Cambodian and international buyers should be considering buying and owning a holiday home in the Kingdom, as the nation is still seen as having untapped potential in the region, relatively affordable property prices, and more importantly, has some of the most relaxed visa and property ownership laws for foreigners in ASEAN.
Buying a permanent holiday home which offers the dual benefits of a second home base for getaways when the season suits can also offer additional rental income when the property is not in use.
Investors continue to tap into the Cambodian market, and according to fDi Intelligence magazine, Cambodia is the top emerging market for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2024.
- Cambodia approved fixed-asset investment projects worth USD $1.39 billion in the first two months of 2024 (representing a 5-fold rise compared to the same period in 2023).
- FDI, in total, rose by 10.6 per cent to USD $4 billion in 2023.
- The Cambodian government-approved Public Investment Program (PIP) is worth USD $11.69 billion comprising more than 600 projects from 2025-2027.
Why Visit And Stay In Cambodia - Top Destinations
Explore Worldwide, a UK adventure travel company, ranked Phnom Penh as fifth on the list of preferred destinations for solo travel worldwide, and the country was ranked the friendliest in the world in 2021 by another poll. Its finest hotels are regular winners of regional and global awards recognising their service levels and offerings.
Cambodia remains one of the easiest countries to own a business or property (with some restrictions) for a foreign national in the region.
Here are five cities that you may want to explore property opportunities in the Kingdom of Cambodia,but remember to always conduct thorough research, and if possible, visit these cities personally to assess factors - you should also consider nearby developments and optimal living conditions, asses the orientation of your property in the Kingdom.
Phnom Penh - Capital Hub
Or if you are looking at buying a holiday or secondary home in the capital of Phnom Penh, the city offers a mix of modern amenities such as malls, social activities and an international airport hub with a growing list of direct flights globally.
The financial centre also has many cultural attractions, a vibrant nightlife scene, a huge and evolving selection of restaurants with local regional and international cuisine and an increasingly varied mix of residents who call the city home.
Within a matter of hours, you could be on the beaches of Sihanoukville thanks to the expressway, on a train heading north or south, or on a flight to the region (and with the new airport due to be operational in 2025).
Quite often, Phnom Penh also needs to be visited to attend the embassies and consulates or for visa services as the hub for government activities - which all means it provides potential rental opportunities.
Realestate.com.kh has its HQ in the capital.
Siem Reap - Temple Gateway
Siem Reap is still one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cambodia due to its location near the world-famous Angkor Wat temple complex. Even aside from the international tourists who still flock to see the ancient captivating temples, domestic and regional tourists also still visit in droves, especially around cultural holidays which see a peak in property and accommodation demands.
In addition, the culinary scene, charming markets, and proximity to the Tonle Sap Lake and the mountains of Phnom Kulen, as well as its accessibility to the Thailand border all are attractive reasons to live here.
The city’s properties offer choices from shophouses and villas, traditional Cambodian architecture and modern designs.
Siem Reap has a well-developed tourism infrastructure and has seen investment into its roads and transport links, culminating in the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport opening in 2023, while an expressway linking it to the capital is underway - all of which make Siem Reap an appealing choice for a holiday home.
Sihanoukville - Life By The Coast
Located on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Sihanoukville boasts beautiful beaches and is also undergoing massive investment from far-ranging resort complexes, seaport upgrades, transport links and much more.
Although it remains a popular beach destination in Cambodia, the rapid development in recent years (and for years to come based on the “Special Investment Promotion Program in Sihanoukville 2024”) as well as the regional strategy for investment and expansion of the Special Economic Zone means the area is changing its characteristics.
With the large infrastructure projects, increased and more frequent transport links by land, sea and air, international events and tourism expos as well as the plans to address the unfinished buildings in the city - there is a long-term vision shaping the pathway for the province.
From an activity point of view, Sihanoukville offers plentiful water activities, beachside restaurants and resorts, and the easiest access to the beautiful islands - which make the coastal area an appealing location for a holiday home.
There are also new additions such as a go-kart track, possible cable car installations, and much more to come at the Canopy Sands development which has seen international hotel brands sign on.
Realestate.com.kh has an office in the city of Sihanoukville.
Kampot - Laid Back Riverside Life
Situated along the banks of the Kampot River, Kampot is a peaceful riverside town known for its scenic beauty, its culinary scene, and French colonial architecture.
Surrounded by lush countryside, the area is famous for its pepper plantations, seasonal durian and nearby crab in Kep, as well as picturesque mountains. Bokor Mountain is popular but also undergoing development, while the town itself in Kampot has also seen changes, at its core, it is a small walkable town that offers a little bit for everyone.
Kampot will soon see the addition of new logistics and tourism ports which could open it up further for domestic and regional travel and trade, while its proximity to the Vietnam border means it already sees a lot of traffic from tourists.
For a more tranquil and slower-paced environment, Kampot is ideal and also offers a more temperate climate than some cities to the north.
Battambang - Cultured Countryside
Battambang is one of the largest cities in Cambodia and offers a unique setting in the Kingdom - famed for its blend of French colonial charm and Khmer heritage as well as a laid-back lifestyle and a centre for arts and crafts.
The well-preserved architecture and being surrounded by some beautiful countryside provide opportunities for exploring rural landscapes and experiencing local traditions.
Battambang has also been attractive for retiring expats and those looking for a slower pace of life but the city is seeing continued investments to better equip the infrastructure and connectivity for the future.
Understand Your Property Investments In Cambodia
We outlined some of the key aspects to be aware of to ensure the highest possible returns in the rental market in Cambodia.
From a Cambodian property ownership perspective:
- Cambodian citizens and foreigners can enjoy freehold ownership, with hard-title ownership being the most secure option.
- Foreigners can purchase condominiums and apartments with strata titles in post-2010 built buildings, adhering to specific ownership ratios and geographical restrictions.
- According to R.A. 4726, foreigners can buy and register (under their own name) a condominium unit in Cambodia - the Condominium Certificate of Title (CTC) will be registered under the foreigner's name too.
While direct land ownership is restricted for foreigners, leasehold agreements, nominee structures, landholding companies, and Trust Laws provide viable investment mechanisms.
You can also reach out to property specialists to help determine property prices, rental demand, accessibility, and whatever your personal preferences or goals may be before investing in a holiday or investment home.
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