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Sen Sok, Chroy Changvar, top choices for Phnom Penh landed properties
Sen Sok, Chroy Changvar, top choices for Phnom Penh landed properties
June 6, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
Borey Nadi is a brand new borey development in Chroy Changvar district with a unique take on modern community living. Supplied.Cambodia’s continuing struggle with its latest COVID-19 wave is keeping most people indoors, and with more people indoors, the fewer people there are in showrooms. But the preference for land, and the homes that come on top of it, remain a top choice for many Cambodian buyers.According to Realestate.com.kh’s upcoming Real Estate Survey 2021, around 66% of its more than 2,000 respondents chose Phnom Penh as their choice of location. Top districts in the capital for landed property are somewhat tied between Sen Sok at 22% and Chroy Changvar at 21%.Sen Sok is known for its vast flatlands with increasing infrastructure that support both residential and commercial developments. It also does not hurt that the biggest mall in the city, AEON Mall Sen Sok, is located in the district. Realestate.com.kh previously reported that Sen Sok is one of the districts with the lowest median sale prices for property in Phnom Penh.The peninsular district of Chroy Changvar itself is seeing continuous interest from both borey and condominium developers. What Chroy Changvar lacks in its commercial appeal, it certainly makes up for in its natural beauty and suburban living that has become popular among property seekers. This combination has attracted many interesting developments such as Borey Nadi. This borey is a new development in Chroy Changvar that boasts a modern take on community living with its aesthetics and even has cherry blossom trees within its premises, just to name a few of its features.Interestingly enough, the survey also gathered that Cambodian respondents maintain a strong preference for land and landed properties when it comes to property choices. Around 45% chose land as the property they are most likely to buy. Landed properties such as shophouses and villas trail at 22% and 16%, respectively.Apartment units come in last of residential properties at 13% among surveyed Cambodian buyers. The remaining 4% is split among commercial and industrial property choices. However, foreign buyers who participated in the survey overwhelmingly chose apartments as their primary choice - unsurprising as foreigners cannot hold landed properties in the country.A majority of Cambodians are still interested in buying property while a third are choosing to save money for future purchases/investments. The severity of the Feb-20 event continues to streak across the country leading to a significant amount of respondents interested in a new home indicating that they are unsure of when would they will be buying.Despite slowdowns in property market activity, infrastructure projects by the government have not ceased. It is a given that infrastructure, particularly in transportation, are generational developments that would take years if not decades for its return on investment. Authorities pursuing these long-term plans during an economic lull help maintain the future potential of many landed properties in and around Phnom Penh.Article by:
GCC announces launch of Nadi Care for Borey Nadi Residents on its 5th Anniversary
GCC announces launch of Nadi Care for Borey Nadi Residents on its 5th Anniversary
June 6, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
PHNOM PENH, 27 March 2021 –  GCC today announced the launch of Nadi Care for Borey Nadi’s residents. This exciting program is an exclusive service specially curated for residents in Borey Nadi. The Nadi Care program is launched in conjunction with the 5-year anniversary establishment of GCC in Cambodia.“This program is first-of-a-kind in Cambodia. GCC is always a caring developer who believes in crafting the best ever service for the buyers. We recognize that buying a new home represents an important investment and so a great deal of care and workmanship has gone into this development and the establishment of this community. We want to make sure that your home along with the community and recreational facilities are designed to meet your needs and your family members. Nadi Care is a program specially curated to ensure all houses can enjoy effortless luxury living in the community. From a private shuttle to AEON Mall to organising a wedding party at Crystal Hall, the team at Nadi will make sure that nothing is a trouble when the house owners are with us.  We want to make sure that the residents need not worry as their parents and kids can take our private shuttle to AEON mall or any other places safely and comfortably,” said Eric Chong, Chief Executive Officer of GC City and GC Empire.   He added that all buyers of Borey Nadi will automatically become privileged members of Nadi Care as they can enjoy all Nadi Care services and also preferential rates at selected GCC’s subsidiary outlets.  There are a total of 12 services to be associated with Nadi Care which includes basic services such as Private Shuttle Service, 24 Hours Security System, 24 Hours Emergency Medical Support, and ala carte services with 24 Hours Emergency Maintenance Service, Residential Moving Coordination, Housekeeping Service, Personal Trainer, Laundry Service, Car Owner Care, Car Rental & Taxi Service, Event Coordination and Residence Provisioning.“We are passionate about our first Borey development in Cambodia, and we want to make it the best in the market. Borey Nadi is strategically located at Chroy Changvar area, surrounded by various completed and under-construction landmark development such as Morodok Techo National Stadium, Phnom Penh Safari, Win-Win Monument, Dinosaurs Alive, Garden City Golf Club, future Royal University of Phnom Penh campus, Chroy Changvar Satellite City and so on.  With the launch of Nadi Care, we are now one step closer to realizing our vision to bring inspired living to the market and to our esteem buyers. We are building a company that is synonymous with properties that offer world-class quality, innovation, and sustainable and caring value.” Internationally renowned property management consultant Keystone Properties and Bun & Associates are two existing partners for Borey Nadi. Today with the launch of Nadi Care, the level of services provided by Borey Nadi will be further enhanced with the offering of quality and liveability that Cambodia has yet to see.  “GCC has been detailed looking into many contexts so that Borey Nadi can express the vision we imagine for this development.  We are willing to spend extra effort and money to make the Nadi care successful.   Smart buyers will definitely value our effort.  We are delighted to receive a lot of positive feedback and compliments since we opened for sales.   We will launch more exciting projects to our portfolio by this year, for instance, the GC Orussey Market, a local wholesale market that will be a future hotspot and attraction for locals and tourists. We hope you are as excited as us to welcome these projects”, added Eric Chong. At the conference, Eric presented information on Nadi Care whilst also walking through the audience Nadi Care Mobile App.  He also shared about the latest Khmer New Year promotion which Borey Nadi buyers who place booking from 27 March to 30 April will be entitled to local or overseas travel packages to Song Saa Island or Japan. During the Khmer New Year promotion, Borey Nadi also provides a special and convenient payment option for clients to own their dream house at Borey Nadi at an installment as low as USD600 per month.About GCCGolden Cambodia Century (GCC) is an investment holding company from Hong Kong specializing in real estate development, land investment, and financial services (trust and fund management). GCC aims to be a 360 ° full-scale service property developer in Cambodia. Currently, there are 7 subsidiary companies under GCC, which consist of GC City GC Land, GC Empire, GC Realty, GC Design, GC Management, and GC Credit. Current projects of GCC include Borey NADI by GC City, CEO Wyndham Residence, GC Orussey Market, GC Residence at Chroy Changva, and Ream City at Sihanoukville.
F&B businesses adapt to new wave of COVID-19 outbreak
F&B businesses adapt to new wave of COVID-19 outbreak
June 6, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
Food and beverage businesses are continuing to see a massive drop in-store sales as COVID-19 persists in Cambodia. Photo by K/T Pann Ranchana.The February 20 Community Incident, as if posting, raised Cambodia’s total confirmed COVID-19 cases from 484 to 1753 in a span of 4 weeks. The spike in cases was accompanied by 4 deaths (as of March 22) directly related to COVID-19. Both national and local governments are scrambling to contain the virus’ spread as more provinces report new cases on a daily basis.The resurgence of COVID-19 fears is forcing residents, especially in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville to stay indoors once again. Food & Beverage retailers, in particular, have been hit the hardest over the past year by the lack of people going out due to fears of catching the virus. It was previously reported that 58% of vacated retail spaces are from F&B operators, according to a previous report by The Mall Company (TMC), a retail specialist in Cambodia.The most recent February 20 community incident has vastly surpassed the November 28 incident, requiring more long-term planning from F&B operators in Cambodia.“For Food & Beverage retailers, the go-to everyone is talking about is the delivery apps. But they don’t replace store sales,” said Simon Griffiths, Managing Director of TMC. “They [delivery apps] bring in anywhere from 20% to 40% of normal sales volumes for retailers who have active digital strategies. The truth is, online delivery apps can boost sales and can make stores more profitable but ultimately cannot replace in-store sales, which have plummeted”Delivery apps becoming more prevalent and in-store sales plummeting has been a trend among F&B retailers in Cambodia. “During the COVID-19 peak, delivery sales were about 60% of our total sales which was a big jump from being around 20% normally.” said an operator of several restaurants, who has chosen to stay anonymous.He shares the same observation that while delivery apps help sales figures they cannot replace store sales to be sustainable. “Delivery gives us the extra sales we need to make staying open worth it. With delivery apps, however, the spread is much smaller due to commissions and we don’t increase our prices by a lot on delivery apps; we try to keep it close to store prices.”The idea of going solely online has become more popular the longer the pandemic persists though the transition may not work for all businesses. “You can run a business completely through online delivery sales, if it were designed that way,” the operator said. “But many businesses have existed pre-pandemic and have physical stores with manpower to retain, rent to pay, etc., we’re all just trying to be as efficient as possible, aiming to break even and ensure that people have jobs”The limited revenue for this extended period of time has shifted the priorities of many F&B operators. Marketing campaigns, for example, have taken a less important role in day-to-day operations. “Marketing is not a top priority for us right now, but that largely depends on what kind of market you’re serving,” he said. “Right now, our market is apprehensive about going outside,” he shared. “So, we’re not exactly pushing anything new nor spending extra. What marketing we have currently is focused on maintaining a presence.” He elaborated that they are keeping up a consistent social media presence supported by traditional media.“Delivery apps themselves are a marketing tool of their own. And they do sometimes focus on our brands,” he said. “So, whenever a new player comes in, we just join because out of sight, out of mind, right?Article by:
COVID-19 transforms property management practices in the Kingdom
COVID-19 transforms property management practices in the Kingdom
June 6, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
Phnom Penh – March, 16th, 2021 – It’s not just a new year - 2021 seems to be a milestone in many ways, especially with vaccines being made available around the world and change sweeping across various economies and institutions. In Cambodia, the distribution of vaccines indicates a possible end to the pandemic that has been plaguing the economy since 2020 and with it, we expect an overall resurgence within the Real Estate markets.2021 marks a further inflection point for the property markets, which is set to witness further substantial growth in supply during the next 12 months. Over the longer term, CBRE Cambodia currently tracks 279 major projects under-construction in Phnom Penh alone. Whilst COVID-19 has slowed project starts, the existing construction pipeline presents a significant challenge to the real estate industry in resourcing the operations of these buildings.The real estate industry is changing to meet the altered dynamics and to cater to developer’s need to differentiate their project, and to create solutions for efficient operations and care of the project over the long term. With increased pressure on balance sheets and the need to professionalise services, developers and tenants are focusing on their core businesses and desire to be released from the burden of day-to-day operations of a building. Hence, the demand for property management and related outsource services is at an all-time high.The COVID-19 pandemic has brought even greater pressure for building operations, who are on the front-line of the pandemic. The pandemic means more cleaning, tighter security, regular sanitizing of the property, and increased control of visitors and administrative procedures, all whilst balancing the demand to tighten belts and control costs.These surges in demand create challenges for the sector, especially the limited supply of trained manpower and resources needed to run the property management operations professionally, consistently, and at a reasonable cost. Property Management teams are responding by increasing training and finding efficiencies in order to free up resources.As the supply of property continues to grow at pace, the complexity and aspirations of the projects are also growing. Developers are diversifying their projects through the use of new technologies and use mixes, which in turn require a different approach to achieve operational success. These changing demands are opening opportunities for professionals from different backgrounds including IT, hospitality, and accounting, and creating a deeper and more progressive industry that offers a superb scope of growth and development.This kind of growth spurt in Cambodia also brings possible opportunities for the development of a broader service industry, including mechanical and engineering, housekeeping, security, and pest control to but name a few.CBRE Cambodia’s Head of Property Management, Shivali Chaman, comments “We really see a rapid change in the requirements of property management. Developers and investors are increasingly aware of the impact that quality property management services can have on tenant retention and in maintaining their project’s P&L. Our research indicate that tenants think the human side of their building’s management is the most important reason they would choose to stay within a property.”Shivali says that property management is now more about ensuring that toilets are clean and the security guard is awake. “Of course, no property manager can forget the basics, but increasingly the services needed relate to operating complex building management systems and PropTech solutions or creating bespoke customer service processes that offer a hotel level experience. Ultimately, the goal is to help investors achieve optimal asset and portfolio management - turning scale into strength, expense into performance, and property into prosperity. Constant investment in developing human resource capacity is critical to ensuring that better service is provided to clients in The Kingdom.”About CBRE Group, Inc.CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE: CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, Texas is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2020 revenue). The company has more than 100,000 employees serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves a diverse range of clients with an integrated suite of services, including facilities, transaction, and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.
February 20 incident biggest property market disruption yet
February 20 incident biggest property market disruption yet
June 6, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
New COVID-19 patients being transferred to the Great Duke Hotel in Phnom Penh. Photo by KT/Chor Sokunthea.The COVID-19 cases in Cambodia continue to rise stemming from the February 20 Community Incident. As of writing, the country has recorded 819 cases associated with the recent community infection, bringing the total confirmed cases to over 1,300. This new round of infections is causing another market scare keeping most consumers indoors.While previous community incidents such as the November 28 incident and the diplomatic visit did cause disruptions, the recent February 20 community incident is, by far, the most extensive transmission event in the Kingdom’s struggle with COVID-19.Google’s Mobile Tracker suggests that the number of users staying at home - marked at 15% above baseline - since February 20 is comparable to the number of people staying at home over the weeks following the November 28 incident. The difference between the two, however, is the extent of transmission from each event.The November 28 incident was followed by mostly single-digit cases daily (adding 41 cases) until it was brought under control by authorities around a month after. On the other hand, the February 20 incident has consistently been followed by double-digit cases daily, causing confirmed causes to balloon from 484 to over 1,300 in a span of 4 weeks. As of posting, authorities are still conducting mass tracing of newly discovered cases.The incident is a reminder that any projection of recovery is dangerously susceptible to new mass transmissions and the difference in severity between the two is understandably causing the market to slow for a relatively much longer time. Realestate.com.kh, the leading real estate classifieds portal in Cambodia, reports that 77% of property buyers surveyed said online channels like Realestate.com.kh, Facebook, and Google have helped them the most in looking for properties during COVID-19.The information comes from the popular real estate website’s data collection for the annual Cambodia Real Estate Survey initially launched on February 19. Realestate.com.kh notes that the 2,000-respondent survey should give readers the general sentiment of Cambodian property seekers and may serve as a market gauge for property sellers and buyers alike.“Cambodia’s February 20 Community outbreak is unexpected to both property seekers and developers,” said Shengwei Zhao, COO of FazWaz Cambodia. “From my observation, most local buyers take this seriously as they canceled their scheduled showroom visits and face-to-face consultations. They put off their plans to invest in properties until the situation is under control”.Cambodia’s property developers have learned their lesson from previous incidents. Shengwei shares that “I think developers are more or less used to the situation already. As a response to the February 20 incident, some developers have temporarily closed their showroom, let their staff work from home for their safety, and accelerated their online marketing efforts”.This disruption, however, still presents an opportunity for the keenest buyers. “Some investors have been looking for under-market-price deals since last year. If they see a project that meets their expectation, they still choose to make that purchase. After all, the strategy is to "buy low and sell high" once the market bounces back” said Shengwei.Despite reservations from most developers and buyers to resume market activity, there is still a significant portion of property buyers looking for good deals on the market. Around 68% of respondents indicated that they think it is a better time to buy a property. Though when asked about the timeframe in which they would make their purchase, most respondents indicated they would be looking to buy between 6 to 12 months from now.Article by:
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Domestic tourists to play vital role in 2021 tourism
Domestic tourists to play vital role in 2021 tourism
June 6, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
The tourism industry has shifted its attention towards the domestic market and will likely do so in the short-term within 2021. Supplied.The past half decade’s influx of international tourists has been the main source of growth for hotels and the highlight of the wider tourism industry in Cambodia. The outbreak of COVID-19, however, severed that lifeline and left the tourism industry in dire straits for much of 2020.Knight Frank’s recently released report, “Cambodia Real Estate Highlights H2 2020”, shows a struggling hotel sector but not one robbed of progress nor hope for recovery. The virtual standstill of international travel has put a greater emphasis on the role played by domestic tourists in keeping tourism going in Cambodia.Knight Frank’s report projects that hoteliers will continue to focus on domestic tourism over the short-term to offset the reduced number of international tourist arrivals - a demographic that has been cut by as much as 95% in the second half of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. Knight Frank observed that operators have been focusing on attracting more domestic tourists by offering special packages for both short-term and long-term stays with heavily discounted rates of up to 60%.In an August 2020 article by the Khmer Times, hotel operators observed a 90% occupancy rate from reservations made for the upcoming Khmer New Year. The long holiday celebration usually observed in April of every year was postponed due to the height of COVID-19 fears at that time. Given the public events and gatherings associated with the holiday, the government moved the yearly holiday from April 2020 to August 2020.The interest from domestic tourists, both locals and foreign residents in Cambodia, was not a one-off event either. In a later October 2020 report by the Khmer Times, over 1.1 million tourists were recorded to have traveled around the Kingdom during the 3-day Pchum Ben festival in September 2020. The article explains that the reported tourist figure was made up of 99% Cambodians and less than 1% foreign nationals residing in the country.Hoteliers and government officials have been working together to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19. Photo by K/T Khem Sovannara.The Cambodia Hotel Association recently launched a campaign to revive Siem Reap’s economy called #AngkorLikeNeverBefore. The campaign is a collective effort of hotel operators to reinvigorate the temple town by reintroducing its world-famous temples as an “ethereal experience” given the absence of large tourist crowds, allowing today’s visitors to have the temples for themselves.The national government has also stepped in to help the tourism industry, particularly in Siem Reap. Knight Frank reports that the government is working hand-in-hand with the National Bank of Cambodia in its launch of a series of monetary and fiscal policies to assist tourism stakeholders including tax exemptions and increased liquidity for affected businesses/hoteliers.Cambodia’s hotel sector outlook, however, remains bleak within the context of COVID-19 international travel. Knight Frank’s report projects international tourist arrivals will remain subdued with the 14-day quarantine period still imposing, placing continued pressure on occupancy rates, Average Daily Rate (ADR), and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR).Despite the continuing difficulties the sector faces, the source of relief the wider tourism industry needs are shared with the Cambodian property sector: Attracting and meeting the needs of the domestic market.Article by:
Sen Sok and Chamkarmon, popular areas for mid-tier projects in Phnom Penh
Sen Sok and Chamkarmon, popular areas for mid-tier projects in Phnom Penh
June 6, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
The city's property supply has now shifted to mid-tier properties in the most popular residential areas. Supplied.Phnom Penh’s property market attracted much attention over the last decade due to its fast-paced growth and high-end properties that appealed to many foreign investors. The impact of COVID-19 shifted the market’s focus away from foreign investors and diverted to the demands local market. This resulted in the already-growing popularity of mid-tier projects in both condominiums and boreys to see increased attention from developers.According to Knight Frank’s recently released Cambodia Real Estate Highlights H2 2020 report, mid-tier developments (priced between $1,000 to $2,500 per sqm) in condominiums and boreys account for more than half of the current market and will continue to make up most of the supply until 2023.Condominium supply in Phnom PenhThe Phnom Penh Galaxy Garden is a popular condominium project in Sen Sok district. Supplied.Knight Frank reports that as of H2 2020, there are a total of 24,101 units spread across 83 condominium projects in Phnom Penh. Despite the negative impact of COVID-19, Knight Frank expects an increase of 53,741 units in the next three years, bringing the cumulative supply to 77,572 units by 2023. The report projects that future supply will be 58% Mid-Tier and 42% High-End.In terms of location, Chamkarmon remains the most popular residential area of Phnom Penh with 32% of condominium stock found in the district. This is followed by Sen Sok at 13%, 7 Makara at 11%, Chroy Changva at 10%, Boeing Keng Kang at 8%, Mean Chey at 7%, and Toul Kork at 7%.The report notes that the outbreak of COVID-19 took a heavier toll on the condominium sector in the latter half of 2020. The continuing threat of the pandemic was not helped by the November 28 Community Event that forced authorities to close down certain businesses to mitigate further community transmissions.How much the pandemic has affected the larger economy has been a cause for concern in many project launches. According to Knight Frank, only a total of 5 new off-plan projects were launched in H2 2020, significantly less than the 15 new off-plan projects launched in H2 2019. The report summarizes that it would be an understatement to say that property developers are looking for better times to launch new projects.Despite tough circumstances, Knight Frank’s outlook for the condominium sector remains positive as the announcement of vaccines and their availability may reignite confidence in the market and allow developers to pick up returning activity.Borey supply in Phnom PenhLanded homes dominated property searches in Sen Sok over 2020. Supplied.According to Knight Frank, a total of 11 new completions were welcomed into the market which brought the existing borey housing supply to 63,913 units spread across 164 developments. Knight Frank’s report projects supply would increase to 81,240 units post 2022 across 219 developments.The report indicates that Mid-Tier developments dominate the market supply at 52% followed by Affordable developments at 37%. The High-End of the borey market takes up the least share at 11%.Given the landed nature of boreys, Knight Frank reports that the highest concentration of landed housing is in Sen Sok making up 23% of the total supply. This is followed by Dangkao at 17%, Russey Keo at 12%, Kamboul and Meanchey at 11% each, Chbar Ampov at 8%, Chroy Changvar 7%, and Por Senchey at 6%, and Prek Pnov and Chamkarmon at 2% each. The remaining 1% of supply is split between the more central districts of Daun Penh, 7 Makara, Toul Kork, and Boeung Keng Kang.Knight Frank’s report observed that the high economic growth Cambodia saw over the past few years has led to a larger disposable income for local property seekers. An increasing number of middle-class buyers are looking to purchase their own homes pushing developers to meet the newly identified demand. This was reflected in the relatively healthy activity in the borey market up until the first local transmission commonly referred to as the November 28 Community Event which saw sales activities drop significantly.Landed property will likely remain popular among Cambodians. Knight Frank’s outlook suggests that major housing developers remain confident in the market’s demand indicated by the continued launch and completions of new projects, all the while maintaining quality despite the economic turbulences throughout 2020.Article by:
BRED Bank Cambodia launches 6.66% home loan program
BRED Bank Cambodia launches 6.66% home loan program
June 7, 2022, 4:52 a.m.
Best rate makes BRED Bank a smarter choiceBRED Bank Cambodia is making positive progress in the Kingdom’s domestic property market thanks to its market-leading home loan rate of just 6.66%.The bank (part of the international banking group, BRED Banque Populaire) opened for business in the Kingdom in 2017 and has quickly established a strong branch network and comprehensive range of products. Its highly competitive home loans can be used to purchase borey homes and brand new apartments and condos as well as refinancing existing properties or investing in properties to rent.The competitive nature of BRED’s home loan packages led to a recent tie-up with popular real estate agencies to offer finance to new home buyers at the many up-market borey developments that are exclusively managed by the global real estate agent.Committed“We’re completely committed to helping Cambodian people to own their own homes,” says BRED Bank Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Guillaume Perdon. “Our branch and call centre staff are always available to discuss home loan options and to make quick decisions on applications so that people can secure their dream homes.”Consistently competitiveBRED Bank Cambodia has consistently offered the most competitive home loan rates in the Kingdom - just 6.66% for the first year. With tenor up to 20 years, no loan approval fee, and the ability to borrow up to 80% of the property’s value, it’s a great-value home loan from a highly-reputable international bank.International standardsAs you’d expect from a group with over 36 million customers worldwide, BRED Bank Cambodia operates to the highest international standards giving customers the reassurance and security they need in such an important and valuable transaction. Friendly and flexibleThe bank also has an excellent reputation for great service with locally-recruited Relationship Managers able to advise on the best package to suit individual needs and assist throughout the buying process. BRED Bank can be contacted by calling free on 1800 20 1234 or online at bredpersonalbanking.com/home-loans
Get FREE 2-nights staycation at the Baitong Hotel by answering this 6-minute survey!
Get FREE 2-nights staycation at the Baitong Hotel by answering this 6-minute survey!
June 6, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
The Cambodia Real Estate Survey 2021 is part of Realestate.com.kh’s efforts to give industry stakeholders a good grasp of the Kingdom’s property market. Supplied.Realestate.com.kh, the largest real estate classifieds portal in Cambodia, recently launched its annual Real Estate Survey for 2021. The popular real estate website launches this annual survey to help the country’s real estate industry grow, improve standards and provide valuable insight and data for all real estate stakeholders - for free!Realestate.com.kh is launching the survey at a time when the country’s real estate sector is coming out of a tough economic year. For the past decade, Cambodia’s construction and property sector was growing at a rate that attracted significant attention from foreign investors with no signs of slowing, until the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020. Given the importance of surveying the market at this crucial time, Realestate.com.kh is giving online survey participants a chance to win a premium staycation. Participants who complete the survey will be given the best chance to win a FREE 2-night staycation (spa services included) at the Baitong Hotel in BKK1.Simply scan the QR code, complete the survey for the best chance of winning, and help the wider Cambodian real estate industry at the same time!Link to survey:Cambodia Real Estate Survey 2021QR CODE:
Condominiums top 2020 property searches, landed properties close second
Condominiums top 2020 property searches, landed properties close second
June 6, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
Chamkarmon and Boeung Keng Kang were the most popular districts for property searches in 2020. Supplied.Phnom Penh’s property boom has been a visible phenomenon for the past decade. The growth of the local middle-class and the surge of foreign property investors became a major driving force for developers to build bigger and better properties. The outbreak of COVID-19, however, drastically changed the market and shifted it into a local buyer-focused environment.Realestate.com.kh, the largest real estate classified portal in Cambodia, reports that apartment/condominiums were 43% of its total property searches made over 2020. This is followed by landed houses at 36%, land properties at 13%, and commercial properties at 7%. The popular real estate website previously reported it received over 2 million visitors over the course of 2020.Daun PenhDaun Penh is home to many of Phnom Penh’s premium real estate properties. Supplied.Property searches in Daun Penh are broken down to 68% condominiums, 17% landed houses, 12% commercial properties, and 2% land properties.Daun Penh serves as Phnom Penh’s de facto central business district. The area is arguably the most developed district in the capital as it is where important government buildings, iconic monuments, and high-end residential & commercial buildings are located. Daun Penh is also the hub of major roads that span across Phnom Penh.Given Daun Penh’s location and function, most of the district is already developed hence its low land property search volume; it is the district with one of the highest price per square metre in both residential and commercial properties. Landed houses (mostly flat houses) are still plenty in Daun Penh though they may cost as much as a modern-style apartment in another part of the city.ChamkarmonChamkarmon’s charm stems from the modern projects in the area sitting side-by-side with mom-and-pop shops. Supplied.Property searches in Chamkarmon are broken down to 65% condominiums, 19% landed houses, 8% land properties, and 8% commercial properties.This data of Chamkarmon includes property searches in the Boeung Keng Kang (BKK) district. The Chamkarmon district (including BKK) is the south/southeastern district bordering Daun Penh. It’s home to a significant number of landed houses as well as new developments that sprung up in the wake of Phnom Penh’s property boom.Condominium/serviced apartments can be found throughout Chamkarmon, especially in the BKK areas. These properties are well-known among locals and expatriates alike due to the surrounding urban conveniences as well as modern amenities located within these residences. Many of these projects adjusted their prices and promotions over the past year to fit the preferences of Cambodian property hunters and investors.Landed properties, such as shophouses, still cover a significant portion of Chamkarmon’s property portfolio and are considerably popular among Cambodians. The district is home to many small-to-medium enterprises that help maintain its status as a consumer hub for many Phnom Penh residents despite the looming threat of COVID-19.Toul KorkToul Kork is strategically located between the city’s most developed and fast-developing districts. Supplied.Property searches in Toul Kork are broken down to 44% condominiums, 36% landed houses, 10% land properties, and 9% commercial properties.Toul Kork is arguably the second most popular residential area in Phnom Penh after Chamkarmon. The area has seen a huge amount of development in the recent decade and has attracted a mix of businesses, commercial, residential tenants, and home-owners. The area is well known for a large number of villas and an increasingly growing number of purpose-built shopping centres.Toul Kork has a closer gap between the condominium and landed house searches as the district’s stock of flat houses, shophouses, and villas remain a popular choice for local buyers. Both condominium and landed house properties, however, mainly benefit from Toul Kork’s state of urban development, its position being close to the CBD, and having a convenient road network to other developing areas in Phnom Penh.Sen SokSen Sok properties are popular due to their modern design and quality without the high asking price from other parts of the city. Supplied.Property searches in Sen Sok are broken down to 45% landed houses, 29% condominiums, 18% land properties, and 7% commercial properties.Sen Sok is one of the city’s latest property development frontiers. Just like neighbouring Toul Kork, many residents are looking to Sen Sok to find more affordable land and property. The area was mostly residential and industrial until recently when there have been high-profile commercial projects that have kicked activity into high gear, chief examples being the AEON Mall Sen Sok and Makro Cambodia.Landed houses are the most popular in Sen Sok given the number of shophouses, flat houses, villas, and the amount of land still being developed in the district. There are more landed homes in Sen Sok, including villas, that are offered below 1 million USD compared to shophouses and villas in Daun Penh with asking prices easily reaching a few million. Similarly, Sen Sok’s property boom has opened its doors to condominium developers building affordable and mid-range properties, further adding to the district’s already attractive property portfolio in the coming years. Article by:
Sky Villa is open for lease, $2200/month to live in a million-dollar mansion in Phnom Penh
Sky Villa is open for lease, $2200/month to live in a million-dollar mansion in Phnom Penh
June 6, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
Own and rent Phnom Penh’s most luxurious apartment, Sky Villa!High-end residential in central Phnom Penh. 281-509㎡ hardcover apartment. Leasing options coming soon![Property] Sky Villa 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom fully furnished apartment[Area] 281-509 ㎡ [Rent] The average price of 2 bedrooms is $2600/month, and the average price of 3 bedrooms is $3500/monthAmenities and services included: Internet, TV, property fees, parking space, cleaning twice a week, swimming pool, and gym.【TYPE A1 (417㎡)】3-bedroom, 3-bathroom large apartment in Phnom Penh【Living room】 1【Restaurant】 1【Kitchen】 1【Storage Room】 2【Maid Room】 1【Dressing Room】 1[Balcony] 4 (Extra large L-shaped viewing balcony 2, master bedroom private balcony 1, working balcony 1)As the only large flat-floor apartment in the capital, Sky Villa households have their own large viewing balconies. The living room, dining room, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen are all transparent and spacious. The entire apartment type automatically captures natural light sources from tropical countries and doubles the sense of comfort throughout the residence.The separation of storage room, maid room, and work balcony not only preserves the private space of the owner's family but also provides an exclusive area for daily cleaning and other maintenance work, independent of each other without disturbance.Sky Villa has not forgotten its original intention and designed to fit the product concept. The whole house is decorated with high-end materials and equipped with branded appliances, allowing tenants to truly live in bags.Even if you are in a foreign country, you don’t have to worry about language problems. A well-trained property steward will arrange every detail properly, and take care of your surroundings to the greatest extent, and live more at ease.The whole house is well-furnished with branded appliances, the bedrooms all have their own bathrooms, and plenty of private spaceThe living room and dining room are interconnected to create a large-scale public activity space. The whole unit is utilizing a fresh A/C system to bring fresh air to into the family home. Surrounded by a large viewing balcony, a 360° view is within easy reach.The private bathroom is separated from wet and dry, and the high-strength glass wall is embellished to ensure natural lighting, dry and bright. There are lockers under the wash table to enhance daily storageThe kitchen is divided separately to isolate oily smoke, and the double row consoles increase the range of activities, which can be used for family daily use and gatherings of relatives and friends. The end of the linear line uses glass windows to introduce light sources, and the whole is spacious and bright.【TYPE A2 (423㎡)】3-bedroom, 3-bathroom large apartment in Phnom Penh【Living room】 1【Restaurant】 1【Kitchen】 1【Storage Room】 1【Maid Room】 1【Dressing Room】 1[Balcony] 4 (Extra large L-shaped viewing balcony 2, master bedroom private balcony 1, working balcony 1)【TYPE A3 (391㎡)】[Bedroom] 3, all with bathroom【Living room】 1【Restaurant】 1【Kitchen】 1【Storage Room】 1【Maid Room】 1【Dressing Room】 1【Study Room】 1[Balcony] 4 (Living room oversized viewing balcony 1, master bedroom private balcony 1, working balcony 1, study balcony 1)Top-notch packages exclusively for the high-classSky Villa is a sky garden-style mansion with two 35-story twin towers with a total height of nearly 140 meters. It is an emerging urban landmark in Phnom Penh.Sky Villa has an excellent location, bright space, precious materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and unique design, capturing the essence of modern life. It is not only a top-notch mansion standing in the center of the capital but also a quiet life like being in the countryside. The ingenious combination of the two is the ultimate experience of an ideal home.In the interior design of the entire building, Sky Villa has a magnificent welcome hall, the atrium sky is 10 meters high, and full natural lighting. The classic butterfly spiral staircase of European aristocracy can move to the mezzanine banquet hall. It is specially customized for high-standard banquets and private parties, with absolute luxury and privacy.The 34-story sky courtyard and sky runway are part of the overall design of Sky Villa, creating an alluring environment for harmonious urban life.The ingenious landscape design is made up of the infinity swimming pool, gymnasium, hydrotherapy massage room, children's water and land play area, and outdoor small dining bar. The three-pronged approach of sports, leisure, and 360-degree viewing is designed to be set against the skyline, allowing for an escape from the suffocation of urban space, and ultimately satisfy the most luxurious whim of residents The Sky Villa Club on the top floor also has a wine cellar, a recreation room, which can be used as a private room, and a reading area. Next to the club is a restaurant that can make delicious and delicacies.An important reason for the popularity of large apartment flats is the choice of location, which eliminates the tedious daily commute and directly improving your everyday living experience.In addition to its exclusivity, the value of Sky Villa also has unparalleled location advantages. It occupies the central axis of Phnom Penh City, specifically, the southern part of the Olympic Stadium in Makara District. It is located in the "egg yolk area" with a superior urban location.The project is adjacent to Preah Sihanouk Avenue and Polish Republic Avenue, and has a smooth transportation network around it. The supporting facilities are sufficiently well-developed and Sky Villa is only a few minutes away from the BKK consumer hot zone. The first-class political and commercial supporting facilities such as government agencies, embassies of various countries, and international financial banks.Within the 3KM radiation range, are the Olympia Mall, AEON 1 Mall, Chip Mong Mall, Russian Market, and the famous Central Market.Living in the city, in addition to the bustling shopping malls, sports centers, etc., there are many famous schools around Sky Villa, allowing children to have more choices in the future.Sky Villa offers the most premium living experience across the Kingdom. It grants the full experience of luxury living, all for a more affordable price than ever before! Interested in living the best life possible for you? Contact us today!
Food & beverage stores most affected by COVID-19 retail footfall
Food & beverage stores most affected by COVID-19 retail footfall
June 6, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
Quayside 313 is a relatively new and popular retail center in the Riverside area of Phnom Penh. Photo from The Mall Company.The year 2020 was an economically tough year for a majority of retailers in the Kingdom. According to The Mall Company (TMC), a commercial real estate and retail specialist in Cambodia, Food & Beverage stores accounted for 58% of Phnom Penh retail space vacancies recorded by Q4 2020. The F&B category is followed by fashion retailers second at 21% and health & beauty stores third at 9% over the same period.Food and beverage stalls, especially in retail malls, largely rely on foot traffic for revenue. The lack of shoppers visiting Phnom Penh malls for most of 2020 negatively affected sales volumes causing a number of F&B retailers to suspend operations.With no new retail project deliveries in Q4 2020, a total of 370,781 sqm of retail space was logged at the end of 2020. According to TMC, the looming COVID-19 threat created a poor retail environment where store sales saw record-low levels for much of 2020. TMC further explains this resulted in a total of 16,247 sqm of retail space vacancy in 2020, an 85% increase from the 8,760 sqm of retail space vacancy recorded in 2019.The retail spaces in Chamkarmon made up 4,825 sqm or 30% of total retail vacancies in 2020. The district is followed by Meanchey at 16%, 7 Makara at 14%, and Toul Kork at 12%. When it comes to retail formats, Community Malls saw the most vacancies in Phnom Penh measured at 9,565 sqm or 59% of the total retail space vacancy in 2020. Retail spaces in Shopping Malls fared comparatively better having only seen 3,091 sqm of its retail spaces vacated in 2020.“Retail stores in shopping malls like AEON have strong and well-financed brands, operators, and franchises; Community Malls generally speaking, less so,” said Simon Griffiths, Managing Director of The Mall Company.Despite an 85% increase in vacancies, TMC’s report explains that this could be an opportunity for well-capitalized retailers to secure prime locations that were previously unavailable or prime locations in new projects and attempt to negotiate favorable rents at lower rates than pre-COVID-19 levels.Article by:
Realestate.com.kh launches loan services to further assist property buyers in Cambodia
Realestate.com.kh launches loan services to further assist property buyers in Cambodia
June 6, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
Phillip Bank and BRED Bank have partnered with Realestate.com.kh to make it easy for property seekers to calculate home loans right as they browse listings. Supplied.Realestate.com.kh, the largest real estate classifieds portal in Cambodia, has launched a suite of tools for property seekers, with a user-friendly and transparent way to navigate around home loans. Property seekers that are searching for their new home will now be able to use a Home Loan Calculator that can be found on every property listed for sale on the website and apply for a loan directly from the calculator on Realestate.com.kh.  Separately, property seekers can also visit Homeloan.com.kh and step through a series of qualifying questions that helps match a property seeker to the right bank that fits their requirements. The leading real estate website has partnered with Phillip Bank and BRED Bank to launch the home loan tools on the platform.Phillip Bank is part of PhillipCapital, a Singapore-based financial group founded in 1975. The bank was established in Cambodia back in 2009 and has since made its financial products available to Cambodians throughout its 89 branches (as of 2020) in the country.BRED Bank officially opened its services in Cambodia in 2017. It is owned and operated by the BRED Banque Populaire, France’s 2nd biggest banking conglomerate. BRED Bank has been proactive in expanding its reach across Cambodia and even more so in its interest in the local property market.The CEO of Realestate.com.kh, Tom O’Sullivan said “This is a natural step for Realestate.com.kh, as more often than not when someone is looking to buy a property, they often require a home loan. Furthermore, there are over 40 banks in Cambodia so it can be hard for a property seeker to navigate the home loan landscape and work out which are the most trusted banks, and most importantly what bank offers the right product that suits that particular person. We have launched these two products and will continue to build out our home loan services and tools in 2021” Cambodia’s property market has been expanding for the past decade. But no single platform has offered a means for Cambodian property seekers an easy way to find home loans and calculate potential mortgage repayments. Realestate.com.kh has implemented its Home Loan Calculator for every property for sale and becomes the first digital platform in the country that allows property users to calculate home loan plans right as they browse listings.The Home Loan Calculator includes easy-to-use value sliders that let buyers adjust the different factors that determine financing schemes, namely: Property Price, Deposit Amount, Interest Rate, and Loan Terms denominated in years."A home loan from BRED Bank Cambodia means our customers not only enjoy the excitement of moving to a wonderful new place to live, but they also benefit from Cambodia’s most affordable home loan rates and the excellent standards in customer service provided by our team at BRED Bank Cambodia," said Guillaume Perdon, CEO of BRED Bank Cambodia.“The current property market remains competitive and it follows that we offer a similar way for buyers to purchase property easily,” said Phillip Bank Cambodia. “Our 90% home loan program is the first step in achieving our goal of helping Cambodian property seekers buy their dream home this year”
New Khmer Architecture in a modernizing Cambodia
New Khmer Architecture in a modernizing Cambodia
June 7, 2022, 7:00 a.m.
The National Stadium is one of the most key examples of New Khmer Architecture in Phnom Penh. Photo by Pen Sereypagna.Cambodia’s property boom has drastically transformed the facades of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville over the past decade. Some buildings of old are renovated and given a new lease on life, while some are outright torn down to make space for the new. As the popular saying goes, “Out with the old, in with the new”.But things are not so easily put into simple terms in the Kingdom of Wonder.While western influences are certainly permeating the design philosophy of new projects, there is a parallel movement that draws inspiration from the long and abundant history of Cambodian aesthetics, namely, the New Khmer architecture.Heavy use of reinforced concrete characterized the Olympic National Sports Complex. Photo by Pen Sereypagna.The New Khmer architecture is a design philosophy coined by Helen Grant Ross and Darryl Leon Collins in their book “Building Cambodia: the New Khmer Architecture” published back in 2002. The movement is described as merging modernist principles founded in the West with traditional Khmer designs dating all the way back to Angkorian architecture (i.e. the Angkor Wat temple).The Angkor Wat Temples stand as a monument to the rich heritage of Khmer architecture. Photo by Sharon Ang.The beginnings of New Khmer architectureWhile it was not officially called the New Khmer Architecture, the movement saw its beginnings in the 1950s after Cambodia’s independence from France and lasting up until the 1970s before the beginning of the civil war.It was under the patronage and vision of the late King Norodom Sihanouk that it started weaving itself in Cambodia’s urban development in the 1950s. Many Cambodian intellectuals, especially those who studied abroad, came to lend their experience and knowledge of Khmer heritage to help build a modern Cambodia. Architects, in particular, became key persons in realizing the King’s vision.And this is where Vann Molyvann, the man who would define Cambodia’s urban facade for the next half-century, comes into the picture. Vann Molyvann standing in the National Stadium. Photo by the Khmer Times.Vann Molyvann is a pillar in the Kingdom’s architectural history. He rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s as the nation’s State Architect under the direction of the King. Vann designed many of the iconic structures in Cambodia, including The National Sports Complex, Chaktomuk Conference Hall, and the Independence Monument, among many others, earning him the title of Cambodia’s most prominent architect.Vann Molyvann described his home as a chance to play with new design ideas. Supplied.New Khmer architecture todayAccording to the Vann Molyvann Project, an organization documenting and studying the works of Vann Molyvann and other modernist architecture, the New Khmer Architecture can be characterized as:Chiefly using reinforced concreteVisual and structural references to pre-existing Cambodian construction techniquesCreative use of natural airflow and shading in line with Cambodia’s tropical climateSparing use of ornamentation, chiefly inspired by Angkorian temple decorationsNew Khmer Architecture, according to the Vann Molyvann Project, is underpinned by these characteristics while engaging international modernisms; an adaptation of the prevailing international style of modernism into the local vernacular.Today, the New Khmer Architecture is once again showing itself in Cambodia’s booming construction and property sector. The Room Design Studio, an architectural and interior design firm, is one of the studios bringing Cambodian designs to the forefront of a modernizing country.The Toul Kork Office is a new project by the Room Design Studio. Supplied.“Our human-centered spaces weave the needs of a rapidly-evolving nation and its cultural heritage with a forward-thinking philosophy” is how The Room Design Studio described its operating philosophy behind every project.“At The Room Design Studio, we see each architecture project as a possibility to construct environments that fulfill human needs. Our architects remain committed to and inspired by Cambodian tradition and its wealth of natural resources”The Parliamentary Institute of Cambodia designed by the Room Design Studio. Supplied.Breathing space is a core character of New Khmer Architecture. The One Resort by the Room Design Studio. Supplied.Examples of this new Khmer house architecture are The Skyline Apartments, Parliamentary Institute of Cambodia, and the One Resort which all draw from western influences of using glass and steel while using reinforced concrete to create wide and open spaces, a pillar of Khmer design heavily influenced by the country’s tropical climate.Render of the Landmark 178 by the Room Design Studio. Supplied.This resurgence of Khmer house architecture isn’t exclusive to residential and vacation projects. The Landmark 178 is another example of New Khmer Architecture taking form in Phnom Penh’s expanding office market space.“We took inspiration from the New Khmer Architecture style from the 60s to create a friendly and attractive working environment from the exterior to the interior,” describes the Room Design Studio’s approach when it came to conceptualizing the project.Interiors are an equally important pillar of the local vernacular. Aside from wide-and-open spaces, the sparing use of ornamentation is noticeable in projects inspired by New Khmer Architecture.The Toul Kork Office by the Room Design Studio. Supplied.The Toul Kork Office is a newly constructed rental office building designed as a contemporary landmark in the up-and-coming district. Interestingly, this project has a noticeable lack of pillars in the inside workspace. The Room Design Studio made it so owners have the flexibility to decide their office arrangements without added restrictions.On the outside, the red staircase on the side of the Toul Kork Office serves as a visual marker but, as it stands on the outside of the building, also clears up room for a greater amount of interior rentable space. As with interiors being equally important as exteriors, any Khmer-inspired building today endeavors to deliver in both form and function.“Its red staircase serves as a visual marker but, as it stands on the outside of the building, also clears up room for a greater amount of interior rentable space”The resurgence of the New Khmer Architecture in a modernizing Cambodia certainly gives its cityscapes and identity amid the flurry of new projects announced and completed every year. And with the presence of designers like the Room Design Studio, the Kingdom can rest easy that its traditions will see the dawn of a truly modern Cambodia.Article by:
Le Condé BKK1 host first exclusive Property Exhibition in AEON I
Le Condé BKK1 host first exclusive Property Exhibition in AEON I
June 6, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
On 6th and 7th February, Le Condé BKK1 is very privileged to be the first real estate company to host a property exhibition in AEON I, one of the most popular shopping malls in Phnom Penh.Le Condé BKK1 is a popular project in Phnom Penh with outstanding sales records amidst a tough economic environment due to COVID-19. Its sales record has shown that it is a project that well received by the market.The property expo proudly presents that Le Condé BKK1 is built to fulfill the local customer’s satisfaction and needs; 84% of Le Condé owners are local Cambodians.All these achieved results indicate the developer’s thoughtful consideration of the actual needs of the local market for future development in residential property.Situated in the highly popular location of “BKK1 district” the heart of Phnom Penh Capital – well known as a highly urban residential area in the capital, surrounded by the 4 main boulevards, 29 embassies, 50+ NGOs, and 36 international banks. It's equally known as the culinary hub with all big café brands, various restaurants, boutiques, and fashion stores at all levels. International franchise and luxury brands also dot the areaBKK1.To build this new landmark in the heart of the capital, Le Conde's developers carefully studied the housing trends of Phnom Penh residents with countless discussions and studies.Le Condé BKK1 offers priceless value for a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle.With great location – BKK1The first smart community in CambodiaRevolutionary amenities:Boutique reading spaceSky jogging trackChildren’s Play Paradise (800sqm)Immersive Sky Garden (1000sqm) Rooftop Sky Bar and Infinity PoolProperty Management – Japanese Standard – HOPETREEMulti-Awarded Project by PropertyGuruIn Sep 2020, Le Condé BKK1 was nominated in all Best Serviced Apartment category awards by PropertyGuru Cambodia Property Awards:Winner: The Best Serviced Apartment Interior DesignHighly Commended: Best Serviced Apartment DevelopmentHighly Commended: Best Serviced Apartment Architectural DesignSince entering Cambodia market, Le Condé BKK1 has been admired by many people, agents locally and internationally, especially our project is accepted well recognition from royal families of Cambodia and we are very honored to have HRH Princess Norodom Soriya to be our Royal Brand Ambassador.
Phnom Penh 1-bedroom condominium median prices slide 20%
Phnom Penh 1-bedroom condominium median prices slide 20%
June 6, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
Studio apartments in Phnom Penh continue to see interest from local investors/buyers. Photo supplied by Phnom Penh Galaxy Garden.The effects of a tough 2020 are still keeping Phnom Penh’s property market activity on the low side. But for the most driven property seekers looking to live in the city, it’s been the high-time to go around town.Realestate.com.kh Market Trends, the leading property classifieds portal in Cambodia, reports that though median sale prices condominiums in the city have gained some market footing, their prices are still comparatively lower prior to 2020.Key highlights of condominium sale price trends in Phnom Penh1-bedroom condo median sale price recorded at ~$88,0001-bedroom condo median sale prices are 20% lower compared to September 20202-bedroom condo median sale price recorded at ~$168,0003-bedroom condo median sale price recorded at ~$300,000Prices displayed on Market Trends are median prices found across Phnom Penh and are designed as a guide to navigate price ranges. Realestate.com.kh is advising interested buyers to visit the condominiums for sale on Phnom Penh page for the specific rates of projects they may be interested in.According to Market Trends, listed 1-bedroom apartment median sale prices are recorded at ~$88,000, around 20% lower than the highest recorded value of $105,000 way back in September 2020; median sale prices have yet to recover.The entry of new projects with below-$88,000 1-bedroom units such as Ratana Plaza Top Apartment and Phnom Penh Galaxy Garden into the market further added to the condominium selection in the city.The city’s notable growth over the past decade due to the influx of workers from the countryside moving to the city, the growth of a middle class looking to invest in property, and the arrival of expatriates working for NGOs and multinational companies. And while COVID-19 hampered the growth of foreign investors/renters, their popularity among local property seekers remain - creating the only viable market both agents and developers have shifted much of their attention to.The pricier but larger units in 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom formats have gained some stability as Phnom Penh’s market came to grips with its COVID-19 situation. Prices for these larger units, however, remain lower than what they were over a year ago. Market Trends reports median sale prices have stabilized to ~$168,000 for 2-bedroom and ~$300,000 for 3-bedroom units.China’s Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian (L) with Prime Minister Hun Sen at the vaccine handover ceremony at Phnom Penh International Airport last February 7. Photo by KT/Khem Sovannara.The first batch of much-awaited COVID-19 vaccines from China arrived in the Kingdom last February 7 (Sunday), according to a report by the Khmer Times. Prime Minister Hun Sen, who was present during the handover, expressed confidence that “The vaccination drive will play a positive role in restoring the Kingdom’s socio-economic development”.Previous market outlooks stated that the economic effects caused by COVID-19 will continue looming over the Kingdom without a working vaccine in circulation. The arrival of the first batch of vaccines will certainly play a role in reinstating market confidence in the Kingdom’s property sector; with local buyers/investors moving first and international clients returning once vaccines are made globally accessible.Article by:
Phillip Bank launches 90% home loan for Cambodian buyers
Phillip Bank launches 90% home loan for Cambodian buyers
June 7, 2022, 3:52 a.m.
Owning your dream home is now easier than ever! Phillip Bank is currently offering Cambodian property seekers up to 90% financing. Cambodian property buyers who apply with Phillip Bank will additionally be treated to an interest rate as low as 0.69% per month for up to 25 years.Phillip Bank is part of PhillipCapital, a Singapore-based financial group founded in 1975. Through its 40 years of expansion, PhillipCapital has grown to serve more than 1 million clients worldwide and manage assets worth more than $35 billion across more than 15 major marketplaces in Asia, Europe, and North America.Phillip Bank was established in Cambodia back in 2009. The bank has since expanded to 89 branches as of 2020 and is still pursuing plans to expand its operations in the Kingdom. Their 90% Home Loan program is the first of a series of new products Phillip Bank will be offering Cambodia’s expanding property market.“The current property market remains competitive and it follows that we offer a similar way for buyers to purchase property easily,” stated Phillip Bank. “We’ve streamlined our qualification process to allow for fast and quick approvals”Cambodia’s property sector has been a hot market over the last decade. While condominiums have taken the spotlight, landed properties such as boreys have equally grown in popularity.“Land is greatly valued by Cambodian property owners. The growth of boreys in suburban areas reflects this, alongside the explosion of condominiums in the city center,” said Phillip Bank. “Our 90% Home Loan is seeking to assist Cambodian borey buyers”The global outbreak of COVID-19 stymied most growth prospects in the Kingdom. But as a new year dawns, many believe there is hope for recovery in 2021. Phillip Bank has observed that “While it’s still not clear when the property market will see the kind of activity it did prior to 2020, we observed that real estate professionals are not simply sitting idle and waiting for things to tide over.”“The activity we’re seeing now is the industry adapting to the new normal way of living,” said Phillip Bank. “And this year, we’ve made it our goal to help Cambodian buyers own their dream home”.
La Vista One gives back to Cambodia and signals delivery in 2021
La Vista One gives back to Cambodia and signals delivery in 2021
June 6, 2022, 5:37 p.m.
La Vista OneA beautiful turnA year worthy of history with the outbreak of COVID-19The economic situations all over the world are direThe world faces the most severe test of the 21st centuryAnd it seems that,To exist is to be strong, to live is to be luckyLa Vista One remains committed,Whether it's a thorn or a roseTo stay true to its purpose and forge aheadFor the benefit of the peopleAt this moment, follow the hour hand to review 2020Let us witness the achievements and vision of La Vista oneLooking back on 2020, La Vista One faced the pressure of the epidemic with unwavering dedication from all its employees. The project has additionally retained its prestige thanks to the unique location advantages of the "Mekong Bay Area" and features such as scarce waterscape resources, and its own international top-level supporting facilities. La Vista One remains recognized by Phnom Penh real estate peers and international distribution companies as a top residential choice, no matter the climate.La Vista One won two awards for the best apartment development and the best landscape design in the Asian Real Estate Awards in August 2020, becoming the most popular river view real estate in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.In 2020, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, La Vista One seeks to deepen its connection to the Cambodian market and meet the growing demand for high-quality homes. At the same time, it has cooperated with domestic JD E-commerce companies and selected seven cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Nantong, Wenzhou, Taiyuan, Xi'an, and Shijiazhuang, have cooperated with more than a dozen companies to launch online property sale activities on JD.com and have achieved considerable results.What kind of architecture can survive the test of time?In the busy rhythm of modern cities, what kind of "poetry" do people need to bring restless daily life back to peace?When the quality is refined to a level beyond your imagination, what kind of surprises will it present?These are questions La Vista One delivers on.In 2020, the areas of Phnom Penh along the Mekong River saw much prosperity. La Vista One will open up a new waterfront lifestyle on the Mekong River with a 41-story double V pattern high-end luxury building, with 48-127 square meters of waterfront living space. Large-scale private leisure clubs gather the world’s elites from various industries. With a 1.8m wide-view balcony and a 270° extreme view of the landscape, you can savor the sight of the prosperous city from a distance and enjoy Chbar Ampov’s peaceful green scenery up close.EngineeringArchitecture is about scaling. From a blueprint to a state of beauty, La Vista one is carved in time and settled in the years.Facing the unusual 2020, La Vista One implemented health measures on the project construction site to ensure worker health and continue the project as intended. The site was equipped with infrared thermometers at the gates, and staff regularly carried out temperature detection of all customers and employees who came and went into the area. Engineers and construction workers have overcome the difficulties caused by the epidemic, working day and night, building bricks and tiles with tireless effort, and watering plants and trees with much hope their work will one day pay off.At present, building A of the La Vista one project has completed the binding of 22-story beam slab reinforcement, and concrete pouring is about to begin; building B is under construction of 23-story floor slab support.Hope is an invincible value, especially if it’s looking forward to better days. La Vista one is moving steadily towards what you are looking forward to. Please be patient and wait for the delivery at the end of the year.CharityThe gleam of the candle fire can also stir up the atrium, trickle-down, and eventually merge into the sea. "We benefit from society and we must work hard to give back to society", this is the philosophy that La Vista One advocates.At the beginning of the new year of 2020, La Vista One launched the "Love Khmer, Love in Amethyst" charity activity, donating donations and daily needs to charitable organizations such as the Cambodian Khunthaphua Children's Hospital and the Cambodian Red Cross. The materials are used to care for children with special needs in Cambodia and ultimately give back to the people of Cambodia.In June 2020, during the height of the global pandemic, La Vista One took "the name of epidemic love, good deeds of Khmer" as the public welfare theme, and brought masks, hand sanitizers, and other most urgently needed protective materials in hospitals like the Cambodian Khuntha Phah Children's Hospital, and offer a special warmth to the medical staff and patients here.In October 2020, Cambodia was hit by typhoons, tropical depressions, and heavy rainfall for several days, and floods occurred in many provinces and cities. At 10 am on the 22nd, Mr. Zhao Haosheng, Executive Deputy General Manager of the company affiliated with La Vista One project, Ms. Ye Xin, Director of Marketing, and leaders of various departments of the company walked into the Cambodian Red Cross to donate charity and relief supplies on behalf of all employees of the company. Overcome the difficulties with the Cambodian people.With the power of enterprises, we will transmit positive social energy and contribute to the building of a better Cambodia.La Vista OneTime is endless in its silenceTime gives people a measure of possibilitiesThe journey towads the future is like the stars and the sea, shining brightlyMore so in this hopeful year of 2021La Vista one will continue to coexist with the city and create more exciting avenues for its peopleFirst choice for investment in Phnom PenhLa Vista One One is located at the intersection of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers in the Shuijinghua District of Phnom Penh. The entire project is planned and constructed with a 41-story, 140-meter-high Art Deco twin tower.Surrounding facilities: 2023 Southeast Asia Games Hall, Li Yongfa Satellite City, OCIC Water Jinghua Satellite City, World-Class Convention, and Exhibition Center, New Municipal Business Center, Phnom Penh Garden City 18-hole Golf Club, Asia's largest water park, Safari Zoo, Dinosaur Theme Park, Phnom Penh largest Lucky supermarket, Soka Hotel, Wankelong.Educational resources: Shuijinghua Primary School (Secondary School), Prince Xie Xin Middle School, Norton University, Cambodian Polytechnic University, APF International School.Medical facilities: Sunrise Hospital in Japan.Project supporting facilities: infinity swimming pool, global restaurant, sky bar, pick up cafe, executive lounge, sky garden living room, panoramic gym, spa, children's playground, hotel butler service, etc. Layout design: one-bedroom with crystal, two-bedroom with a wide view, three-bedroom luxury and elegant, 48-127 square meters of smart crystal space, multiple choices, suitable for both residential and investment purposes.
Popular reasons Cambodians choose to study in the United Kingdom
Popular reasons Cambodians choose to study in the United Kingdom
June 7, 2022, 6:53 a.m.
The United Kingdom is an ideal place for future investments, be it in education or in real estate. Supplied.Studying abroad is a trend among Cambodians who come from wealthy families. While there are many popular choices like the United States and Australia, the United Kingdom remains a top choice for them, and here’s why:Popular Reasons Cambodians study in the United KingdomThe United Kingdom, for many years, has been welcoming students from abroad through its network of educational programs and partnerships.According to a 2018/2019 report by the House of Commons, around 485,000 foreign students are studying in the UK. The House of Commons reports around 350,000 of these foreign students are not from the European Union. So, sticking out shouldn’t be much of a concern if you’re a student or a parent. Instead, familiarizing yourself with how you can benefit from educational opportunities in the UK should be a top priority!Internationally recognized programsThe United Kingdom is home to many world-renowned high schools, colleges, universities, and research facilities that offer programs for international students, Cambodians included. Each of these institutions offers exceptional curriculums and post-graduate opportunities that, given enough diligence and time, open lucrative opportunities for Cambodian students within the United Kingdom or even the wider European job market.Top-class educational facilitiesHigh schools and universities in the UK complement their exceptional curriculums with top-tier facilities to further facilitate an environment of learning. Popular courses such as information technology, medicine, mathematics, linguistics, art and design, banking and finance, and business management are done through proper application and guidance of knowledgeable teachers and experts of their chosen fields - further securing an advantage within a highly competitive job market.Learning British EnglishThough English is considered to be an international language nowadays, British English has always stood out as a unique way of speaking, writing, and conversing. Cambodian students who choose to study in the United Kingdom will inevitably learn how to speak (complete with the accent!) and write in the iconic British manner. It’s more than just a cool party trick, it can be your key to a lot of opportunities!TravelingIt’s no secret that the dream of traveling is quite prevalent in today’s youth. The idea of seeing new sights, experiencing different cultures, and learning about them is what would popularly be referred to as #goals.Studying in the United Kingdom definitely can realize any Cambodian students’ dream of experiencing something beyond what they have grown accustomed to. Gaining a new perspective on everyday life is an often forgotten yet important aspect of any holistic educational endeavor.Path to living and working in the UKGraduating from any college, university, research institute, and even high school in the United Kingdom already nets a student a good advantage, be it pursuing further studies or securing a well-paying job. If the student does well, many universities in the United Kingdom will offer Cambodian students the opportunity to live and work in the country immediately after graduating with no field restrictions. That could be a path to more permanent status in the United Kingdom.What happens after graduation?Graduation is a milestone for any student, especially if they're coming from prestigious universities in the United Kingdom. Supplied.The world is anyone’s oyster after graduating. And coming from a prestigious UK university already nets you an advantage you would be wise to take advantage of as a student! All you’ll need now is a place to live. Fortunately, it has become easier for Cambodians to invest in UK property.Leander Group, a private investment group with holdings in both the United Kingdom and Cambodia, is working together with API Global, a UK-based property specialist with a network of leading and reputable developers in the country. The two recently announced a partnership to offer Cambodians the opportunity to own property in the UK’s 2nd most populated area: Birmingham city.Why live and study in Birmingham city?The city is home to many small shops that maintain its quaint appeal while maintaining its position for further urban development. Photo by Khamko.It’s understandable that most would think of London if given the chance to study and eventually work in the United Kingdom. But much like Phnom Penh, Birmingham is seeing its own infrastructure boom and raising its profile as a prime investment hub for the next decade. Let’s take a look at why should Cambodians consider Birmingham for studies and more:Lower cost of living in BirminghamBirmingham has plenty of markets where you can get good deals on different products across cultures. Photo by Birmingham Mail.Birmingham has a considerably lower cost of living than London. Its housing sector, in particular, offers excellent value for an up-and-coming city. Property investors are catching on that Birmingham will likely see great potential uplift in the coming years.Wages are an integral part of any cost of living discussion in any city. While they are higher in London, the cost of living is considerably higher as well - to the point where wages do not adequately realize one’s dream of living in the big city. It’s definitely something that’s been pondered over by many who live in London.On the other hand, Birmingham is offering plenty of urban conveniences without the high cost and crowds associated with most major cities. These conveniences (even luxuries) are attainable for as short as 2 hours of work, including a quantity of Michelin star restaurants and creative hotspots mostly centered around Digbeth. You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy what Birmingham has to offer.Transportation in BirminghamBirmingham is a city with plenty of transportation options that suit your day-to-day needs. Supplied.There are plenty of options when it comes to getting around in Birmingham. Depending on where you want to go, you can take the public trains, buses, and taxi services. Birmingham is quite cycling-friendly with lanes allotted for cyclists to get around the visit - also ideal if you wanna stay active at the same time! You may visit their information center to learn more about available transportation in Birmingham.Since we’re on the topic of transportation, it’s important to mention that Digbeth, Birmingham has been earmarked as the home to the new HS2 train hub site around the corner on Curzon street. This new train hub endeavor is estimated to bring the capital of London even closer by cutting the 2-hour travel time down to just 49 minutes (quicker than crossing one side of London to the other!).The HS2 hub site is expected to attract an estimated £1.5bn of new investment and generate 22,000 jobs in the region, further adding to Birmingham’s already growing potential as a property investment destination.Schools/universities in BirminghamOpen campuses are definitely a treat for Cambodian university students who wish to study in the United Kingdom. Photo by the University of Birmingham.Cambodians will have plenty of choices when it comes to schools in Birmingham city. Here’s a brief overview of the leading schools/universities in Birmingham:Birmingham Metropolitan CollegeUniversity College BirminghamCity College BirminghamAston UniversityNewman University CollegeUniversity of BirminghamBirmingham City UniversityBirmingham Business SchoolAston Business SchoolKing Edward’s School (Private school in Birmingham)Additionally, over 360 primary schools, 165 secondary schools, and over 100 colleges operate within Birmingham.As mentioned in an earlier part of this guide, international students who have valid immigration status as a student and finish an undergraduate program or above in UK schools are allowed to work/look for work in any career or position of their choice for a span of two years.After two years, they can switch their visa into a Skilled Work visa if they find a job that meets the skill requirements of the route. For more specific information about student/work visas in the UK, you may visit the student visa portal of the United Kingdom.Foreign property ownership in Birmingham, UKAPEX Lofts is one such property in Birmingham city that Cambodians can readily purchase/invest in the United Kingdom. Supplied.Foreigners, including Cambodians, are allowed to own and invest in UK properties be it under-construction, new, or resale. Leander Group, a company specializing in UK-based investments for Cambodians, notes that though no additional charges are levied on foreign buyers, there will still be property transaction costs, including legal fees, searches, and reports & registration costs that need to be considered.The chief cost to consider would be the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). The SDLT applies after a certain price threshold depending on the type of property. According to the UK government, the SDLT threshold is £125,000 for residential properties (beginning April 1, 2021).Getting your foot in the doorThe United Kingdom offers plenty of opportunities whether you’re a parent or a student looking beyond Cambodia to secure your/your child’s future. A degree from any reputable school in the United Kingdom grants its graduates an edge over a highly competitive market and opens many lucrative doors, an enviable position for many. However, studying in the United Kingdom is one thing, and securing your place (literally and figuratively) is another.If there’s anything we want for you to take away from this article, it’s that you may want to look beyond degrees and schools by considering investing in property in the United Kingdom, especially in Birmingham. Because when it comes to a brighter and more secure future, Birmingham will be offering exactly that and a whole lot more in the coming years.Article by:
Buyer’s market prevails in Phnom Penh property sector
Buyer’s market prevails in Phnom Penh property sector
June 6, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
Sen Sok is home to a portfolio of residential projects geared towards Cambodian buyers. Supplied.January’s chill appears to have permeated the month’s condominium property market. According to Realestate.com.kh, some of Phnom Penh’s districts saw another round of downward price adjustments. Though some districts saw an uptick, prices are still below what they were a year ago.Key highlights of condominium sale price trends in Phnom PenhSen Sok offers the lowest median sale price for condominium units in Phnom Penh as of January 2021Sen Sok condominiums saw a downward trend of 20% resulting in a median sale price of $95,000Chamkarmon and Boueng Keng Kang condominiums showed a slight uptick of 5% resulting in a median sale price of $158,000Daun Penh condominiums slid further down by 8% resulting in a median sale price of $120,000Slow activity at the start of the year due to recent COVID-19 scares and preparation for the Chinese New Year in February.Prices displayed on Market Trends are median sale prices found across Phnom Penh and are designed as a guide to navigate price ranges. Realestate.com.kh is advising interested buyers to visit the condominiums for sale in Phnom Penh page for the price of specific projects they may be interested in.With the onset of COVID-19, property developers have been moving their focus away from foreign buyers and instead have turned their attention towards the local market. Sen Sok’s condominium market reflects this shift as a flurry of new developments are mostly offering projects with adjusted payment plans and an overall more attractive asking price for local buyers.Some condominium projects of note in Sen Sok are the Phnom Penh Galaxy Garden and Ratana Plaza Top Apartment. Both projects are offering modern-style residential units comparable to high-class developments without the cost associated with luxury properties through FazWaz Cambodia.Pressures from COVID-19 open the way for local buyers to consider property in Daun Penh. Supplied.The central business district of Daun Penh is similarly seeing its median condominium sale prices face downward pressures. The district is home to many high-class developments geared towards the local elite and the now-trickling international buyer base that dominated the market prior to 2020. As travel restrictions due to COVID-19 persist, Daun Penh condominiums may not see pre-pandemic prices for quite some time.Chamkarmon and Boueng Keng Kang (BKK) districts, on the other hand, saw a small uptick of 5% in median sale prices. These two districts topped Realestate.com.kh’s most searched districts for property throughout 2020. Both have been a popular choice among Cambodians and expatriates alike as they are home to a mix of affordable-to-high-class residential property choices complemented by a range of urban conveniences easily found on almost every street corner. Given the prevailing popularity of these districts, properties in these areas may likely see some movement but not on the same level as they were before COVID-19.Recent COVID-19 scares in late 2020, along with preparations for the Chinese New Year in February, are playing a part in the new year’s relatively slow start. Real estate experts agree that though 2021 will be an uplift from 2020’s slump, it will not be the breakthrough year for the larger property market - an indicator that Phnom Penh’s property market is still a buyer’s market.Article by: