companies are headquartered in the core districts and living close to work is an advantage of its own, especially in the context of Phnom Penhโ€™s returning rush hour traffic. Compared to workers living far away, you potentially save more time given youโ€™re on the road less travelling 5-6 days a week.When it comes to future returns, your property purchase in the inner cities is almost guaranteed. Property prices in the city centre have almost doubled for a good part of the decade. According to CBREโ€™s Fearless Forecast 2022, inner-city property values have had a 10% year-on-year price increase. This is mainly due to the development of the city centre and the entry of foreign businesses as well the rise of many Cambodian conglomerates, all vying for an address in Phnom Penhโ€™s CBDs. So, if you ever decide to sell your property, thereโ€™s almost a good chance youโ€™re going to get a significant return after some time.Drawbacks of living in CBDLiving in the city sounds great, doesnโ€™t it? If so, then why are people choosing to live elsewhere? Despite the conveniences, there are still significant drawbacks of living at the centre of it all.For starters, properties in core areas cost significantly more compared to outer districts. Price differences vary but you can expect to pay a premium of 30% to even 50% more depending on where youโ€™re looking. The upfront cost of buying a home in the city centre is what drives most locals to looking outside the city centre. Convenience comes at a price, after all.But letโ€™s say you can afford the higher upfront cost, the drawbacks simply donโ€™t stop there. City centres are busy for most of the day and that might be a deal-breaker if youโ€™re someone looking to live in a private and quiet area. Phnom Penh might be small compared to its neighbouring capital cities, but it still is a bustling city jam-packed with cars, motorcycles, tuktuks, pedestrians and everything else in between. Finding a genuinely serene place to call home is significantly more challenging in the inner city.Truth be told, Phnom Penh is a sight to behold, especially if you compare it to how it was just over a decade ago. One of the things you can readily notice is the lack of green spaces back then as opposed to how it is now: a jungle made up of concrete and glass buildings with small parks scattered sparingly throughout the city. Not exactly a refreshing vista.If these drawbacks include some points you require for a home, then you might be wondering, where can I have these things? Youโ€™ll be relieved to know you can still enjoy a serene lifestyle, you just have to look at the suburbs of Phnom Penh.Advantages of living in the CBDDrawbacks of living in the CBDModern city amenities are convenient and numerous such as malls, schools, restaurants, cafes and deliveryLess travel time to where one would likely be workingAlmost guaranteed returns given development is already there or is close to being realizedHigher upfront costs when purchasing propertyPrivacy and quiet are premiumsLess greenery; parks are sparsely scatteredWhat are the suburbs of Phnom Penh?The suburbs of Phnom Penh do not differ too much from how one would expect a suburb would be. These are the outer districts orbiting the CBDs and have increasingly become popular among locals, and communities of expatriates, as residential choices.ย Chroy ChangvarRussey KeoSen SokPor Sen CheyKamboulMeancheyChbar AmpovDangkaoPrek PnovThe rise of Phnom Penhโ€™s suburbs has been a gradual and consistent endeavour from the cityโ€™s urban planners and private developers. Property prices and the overall lack of available space to develop is pushing expansion outwards - as is the natural progression of real estate markets around the world.Phnom Penhโ€™s suburbs now offer a significantly better quality of living given that infrastructure for basic necessities such as electricity, water and internet connection is now available in more of these areas with further improvements on these utilities being realized on an annual basis.Commercial developers are also looking outside of Phnom Penh for business expansions. Big developers such as local conglomerate Chip Mong and Japanese-owned AEON have broken ground on several projects outside of the city centre to capture the growing market of suburban residents.However, it is the residential sector that has been recently driving growth in Phnom Penhโ€™s suburban districts. Large residential developments such as Peng Houth, Chip Mong and Orkide are taking what theyโ€™ve learned in the past decades and applying new residential technology in their new borey projects.If youโ€™re unfamiliar with boreys, these are a collection of landed homes of varying types and sizes all securely located in a gated community. These residential developments are popular among locals and are often the first choice of most Cambodian property seekers, especially those with families.Realestate.com.khโ€™s recently concluded Consumer Sentiment Survey observed that Chroy Changvar, a peninsular district in Phnom Penhโ€™s northeast, is the most sought-after single district. And with Cambodiaโ€™s growing middle class, demand for these properties has only increased and will likely continue to do so in the next few years.Looking for property in the suburbs? Let us help!Advantages of living in the suburbsProperties in Phnom Penhโ€™s suburbs are significantly much more affordable than those in the city centre. For the same price, your $100,000 can get you a 3-bedroom villa with a spacious kitchen and living room, not to mention your own back yard and a garage, as opposed to probably a 2-bedroom unit in the middle of the city with parking probably still not included in the price. Development of the suburbs is also picking up pace and the ceiling for returns is still uncapped, further adding to your purchase value as time goes on.But itโ€™s not just about the value-for-money youโ€™re getting. A sense of community is very much part of Cambodian culture and the suburbs present an opportunity for homeowners to make friends and be personal with their neighbours. You can think of this as adding to your network of friends, and you know what they say, your network influences your net worth!To further this community building, big developers are including city amenities within their boreys. These range from clubhouses, swimming pools, gardens, playgrounds, sports centres, restaurants, shops and even community shopping malls. These places allow for community building as well as providing for the needs of residents without them feeling the need to travel to the city.Drawbacks of living in the suburbsLiving in the suburbs can be a dream, especially for the modern Cambodian family. However, there are still a few drawbacks worth reminding you if youโ€™re considering buying in Cambodiaโ€™s suburbs.First and foremost is the distance one has to travel to get to the city. No matter how luxurious a borey can be, itโ€™s more than likely that you can afford that property because you work in the city. Phnom Penh barely has any public transportation available and the roads (except for National Roads/Highways) often leave something to be desired, particularly during and after the rainy season.Traffic is something you will have to contend with when traveling into or out of the city. Many workers in the city centre live in the suburbs of Phnom Penh and itโ€™s likely your time at work coincides with theirs. Itโ€™s quite common for someone living just 20km away from the city centre to spend 1.5 to 2 hours to get home during rush hour.While residential developers are packing more city amenities in their suburban housing projects, they still cannot compete with the amount of choice living in the city centre affords. Restaurants, shops and malls are proximal to one another in Phnom Penh making it easy to mall hop on a whim. Not so much if you live in the suburbs.Advantages of living in the suburbsDrawback of living in the suburbsLarger living spaces for the same price as condominium unitsAllows of community building with neighboursCity amenities being introduced in suburban projectsMore greenery and parksGoing through Phnom Penhโ€™s daily rush hour trafficRoad conditions from city outskirts leave something to be desiredLimited amenities compared to myriad of choices in the city centreWhere is the best place to live in Phnom Penh?ย For those looking to be in the middle of all the cityโ€™s happenings, the CBD or inner districts would be the best place to live. Though higher in cost, it does give back in terms of available amenities and time saved when travelling to wherever it is you decide to go.On the other hand, if youโ€™re someone who prefers a quiet life away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the suburbs might literally be your alley. Living in the middle of the city takes its toll and significant time away from it does help oneโ€™s well-being. Homes in the suburbs additionally have wider living spaces compared to the city, hence being the choice for many Cambodian families.Finding the best palace to live in Phnom Penhโ€™s CBD or suburban areas is ultimately a question of โ€œWhat lifestyle do I want?โ€. Phnom Penhโ€™s CBD and suburbs cater to different lifestyles and would be best suited for certain people who are looking to live a particular way.Need help deciding? The Realestate.com.kh Concierge service is here to help!Property Concierge ServiceArticle by:
Expat Rental Guide: Phnom Penh
Expat Rental Guide: Phnom Penh
June 6, 2022, 5:07 p.m.
Phnom Penh is home to a myriad of rental choices fit for any expatriate looking to move into the bustling city. Photo from The View Serviced Residence.Phnom Penh is the economic heart and political seat of the Kingdom of Cambodia. It is, by far, the most developed in terms of infrastructure and attracts the most expatriates, and quite recently in 2019, the most tourists in the country.New travel rules for foreigners entering Cambodia 2022The city is at the forefront of Cambodiaโ€™s fast-growing economy and it only follows that many expatriates come to Phnom Penh to live and work. If youโ€™re an expat yourself, then this Expat Rental Guide will help you figure out how to find the best expat rentals in Phnom Penh.This guide will answer the following questions you need to know as you go along looking for rentals in Phnom Penh:How much does it cost to rent in Phnom Penh?Whatโ€™s the best property for an expat to rent in Phnom Penh?What amenities can I expect from Phnom Penh rentals?Where are the best areas to rent in Phnom Penh?What should I keep in mind before renting in Phnom Penh?How much does it cost to rent in Phnom Penh?The total cost of expat rentals in Phnom Penh can be as low as US $400 a month (rent + utilities) to upwards of $2,000 depending on the type of property, number of beds, amenities & services, and of course, location.So, what makes up for this total cost? Letโ€™s find out:Monthly Rent in Phnom PenhMonthly rent in Phnom Penh for a 1-bedroom can start from $200 to upwards of $1000 a month depending on the property, amenities available (or lack thereof) and location. It should go without saying that the starting price goes up the more bedrooms there are.Location matters significantly in Phnom Penh and the closer a rental is to central areas like Daun Penh and BKK1, the higher its price is going to be. But there are always exceptions to the rule - and our team is on standby to help you find those hidden gems for rent in Phnom Penh:Find properties for rent in Phnom PenhRental Deposit in Phnom PenhRental deposits in Phnom Penh are the equivalent of 1 to 2 months of rent depending on the landlord. Thereโ€™s no fixed rule regarding rental deposits so this will depend entirely on the landlord.Utilities Cost in Phnom PenhOf course, rental costs donโ€™t stop at the rental per month. Utilities such as electricity and water factor into any renterโ€™s monthly costs.When it comes to electricity, apartment rentals in Phnom Penh usually charge 1,000 KHR (0.25 cents US) per kilowatt-hour. Yes, electricity is relatively more expensive compared to Thailand and Vietnam so best cut unnecessary consumption!On the other hand, water is relatively cheap in Phnom Penh rentals. Apartments usually charge anywhere from 0.30 - 0.60 cents US per cubic metre while most others do not even charge at all.Itโ€™s important to mention that some apartments in Phnom Penh are classified as serviced apartments. Places like these offer hotel-like services - of varying degrees - to their tenants. These often charge โ€œmanagement feesโ€ ranging from $1 to $2 per square metre to cover maintenance of common areas like lobbies, elevators, and swimming pools. Management fees are usually charged by high-end rentals like Silvertown Metropolitan and many other serviced apartments in Phnom Penh.Find serviced apartments in Phnom PenhRental TaxesThere is a withholding tax of 14% for rental properties in Cambodia. However, it is common practice for landlords to cover this.What are the best properties to rent for expats in Phnom Penh?Expatriates are free to rent any residential property in Cambodia, be it apartments, shophouses, linked houses or even big villas. So, let's take a look at what are the best properties to rent for expatriates:Apartment/CondoWestern-style apartments with modern amenities and generous spaces are easy to find in Phnom Penh. Photo from Silvertown Metropolitan.Starting rental prices:$200 for 1-bedroom apartment$300 for 2-bedroom apartment$400 for 3-bedroom apartment*Prices above are based on live listings on Realestate.com.khApartments are a common choice for many expatriates living in Phnom Penh. They offer modern amenities & services and are often located in busy urban areas where expatriates can easily access staple urban comforts like supermarkets, malls, shops and restaurants.Find apartments for rent in Phnom PenhHousesThere are plenty of landed homes available for foreign rental occupancy in Phnom Penh. Supplied.Starting rental price:$250 for 1-bedroom house$350 for 2-bedroom house$400 for 3-bedroom house*Prices above are based on live listings on Realestate.com.khForeigners may not be able to directly own landed property, but they can rent/lease them. There are landed properties for rent in Phnom Penh such as shophouses, townhouses, villas and linked houses. While there are landed homes available for rent in central districts, they are fewer and are significantly more expensive compared to a wider selection in semi-central/outer districts of the city.Find houses for rent in Phnom PenhWhat amenities can I expect from Phnom Penh rentals?Looking for a view of the city by the pool? Look no further. Photo from Silvertown Metropolitan.Many apartments/houses for rent in Phnom Penh come fully furnished and equipped, as one would expect from a modern rental apartment. This includes refrigerators, a stove, water heater, air conditioning, dining table/chairs, bed(s) and a lot of other quality-of-life inclusions. Check out our complete guide on amenities to expect in Cambodian rentals:Amenities & Fixtures found in Cambodian propertiesWhere are the best areas to rent in Phnom Penh?When looking for rentals as an expatriate, itโ€™s important to take into account what one looks to do and, of course, budget. But letโ€™s assume those are settled and youโ€™re just looking at where to start. Weโ€™ve listed down below the best areas for expatriates to live in.Daun PenhDaun Penh is the de facto Central Business District (CBD) of Phnom Penh. It is the most developed area of the capital city and is where most multinational companies operating in Cambodia are found. Despite its modern facade, this district showcases plenty of Cambodiaโ€™s cultural and historical attractions such as the Royal Palace and the French colonial houses along Riverside - a popular tourist spot in the city.If you have the budget and wish to live where plenty of expatriates hang out, then Daun Penh is worth looking into.Find properties for rent in Daun PenhChamkarmonChamkarmon is a south-central district in Phnom Penh where a lot of new developments are rising. Tonle Bassac and the Russian Market area (Toul Tompoung) are popular rental areas for expatriates as these subdistricts offer the same urban conveniences as Daun Penh without the associated price tags. The district is popular among locals, expatriates and tourists and is where AEON Mall can be found and where the popular tourist stop of Russian Market is found.If youโ€™re looking for a place with urban convenience with plenty of charm, Chamkarmon should be on the top of your list.Find property for rent in ChamkarmonBoeung Keng Kang (BKK)The Boeung Keng Kang district (BKK) is a relatively new district in Phnom Penh. Formerly part of Chamkarmon, it comprised the portion of the district next to Daun Penh CBD. Given its location, the BKK area shares much of the urban conveniences Daun Penh has while retaining the charms of Chamkarmon. The BKK1 subdistrict is where most international schools, embassies, foreign brand shops and restaurants, and a growing number of modern condos and office buildings are popping up.If youโ€™re looking to live in one of Phnom Penhโ€™s busiest areas, then the Boeung Keng Kang district is something worth looking at.Find property for rent in Boeung Keng Kang (BKK)Things to consider before renting in Phnom PenhWhen signing on the dotted line for rental properties, small very important details are oftentimes overlooked. But you should remember that your final lease agreement might not include many important elements that will ultimately make or break a rental agreement. You can check out our guide on a rental checklist worth going over before signing any lease!Pre-signing checklist for rental propertiesAs mentioned in the first part of this guide, the capital city is at the forefront of a fast-growing property market. Thereโ€™s a myriad of rental choices available and any expatriate looking to move to Phnom Penh can find something that meets their needs with just a few clicks below:Inquire about properties in Phnom PenhArticle by:
Top luxury apartments in Cambodia today
Top luxury apartments in Cambodia today
June 6, 2022, 10:55 p.m.
Luxury properties often indicate how much a market is willing to spend on the best homes available. Cambodia is no exception as its booming property sector offers plenty of luxury properties that deliver a premium lifestyle. From spacious rooms, magnificent views, quality amenities, and a prime address, every box is ticked in Cambodiaโ€™s premium selection of apartments!Realestate.com.kh, Cambodiaโ€™s largest property classifieds portal, explored and documented many of these luxury properties in Phnom Penhโ€™s most coveted areas. Weโ€™ve compiled the top 10 list of top luxury apartments available in Cambodia today:Sky VillaSky Villa requires little introduction to the initiated in Phnom Penh real estate. This project boasts the largest square metre per unit, rivaling that of landed villas - the most coveted property among Khmer elites.Unlike landed villas, however, Sky Villa allows its residents to live in 7 Makara district, a central area in Phnom Penh. Its wide spaces can easily accommodate a large family with plenty of room left for each member to call their own.But what is a luxury property without luxury services? Sky Villa offers hotel-like services made to deliver the complete premium experience all in one place.Sky Villa Property ListingPicasso City GardenThe Picasso City Garden is an iconic development in the prime area of BKK1 in Phnom Penh. It immediately stands out for its modern aesthetic around the Naga, an auspicious symbol within the local Khmer culture.Picasso City Garden is one of the most central premium developments to rise in Phnom Penh. Its location in BKK1 grants residents to multiple schools, restaurants, bars, cafes, embassies, malls, supermarkets, and so many other services for a complete modern living experience.They say art imitates life but not if Picasso's residences have something to say about it. Its units are designed to be the personification of modern living and complemented by an array of amenities including swimming pools, bars, cafes, and even an art studio as an homage to this apartmentโ€™s name.Picasso City Garden Property ListingOdomOdom is an upcoming premium development with facilities for residential and commercial functions. Odomโ€™s interiors deliver a relaxing yet modern space for both residents and office tenants in the middle of an increasingly fast-paced Phnom Penh.Odom is comfortably located in Tonle Bassac where most expatriates hang out and AEON Mall 1, the go-to place for many shoppers in Phnom Penhโ€™s busy south-central business districts. It also enjoys proximity to the cityโ€™s most popular shops, bars and restaurants.Fast-growing cities often find themselves locked in a concrete jungle. Odom is one of the few that offers green and open spaces in Phnom Penhโ€™s busiest and most popular areas. In fact, Odom is often visited by many residents and pet-lovers for its green spaces today.Odom Property ListingHabitatThe Habitat Condominium is a multi-awarded prime development in the south-central part of Phnom Penh, having won the โ€œBest Condo Cambodiaโ€, โ€œBest Condo Phnom Penhโ€ and โ€œBest Residential Interior Designโ€ Awards in the Cambodia Property Awards 2017. That may have been some time ago, but time certainly has not been an obstacle for this prime address!The Habitat Condominium is located in Tonle Bassac, Chamkarmon, specifically frequented by the many residents of Phnom Penh. It sits close to AEON Mall 1, one of Cambodiaโ€™s premier shopping centers. And given its south-central location, it is close to city landmarks, hotels, banks, markets, restaurants, banks/ATMs, sports clubs, entertainment spots, transportation hubs, and retail lanes.The Habitat condominium has quite a curious name. But looking at its interiors really tells one why it deserves that name. The Habitatโ€™s interiors are meant to create that exactly: a habitat. Each of its units is given elegant finishes, built-in European appliances, and herringbone-style flooring made from the finest Cambodian hardwood. From the top duplexes, one is treated to picture-perfect views of Phnom Penh and surrounding localities.The Habitat Condominium Property ListingSilvertown MetropolitanSilvertown Metropolitan is the premier luxury serviced apartment in the heart of Phnom Penh. Managed by Naki Realty, it is the premier luxury serviced living choice for many high-class renters and investors looking to get in the cityโ€™s expanding high-end sector.Silvertownโ€™s location allows its residents to travel across Phnom Penh almost hassle-free. Within its immediate vicinity are restaurants, boutique shops, markets, and major roads like the Preah Monivong Boulevard and Mao Tse Tung Boulevard. Shopping malls close by are AEON Mall 1 and Chip Mong Noro Mall. The popular Russian Market is also a stoneโ€™s throw away!Silvertown Metropolitan is one of Phnom Penhโ€™s most easily recognizable serviced apartments. It was the first to offer these hotel-like services in an apartment complex, edging out much of the competition in creating luxury serviced homes.Silvertown Metropolitan Property ListingFlatironFlatiron by Meridian is one of the most modern luxury developments available in Phnom Penh today. It is a multi-awarded development, sweeping categories such as โ€œBest Developerโ€, โ€œBest Mixed Use Developerโ€, โ€œBest Serviced Apartment Developmentโ€, โ€œBest Mixed Use Interior Designโ€, among many others during the Property Guru Cambodia Awards 2020.Flatiron is located within the Phnom Penh City Centre complex, a reclaimed area packed with modern community malls, residences, and other amenities. For all intents and purposes, Flatiron perfectly complements its offerings with what can already be found (and whatโ€™s coming)Flatiron boasts an impressive array of amenities as well as a sleek interior design. Some amenities in Flatiron include a sky-infinity pool, fitness room, rhythm cycling room, sauna, meeting room, lounge, sun deck, grand lobby, and fine dining restaurant.Flatiron Meridian Property ListingLโ€™attraitL'attrait in BKK1 is a new luxury development offering a practical, sensible, and yet remarkably stylish finish that achieves much the desired residential offerings the next generation of Cambodians deserve. The project delivers a living space that is both high-quality and well-designed, tenets of residential design much sought after in a fast-growing market such as Cambodia.Lโ€™attrait is located within BKK1 and enjoys many of the subdistrictโ€™s popular destinations such as its shops, restaurants and bars. As with any premium address, Lโ€™attraitโ€™s residentsโ€™ have easy access to Phnom Penhโ€™s CBD and roads going in and around the capital city.Lโ€™attrait takes a minimalist approach in creating its residential interiors. Simple yet high-quality fixtures are found in each of its units. L'attrait is a home that offers premium comforts in both the bedrooms and outside conveniences. Complementing its carefully designed interiors are amenities that enhance true urban living with all comfort available.L'attrait Boeung Keng Kang Property ListingThe Peninsula Private ResidencesThe Peninsula Private Residence is a multi-awarded development in Chroy Changvar. Having won the Best Interior Design and Best Architectural Design awards at the 2019 Cambodia Asia Property Awards, The Peninsula Private Residences boasts a unique blend of a private residence, varied facilities, and hospitality-inspired services.The Peninsula Private Residences is conveniently located in Chroy Changvarโ€™s entrance close to its roundabout. As Phnom Penh expands outwards, the Peninsulaโ€™s vicinity is seeing more modern amenities like supermarkets, convenience stores, and many other developments pop up almost every few months.The Peninsula Private Residences offers โ€œsmart community livingโ€ through shared and unique amenities. While most developments offer the usual lot, the Peninsula delivers the usual and more with a private kitchen & patio, and a social club room.The Peninsula Private Residences Property ListingThe PeakThe Peak Residence is one of the most iconic developments in Phnom Penhโ€™s more central areas. More than just a luxury development, it also offers office and retail shopping spaces that make its vicinity a prime shopping destination for Phnom Penhโ€™s increasingly savvy consumer base.The Peak Residence is located in Tonle Bassac, Chamkarmon. Itโ€™s quite easy to see why most developments on this list have so far chosen to build here as the area is vibrant with economic activity and magnificent views of the river. Compared to the rest of Phnom Penh it is one of the most developed areas in the city.The Peak easily offers one of the top-rated living experiences in modern-day Phnom Penh. The development includes high-end amenities and facilities including a high-security camera, gymnastic and spa room, fitness room, spacious lobby and recreation centre, 5 levels of retail space on the lower floor, sparkling blue pool, and sky lounge on the top floor with the eye-catching view.The Peak Residences Property ListingLooking for more luxury properties and new developments in Cambodia? Inquire below!Find more luxury properties Cambodia
Managing properties in Cambodia as an overseas investor
Managing properties in Cambodia as an overseas investor
June 7, 2022, 4:45 a.m.
Realestate News
Home & Living
Property management is an integral part of Cambodiaโ€™s booming residential and commercial sectors. The fast-paced growth is most apparent in the capital Phnom Penh where new developments are announced and finished almost every year.And as the property market in Cambodia matures, developers, agents, and investors alike are seeing that the long-term success of the building largely depends on how good its services are once itโ€™s handed over.So, whatโ€™s property management in Cambodia like? To help us understand the landscape, Realestate.com.kh invited Mr. Veasna Meas, CEO of Naki Realty, Cambodiaโ€™s premier property management firm.Whatโ€™s Property Management in Cambodia like?Property management in Cambodia is not too dissimilar from what one can expect from more developed markets like the United States. According to Veasna, โ€œProperty management in Cambodia is similar to what is offered to both developers, owners, and tenantsโ€He explains that property management in Cambodia covers essential aspects of maintaining a given property in multiple ways. For example, property management for condominiums in Cambodia looks after lobbies, passenger/service lifts, and other common areas used by co-owners or tenants in the building.Much like in the U.S., a homeownersโ€™ association (HoA) can be formed by co-owners in Cambodia. This collective body is usually formed once a building is 70% occupied and has the option to pick a property management company to maintain shared spaces using the fees paid by either the tenants/co-owners.Veasna gives us a better understanding of how property management works in Cambodia by giving us its 2 main aspects: Facilities Management and Physical Management.Facilities Managementย Like that pool? It's thanks to property management that this pool is clean and clear! Photo from Silvertown Metropolitan.Facilities management refers to maintaining the exteriors and interiors of the building including windows, landscaping, driveways, lobbies, passenger lifts, gyms, and all other facilities part of the building.Veasna highlights the importance of having facilities management as buildings with multiple owners like condominiums have a need for someone to look after common/public areas. The fees paid as part of the management fee go into facilities management.Physical ManagementLooking for a clean living space? Property management helps you with regular cleanings. Photo from Silvertown Metropolitan.Physical management refers to the service provided within individual properties (be it a unit in a condo, a landed home, or even a shopping centre). This aspect of property management is more relevant for buyers who buy for investment purposes and require someone on the ground to manage their properties.Veasna notes that this aspect of property management is beneficial for overseas buyers. The importance of this service was emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic when international travel was mostly restricted and where it was possible to travel required costly quarantine stays.Physical management services, like those offered by Naki Realty, allow overseas investors to manage their properties in Cambodia without physically being in the country.ย Benefits of property management for overseas investorsA good portion of property buyers in Cambodia come from overseas and the surge of foreign interest in properties in Cambodia has created a demand for property management services. Hereโ€™s how property management benefits overseas buyers in Cambodiaโ€™s real estate market:Allows investors abroad to oversee their propertiesGiven current travel restrictions, it has been property management companies like Naki Realty has made it significantly easier for overseas buyers to manage their property (or multiples of them) with little to nothing to worry about.One-stop solution to manage multiple propertiesOverseas investors usually have more than 1 property at a time. Managing multiple properties, be it in the same development or across different projects can be a headache. โ€œRegardless of whether how many properties an investor owns,โ€ Veasna said, โ€œthe objective of a property management company is to provide overseas buyers with someone they can count on to look after their propertiesโ€.Tenant management made easyOverseas investors can expect services like screening, leasing, and receiving requests from tenants to be handled by the property management firm they choose to hire. Property management services in Cambodia are open to receiving tenants requests 24/7. This saves the need for tenants to directly contact the owner who is likely located abroad and in a different timezone.Property management fees in CambodiaProperty management fees in Cambodia range from $1 to $2 and are multiplied by the gross area in square metres. Gross area refers to the size of the unit itself plus a share of the common areas. For example:Gross unit sizeUnit size50 sqmShare of common area40 sqmGROSS AREA (unit size + common area)90 sqmManagement feeGross Area90 sqmManagement fee (per sqm)$1.5MANAGEMENT FEE$135 per monthManagement fees go to the maintenance of facilities, with some developments allocating a portion for a Sinking Fund - a separate fund used to address unforeseen expenses in the building.Does the management fee include tenant screening and leasing?This is classified as an optional service and would cost a nominal fee. The cost of this additional service is a portion (around 10%) of the rental fee. By extension, dispute resolutions such as evictions would also cost a nominal fee.Can I negotiate a lower management fee for fewer services?Negotiating would be difficult as prices are set based on what type of unit is owned and the amenities available to it. Property management fees cover the cost of utilities and maintenance of facilities used by all tenants and co-owners residing in the building.Regulations surrounding property management in CambodiaDespite being a relatively new service, there are a few regulations surrounding property management in Cambodia.Property management licenseThe Ministry of Economy and Finance issues licenses for property management in Cambodia. Veasna explained that the Ministry started issuing licenses around 2015-2016, with Naki Realty obtaining the first few of these licenses when they were made available.Since getting the license, Naki Realty has been impactful in shaping the concept of property management to Cambodian regulators.Strata-titled buildingsStrata titles are a form of ownership applicable to buildings designed to have multiple owners. This is the only property available for direct foreign ownership. You can learn more about strata titles and other property titles in Cambodia here.Strata-titled buildings are required to have a form of property management in place. However, given the conceptโ€™s relative novelty, developers are still navigating how to implement this regulation.The future of Property Management in CambodiaOf course, there will always be a challenge with any new concept introduced in a market. According to Veasna Meas, the current challenge within Cambodia is the acceptance of property management as a standard of post-handover planning. However, he explains that more developers are starting to realize that they cannot be a jack-of-all-trades and would require expert property management.Additionally, the rising competition between developers has caused a number, especially those with international backgrounds, to seek out companies like Naki Realty to provide property management services to ensure the long-term value and overall success of their building, a period that goes well beyond the handover date.โ€œProperty management will continue to develop alongside the larger real estate market,โ€ said Veasna Meas. โ€œAs more condos and office buildings come online, developers will see the need for this type of serviceโ€.Looking for a well managed property in Phnom Penh? Let us help!Article by:
What are sports villages and whatโ€™s good about them?
What are sports villages and whatโ€™s good about them?
June 6, 2022, 5:07 p.m.
Modern sports villages primarily feature sporting facilities to support physically active residents. Supplied.The surge of residential projects has made property markets quite difficult to stand out. As a response, many developments have adopted niches to appeal to buyers looking for a certain lifestyle. The most popular of these is the high-street shopping lifestyle, usually taking the form of retail podiums.For the past few years, the popularity of healthy living and an active lifestyle has become a consideration for a growing number of property seekers. Most developments include a gym/fitness centre and even a sauna to accommodate these requirements. But we all know living a genuinely active lifestyle requires more than infrequently going to an in-house gym.If youโ€™re someone looking for a new home and living a healthy lifestyle is one of your main considerations, then sports villages are something you should be looking at!What are sports villages?Sports villages are sprawling mixed-use projects that take inspiration from the Olympic villages built around the Olympic Games. For those unfamiliar, Olympic villages are residential accommodations where competing athletes from all over the world train for events, socialize with other athletes, and most importantly, a place they will call home for the next 2 weeks.Olympic villages house several sporting facilities outfitted with equipment athletes use to train and stay in shape for the duration of the 16-day event. These sports facilities are designed/retrofitted to support rigorous physical training and host international-level competitions.People choosing to live in modern sports villages donโ€™t necessarily have to be athletes. Nonetheless, living in a sports village gives physically active residents (and those looking to be active) more than enough space to stretch their legs, in more ways than one.The benefits of living in a sports villageIt's easy to find people who share common interests in working out in sports villages. Supplied.Living in a sports village offers considerable advantages in a market rife with residences whose only claim to โ€œhealthy and active livingโ€ are a few pots of plants and a gym tucked away on a random floor.A breath of fresh air is integral to the idea of living healthily and is the reason why sports villages are built on land measured in hectares, and not in square metres. This amount of space additionally gives developers the opportunity to build adequate sporting facilities to support the lifestyle endeavours of physically active residents, whichever their choice of activity may be.Facilities often found in modern sports villages:Running tracksGymnasiumsOlympic-sized swimming poolsBasketball/Tennis/Badminton courtsMedical centresThese facilities (possibly more, depending on the developer) create an environment that encourages residents to pursue their choice of sports or means of staying fit and healthy.Modern sports villages often complement this lifestyle by incorporating urban conveniences. Depending on the developer, these may include facilities such as medical centres, shopping areas, and even office spaces. This is where the โ€œvillageโ€ part comes in as sports villages today endeavour to create a space that supports the needs of their residents.The WorldBridge Sport Village, Cambodiaโ€™s first sports villageCambodiaโ€™s property market has been a hot topic among regional property investors. The Kingdomโ€™s real estate industry has been one of the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia for the past half-decade, only seeing a slowdown during COVID-19. But even that has not deterred big developers, especially those part of local conglomerates, from pursuing plans on delivering the first and grandest development in Cambodian real estate.The WorldBridge Sport Village is set to open in time for the SEA Games 2023. Supplied.The WorldBridge Sport Village (WBSV) is a massive project occupying 8 hectares of land being developed by the WB Sport Village Co., Ltd, a real estate developer part of Cambodia-based conglomerate WorldBridge Group. But the WBSV is not just massive in terms of the project area, it is equally significant in terms of milestones it achieves for the Cambodian real estate market.The WorldBridge Sport Village will be the first sports village in Cambodia featuring a mix of landed and high-rise residential properties complemented by urban conveniences like shopping centres, commercial spaces, and of course, a myriad of sports facilities including the newly constructed Morodok Techo National Sports Complex.The WBSV will also serve as the venue for Cambodiaโ€™s first hosting of the SEA Games 2023 and ASEAN Para Games 2023. The opening ceremony of these events will also serve as the opening of the project itself, vastly surpassing all other new development completions in the Cambodian property market.Project highlights:Major venue for the SEA Games 2023 and ASEAN Para Games 2023Mixed-use development featuring high-rise and landed residential propertiesMultiple sporting facilities: swimming pools, gyms, tracking fields, and recreational rooftop decksSurrounded by natural landscape in the peninsular district of Chroy ChangvarProperties eligible for foreign ownershipInterested in learning more about the WorldBridge Sport Village? Visit the full property listing or download the FREE brochure below.Inquire about WorldBridge Sport VillageDownload Free BrochureArticle by:
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Turning a profit from popularity: Investing in Chamkarmon
Turning a profit from popularity: Investing in Chamkarmon
June 6, 2022, 5:07 p.m.
The Independence Monument in Chamkarmon bordering Daun Penh. Supplied.Chamkarmon (แž…แŸ†แž€แžถแžšแž˜แž“) is one of the most well-known districts in Phnom Penh. Located in the south-central part of the city, it connects the central districts in Phnom Penh like Beoung Keng Kang (BKK), Daun Penh, and 7 Makara to developing districts like Meanchey and Chbar Ampov.Foreign direct investments have poured into the districtโ€™s residential and commercial sectors over the past year and have made it into one of the more developed areas in terms of urban conveniences. As a result, Chamkarmon has become a prime choice for many residents to live and do business in. But what exactly are the things that make Chamkarmon popular among Phnom Penhโ€™s residents and keen foreign investors?Road accessibilityItโ€™s easy to get to Chamkarmon. The districtโ€™s location plays a major role in making it accessible, and as a result, popular to the cityโ€™s residents. Three major roads pass through the district; the first is the Mao Tse Tong Boulevard which cuts through the middle of the district and serves as a major artery between the eastern and western parts of Phnom Penh.Preah Norodom Boulevard runs through many key developments in Phnom Penh. Supplied.The two other roads are the Preah Norodom Boulevard and Preah Monivong Boulevard with both roads considered the main avenues for travelers between the north and south of Phnom Penh. These 3 roads intersect at different points in the most commercially active communes of Boeung Trabek and Tonle Bassac.Lower property pricesChamkarmonโ€™s road accessibility is complemented by its relatively lower associated property costs. In terms of real estate, Chamkarmonโ€™s property sales and rental prices are still comparatively lower compared to central districts like Beoung Keng Kang and Daun Penh.New development median sale prices (as of mid-2021)ChamkarmonDaun PenhBeoung Keng Kang$116,000$207,000$182,375Median rent prices per bedroom apartment (as of mid-2021)UnitChamkarmonDaun PenhBeoung Keng Kang1 bedroom$600$800$7502 bedrooms$800$1000$1000*Prices displayed above are median price points; there are several dozen live listings available for lower-priced properties for sale and properties for rent in Chamkarmon.These comparatively lower costs of living compared to central districts like BKK, Daun Penh, and 7 Makara make Chamkarmon popular for middle-class locals, expatriates and tourists alike.ย  It also doesnโ€™t hurt that the areaโ€™s more attractive cost of living is paired with exciting nightlife and plenty of modern shopping destinations nearby.NightlifeBassac lane is a popular destination for both locals and expatriates in Phnom Penh. Photo by The Culture Trip.There are many sides to Phnom Penhโ€™s nightlife and Chamkarmon is home to its more relaxed but vibrant face as opposed to the wilder side of the night in Toul Kork and Daun Penh. Selections of small to medium-sized shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants litter the many streets and intersections especially around Toul Tompoung a.k.a. the Russian Market.Toul Tompoungโ€™s nightlife caters more to a younger crowd and families simply looking to have a swell night out. Toul Tompoungโ€™s nightlife is made popular among locals and tourists by the dozens of street vendors selling local delicacies and cuisines near the Russian Market every night starting at 6pm.Food & beverage retailers are abundant in Chamkarmon. There are a few semi-fine dining options in the area while more modest restaurants are more numerous and usually are serving foreign cuisines made by the areaโ€™s expatriate community. This melting pot of cultures spills over to Chamkarmonโ€™s pubs and bars which enjoy city-wide fame with young Cambodians and expatriates.Chamkarmon, in general, has plenty of things to offer people looking to have a great night out without spending too much money. All it takes is one or two weekends around the Toul Tompoung area and anyone living in Chamkarmon can find a place they can always go back to.A growing shopping districtThe AEON Mall 1 was the first large purpose-built mall in Phnom Penh. Photo by TheLostPinay.Chamkarmon is a popular shopping district where hundreds of small-to-large businesses are found. Immediately noticeable is the prevalence of shophouses and purpose-built community markets as Chamkarmon is a nesting ground for the local entrepreneurial spirit. Whatever youโ€™re looking for, a shop in Chamkarmon probably has it.There are two main markets in the Chamkarmon area: The Toul Tompoung Market (Russian Market) and the Boeung Trabek Market. These are the primary community markets selling both wet and dry goods as well as knick-knacks/souvenirs. Both markets are additionally surrounded by shops outside the market premises catching the spillover shoppers.Modern purpose-built shopping malls are also present in Chamkarmon. Chief examples are the AEON Mall 1 in Tonle Bassac and Chip Mong Noro Mall along Preah Norodom Boulevard. You can check our guide to shopping malls in Phnom Penh for more information.Market developments in ChamkarmonThe residential market in the area remains afloat because of the prevalence of COVID-19. Yes, because of the pandemic. With the income of many expatriates and middle-class families having been affected by the pandemic, many have been looking to move away from BKK and Daun Penh for lower cost rentals in Tier 2 locations like Chamkarmon where they would not be conceding the urban comforts found in BKK and Daun Penh.Of course, the interest in living more for less has translated to an uptick in properties changing owners in Chamkarmon. According to a report by Realestate.com.kh, while Boeung Keng Kang remains the most-searched district from property seekers, Chamkarmonโ€™s popularity has closed the gap since the lifting of the quarantine measures in the city back in mid-May 2021.Chamkarmonโ€™s retail space market continues to grow and is now one of the biggest retailer destinations in Phnom Penh. According to Knight Frankโ€™s H2 2020 report, the district is home to 22% of the existing retail spaces (~400,000 sqm) in Phnom Penh, putting it on par (at 22%) with Sen Sok district - home to the biggest mall in Cambodia, the AEON Mall 2 and international wholesaler Makro. This growth is attributed to the opening of new shopping centers in the district.Office spaces in Chamkarmon have also kept up with the central business district of Daun Penh. According to Knight Frankโ€™s H2 2020 report, Chamkarmon is close at 21% behind Daun Penh at 25% when it comes to the total office spaces in Phnom Penh. Though the report did not specify the specific commune these office spaces are, it may be safe to assume that most of these are located in the Tonle Bassac area.The development of Meanchey and Chbar AmpovThe AEON Mall 3 is the biggest mall coming to Phnom Penh in the next 3 years. Photo by Cambodia Properties.While Chamkarmon itself is seeing growth, keen investors do well whenever the larger picture is taken into account. The two southern districts of Meanchey and Chbar Ampov connected to Chamkarmon via the Preah Monivong and Preah Norodom Boulevards are both earmarked for massive residential and commercial developments.For the Meanchey district, the main headline is the construction of the AEON Mall 3, soon to be Phnom Penhโ€™s largest purpose-built shopping mall measuring at ~174,000 sqm. When news broke in 2019, property prices around AEON Mall 3 saw a boost with many developments and land properties being bought in anticipation of the boom in the area.The Hun Sen Boulevard also greatly contributed to the viability of doing business in the Meanchey district. The 60m road (the other name for the Hun Sen Boulevard) is accessible via the Preah Monivong and Preah Norodom Boulevards from Chamkarmon. Its completion a few years ago vastly alleviated the traffic congestion in the southern part of the city, expanded opportunities, and raised property prices in Meanchey.Construction of Koh Norea bridge began in Q4 2020. Photo by Khem Sovannara from the Khmer Times.For Chbar Ampov, big borey developments have already laid claim to much of its vast lands. However, the OCIC has earmarked the northeastern portion of the peninsula for the Koh Norea Satellite City estimated to be worth $2 Billion.At present, Chbar Ampov is only accessible via the Monivong Bridge which leads to the Preah Norodom and Preah Monivong Boulevards. The OCIC is currently building a bridge over the Bassac river to connect Koh Norea directly to Koh Pich (Diamond Island). The Koh Norea bridge is planned to open in 2022.When it comes to future returns, Chamkarmon edges out central districts on price attractiveness and even potential returns for the next 5 to 10 years. Itโ€™s worth noting that much of the cityโ€™s outskirts are still developing and have been earmarked for further development such as Meanchey and Chbar Ampov - two districts directly connected to the district - presenting an opportunity for considerable returns for investing in Chamkarmon.Discover why Cambodia remains the rising tiger economy of Southeast Asia. Download now!Article by:
Guide to home loans as a foreigner in Cambodia
Guide to home loans as a foreigner in Cambodia
June 7, 2022, 5:41 a.m.
Angkor Grace Residence & Wellness Resort in Siem Reap is a holiday home investment available for both Cambodians and international buyers. Supplied.Cambodiaโ€™s fast-growing economy has made it home to many expatriates and attracted a flurry of foreign investors. This influx of foreign buyers has also been influential in the progression of the Kingdomโ€™s real estate sector with many developers molding their properties to popular designs abroad. But even foreigners cannot buy a home with a 100% payment right away, hence, the need for home loans.There is a prevailing belief that expatriates or foreigners, in general, have a harder time getting a home loan. While it is indeed more challenging compared to locals, it is still possible for foreigners to get a home loan in Cambodia.There are 2 primary loan sources in Cambodia: Bank loans and Developer loans. Bank loans are common across property sectors in different countries while developer loans are less so. Cambodiaโ€™s banking system has grown exponentially in the past 2 decades and bank loans are now more available to both locals and foreigners.Getting a home loan as a foreignerNot every bank offers home loans to non-Cambodians. Fortunately, there are banks such as RHB Cambodia, a Malaysian-owned bank, offering home loans to expatriates and foreign investors interested in Cambodian property.Expatriates in the Kingdom and foreigners living abroad may be asked to present any of the following requirements when applying for a home loan:If you are employed:Passbook / Bank Statement / 3 Months PayslipEmployment Contract or Employment CertificateWork Permit (for expatriates in Cambodia)Curriculum Vitae (CV)National ID or Valid PassportPassing credit check from the Credit Bureau Cambodia (for expatriates in Cambodia)Sales Purchase AgreementIf you are self-employed or a business owner:Latest Business PatentValid Business LicenseBusiness RegistrationBank StatementFinancial Statement for the last 2 years3 months sales or purchase invoiceCompany profileNational ID or Valid PassportPassing credit check from the Credit Bureau Cambodia (for expatriates in Cambodia)Sales Purchase AgreementThese are the usual requirements for loans in Cambodia though keep in mind there may be other requirements depending on the bank. Nevertheless, having these at the ready will definitely help speed up the process and bank staff, especially from RHB Cambodia, are well-equipped to walk applicants through the process.Additionally, new projects in Cambodia developed systems and partnerships with banks to fully assist non-Cambodians in purchasing a property. Prominent examples are The Peninsula Private Residences and Angkor Grace Residence & Wellness Resort projects that allow expatriates and foreign investors to own property in Cambodia be it for personal use or as an investment property.What properties can I get a home loan for, as a foreigner?The short answer is condominium units. This is because these are the only properties that come with a Strata Title. A Strata Title is a special title commonly used for condo unit purchases, and most recently office units, that are available to both Cambodian nationals and foreign nationals. To learn more about property titles, you can check our ultimate guide to property titles in Cambodia.Cambodiaโ€™s property market has grown steadily over the past few years, its expansion has led to many developments not just in residential technology but also financial structures that allow both Cambodian and international buyers to access much-needed loan services. This increasing availability of loans to a wider market will be key to further establishing Cambodiaโ€™s status as a viable property investment destination in Southeast Asia.Looking for property in Cambodia? Let us help!Article by:
Overview of Capital Gains Tax in Cambodia
Overview of Capital Gains Tax in Cambodia
June 7, 2022, 5:44 a.m.
Realestate.com.khTV
Comparisons
What is the Capital Gains Tax in Cambodia?The Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in Cambodia is a flat 20% rate from selling a capital asset. Contrary to what most people perceive. The Capital Gains Tax in Cambodia is not exactly new; businesses in the Kingdom have always paid capital gains. The material difference now is that it applies to individuals, especially those looking to sell immovable property a.k.a. real estate.The CGT was introduced into law through Prakas 346 from the Ministry of Economy and Finance back in April 2020 and was originally intended to be implemented a few months later in July 2020.Due to COVID-19, the law was delayed to January 2021 to reduce the pandemicโ€™s impact on the real estate market. The implementation of the Capital Gains Tax in Cambodia was further delayed to January 2022 as the country saw its first major local community outbreak in Q1 2021. As of February 2022, the Capital Gains Tax has been delayed to 2024.Who has to pay Capital Gains Tax in Cambodia?Capital Gains Tax in Cambodia applies to both resident taxpayers and non-resident taxpayers. Taxpayers are obligated to pay their Capital Gains Tax within 3 months of realising their gains.Resident taxpayers are defined as physical persons who meet one or more of the Kingdomโ€™s residential criteria.Non-resident taxpayers are defined as either legal entities or physical persons who are not considered residents.How is โ€œCapitalโ€ defined in Capital Gains Tax?Capital Gains Tax covers capital gained from selling: Immovable Properties, Leases, Investment/Financial Assets, Good (Licenses & Branding), Intellectual Property, and Foreign Currency.That may sound all-encompassing, but much like other tax laws, there are exemptions to Capital Gains Tax, especially when it comes to immovable property a.k.a. Real estate:The principal residence of the taxpayer - in the event that the taxpayer (or their spouse) has more than one place of residence, only one of them can be exempted from the CGTTransfer of immovable properties between family members as stated in the regulations around Registration TaxAssets of the Cambodian governmentImmovable properties a.k.a. Real estate properties sold for public purposes based on Cambodiaโ€™s Expropriation LawsAssets of foreign embassies/consulatesAssets of international organizations or cooperation agencies of foreign governmentsHow is Capital Gains Tax calculated in Cambodia?Capital Gains Tax in Cambodia is a flat 20% rate on gains made after selling a capital asset. At face value, that is a significant portion of sales proceeds but there are 2 methods taxpayers can use that allow for a bit more consideration to their expenses:Actual Expense Deduction MethodThis method takes the sales proceeds and subtracts the expenses the seller made on that property to get the actual Capital Gains Tax to be paid. These deductibles can be the purchase cost, consulting fees, registration tax, commissions, and even advertising. These actual expenses are deducted from the sales proceeds and 20% of the difference will be the Capital Gains Tax to be paid.This method is beneficial for property sellers who spent a lot on overhead/operational costs and who might be looking at more humble margins.Example:Mrs. Phan is looking to sell her home for $250,000 that she originally bought for $100,000 a couple of years ago. She was diligent to keep essential documents detailing her expenses in the acquisition/renovation of her property, which is the following:Registration Tax: $4,000Loan interest: $3,000Loan administrative fee: $500Renovation: $35,000Now that we have the relevant values, letโ€™s do a sample calculation:ย Actual Expenses Deduction MethodSale Price$250,000ย Actual Expenses (Deductibles)Original Price$100,000Registration Tax$4,000Loan interest$3,000Loan administrative fee$500Renovation$35,000TOTAL EXPENSES$142,500ย Capital Gains TaxSale Price$250,000Total Expenses$142,500Capital Gains (Sales Price - Total Expenses)$107,500Capital Gains Tax (20%)$21,500ย Ms. Phan will have to pay $21,500 in Capital Gains Tax once she sells her property via the Actual Expenses Deduction Method.There are more applicable deductibles so we strongly suggest you keep tabs on the expenses you made for your property if you are planning to sell in the future.Determination Based Deduction MethodThis method takes 80% of the sales proceeds and subtracts it from the entire sales value. The result will be the Capital Gains and 20% of it will be the Capital Gains Tax to be paid. This method is highly beneficial for property owners who bought low and are planning to sell high.Example:Mrs. Phan is aware thereโ€™s another way of calculating Capital Gains Tax. And being a discerning homeowner, she explored the other method of getting the capital gains tax for her $100,000 property she plans to sell for $250,000.Determination Based Deduction MethodSale Price$250,00080% of Sale Price$200,000Capital Gain (Sale Price - 80%)$50,000ย ย Capital Gains TaxCapital Gain$50,000Capital Gain Tax (20%)$10,000ย Mrs. Phan will have to pay $10,000 in Capital Gains Tax once she sells her property via the Determination Based Deduction Method.Itโ€™s quite obvious which method Mrs. Phan will be using and thatโ€™s intended as taxpayers in Cambodia are free to choose which method of Capital Gains Tax calculation to use for their tax obligation.ย As mentioned above, the Capital Gains Tax is planned to finally be implemented in January 2022. This creates a third method of Capital Gains Tax: selling your property before January 2022 so you donโ€™t have to pay this tax!Kidding aside, we highly recommend that you keep any relevant expenses related to your property and do your due diligence in finding the method that gives you the best tax rate.Looking to buy OR sell property? Click hereArticle by:
Realestate.com.kh launches Why Cambodia Guide for investors
Realestate.com.kh launches Why Cambodia Guide for investors
June 6, 2022, 5:07 p.m.
The Cambodian economy has been a rising star in Southeast Asia over the last decade. The influx of foreign direct investments and the significant improvements in standards of living have made the once looked-over country into the regionโ€™s latest investment destination. It is in this regard that Realestate.com.kh, Cambodiaโ€™s leading real estate classifieds portal, is launching the Why Cambodia for investors.The Why Cambodia Guide endeavours to give would-be investors a brief overview of the Cambodian economy with a special focus on its property market. Over the past few decades of the countryโ€™s development, many have noted that getting a grasp of the larger Cambodian economy often requires hours of analyzing graphs, reading news articles, and watching interviews with experts on the matter. It is this decentralized status quo of information the Why Cambodia Guide seeks to simplify and serve as a starting point for the many foreign investors, and even local ones, in their preparation for Cambodiaโ€™s return to economic form.The effect of COVID-19 has been undeniable to the Kingdomโ€™s economy and its people. The Why Cambodia Guide will briefly touch on the topic through the many topics included such as Cambodiaโ€™s state as a frontier market, macroeconomic outlook, banking and finance, foreign direct investments, tourism & hospitality, and real estate market trends over the past year.The Why Cambodia Guide is part of Realestate.com.khโ€™s long-term goal of contributing to the growth of the Kingdomโ€™s economy and gradually improving the standard of living for the Khmer people. The Why Cambodia Guide will be published digitally and will be made available for FREE.CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FREE
Overview of districts in Phnom Penh
Overview of the Districts in Phnom Penh
June 7, 2022, 6:13 a.m.
Realestate News
Location Profiles
Phnom Penh is Cambodiaโ€™s capital city and is a growing metro situated where the Mekong, Tonle Sap and the Tonle Bassac rivers intersect. Phnom Penh has been the seat of power and primary economic hub in recent history. This has made the city grow to become the nation's center of economic, cultural, and political activity.According to the General Population Census 2019, Phnom Penh has a total population of 2,189,460 residents and population density of 3,136 residents per km2 across a central plain measuring 679 km2.Phnom Penhโ€™s geography is largely defined by swathes of flatlands and the 3 rivers intersecting that provide inhabitants with water for both irrigation and transportation across the country. While its land size is comparatively small to its neighbours like Bangkok (~1,500 sqm) and Ho Chi Minh (~2,000 sqm), it does present investors the opportunity to capitalize on several of its fastest-growing industries, namely: construction & real estate, banking & finance, and manufacturing.Knowing about the cityโ€™s districts is a good way to gain an overview of the city. Here are a list of the districts (Khans) in Phnom Penh:7 Makara7 Makara or Prampir Makara (แžแžŽแŸ’แžŒแž”แŸ’แžšแžถแŸ†แž–แžธแžšแž˜แž€แžšแžถ) is one of the most central and smallest districts in Phnom Penh. Despite its size, its location puts properties here in an advantageous position of having access to every cardinal direction in Phnom Penh. Residential properties can easily be found here and commercial & retail properties are plenty given their proximity to other highly populated areas in Phnom Penh. The district is home to popular destinations such as the Orussey Market, Olympia Mall, and the National Olympic Stadium.Population: ~71,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our 7 Makara Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if youโ€™re interested!List of landed properties in 7 MakaraList of condos/apartments in 7 MakaraBoeung Keng KangBoeung Keng Kang (แžแžŽแŸ’แžŒแž”แžนแž„แž€แŸแž„แž€แž„) is a centrally located district in Phnom Penh. The district was once part of the larger Chamkarmon district until its formation in 2019. The district is largely known for its many residential, commercial, and retail destinations, embassies, and NGOs mostly found in Boeung Keng Kang I (BKK1). It is arguably one of the most urbanized areas in Phnom Penh that are still seeing strong interest among property seekers and developers alike. Some popular destinations include: The Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, Chip Mong Noro Mall, and the Wat Langka Buddhist Pagoda.Population: ~66,000 residentsYou can check out the property listings here if youโ€™re interested!List of landed properties in Boeung Keng KangList of condos/apartments in Boeung Keng KangChamkarmonChamkarmon (แž…แŸ†แž€แžถแžšแž˜แž“) is arguably one of the most popular districts in Phnom Penh. Located in the south-central area of the city, its popularity with locals, expatriates, and tourists is derived from the quaint charms of the row of shophouses, restaurants, cafes, bars, galleries, and markets found in almost all its streets. The amount of for sale/rent properties also makes it a hot market among those looking to buy or sell. Some popular destinations in Chamkarmon include AEON Mall 1 (Tonle Bassac), the Russian Market, and its surrounding streets.Population: ~70,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our Chamkarmon Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if youโ€™re interested!List of landed properties in ChamkarmonList of condos/apartments in ChamkarmonChbar AmpovChbar Ampov (แžแžŽแŸ’แžŒแž…แŸ’แž”แžถแžšแžขแŸ†แž–แŸ…) is a peninsular district located in the southwestern part of Phnom Penh. The district is mainly accessible via the Preah Monivong Bridge. Chbar Ampov previously held a lot of unoccupied lands before Borey developers moved into the district. Today, Chbar Ampovโ€™s vast lands put it at the precipice of massive developments from local conglomerates transforming the peninsula into a satellite city built around the pristine environment beauty that has made it a popular suburban living destination. Some popular destinations in Chbar Ampov include The Park Community Mall and the Prince Manor Resort.Population: ~164,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our Chbar Ampov Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if youโ€™re interested!List of landed properties in Chbar AmpovList of condos/apartments in Chbar AmpovChroy ChangvarChroy Changvar (แžแžŽแŸ’แžŒแž‡แŸ’แžšแŸ„แž™แž…แž„แŸ’แžœแžถแžš) is another rapidly developing area of the city and has seen a number of commercial & residential developments, restaurants and other major infrastructure projects transforming the formerly quiet area on the outskirts of the city to what is now eyed a prime real estate destination. The area is also earmarked for government offices as well as projects to support Cambodiaโ€™s participation in the international stage, namey: the SEA Games 2023, and the massive Dragon City concept coming soon. Some popular destinations in Chroy Changvar include: The Morodok Techo National Stadium, Garden City Water Park, and the Phnom Penh Safari.Population: ~159,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our Chroy Changvar Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if youโ€™re interested!List of landed properties in Chroy ChangvarList of condos/apartments in Chroy ChangvarDangkaoDangkao (แžแžŽแŸ’แžŒแžŠแž„แŸ’แž€แŸ„) is a district on the southern outskirts of Phnom Penh. While largely underdeveloped compared to other areas, Dangkao shares similar geographical features made up of flatlands connected by national road networks. At present, the majority of developments are boreys and garment factories.Population: ~160,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our Dangkao Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if youโ€™re interested!List of landed properties in DangkaoList of condos/apartments in DangkaoDaun PenhDaun Penh (แžแžŽแŸ’แžŒแžŠแžผแž“แž–แŸแž‰) is the de facto Central Business District in Phnom Penh. The district houses most of Phnom Penhโ€™s skyscrapers along with its most historical buildings/monuments and luxurious hotels, restaurants, and other destinations for everyone living or visiting Phnom Penh. The importance of Daun Penh cannot be understated as tourism is first drawn here, shophouses are mostly for rent making the commercial space competitive fierce, and is where Phnom Penhโ€™s nightlife is best experienced. Some of the popular destinations in Daun Penh include: The Riverside, The Royal Palace, and The National Museum of Cambodia.Population: ~155,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our Daun Penh Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if youโ€™re interested!List of landed properties in Daun PenhList of condos/apartments in Daun PenhKamboulKamboul (แžแžŽแŸ’แžŒแž€แŸ†แž”แžผแž›) is the western-most district of Phnom Penh. The district was formerly part of the surrounding province of Kandal until its integration into Phnom Penh back in 2019. Being a new area into the capitalโ€™s growing metro, the area is yet to see large-scale development in its residential and commercial properties.Population: ~~75,000 residentsMeancheyMeanchey (แžแžŽแŸ’แžŒแž˜แžถแž“แž‡แŸแž™) is a district located in the south of Phnom Penh. The district, much like other outer districts, was primarily home to Borey developers and garment factories. Today, the district is earmarked for major developments such as AEON Mall 3 (the biggest mall in Cambodia yet) and the new Chip Mong 271 Mall. The completion of the Hun Sen Boulevard added to the accessibility and viability of many business endeavours in Meanchey spurred by Meancheyโ€™s large population base. Some landmarks in Meanchey are the International School of Phnom Penh and the Steung Meanchey Market.Population: ~250,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our Meanchey Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if youโ€™re interested!List of landed properties in MeancheyList of condos/apartments in MeancheyPor Sen CheyPor Sen Chey is a district on the western side of Phnom Penh. The district is largely made up of borey projects, community centres, KTV bars, new condominium developments and garment factories. Por Sen Chey is popularly known as the airport district as the Phnom Penh International Airport is located in the district. While the district is relatively less developed compared to other areas, its international airport has made it next on the list of districts being looked at by both public and private planners.Population: ~226,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our Por Sen Chey Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if youโ€™re interested!List of landed properties in Por Sen CheyList of condos/apartments in Por Sen CheyPrek PnovPrek Pnov (แžแžŽแŸ’แžŒแž–แŸ„แž’แžทแŸแžŸแŸ‚แž“แž‡แŸแž™) is an outer district located in the northwestern part of Phnom Penh and is the largest district in terms of land area. Prek Pnov is mainly flatlands inhabited by residents in shophouses, flathouses, and factories. Like other outskirt districts, this area will likely see residential developments first in the form of boreys and will be followed by small-to-medium commercial centres.Population: ~188,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our Prek Pnov Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if youโ€™re interested!List of landed properties in Prek PnovList of condos/apartments in Prek PnovRussey KeoRussey Keo (แžแžŽแŸ’แžŒแžซแžŸแŸ’แžŸแžธแž€แŸ‚แžœ) is a district to the north of Phnom Penh. This district has some very large boreys and mixed-use developments transforming the district into an urban hub of its own and mainly populated by lower to middle-class Cambodians. The area is also known for its expatriate population made up of Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans. Russey Keo is made up of mostly local residential homes, villas and apartments but several businesses have their offices here and it is also home to large-scale breweries and manufacturing plants.ย Population: ~274,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our Russey Keo Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if youโ€™re interested!List of landed properties in Russey KeoList of condos/apartments in Russey KeoSen SokSen Sok (แžแžŽแŸ’แžŒแžŸแŸ‚แž“แžŸแžปแž) is a north eastern district of Phnom Penh. This district is one of the larger districts in Phnom Penh in terms of land size and as well as short-to-medium term growth. Its vast flatlands have made it one of the hottest development destinations in the past few years as made evident by boreys, condos, commercial centres, and shopping malls popping up in the area. The area shows no signs of slowing down in development as it still offers relatively low median sale prices, especially for Cambodians looking to own landed properties close to big name commercial areas. Some popular destinations in Sen Sok include: AEON Mall 2 (the largest mall in Cambodia as of 2021), the Premier Centre Sen Sok, and the Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club.Population: ~183,000 residentsYou can learn more about this area in our Sen Sok Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if youโ€™re interested!List of landed properties in Sen SokList of condos/apartments in Sen SokToul KorkToul Kork (แžแžŽแŸ’แžŒแž‘แžฝแž›แž‚แŸ„แž€) is a north-western district in Phnom Penh. Over the years, the district has become the second most popular residential area in Phnom Penh (after Chamkarmon). The area has seen a huge amount of development as of late and has attracted a mix of businesses, commercial, residential tenants, and home-owners. The area is well known for a large number of villas, office spaces, condominiums, and overall interest from developers. Some popular landmarks in the area include: TK Avenue (shopping centre), and the TK Roundabout.Population: ~145,000You can learn more about this area in our Toul Kork Location Profile.You can check out the property listings here if youโ€™re interested!List of landed properties in Toul KorkList of condos/apartments in Toul KorkArticle by:
What makes a luxury property in Phnom Penh?
What makes a luxury property in Phnom Penh?
June 6, 2022, 5:06 p.m.
Realestate News
Home & Living
From the humble shophouses to towering luxury penthouses, Phnom Penhโ€™s residential choices have undoubtedly grown in only a short span of time. Its luxury choices, in particular, have been the highlight of the cityโ€™s transformation and put it on the radar of property investors from both within and outside of Cambodia.The word โ€œluxuryโ€, however, has been a buzzword many developers have used to describe their properties to paint a grand picture of the lifestyle you can have. But letโ€™s be honest, only a few can really own up to being a true luxury home.Realestate.com.kh wants to clear the air with its take on what makes the baseline for luxury properties and will give you properties worth considering if youโ€™re in the market for one or if youโ€™re simply curious!What makes a luxury property in Phnom Penh?What makes a luxury property in Phnom Penh doesnโ€™t differ much from what youโ€™d normally consider in buying any home. Generally speaking, these are Location, Quality of Interiors, Available Amenities, and Price.LocationA propertyโ€™s location influences a lot about it, including other considerations in this list. A propertyโ€™s location plays its biggest role in determining your daily life/routine, such as where you go and how much time it takes for you to get to where you want to go. Its immense role in your daily life makes it one of the foremost considerations in any property purchase/rental decision.But thereโ€™s more to location than just providing convenience. For buyers looking to invest, a great location is somewhere with lackluster surroundings but holds great promise in the near future. After all, when it comes to real estate, the real returns are not just made by selling high, but by buying low.Quality of InteriorsThe quality of interiors directly influences the level of comfort you experience at home. This is where luxury developments often splurge by providing branded appliances and fixtures such as heaters, air conditioners, lighting, mattress(es), and bathroom essentials. How these are delivered is often indicative of the amount of thought the developer put into making their luxury vision into reality.Available AmenitiesAmenities complement the comfort you experience from your residential unit. Fortunately, most luxury properties in Phnom Penh often have a swimming pool, a garden, sauna & spa, rooftop activity areas, fitness facilities, and even in-house commercial areas. Itโ€™s sometimes so extensive that the number of things you can do in your building somewhat reduces the need for you to go out!PricePhnom Penhโ€™s luxury property market is rife with choices ranging from expensive to extraordinarily pricey and this last and final factor neatly ties up all the aforementioned considerations into a quantifiable number, because setting prices set expectations.The price per square metre for luxury developments (centrally located) ranges from $2,500 and only goes up from there. Of course, this is not saying that the higher itโ€™s priced, the better the property is overall. But price tags often dictate the kind of market a project is targeting and the level of luxury you can expect from a premium development.The luxury properties of Phnom PenhThereโ€™s plenty of luxury properties in Phnom Penh and this shortlist is showcasing the developments exemplifying whatโ€™s been discussed above.Sky VillaSky Villa is arguably the most expensive luxury development in Phnom Penh. While there are other developments within the 1-million USD price range, Sky Villa takes top place as itโ€™s the biggest of the million-dollar apartments to come to the city.Its residential units span more than 500sqm and are styled after the luxury landed villas most rich Cambodians live in, including ornate furniture, generous spaces, and premium amenities like exclusive bars, restaurants, pools, and concierge services. Other luxury landed villas donโ€™t have a sky bar and spa & sauna, nor are they in the middle of the city like Sky Villa.Its central location in 7 Makara puts it in an advantageous central position with easy access to major road arteries that cross Phnom Penh. The closest major shopping destination to it is the Olympia Mall, which is a 4-minute drive away or a 10-minute walk from Sky Villa. If youโ€™re into the more humble side of the city, dozens of shophouses and cafes litter 7 Makara. Itโ€™s hard to run out of places to explore in this area.Sky Villa certainly packs plenty of must-haves and even nice-to-haves for a luxury property in Phnom Penh. If youโ€™re interested in finding out more, you can find the Sky Villa property listing here.The Peninsula Private ResidencesA projectโ€™s location, for most buyers, means easy access to conveniences. But to the long-term investor, it means something quite contrary but highly profitable!The Peninsula Private Residences in Chroy Changvar district is an ideal example of investing in an area that holds much promise in Phnom Penhโ€™s future. The district is earmarked for major residential projects which have attracted many of the cityโ€™s elite political and business circles. Its promise is tied with its suburban appeal as its peninsular geography gives its residents a natural atmosphere thatโ€™s become a hook for many of Phnom Penhโ€™s city dwellers.Given its popularity, itโ€™s no stretch that the project has become the landmark development in Chroy Changvar. The Peninsula Private Residences garnered many awards such as the Best Architectural Design 2019 and Best Interior Design 2019. Its awards show as the projectโ€™s interiors are built with carefully designed aesthetics that complement the areaโ€™s natural atmosphere; providing a premium experience of Chroy Changvarโ€™s environment if you will.The Peninsula Private Residences emphasize the everyday living experience and pull out all the stops to make it as pleasant as it can be. Its quality amenities include the basics with additional features of a private kitchen and patio, co-working space, and even a social club room with a home theater system.If youโ€™re interested in learning more about this luxury development, you can check the Peninsula Private Residences property listing here.The Peak ResidenceWhen it comes to living in a premier condominium close to a shopping area, The Peak Residence certainly peaks the list of projects in Phnom Penh. The Peak Residence is a premium mixed-use development in the highly commercial area of Tonle Bassac in Chamkarmon. Itโ€™s one of the first retail podiums with 3 towers in Phnom Penh, making it the premier project offering a commercial experience truly integrated with a luxury condominium.Residents will additionally get to enjoy various commercial shopping choices to more residential comforts like swimming pools, jacuzzis, lush gardens, and premium restaurants right at their fingertips; thereโ€™s plenty to discover at this premier development.But if a commercial center integrated with a residential tower is too tame, how about a premium hotel chain on its premises? The world-renowned Shangri-La Hotel will be occupying and housing high-class visitors in one of the Peakโ€™s towers. In fact, the entry of the international Shangri-La hotel brand is expected to attract a new demographic of tourists to boost the Kingdomโ€™s burgeoning tourism sector.If youโ€™re interested in learning more, you can check out the Peak Residence property listing here.Skyline ApartmentThe Skyline Apartments is a high-class rental apartment in Tonle Bassac, Chamkarmon. Conceived by The Room Design Studio, its design immediately catches the attention of passers-by even in the flurry of residential choices within Tonle Bassac. Its designers were inspired by both Cambodiaโ€™s rich architectural heritage and the influence of its colonial past to create an iconic residential building in Phnom Penhโ€™s most central area.Skyline Apartmentโ€™s premium status is derived from the luxury of feeling at home in Phnom Penh. This is particularly sought after by expatriates as feeling at home in a foreign country can do wonders for oneโ€™s mental health, especially during stressful workdays! The Skyline Apartment creates this atmosphere by providing residents with spacious living spaces complemented by an array of amenities that fit the theme of being at home. While it's not as luxurious as previous projects mentioned above, the Skyline Apartment does edge them out in delivering a serene living experience.A lot of rest and a lot quiet are things commonly associated with suburban/provincial properties. Fortunately, the Skyline Apartments is just 100m away from the Preah Sihanouk boulevard, and a few minutes walk away from the many restaurants, cafes, and entertainment destinations found in and around Tonle Bassac.If youโ€™re interested in finding out more, you can visit the Skyline Apartment property listing here.Article by:
How to reduce risks of COVID-19 in your property
How to reduce risks of COVID-19 in your property
June 6, 2022, 5:07 p.m.
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic shook the world to a point where 10 months later, the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to provide a variety of recommendations to prevent the spread of the pandemic. The recommendation advises people not to go to extremely crowded places, especially not to leave their homes, as people spend most of their time at home which means inside a building or a house.Prevention and control of the spread of COVID-19 inside buildings are one of the most important ways to control the pandemic. Keeping the building clean, especially, shared spaces, elevators, staircases and the continued provision of fresh clean air are the top priorities. These measures are also included in the basic criteria of green building standards in any country.Adequate replacement of fresh air does not only prevent COVID-19 infections but other respiratory diseases such as asthma. Moreover, the quality of materials can help prevent and exacerbate allergies by ensuring that buildings are green and adequately ventilated. In addition to these benefits for human health, green buildings are environmentally friendly and protect natural resources. Moreover, waste segregation and recycling reduce emissions and protect the environment from pollution. Controlling environmental pollution is also a way to prevent any infectious diseases from spreading.The result of COVID-19 reminding us that, focusing on the health and safety of buildings now, we need to be prepared, able to respond appropriately, and able to respond to such major disasters around the world.Several actions and best practices that are currently being applied in green and healthy buildings are expected to become our lifestyle in the post-COVID-19 era. Such concerns and actions taken during the pandemic are also the main factors that differentiate an ordinary building from sustainable and healthy-oriented buildings around the world. Some of the main features of sustainable and healthy buildings are the following.- Handwashing promotion- Strict cleaning protocols and usage of cleaning products- Increased supply of fresh air- Usage of air treatment mechanisms such as usage of high-efficient filters and UV technology- Humidity and Temperature control- Safe and clean freshwater supply- Lower density of office building spaces between workers- Mental health promotion such as stress management support programs- Emergency management planOverall, after this pandemic, the well-being, health, and safety of building occupants are expected to become the next top priorities for any building-related stakeholder. A new paradigm shift towards healthy and green buildings is urgently required to ensure resilient, healthy, and clean interior environments for all building occupants in Cambodia.Looking for property in Cambodia? Let us help!*This article is written by Susanne Bodach, Managing Director of BEE Incorporations Cambodia
How to buy or sell property with REAKHโ€™s Home Finder & Opportunities feature
How to buy or sell property with REAKHโ€™s Home Finder & Opportunities feature
June 6, 2022, 5:07 p.m.
Realestate.com.kh, Cambodiaโ€™s #1 Real Estate Portal, serves as a bridge between buyers and sellers by quickly connecting the demand with the right supply! This endeavor is made even easier for all stakeholders with REAKH Opportunities.REAKH Opportunities basically makes it easier for:RENTERS/BUYERS to notify registered agents of the kind of property theyโ€™re looking forAGENTS/SELLERS to be notified of sale opportunities that fit their portfolioThink of it as a personal virtual assistant that knows ALL the right people - at the right time - when it comes to properties in Cambodia.As a buyer/renter/seller, how do I use REAKH Opportunities?Buyers have it the easiest when it comes to using the REAKH Opportunities. As a seller/buyer, all you need to do is check on the right-hand side of your screen if youโ€™re on the desktop. While on the mobile app, you can use the Home Finder on the home screen to access this feature.The Home Finder/Opportunities feature can be accessed through the right-hand side of the screen on the desktop.ย The Home Finder/Opportunities feature can readily be accessed on the home screen of the REAKH Mobile app.Upon clicking on the Home Finder icon, you will be shown a form where you can enter the specifics of the property youโ€™re looking for. Fields to be completed include the following:I want to: Buy / Rent / Sell / LeaseLocation preferenceBudget rangeAdditional commentContact informationOnce finished, you can click the submit button and wait for any seller/agent to contact you!As an agent/seller, how do I use REAKH Opportunities?Agents/sellers looking to use REAKH Opportunities for quick leads can easily do so through Realestate.com.kh or more conveniently through the REAKH mobile app.How it looks like:Each new lead coming from the REAKH Home Finder is funneled here for the easy viewing of registered agents on the mobile application. Each opportunity is detailed in terms of intent (buy/sell), their preferred location, preferred property type, and their budget.If youโ€™re interested in any Opportunity on the feed, you may access the one youโ€™re interested in by exchanging them for REAKH credits you have on your account. To get credits, you may reach out to our Live Chat and inquire about acquiring credits.The Opportunities channel is updated on a regular basis where you, as a seller, can continuously see quality leads from the thousands of property seekers going through Realestate.com.khโ€™s listings.Interested in letting the wider property market know youโ€™re looking for a property? Or do you want a continuous stream of leads coming through your phone? Download the REAKH Mobile App today for a seamless property selling/buying experience today!Article by:
What can be considered a Green Building?
What can be considered a Green Building?
June 6, 2022, 5:06 p.m.
Realestate News
Home & Living
Greening the building sector is one of the priorities to ensure sustainable development in Cambodia. But do we really understand what is sustainability? In 1987, the United Nationโ€™s Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as โ€œmeeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.โ€From the time of humanityโ€™s resource-intensive lifestyle and the Industrial Revolution, the number of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere has increased significantly. As a result, global warming and air pollution are occurring. With the Paris Agreement in 2015, the international community agreed to limit global warming to 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius until 2050. Buildings are responsible for about one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions.Green building (sometimes called a Sustainable Building) are eco-friendly, have no adverse effects on physical health, and are adapted to the local climate and environment. Green design starts from the planning of the building to the design, construction, and operation process. In other words, it covers lifetime cycle of the building, from the planning of construction to the end of commissioning.It is estimated that the construction sector accounts for 10% of world GDP, 23% of greenhouse gas emissions, and 40% of material flows. Therefore, green building is not only a major step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also a revolution in the architectural industry and the environment. Green buildings are economically feasible, eco-friendly, and energy-efficient. They have a long service life, and most importantly, provide us with a comfortable living and working environment.Green buildings have the following features:Energy efficientWater-efficientUses renewable energyReduce waste generation and promote recyclingGood indoor air qualityNon-toxic and green construction materialsEconomically and environmentally friendly starting from the planning phase to the operation phaseAdequate parkingPromote a healthy lifestyleProvide a comfortable indoor and outdoor environmentSome of the main elements that make up a green building that incorporates the features mentioned above are the building materials, energy, water, and health requirements which are further explained below. Construction materials: The building materials to be used in the green building should be non-toxic, and natural or recycled material. Green buildings should use local materials to reduce transportation costs and transport-related greenhouse gas emissions. Energy use: The building design of green projects is optimized to reduce energy use inside the building. In hot and humid climates like Cambodia, small to medium size windows areas is recommended to reduce the solar heat gains and, thus, the cooling demand. Shading devices and high-performance windows can further protect from the sun.The New Khmer Architecture style developed in the 1950s by Vann Molyvann shows how architectural design can provide comfortable indoor spaces with little need for air-conditioning. Solar panels on the rooftop or the faรงade of a green building can provide green electricity to the building. Energy management and energy monitoring will ensure that the green building has low energy bills in the long run. Water consumption of green buildings: Water consumption in green buildings should be minimized by using water-saving faucets, automated taps, reuse of gray water, and the collection and reuse of rainwater. Health: The building must meet the requirements for the use of non-toxic materials, good indoor air quality which helps to prevent allergies and bacterial and virus infections such as COVID-19. Air quality monitoring installed inside the buildings will ensure that mechanical ventilation and cooling system are operating efficiently.Nowadays, there are specialized organizations and individuals who provide advice on green building planning and operation. Green building professionals understand synergies among professions, building systems, the environment, opportunities for economic development, and occupant wellbeing. They support building developers, architects, building planners, and engineers to optimize the building project with the goal to make it a profitable investment with the highest quality.*This article is written by Susanne Bodach, Managing Director of BEE Incorporations Cambodia
How to maintain and manage your property during COVID-19 outbreak
How to maintain and manage your property during COVID-19 outbreak
June 6, 2022, 5:06 p.m.
Home & Living
Property Buyers & Sellers Advice
The outbreak of COVID-19 has forced a majority of people all over the world to stay indoors for an extended and unknown period of time - a situation that puts a special strain on the facilities of any property. So, whether you lease or own your space, have a broad portfolio, or a single asset, as a property owner, the attention you give to your assets, and its facilities, is more crucial now than ever.Equally imperative are the decisions that need to be made in the coming weeks, such as: โ€œWho can enter or use my building and its facilities,โ€ โ€œHow do I respond to suspected contamination?โ€ ''How will I keep my buildings operational and protected while most of my workforce is home?โ€ and ultimately, โ€œWhat is our facility showing our community about our company and our values?โ€CBRE, a property consulting and management firm, oversees a number of buildings throughout Cambodia alongside millions of sqm of office space, apartments, and condominiums across China, South East Asia, Europe, and America. We have a regional hub in South East Asia where each of the heads of Property Management is in regular contact; sharing information/experiences and jointly developing plans and procedures, especially in these times. This has imparted valuable lessons behind my no-regrets, action-oriented recommendations:Manage entriesThe best way to keep your facility safe is to keep people with the virus at home. There are several ways to approach this, including temperature screening and other sophisticated equipment that could become permanent installations. There are also low-cost options, like increasing lobby signage reminding people to stay home if ill, restricting visitors, and setting up self-check temperature stations.Plan for an exposure-related shutdownIt is likely that you will experience a suspected or confirmed case in at least one of your facilities. Rather than waiting for that moment and having to scramble, prepare a written plan, and educate your site managers, staff, and providers proactively. What to do with the individual? How to isolate them? How to get them home safely? What steps to take? If you think all of this through and get it in writing beforehand (working with your legal, HR, building owner, and key stakeholders) you will mitigate risk and reduce anxiety when the event happens.Clean oftenIncreased cleaning has a direct, infection-control benefit and should be implemented as a preventative move. A full daily disinfection may not be necessary, but the virus lives on surfaces for up to 3 days; and proper, increased cleaning will help lower your exposure. Clean more often and be visible with these services, especially in common areas. As the world opens back up for business, we should expect a lot more cleaning.Energy management andย  energy costsAs energy often takes up to 40% - 50% of your building running costs now is the time to be more vigilant. You donโ€™t need sophisticated building management systems or controls but you should watch equipment carefully as you run and you run it differently. Ensure lights and AC are switched off in vacant areas, keep up the maintenance especially on your AC systems for air quality and running efficiency.Treat your suppliers wellFacilities suppliers are becoming critical to business continuity โ€“ especially cleaners. A number of our clients have instructed us to work with suppliers to be sure they retain staff and maintain capacity even while client sites are closed or in partial use. These clients understand that their supplier partners operate on thin margins and that their employees operate on even thinner margins with no safety net. We believe these clients are going to be very well served for these actions.Take advantage of the downtime to prepare for re-openingEvery facility has deferred projects and tasks that were waiting for a weekend when the building sits empty. Planned correctly, now is your chance for these projects. We are working with clients to complete delayed projects, replacements, and repairs. Put in place more energy-efficient equipment. Finish that asset condition survey. Our teams in China realized that deferred maintenance on older equipment just could not respond to more intensive HVAC demands, so we are working hard to repair, replace, and upgrade.Communicationย Keep up to date with all local newspapers and government departments so that you are ahead of the game and ready for any changes that may be enforced. Keep your company, all your clients, tenants and occupiers updated regularly but also limit the channels of communication and avoid participating in gossip groups as misinformation creates confusion and worry.The Future New NormalAs you plan for re-opening, your employees, customers, and suppliers are going to have new expectations for how to run, clean, and manage your facility. At the same time suppliers, landlords, and maintenance teams are going to be managing the surge of work. Consider focusing on three areas:Operations: Inspect and test key building systems to ensure the building is safe and comfortable as you come back to full occupancy.Service Planning: Allow providers of cleaning, food, concierge, HVAC, security, etc. ample lead time to ensure they can get their teams back on-site and fully operationalChange Management: Ensure the occupants are aware of whatโ€™s been done, whatโ€™s different, and what protections need to stay in place to keep everyone healthy. Set up a hotline to take their questions.Stay up-to-date on the real estate industry in Cambodia and get real-time updates on real estate news as they happen. Download the Realestate.com.kh App now!*This is article is written by Dan Davies, Director of Property Management at CBREย Cambodia.*Note: CBRE Cambodia has set up an unofficial building owners /managers PP Covid-19 group. If you are interested to join please call +855 85 986 934 or email: dan.davies@cbre.com
Amenities & Fixtures: What to expect from Cambodian properties?
Amenities & Fixtures: What to expect from Cambodian properties?
June 6, 2022, 5:07 p.m.
Home & Living
Property Buyers & Sellers Advice
Curious what about amenities and fixtures can you expect from Cambodian properties? Donโ€™t worry! This guide will run you through the most common amenities and fixtures that you can expect in most Cambodian properties, whether for sale or for rent.NOTE: Common amenities/fixtures DOES NOT mean standard amenities/fixtures. These are merely based on the observation of the most commonly recurring amenities/fixtures from listings. The actual amenities and fixtures will ultimately vary from developer to developer and property to property.Common Apartment/Condominium AmenitiesModern amenities have become more commonplace in Cambodiaโ€™s apartments and condominiums. This is not, by any means, an exhaustive list of amenities, but a shortlist of what youโ€™re more likely to see in your search. The rule โ€œyour mileage may varyโ€ applies.Fitness Centre(Most fitness centres are located at the top floors such as this facility from The Peninsula in Phnom Penh. Realestate.com.kh)This can be called either a fitness centre or wellness centre, both are essentially gyms where you can exercise or work out. Some developments (on the higher-end, mostly) offer classes like yoga. How well-equipped a fitness centre depends entirely on how premium the development is. But most will likely have the basics of any workable gym.Swimming Pools(All high-end and some mid-tier developments have pools as part of their amenities such as this one from Garden One. Realestate.com.kh)Phnom Penh can get hot, especially around the months of March to June. Luckily, more developments are including swimming pools as part of their range of amenities. Itโ€™s hit-or-miss when it comes to mid-range developments, but high-end developments will have all the bells and whistles in a premium swimming pool.Public Wi-Fi(Most, if not all, developments have wifi included in their properties. But since these are for public use, you may want to consider getting your own. Realestate.com.kh)Residential units you buy or rent usually come with their already-provided Wi-Fi. But as with anything public, connection bandwidth will be shared. The public WiFi will certainly suit most people, but if your work is better (and more secure) through dedicated bandwidth, then we suggest getting your own.Public WiFi is mostly decent in Phnom Penh and itโ€™s relatively inexpensive. A single person is fine using a 10 Megabit (Mb) fiber connection (yes, Phnom Penh has a commercially available fiber connection) and itโ€™s enough to watch 1080p 60 fps YouTube videos - all for around 140 to 300 USD a year.Car Parking(Car parking is a must-have in Cambodia. Luckily, most Cambodian properties have parking available for their residents. Supplied)Parking is crucial if you have a car in Phnom Penh. The city is becoming increasingly busier every year and roadside parking is starting to become scarce and inadvisable. Fortunately, developers today incorporate parking spaces for cars and motorcycles in their projects. Even the smallest tower developments find ways to include motorcycle parking at the very least for their inhabitants. If you have personal transportation, this is a must-have in modern-day Phnom Penh.Common Residential Unit FixturesA lot of apartments and condominiums in Phnom Penh make it a point that their units make it easy for tenants to move in, especially when thereโ€™s a healthy expatriate population moving around the city every year. As a result, Cambodian residential units are quite generous with fixtures, even from the low end of the market. Here are a few of the most common fixtures included if ever you decide to move in Phnom Penh:Washing Machine(Most properties in Cambodia include washing machines such as this one from The Peninsula Phnom Penh. This is a major bonus for DIY-people out there! Realestate.com.kh)A range of apartments, from the low-end to the high-end already include washing machines in their units. If youโ€™re the type to Do-It-Yourself, then the inclusion of washing machines is definitely something youโ€™ll like. Most apartments and condos include places where you can air out your laundry, so you donโ€™t have to worry too much about that part as well.Airconditioning(In a tropical country like Cambodia, and especially in the concrete jungle of Phnom Penh, air conditioning is a must. Realestate.com.kh)If youโ€™re coming from a country with a cold ambient climate, then youโ€™re in for a treat in Cambodia. Fortunately, all the units you could be looking at have air conditioning units. Do keep in mind, however, that electricity costs in Phnom Penh range from 0.20 to 0.25 USD per kWh - which makes electricity in Cambodia is pretty pricey relative to its neighbors.Electric Kettle(Part of the offensive charm of making it easy for you to move in is the inclusion of simple things such as an electric kettle. Supplied)This is a nice fixture some apartments include and you could even negotiate this as part of the deal whenever you move into an apartment/condo. A landlord might be more than willing to oblige if they can close a deal with this.Bidet / Bum Guns(Bidets or bum guns, as they're more known, are a staple in any property such this one from The Peninsula Phnom Penh. Realestate.com.kh)Bidets are a 21st-century invention seemingly from the heavens. This magnificent piece of modern technology is quite popular throughout the Indochina region - almost like a standard - even in public toilets. Bidets are usually affixed to most Cambodian residential units for rental/sale. A lot of western expatriates have shared their wonder of bidets, so to speak. Some even went so far as saying โ€œBidets have ruined toilet paper for meโ€.Television (with basic cable access)(Televisions are nice to have even when internet access is widely available. Most Cambodian properties still include it such as Wealth Mansion in Phnom Penh. Realestate.com.kh)Some apartment/condominium units come with a flat-screen TV. Itโ€™s nothing fancy but itโ€™s definitely worth something. They usually include cable channels in it, so, if youโ€™re a tourist/expatriate, youโ€™ll have something to entertain yourself with right away. Itโ€™s part of the attractive selling points landlords build to make their properties more appealing to potential renters.ย Knowing what to expect from a potential purchase or rental can help you better evaluate the bang for the buck youโ€™re gonna spend. While amenities and fixtures shouldnโ€™t be the sole factor to make or break the buying decision, they certainly are worth considering since they affect the quality of life youโ€™re going to have.Looking to buy/rent property in Cambodia? Let us help!Article by:
Can foreigners own a condominium in Cambodia?
Can foreigners own a condominium in Cambodia?
June 6, 2022, 5:07 p.m.
Yes, foreigners or non-Cambodians are legally allowed to directly own condominiums in Cambodia. This is mainly achieved through Strata Titles - property ownership certificates issued by The Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction. These titles are recognized on a national level, making them a secure form of property ownership in the Kingdom.Learn more about Property Titles in CambodiaIt also depends on what nationality you, the agent, or developer may be. Most Australians, for example, are more likely to resonate with the term "Apartment" while Americans and Chinese resonate with the term "Condominium".Cambodians on the other hand will generally associate an older unit as an "Apartment" whilst considering the new most recently completed one as a "Condominium".At realestate.com.kh, we prefer the term Condo, however, we have 1000's listings for both types and allow users to select multiple property types when they are running a search.So if you are looking for an apartment or condo for sale make sure you select both condo and apartment during your search on realestate.com.kh.Find new developments in CambodiaForeign ownership laws in CambodiaIn 2009, strata titles were introduced and allowed foreign nationals to fully own private units of co-owned buildings in Cambodia. The only fine print in relation to this is that the units within a condominium or strata-titled office must be 30% locally owned, and foreigners can not own properties within that building on the ground floor. Simply put, if a building has a total of 100 units, 30 of those must be owned by Cambodians.All new developments for sale on Realestate.com.kh have a "title" section under "project information", where you can see if the property is being sold with a hard title.Read our guide on understanding property titles in Cambodia.Two main licenses you should ask to see before you buyThe two main documents you should ask to see from developers before you purchase a property in Cambodia are The Construction License and The Sales License.If developers have a construction license, it means they are legally allowed to build the property and the sales license permits them to legally sell the property.It is not uncommon for developers to have one and not the other as they are issued by separate ministries and governing bodies.Condominium Vs ApartmentThis is a topic that is frequently raised and discussed. There is no real difference between the two (condos and apartments but some people will say that an apartment is similar to a condo but built before 2009, whilst a condo is a unit within a building that was completed after 2009.Others will say an apartment is for rent, while a condo is the same thing but for sale.Pre-sales periodAfter developers obtain their construction licenses they may launch some pre-sales marketing activities. This is very common in Cambodia, during this period developers are allowed to take a fully refundable booking fee from buyers whilst they are waiting to receive their sales licenses.For more details around developer licensing and what you need to know. Check out our ultimate property investor toolbox.Looking for properties in Cambodia? Let us help!Article by:
Typical payment terms for new developments in Cambodia
Typical payment terms for new developments in Cambodia
June 6, 2022, 5:07 p.m.
Home & Living
Property Buyers & Sellers Advice
If you are thinking about investing in the Cambodian property market, then you may start to think about how you're going to make payment or payments for the investment, and what is typically accepted in the Cambodian market by developers.Just as important you might want to start thinking about what you are most comfortable with. Below we highlight some common practices around payments and payment terms in the Cambodian market and what you can expect.In this guide, we highlight some of the typical payment terms offered by property developers in Cambodia and home loans available for foreigners.Booking feeAs soon as you have made the decision to purchase a property, you will then have to sign a Sales & Purchase Agreement. Upon signing this agreement you will be required to pay a small booking fee usually between a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. This can also be known as a reservation fee. By this stage, you will have already chosen your "payment plan" with the developer.Down paymentAfter you have paid the booking fee (commonly within 2 weeks) you will be required to pay a down payment for the property. The most common down payment ratio is 30% of the property's total value, (e.g. $100,000 unit, downpayment of 30% = $30,000)Instalment payment planAs the name suggests, the most common way buyers pay for the balance of their investment is by (monthly) instalments. Which will be a percentage amount over a period of time. Often 3 years or in line with the completion of the development.Stage payment planThis is very similar to the Installment payment method, however, payments are made in line with construction stages until the building is completed, rather than even monthly payments. (e.g. Once the building has reached the 5th floor out of 10 you will be required to make a stage payment.)Upfront paymentIn this plan, buyers will be required to pay the full amount often within 30 days of signing the Sales and Purchase Agreement. This is the most attractive payment plan if you are looking to get the best price for your investment.Note: there is typically no interest to be paid involved with the payment plans above.Home loans for foreignersAlthough bank loans for off-plan (Condo) properties in Cambodia are increasing in popularity. Most if not all banks in Cambodia will not lend to international investors based outside of Cambodia. However, if you are an expat based in Cambodia with a track record of employment you may qualify for a home loan from a bank.If you have already enquired about a property, make sure you ask if the developer is working with any banks for possible home loans. And remember you can also inquire for a home loan via Homeloan.com.khDevelopers' loansAlthough not very common for foreigners, some developers will offer loans or financial assistance to potential buyers. If you purchase a property on this type of payment plan or via a bank loan you will be paying interest on the loan.To provide property seekers with an idea of what a bank loan may look like for a buyer in terms of monthly payments, you can find a home loan calculator within the property details page on Realestate.com.kh.Stay up-to-date on the real estate industry in Cambodia and get real-time updates on real estate news as they happen. Download the Realestate.com.kh App now!Article by:
Cambodia condo outlook 2020 and beyond
Cambodia condo outlook 2020 and beyond
June 7, 2022, 2:21 a.m.
Realestate News
Location Profiles
(Cambodia's fast economic rise has put the country in the spotlight of real estate investors from around the world. Realestate.com.kh)[Article originally published in March 2020]The rise of condominiums in Cambodia, particularly in Phnom Penh, has certainly piqued the interest of local buyers, foreign buyers, and even the international media over the past half-decade. But as the Kingdom enters a new decade, you might be wondering,ย are condos still trending in Cambodia?The short answer is: Yes, they still are.But are they worth the investment? This report will look at price trends and upcoming supplies of condominiums across the Kingdom of Cambodia to help you decide.A look into Cambodiaโ€™s condominium sector 2020 and beyondRealestate.com.kh tracked over 100 projects across the country and examined the trend of condominium developments up until 2023. As a guide to potential investors (such as yourself), this brief report will breakdown the trend of the projects tracked across the 3 major population centres namely:ย Phnom Penh,ย Sihanoukville, andย Siem Reap.The trend of condominium development in each city will be further broken down into popular questions such as:Whatโ€™s the right price to buy a condominium?What affordable price can I pay for a condominium?How much can I spend if I want a top-class condominium?How many more projects and units are coming?How much can I expect to earn if I invest in a condo today?Will condominium prices increase next year?Phnom Penh(Phnom Penh is at the epicenter of the massive real estate development in the Kingdom. Realestate.com.kh)According to Realestate.com.khโ€™s Consumer Sentiment Survey 2019, 76% of property buyers within Cambodia are looking to purchase property in Phnom Penh. This isnโ€™t too surprising as the city hosts the Kingdomโ€™s seat of government and serves as the home to over 2 million Cambodians and a healthy expatriate population - making the capital not only the political centre, but at the same time, the primary economic hub of the country. This makes it the ideal place for buyers and investors looking for the widest selection of condominiums in Cambodia.Whatโ€™s the right price for a condominium in Phnom Penh?In our 2019 Consumer Sentiment Survey also notes that most respondents earning $1,000 (and above) per month expressed they would be willing to spend anywhere from $75,000 to $150,000 on a residential property. The condominium sector seems to reflect this preference as:The average sale price of condo units in Phnom Penh is ~$119,000 across the range of units for sale (1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and studio units). To be more specific, 1-bedroom condominium units cost an average of ~$110,000 and the average cost of their 2-bedroom counterparts is ~$160,000. While buyers looking for 3-bedrooms will have to fork out an average of ~$290,000. Studio units are also available in Phnom Penh at an average price of $80,000.Whatโ€™s an affordable price for a condominium in Phnom Penh?For the sake of discussion, we will define affordable as the lowest price you can pay. Realestate.com.khโ€™s data indicates that condominiums can go as low as $47,000 for a studio type. If youโ€™re looking for a 1-bedroom unit, there are options as low as $65,000. If youโ€™re looking for something bigger like a 2-bedroom unit, you can expect to pay as low as $75,000. The most affordable among 3-bedroom units can be purchased for $145,000.You can start looking at The Hexa and Parc 21 Residences for the most affordable condominiums in early 2020.How much can I spend if I want a top-class condominium in Phnom Penh?Do you want the best regardless of price? Phnom Penh has luxury offerings with generous living spaces comparable to landed villas. Realestate.com.khโ€™s data shows that luxury condominiums can go up to ~$240,000 for a 1-bedroom unit in Phnom Penh while a 2-bedroom can cost up to ~$390,000. While the best of the best 3-bedrooms can be purchased for $600,000. Studio units are also available in the luxury range costing around ~$135,000.If youโ€™re interested in the best and most luxurious residences Phnom Penh has to offer, you can check out R&F City, Prince Huan Yu Center, and Huangshan International.How many more condominium units are coming to Phnom Penh?Projects launches, completions, and suspensions happen at different times throughout the year. As such, this part of the report assumes that the projects tracked will meet their announced completion dates.(An illustration of a condominium unit in The Hexa, a new development in Russey Keo district. Realestate.com.kh)According to Realestate.com.kh data, almost 22,000 units spread across 30 projects will be added to the current stock of Phnom Penhโ€™s condominium units by the end of 2020. A further 15,000 units, spread across 14 announced projects, will be added in the following year 2021. Another 11,000 units, spread across 11 announced projects, will be added in 2022. And in 2023, we project another 6,000 units across 8 projects that will be added to Phnom Penhโ€™s condominium stock.NOTE: New project launches in the latter part of 2020 (not tracked in this report) may announce completion in the immediate future. The descending trend of additional units above is by no means an indicator of receding development.How much can I expect to earn if I buy a condominium today?There is a mechanism in real estate today called Guaranteed Rental Returns (GRR). GRR is defined as rental income guaranteed by the property developer/management to the property purchaser over a specified amount of time.In Phnom Penh, property developers usually offer 6% to 9% returns over a period of years usually ranging from 2 to 5 years. Simply put, this is the amount of money paid by the developer to the investor depending on agreed-upon intervals. Developers offering GRRs often have mechanisms to find tenants for the property, hence, the investor does not have to worry about renters.But donโ€™t let numbers do all the talking as shady developers may use GRRs as a means of attracting customers without any intention of following through. GRRs should also not be the primary factor whenever youโ€™re considering buying a rental property as a form of investment. We strongly suggest having a written and notarized contract that includes the agreed-upon rental returns over the specified period of time.Will condominium prices in Phnom Penh increase next year?Developers of tracked projects have indicated an increase in prices ranging from 5% to 30% per year. Most developers, however, shared that unit prices would increase by 7% to 8% next year. Buying today might be the best choice if youโ€™re already set on buying a condominium in Phnom Penh.If youโ€™re not in a rush to move in or if you can wait a year, we suggest buying off-plan condominium property from a reputable developer. Buying off-plan has its benefits, the strongest of which being: lower cost and the opportunity to make small adjustments to your unit.Sihanoukville(Sihanoukville's cityscape has considerably grown with hotels, office buildings, and condominiums. Realestate.com.kh)The port city of Sihanoukville has seen massive foreign investment in the past couple of years, especially from Chinese investors. Massive constructions such as condominiums, hotels, and offices sprung up as a result of the new-found economic life. It was the quintessential example of a boomtown as the amount of construction strained the once-sleepy beach townโ€™s existing infrastructure.ย The ban on online gaming back in August 2019 certainly resulted in the exodus of a lot of Chinese workers - which in turn negatively affected property and rental prices in Sihanoukville. But itโ€™s important to note that not all Chinese expatriates who live in Sihanoukville went to work in online casinos and that the gambling ban only applies to online casinos and not to landed casinos. Some came to work in Chinese-owned properties such as casinos, resorts, and condominiums, many of which are seeing completion in 2021.Whatโ€™s the right price for a condominium in Sihanoukville?For context, Sihanoukville saw a steep increase in real estate prices due to the influx of Chinese investors and workers. After the ban, prices began to fall and (as of Q1 2020) is seeing a slump due to the mass departure of Chinese nationals. If youโ€™re looking to buy property near the beach, Sihanoukville might be worth considering now. Good thing beaches donโ€™t fly away when the market slows down.The starting sale price of condo units in Sihanoukville is ~$72,000 across the range of units available. To be more specific, 1-bedroom condominium units cost an average of ~$75,000 while the average cost of their 2-bedroom counterparts is ~$165,000. More spacious 3-bedroom options are available at ~$300,000.Whatโ€™s an affordable price for a condominium in Sihanoukville?Sihanoukvilleโ€™s residential development was made to attract Chinese buyers who often have high-class tastes. This makes affordable and good-value condominiums plentiful in Sihanoukville today.A 1-bedroom unit in Sihanoukville can be bought for ~$55,000. Bigger units are also available such as 2-bedroom units which can cost as low as ~$90,000. Even bigger 3-bedroom units can be purchased from $240,000. Though keep in mind that some affordable options may be quite a distance from the much-coveted beaches of Sihanoukville.How much can I spend if I want a top-class condominium in Sihanoukville?While luxury properties in Phnom Penh offer big pools, luxury properties in Sihanoukville offer the sea.ย  A luxury 1-bedroom unit in Sihanoukville can cost ~$150,000. While a top-class 2-bedroom unit can cost ~$250,000. Big 3-bedroom units can be purchased for $500,000. As for amenities, there is virtually little difference from Phnom Penhโ€™s developments and you get the added benefit of easy access to the beach.If youโ€™re interested in high-end condominiums in Sihanoukville, you can start with Prince Golden Bay, Prince Tian Xi Wan, and Morgan the Pure Bay.(The Prince Golden Bay is one of the most anticipated beach-side projects in Sihanoukville. Realestate.com.kh)How many more condominium units are coming to Sihanoukville?Sihanoukville will welcome several thousand units in the next few years. In 2020, we could see an additional 5,000 units entering the cityโ€™s condominium stock. In 2021, Sihanoukville will usher in over 27,000 new residential units. This is a figure almost twice the size of projected additional units to become available in the capital Phnom Penh. And in 2022, another 4,000 units will be added to Sihanoukvilleโ€™s condominium stock.How much can I expect to earn if I buy a condominium today?Tracked projects in Sihanoukville offer Guaranteed Rental Returns (GRR) ranging from 7% up to 24% for a period of time ranging from 2 to 8 years. Though we would advise thinking twice about buying property solely based on the double-digit GRR offered by the developer, especially in Sihanoukville as these calculations were likely made before the August 2019 ban on online gaming.Will condominium prices in Sihanoukville increase next year?Developers of tracked projects have indicated price increases ranging from 5% to 8% per year. Some developers initially planned these increases with the influx of Chinese workers in mind. But with the departure of most Chinese expats, and lack of Chinese tourists due to the Covid-19 lockdown, these price increases may meet challenges - something you may use to your advantage as a buyer.If youโ€™re sold on the idea of owning property in Sihanoukville, buying off-plan may be the best option as they tend to cost less and you gain the opportunity to make adjustments to your unit.Siem Reap(Siem Reap's condominium market pales in comparison to Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville but there are a handful of opportunities. Realestate.com.kh)With more than 1 million tourists per year, Siem Reap is unequivocally the Kingdom of Cambodiaโ€™s cultural tourism center. But not often talked about is how Siem Reap is the 2nd biggest population centre with over 1 million residents, according to the General Population Census 2019. This figure does not account for the many expatriate communities living and working in the province.Siem Reap does not have the same kind of condominium development Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville have. This is primarily due to Siem Reapโ€™s primary industries relying on tourist traffic; creating a marketplace where hotels and boutique guesthouses thrive while shophouses, villas, and boreys dominate the residential market.Whatโ€™s the right price for a condominium in Siem Reap?There are still, however, a handful of on-going projects in Siem Reap. Unit prices in the city range from $68,000 to $157,000 according to the projects tracked. Some of these developments are noticeably more spacious than condominiums in Phnom Penh.Whatโ€™s an affordable price for a condominium in Siem Reap?The lowest price among projects tracked costs $68,000 for a 1-bedroom unit. Bigger spaces are also available with 2-bedroom units costing as low as $105,000. The Siem Reap projects tracked also offer 3-bedroom units costing as low as $145,000.How much can I spend if I want a top-class condominium in Siem Reap?Top-class condominiums in Siem Reap can go up to ~$150,000 per unit. The most expensive among 1-bedroom units cost $75,000. If you fancy a luxury 2-bedroom, it will cost around $110,000. And if you want something luxuriously big, a 3-bedroom in Siem Reap costs up to $160,000.How many more condominium units are coming to Siem Reap?According to projects tracked, Siem Reapโ€™s future condominium stock will be limited in the immediate future with only less than 1,000 units to be introduced by 2021.(A one-bedroom condominium in Sky Park, one of the few condominium projects in Siem Reap. Realestate.com.kh)How much can I expect to earn if I buy a condominium today?Investment returns on condominiums largely depend on the market of potential tenants. Since Siem Reapโ€™s economy largely revolves around tourists who usually do not stay long-term, there are not a lot of condominium developments as the abundant number of boutique hotels offer much more attractive rental rates.In January 2020, the Chinese government has banned its citizens from leaving the country to curb the spread of Covid-19. This has caused tourist numbers to Cambodia to drop significantly as more than a third of its annual tourists come from China. Initial government reports indicate that January 2020 arrivals are down by 60% and February 2020 arrivals are down by 90% - compared to 2019 figures.With the dominance of hotels, boutique guesthouses, and the fears of a viral outbreak, investment prospects in condominiums in Siem Reap may face difficulties in the first half of 2020.Will condominium prices in Siem Reap increase next year?ๆšน็ฒ’็š„่ทŸ่ธช้กน็›ฎๆœชๆŒ‡ๅฎšไปทๆ ผไธŠๆถจใ€‚ไฝ†ๆ˜ฏ๏ผŒไธŽไปปไฝ•ๆˆฟๅœฐไบงไธ€ๆ ท๏ผŒๆˆ‘ไปฌๅฏไปฅ้ข„ๆœŸไปทๆ ผไผšไธŠๆถจใ€‚ไธญๅ›ฝๆ”ฟๅบœๅฏนๅ…ฌๆฐ‘ๅฎžๆ–ฝ็š„ๆ—…่กŒ็ฆไปค๏ผˆๆ—ฉๅœจ2020ๅนด1ๆœˆ๏ผ‰ๅฏ่ƒฝๅฏนๆšน็ฒ’็š„ๅ…ฌๅฏ“ๅธ‚ๅœบๆž„ๆˆ้—ดๆŽฅๅจ่ƒใ€‚ๅฐฝ็ฎกๆธธๅฎข้€šๅธธไธๅ‡บ็งŸๅ…ฌๅฏ“๏ผŒไฝ†ไป–ไปฌ็š„็ผบๅธญ็ป™ๆšน็ฒ’็š„ๅฝ“ๅœฐ็ปๆตŽๅธฆๆฅไบ†ๆฒ‰้‡ๅŽ‹ๅŠ›-ไฝฟๅ…ถๅฏนๅธŒๆœ›ๅœจ่ฏฅๅธ‚ๆœ€ๅคง็š„ๅˆ›ๆ”ถ่กŒไธšไธญ็”Ÿๆดปๅ’Œๅทฅไฝœ็š„ๆŠ•่ต„่€…/ไธ“ไธšไบบๅฃซ็š„ๅธๅผ•ๅŠ›ๅคงๅคง้™ไฝŽใ€‚้šๆ—ถไบ†่งฃๆŸฌๅŸ”ๅฏจ็š„ๆˆฟๅœฐไบง่กŒไธš๏ผŒๅนถๅฎžๆ—ถ่Žทๅ–ๆœ‰ๅ…ณๆˆฟๅœฐไบงๆ–ฐ้—ป็š„ๅฎžๆ—ถๆ›ดๆ–ฐใ€‚็ซ‹ๅณไธ‹่ฝฝRealestate.com.khๅบ”็”จ็จ‹ๅบ๏ผๆ–‡็ซ ไฝœ่€…๏ผš
Popular investment opportunities in Cambodia for foreign buyers
Popular investment opportunities in Cambodia for foreign buyers
June 6, 2022, 5:07 p.m.
Realestate News
Property Buyers & Sellers Advice
Favourable foreign ownership laws, a U.S Dollar based economy, rental returns of up to 10% per year, and high yields are just a few reasons why Cambodia is a great investment destination. To help you make an informed decision for your investment in Cambodia, we highlight some of the common types of opportunities that are available in the Cambodian market.Condominiums and ApartmentsThis is the most common type of investment for foreigners in Cambodia, and in many ways, the easiest to understand. Most developers targeting international buyers will structure projects with some sort of rental return scheme or GRR, generally around 5%+ per year for up to three years. Although not all developers will offer a GRR scheme and may opt for offering buyers a small discount on the purchase price, especially if they are targeting buyers that intend to live in the property. A common question you will be asked by developers is: Are you buying for living or investment?*Guaranteed Rental Return (GRR) or Rental Return Scheme (in some counties) is the amount of money often communicated in a percent based on the purchase price of the property that the developer guarantees you as the buyer in return, over a certain period of time. If you are purchasing a property with GRR make sure it is mentioned in your sales and purchase agreement.Learn more about Guaranteed Rental Returns hereStrata titled office space and commercial unitsSimilar to the high demand for more housing in Cambodia, there are also 100's of new businesses and multinationals entering the market. In line with this, developers have identified this as an opportunity to differentiate themselves from their competitors and offer strata-titled office or commercial units for sale. Sometimes this can be integrated into a development that will also include apartments for sale, or it can also be a stand-alone office development project.Serviced Residence, Hotel and Resort-style investmentsAn increasingly common investment type or opportunity that we are seeing in Cambodia is investing in a serviced residence or hotel. This can be highly attractive to many investors that are looking for high and often guaranteed rental returns. It is also not uncommon for these types of investments to have a Guaranteed Buy Back option built into the purchase.A guaranteed buyback is a contract between the developer of a new project and anyone who buys a unit within that development stating that the developer will buy back the unit from the owner after a fixed period of time.Colonial apartmentsCambodia is littered with 100's of old French colonial buildings, and a common trend for foreigners living in Cambodia is to buy an older apartment, with the vision of renovating the property before selling it at a higher price. This is very common in many markets around the world. Whilst there are some great financial gains to be made in this type of investment, we would advise anyone living outside of Cambodia to focus on other investment opportunities in the property market, that come with a long-term lease, hard or strata title.Realestate.com.kh is home to over 30,000 (and growing!) property listings all over Cambodia. Our property advisors are on standby to help you in your real estate search!Need help finding the right property? Let us know!Article by: