Cambodia is fast becoming a world-leading destination for tourists who want to experience a new frontier on the global tourism stage. And why not? Cambodia has a rich and diverse cultural history; it is full of natural wonders and untouched beaches; and as the Kingdom’s economy grows, Cambodia is offering travelers more and more luxury options to make their stay even more special. In fact, according to TripAdvisor.com’s “Travelers Choice Awards 2015”Cambodia was the 2nd most popular tourism destination in the world.As of 2016, Cambodia has about 500 hotels of note, but only around 30 of these hotels have 100 or more rooms - and just six or seven of these venues offer international standards of hospitality services and execution. In this domain, the SOKHA Group is leading the way across the nation... SOKHA Group has a wealth of experience in tourism and hospitality in Cambodia, with their network of 5 star offerings across the Kingdom: Sokha Beach Resort – Sihanouk Ville; Sokha Angkor Resort - Siem Reap; Thansor Bokor Highland Resort – Kampot; Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel & Residence - Chroy Changvar Peninsular, Phnom Penh and Sokha Siem Reap Resort & Convention that going to open in mid of September 2016. Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel & Residence is the premier luxury residential experience in Cambodia’s Capital city. Whether you want to stay 2 days or 2 years, by selecting Sokha, you are guaranteed the best that Cambodia has to offer every day. Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel & Residence, which completed construction in 2015, consists of 18 floors with 549 units of hotel rooms and 195 units of residential suites (service apartments). Rising high above the shores of the Mekong and Bassac rivers, Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel & Residence is host to the most prestigious luxury living standard, events, business conferences or expos, and a popular choice for fine dining among the local elite.Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel & Residence offers unmatched views of the Mekong River and famous Royal Palace, and a quality of environment impossible to find in the popular inner-city districts. For those who are looking for working stays at the Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel & Residence, you are just minutes from the central business district of the city. Other perks for business guests include a meeting room for international conferences, high speed internet access and taxi services to and from the central city. All 195 residential units have classy polished timber floors and all amenities for your convenience included. The Bassac Suites (52 sqm/560 sqf) are exclusively designed as studio suites, fit for a quiet and relaxing stay. The Tonle Sap Suite (90 sqm/969 sqf) is a 1 bedroom suite with additional space, combining comfort, privacy and a place to call home. The Mekong Suite (104 sqm/1,119 sqf) has 2 bedrooms with highly customized and graceful furniture included, a premium choice of luxury living for both family and long stay business travelers. The suites feature distinctive, breathtaking views of the Great Mekong, Tonle Sap and panoramic view of Phnom Penh. Like swimming? At Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel & Residence you can get your fitness fix, with a huge 1,650 sqm/17,760 sqf outdoor swimming pool. Residents are able to access to gym, the luxurious healthy spa, steam, sauna, and jacuzzi. A comfort package is also available for residents with complimentary electricity and huge underground parking lots. Each room is connected with wireless internet access, fully furnished with full-sized fridge, washing/drying machine, modern kitchen full-equipped appliances, and multi-channel 47 inch LCD TV at the separate living room and dining area.Residents can also get complimentary usage of the hotel Business Centre at the lobby and the BBQ Pavilion Space on Surkea Rooftop (Open Space for Dining /Party /Landscape Deck). And enjoy the international restaurants that serves food from around the world (Chinese, Japanese, Asian, Western, Italian…). Like to party after work? The Wave Club on 19th Floor and Stardust Karaoke below the hotel is ready for you, any time from noon. With 5 star hospitality service, round-the-clock security surveillance, 24 hours room service, housekeeping, linen (bedding and toweling) and daily shuttle bus service from the hotel to Aeon Shopping Mall, guests are able to relax and enjoy with their stay while the Sokha staff take care of almost everything. Of course, the concierge services are ready to help with any need you might have, day or night.Find out more about Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel & Residence and make your stay in Phnom Penh unforgettable!

Cambodia has seen a significant rise in its economic value throughout the past decade, but there is a potential threat that it has to watch out for. Negative interest rates are looming to enter Asian countries and are slowly creeping in from the European and Japanese economic policies and implementations from central banks.  This, Sing Capital’s Chief Executive Officer Alfred Chia, explains is a concept taken from the Swiss government when it was fending off a crisis back in 1970. This was a statement he made during the Inaugural Cambodia Property Show held in Singapore this year.What is a Negative Interest Rate?Negative would seem like an odd usage when used in combination with the term “interest rate.” But this has been a concept embraced by countries whose economies are coming into a desperate state. Chia explains the concept as something that goes against what we’ve been taught. Whereas banks are supposed to pay us an interest when we decide to put a deposit, the concept of negative interest rates works the other way around. Banks actually charge you the interest for putting money in their care.This should come as no surprise, but it is definitely an “unconventional” concept, according to Chia. Probably something that we usually take for granted is that banks are still business entities and still have to earn.Why are more countries adopting Negative Interest Rates?He continues to state that there are five main factors affecting why more and more countries are slowly adopting this unusual concept. These factors are Global GDP, China-economy affects, oil & commodities, currency, and interest rates; and these are all interconnected.Since there is a downturn in the global economy right now, we find that countries like China are slowly experiencing the effects through the apparitions of its ghost towns which were once vibrant communities for industrial workers and their families. Having said this, we also see the appreciation and depreciation of major currencies like the US dollar which serves as Cambodia’s main currency.How might this affect Cambodia?What will most likely affect the growth of Cambodia is either the strengthening or weakening of the US dollar, and the Chinese business behavior during this time since the Chinese are also one of the major investors in Cambodia.Though perceived to be signs of a struggle, the aim of negative interest rates is to force banks, businesses and individuals to be creative with how they can make their money grow. Banks seem to have found a means through lending out.And, according to Chia, banks have seemed to found a sort of reprieve through the property market. He uses Japan as an example where its people are able to loan up to 100 percent of the property value at just a 1 percent per annum interest rate. With proper valuation, lending out lessens the risk for them because even if the loan is not paid back, they still have the property itself to fall back on.Should this concept apply for Cambodia, banks may actually be able to profit more due to the booming real estate industry.Learn more about the Cambodia investment climate!

On this Saturday 27 August 2016, JCI Cambodia will hold the International Business Exhibition and JCI Entrepreneurs Forum at the Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel from 8am.Realestate.com.kh is extremely proud to be sponsor for this year's event! Alongside its business exhibition, JCI has also prepared a series of talks which will feature distinguished speakers and experts from the areas of Food & Beverage, Real Estate, and Organic Agriculture products. Although speaking about different sectors, the discussion will center on one key topic, “Key Success and Investment Opportunity in Real Estate, Food & Beverage, and Organic Products in Cambodia”. This topics will be divided into two parts, morning and afternoon. For discussing on food and drinks sector, and agriculture sector, there are 4 speakers such as: Kouch Sokly president President of Cambodia Restaurant Association, Dr. Tan Monivann – VP of Mong Reththy Group Co., Ltd. Mr. Chang Bunleang – Operations Manager and Co-founder of Brown Coffee, Mr. Neak Tharen – Board of Directors of Cambodian Organic Agriculture Association and CEO of Natural Garden and facilitated and Moderators by young entrepreneurs Ms. Dek Dary – National VP of JCI Cambodia, Managing Partner at 360 Event Management, and Mr. Khorn Chhundara– CEO of KOI Café Cambodia.Discussions in the afternoon turn to speakers from the real estate sector such as: Mr. Kim Heang – President of Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association (CVEA), Mr. Harry Martin IV, the sales and marketing manager of Worldbridge Cambodia, Mr. Kenn Yeo – General Manager of Orkide Villa Condominium (Mall & Condominium Project), and coordinated by HE Sok Siphana –  President of Sok Siphana law firm and  government adviser.In 2016, we expect participants Entrepreneurs Forum, there are guest 250 to 300, with regular ticket price is $50 and $40 for members JCI YEAC, CIC, BNI, CWEA, CVEA and CRA.For interested participants, you can contact: Tel: 017 59 46 19 or email:  sothearak2510@gmail.com / jci.phnompenh@gmail.com

Phnom Penh, 23 August 2016 - SHUKAKU INC. signs MOU with the DON BOSCO Foundation in order to equip young Cambodians with the skills to build the Cambodian of tomorrow.Under this partnership, the Phnom Penh- based Real Estate Company and the master developer of the Phnom Penh City Center (PPCC) will grant scholarships to 20 students from the Don Bosco Technical School over two years tuition, and sponsor a brand new computer lab at the Don Bosco campus.The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Don Bosco Foundation will pave the way for a two-year partnership worth more than $69,000.The Don Bosco school is an educational non-profit organization that provides free vocational training to young Cambodians from disadvantaged backgrounds.Roel Soto, Country Representative of the Don Bosco Foundation, said: “We are grateful to Shukaku Inc. for aiding us in our efforts to fight social exclusion through practical education and skill building.”He added, “These scholarships will equip young Cambodians with real-life-proof technical skills and knowledge, crucial learning and development, all of which will enable us to build the Cambodia of tomorrow, today.”The company will also sponsor a brand new computer lab comprising of more than thirty computers at the Don Bosco campus. This is another effort that is part of Shukaku’s commitment to enhance IT literacy across Cambodia and provide a conducive learning environment for the students of Don Bosco. Michelle Lau, Executive Director of Shukaku Inc., said, “This signing is only the beginning of what we hope will be a fruitful and long-term partnership with the Don Bosco Foundation. I continue to be truly inspired by Don Bosco’ s core values of inclusiveness, generosity and excellence - and I trust our relationship will strengthen over the years as we find more opportunities to help Cambodians unleash the full potential of Cambodia.” Ms. Lau also underlined that this partnership is only “the first of many to come.” Under Shukaku’s new “Sustainable Growth Initiative,” the company’s comprehensive community engagement and empowerment program will aim at making a tangible contribution to the communities in which it operates. The program will help build a collective vision to a future of share prosperity through various and long-term income –generation initiatives. Learn more about Shukaku's Phnom Penh City Center project today!

Even with the constant year-on-year 7 percent GDP growth of Cambodia and the boom of construction development across the nation, many investors still seem to be intimidated by the country and are hesitant when investing in Cambodia property.There is a perception that investing in Cambodia might cause certain conflicts or complications, if not immediately, but down the line. Guillaume Massin expressed a different opinion in his presentation at the Inaugural Cambodia Property Show in Singapore, organized by Realestate.com.kh and PropertyGuru Singapore. Massin is the managing director & partner of DFDL Cambodia.Massin states that Cambodia made a choice to build its legal framework before it was fully ready for implementation. Now, the country is still continuing to develop and enact the rules and regulations put in place years ago.This started in 2003 when the government developed hundreds of new laws. Thus far around two-thirds of these laws have been implemented, says Massin.This, of course, includes policies concerning civil procedure codes, criminal codes, and a court system. Although “it’s [still] getting there,” Massin states that it is now more developed and systems are now more transparent than ever before.Improvements very relevant to Singaporean investors include a double taxation treaty between Singapore and Cambodia where there will be a 10% cap on tax for foreigners investing in Cambodia. And this can be advantageous since the tax usually goes up to 14%.Another advantage that was brought about by these changes include the investors in the industrial sector being able to register their companies and seek government incentives. “Qualified” projects, with necessary licenses, will be able to get a tax holiday which can last up to 9 years.When investing in Cambodia, it is also important to note you must choose to engage with developers with a valid license for their project. This is important because when something goes wrong, your properties and assets are only protected by the law if the license is valid. Massin states that these licenses can and should be verified through registered legal counsels.Massin also says that despite some restrictions, investing in Cambodia is still a good idea because it remains a very open economy and a flexible market. You can even incorporate your company in two to three weeks, provided you show residency requirements. Massin also notes the flexibility of the strata titles.Probably the biggest restriction when investing in Cambodia is that foreign investors are not able to buy land. Although, he says that long-term leases can also be utilized as a workaround for these types of investments, and are well tested.He advises that there are two more ways by which an international investor can enter the land and landed properties market. Either purchase through a Cambodian national or through establishing a Cambodian company where the majority shareholder is a Cambodian national. Massin says to use the latter rather than the former, if given the option.The presentation closed with Massin reminding investors considering investing in Cambodia about what documents to ensure you have before proceeding with development or property investment projects.For one, you have to do a property background check. You have to have the title inspected by a lawyer as they are the only ones authorized to do that. Second is to check if the licenses are in place and valid. This includes the license of the developer. Lastly, you have to check the necessary documentations such as the letter of intent and the sale and purchase agreement.“There are still some efforts to be made, there are still some projects to be implemented in terms of legal development, but definitely, it’s on track,” concludes Massin.This is the emphasis of Massin’s presentation: While there are plenty of things that are still not in order, there is are many things to be optimistic about and opportunities that have long past in other markets.  Find out more about foreign ownership in Cambodia now!

Market SummarySen Sok district (Khan in Khmer) has experienced a rapid growth, especially in term of residential, commercial, and infrastructure developments. Thus, land prices in the whole district increased markedly within the last couple of years. By the end of 2013, average market price of land in Sen Sok was US$380 per sqm. In the first half of 2016, average market price in the district rose to US$690 per sqm, with average growth of 27 percent y-o-y from 2013 to 2015. Nevertheless, land market prices across Sen Sok district have stagnated since the beginning of 2016, making Q1-to-Q2 2016 list price ratio to drop to 99 percent, though minimally, as property sellers were testing the market at which a reasonable market price should be met.Tuol Kouk district, on the other hand, experienced a slight rise in land price within the same period, from average market price of US$2,150 per sqm in 2013 to US$ 2,530 per sqm in early 2016, growing at 6 percent y-o-y within the tracked period. However, across Tuol Kouk district, Q1-to-Q2 2016 list price ratio dropped to 99 percent due to real estate market stagnancy since the start of this year.In sum, these two districts both of which lie northwest of the central Phnom Penh have enjoyed a rapid growth in term of residential and commercial developments. The suburban Sen Sok district, for example, has witnessed a noticeable pace of developments, especially mixed-use landed housing and infrastructure, which gives rise to a change in the skyline and rapid surge in land prices over the course of the previous three years. This growth will continue its pace as developers foresee market optimism over the next coming years.Land Market PricingTuol Kouk DistrictOver the last preceding decade, Northern fringes of Tuol Kouk district was the first main destination for residential relocation because of its available large portions of vacant land and a neighborhood of the central parts of the capital.  Land prices across the district, therefore, started to surge ever since. In 2005, average market price across the district was about US$1,100 per sqm, with a threshold of US$450 per sqm along secondary streets to US$1,900 per sqm along primary streetsEarly this year, average land market price across Toul Kouk rose to US$2,530 per sqm, while some of the prime commercial streets could fetch a market price as high as US$5,750 per sqm. Over a decade, average growth rate of land prices in the district was about 10 percent y-o-y, and during the last three years the growth was about 6 percent.Remarkable land price surge was seen in Boeng Kak Ti Muoy and Boeng Kak Ti Pir, both of which are Tuol Kouk’s northern communes adjacent to emerging Phnom Penh Thmey of Sen Sok and densely-populated Tuol Sangkae of Ruessei Kaev district. The former grew at 17 percent y-o-y within the period from 2013 to 2015, and the latter, 13 percent. The two communes’ higher growth in land market prices, if compared to that of other communes in Tuol Kouk, was pushed by two key factors. First, because of their relatively small market price base (from a minimum of US$650 per sqm in the last three years), a small price jump could see an enormous growth in y-o-y rate. Second, their attractive, emerging locations have been ideal for residential towns, high-rise developments, and commercial establishments, all of which pushed market demand to rise. As a result, buyers were willing to accept the offers and through this, the market prices started to increase relatively more quickly over the last three years.On the other hand, many parts of the Tuol Kouk seemed almost to reach their price caps, as many available development and establishment opportunities have now appeared elsewhere throughout many of the peripheral parts of the district and its neighborhoods, offering much lower prices and promising opportunities. Such parts almost reaching land price caps are Phsar Depou, as high as US$5,750 per sqm and Tuek L’ak, as high as US$5,200 per sqm.Sen Sok DistrictOver the previous three years, property market prices across Sen Sok witnessed a double digit growth, with 27% y-o-y from 2013 to 2015. Back to 2013, average land price across the district was US$380 per sqm, and it grew to US$690 per sqm in the first half 2016.Khmuonh, one of the four fastest growing communes (sangkat in Khmer) of Sen Sok district, enjoyed a relative quick pace of residential town (such as Grand Phnom Penh International) and infrastructure developments, with main streets such as Hanoi (St. 1019) almost finished this year and Tumnup Kop Srov Road (the capital’s ring road) due to completion sometime soon. As a result, average growth for land price in Khnuonh commune was 35 percent y-o-y, from US$230 per sqm in 2013 to US$480 per sqm in the first half of 2016, with market prices along main streets ranging from US$300 per sqm to US$710 per sqm.Krang Thnong, adjacent to Phnom Penh Thmey commune and a quick access to the prominent Russian Boulevard, also witnessed a double-digit growth in land prices, with an average of 29 percent y-o-y, from an average of US$110 per sqm in 2013 to US$210 per sqm in the first half of 2016 across the commune. The enormous growth in land prices was driven mainly by residential potentials thanks to many available parcels of vacant land, including residential plot land movements and ongoing town development such as Borey Maha Sen Sok by Japanese developer Creed Group.Phnom Penh Thmey, adjacent to Boeng Kak Ti Muoy and Boeng Kak Ti Pir, the two prominent communes among 10 of Tuol Kouk district, also experienced a double-digit growth, having stood high thanks to its development potentials and strategic market position where several remarkable development projects such as borey New World (La Sen Sok), second project of AEON Mall, and borey Chip Mong Land, to name a few, have already been pinned up on the map. Thus, land prices grew at average 19 percent y-o-y within 2013-2015 period, from an average of US$530 per sqm in 2013 to US$830 per sqm in the first half of 2016. Remarkable potentials in Phnom Penh Thmey commune have been also seen after the completion of main infrastructure, for example, Oknha Mong Reththy and Hanoi Street.Market Performance Tuol Kouk DistrictA central zone of the capital, Tuol Kouk district has experienced a tremendous change in its skyline and infrastructure, which led to an increase of property demand as well as prices across the district over the last three years. Yet, average SP-to-LP ratio across property market in Tuol Kouk was 95 percent in 2015, while average original-to-last list price ratio dropped slightly to 99 percent Q1-on-Q2 2016.Low pricing ratios were noticeable in Phsar Depou Ti Muoy commune, where SP-to-LP ratio went down to 90 percent, lower than those in any other communes across Tuol Kouk district. The low pricing ratios in the two communes could be dragged down by the disruption of Techno Flyover construction process that affected on profitability of prime business spots along Russian Boulevard and its surroundings, thus resulting in less-commercial options for buyers to seriously consider the properties over there.Sen Sok DistrictDespite enjoying a significant growth in most parts of the districts over the course of the previous three years, Sen Sok’s property market heat has been slightly cooled down since early 2016 due to overall slowdown in property transactions. Given that average sale-to-list price ratio (SP-to-LP) was 93 percent in 2015, average achieved sale rate across the district was 7 percent below the original list prices, although H1-on-H2 2015 list price ratio (LP) rose to 101 percent. However, during the first half of 2016, average original-to-last list price ratio was 99 percent Q1-on-Q2.The fact that pricing ratios, typically sale price, went down to 93 percent across property market in Sen Sok district means there were many available properties, especially numerous unoccupied homes and vacant parcels of land, and therefore buyers have more power to negotiate for a lower price. Nevertheless, that average original-to-last list price ratio went down to 99 percent was a sign that many of sellers were adapting their asking prices to cope with less aggressive market demand during the first half of 2016.Outlooks and TrendsWith an organic trend of relocation from the central city to suburban and peripheral areas of the capital in a bid to cope with rapid land price growth, accelerating traffic pressure, and increasingly overcrowded city dwellers, a number of people have started to move out to several suburban parts where they form new towns and communities, remarkably since the five years, and Sen Sok district is no exception.Major development trends have been noticeable across Sen Sok, especially its Phnom Penh Thmey commune, which is situated northwest of its neighboring Boeng Kak Ti Muoy and Boeng Kak Ti Pir of Tuol Kouk district. Today, throughout many parts of Phnom Penh Thmey are situated many of finished housing projects such as (1) two of Borey Peng Hout projects the Star Emerald and the Star Quarteria, all of which are along Oknha Mong Reththy Street (1928 St.), (2) two of Borey New World projects, one of which is located a hundred meters off Mong Reththy Street and another is on Oknha Try Heng Street (2011 St.).Another ongoing Borey New World (La Sen Sok) on Oknha Mong Reththy Street has been almost finished, whereas only its community shopping mall remains under construction. Further, Borey Park Land (Sen Sok) along the same street is due to completion sometime next year.More importantly, the second project of AEON Mall by Japanese developers has been pinned on the map in the most promising zone, immediately adjacent to Borey New World (La Sen Sok) and less than 800-meter-radius ring of Camko City (southeast), Borey Angkor Phnom Penh (north), Borey Park Land (southwest), and Borey Peng Huot (south). These factors have brought about more demand for the area, including housing unitsand parcels of land, thus pushing prices to hike rapidly.Phnom Penh Thmey is a popular location for buying a first home,being voted by 20 percent of the surveyed prospective buyers (conducted by VTrust Appraisal), ahead of other areas such asChrouy Changva (16 percent), Stueng Meanchey (11 percent),Toul Kouk (11 percent), unspecified areas (17 percent), and otherareas combined (25 percent).This research report was a production of V Trust Appraisal.

Nominations are ongoing until 9th September for the city state’s premier real estate event SINGAPORE – 18 August 2016: Singapore’s real estate industry will once again celebrate the achievements of the year’s finest developers and developments at the sixth edition of the South East Asia Property Awards (Singapore), an international event organised by PropertyGuru Group, Asia’s leading online property group. Presented by title sponsor Hansgrohe, the annual South East Asia Property Awards (Singapore) is the first component of the South East Asia Property Awards grand finale that will take place on Thursday, 24 November 2016, at the prestigious Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, official venue of the Awards. Nominations are now being accepted until 9 September. Submissions are open to developers, consumers and the general public. All entries and judging sessions will be supervised by BDO, one of the world’s largest accountancy and auditing firms, and long-time judging supervisor of the Asia Property Awards. This year the independent judging panel will assess eligible entries for a new category – Special Recognition in Sustainable Development – in addition to the existing Special Recognition in Corporate Social Responsibility that has been a coveted award among entrants over the last five years. “Singapore continues to produce world-class developments that are the gold standard for any country in ASEAN and is a regional leader in CSR and sustainable development,” says Terry Blackburn, founder and managing director of the Asia Property Awards, which is now in its 11th year. “We’re confident that this new category will recognise the growing importance of sustainability among developers not just in Singapore but in Southeast Asia as a whole, and will set a new benchmark of quality for the region’s real estate sector.” Another popular category from last year, Best Commercial Development, has been expanded. Entries are being accepted for Best Retail Development, Best Office Development, Best Hotel Development and Best Mixed-Use Development. In addition to the Singapore award categories, the editors of Asia’s industry-leading Property Report magazine will also name the Real Estate Personality of the Year. The only award that is not selected by the judging panel, this honour will be given to an individual who, in the past year, has contributed significantly to Singapore’s property sector. Renowned architect and designer Mink Tan, chief design officer at MINKKE Pte Ltd, returns as the chairman of the judges in 2016, following his stint as head judge last year. “The experience has been enriching and rewarding, as I have gained and learned much from my fellow judges who all hail from diverse backgrounds like development, finance, investment, amongst others,” says Tan. “As a judge, I would think that the impact of the Awards must surely be a positive one, otherwise you wouldn't see all these developers sending multiple nominations and Winners brandishing the Awards on their advertisement banners year after year.” As with the rest of the national editions of the Asia Property Awards, the top winners in Singapore will move on to compete in the Best of the Best round of the ASEAN grand finals for various categories, including Best Commercial Development (South East Asia), Best Condo Development (South East Asia), Best Green Development (South East Asia), and the biggest regional award, Best Developer (South East Asia). Building on the success of the 2015 ceremony that was attended by more than 400 high-profile guests, the South East Asia Property Awards (Singapore) 2016 will showcase the leading lights and outstanding developments in Singapore’s property sector at a time when cooling measures have caused transactions and rents to decline. “Despite a slow year for new launches, Singapore is still a model for many emerging markets in the region. Quality, sustainability and green building are the top priorities for many developers, and we can’t wait to see which projects will make it to the final shortlist this year,” comments Blackburn. Finalists will be announced in the final week of October in a press conference in Singapore. The South East Asia Property Awards (Singapore) 2016 Gala Dinner will be boosted by the support of official media partner Property Report; some of the region’s highly respected business associations and media outfits; and the network of 16 million real estate consumers of organiser PropertyGuru Group, Asia’s leading online property group. Super early bird tickets to Singapore’s premier real estate event are now available (valid until 26 August only) for an exclusive bundle package with the second Property Report Congress Singapore, a two-day conference featuring Asia’s industry leaders and influencers. Single entry is USD630 (full price: USD810) and a table of 10 costs USD5,670 (full price: USD7,300). For bookings and more information, contact info@asiapropertyawards.com or visit the official website.

Being the first residential project of the HLH Group in the country that is outside the realm of agriculture, D’Seaview project by the company’s residential project entity – Camhomes – has embraced great success since its introduction last year. Currently, more than 51 percent of the 737 residential units in the D'Seaview mixed-use development had been sold and the piling work has already achieved a hundred percent completion since the 18th of July, 2016. Deferred Payment Scheme: You will now be able to pay for a unit by giving 30 percent down payment first, then deferring the other 70 percent to only at the completion of the unit. This entails an absorbed fit out cost of approximately 5 percent of the purchase price and a guaranteed rental return of 30 percent over 3 years at 10 percent per year. Initially, a down payment of 5 percent is required. This is then followed by a 25 percent payment which is due upon signing the sales and purchase agreement, along with the guaranteed rental return side letter. The remaining 70 percent will be given once the unit is handed over. Installment Scheme:  To further enhance the choices to interest buyers, one can also purchase a unit from D’Seaview through the new revolutionary way, via a 5 years installment plan. This gives buyer the added benefits of having 0 percent interest, 100 percent installment for 60 months, and has 0$ down payment. Only a selected limited number of residential units in D’Seaview qualifies for this type of payment scheme, therefore it is while stock last basis. Getting a residential unit with high-class amenities and a beautiful view of the beach has never been easier. See the full listing and Inquire today!

Phnom Penh is a relatively small area that is marked with varying subcultures. This is one of the things that gives the capital city its unique spirit and dynamic lifestyle.And according to Chairman of Cambodian Investment Management, Anthony Galliano, the merging of ideologies, structures, and tradition is best observed through the properties along the Phnom Penh Riverside.There are a number of things you can see and do in this area, and Galliano lists a few of them during his recent interview on Realestate.com.khTV.Stunning Scenery:Imagine the reflection of the sun in the river as it sets, all the little boats just passing by your view from the window. That is exactly the picture Galliano paints for the Riverside area.Living here means that you will be able to bask in the rays of the golden sun and just absorb all the beautiful sights around you - which includes the rivers of Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac rivers. You can also see diverse architecture and a landscape that had been influenced by different time periods.But wherever in the Riverside area you go, you are guaranteed to see something eye-catching.Festive Occasions:People say that you can tell a lot about a place and its people through the types of festivals they celebrate. And Phnom Penh’s Riverside surely does not have a shortage of festivities.Galliano explains that you have a pretty good vantage point you can utilize if you live in the area because you’re right in the middle of all the celebrations. But probably one of the best festivals in Cambodia you will be able to attend is the Water and Moon Festival, otherwise known as Bonn Om Touk, which ushers in and welcomes the fishing season. During this time, you can also opt to watch the annual boat race which is the festival’s main attraction.Convenient Location:The Phnom Penh Riverside area is conveniently located near the central business district of the capital city. This makes it relatively easy for workers and even families to move around Phnom Penh without having to worry about the increasingly congested traffic situation there. It is also close to facilities such as hospitals, schools, and grocery stores. Residents can testify that once you move into this part of Cambodia, there is little that you need to ask for. Everything you might need is there.Scrumptious Food:Because this area is also home to a growing number of expatriates, there are also plenty of restaurants to serve dishes which originated or are derived from Germany, Italy, France, Canada, America, Korea, China, Japan, and even Australia. So, choosing food will no longer be a problem as there is a wide range available.  The Phnom Penh Riverside area is definitely one of the best places to live in Phnom Penh. Having been well-developed throughout the years, you’re assured all you need to live comfortably here alone or with your family. Learn more about the perks of living Phnom Penh Riverside in another in depth Realestate.com .khTV report!

On August 20th from 8:00am to 5:00pm, the Cambodian Valuers  and Estate Agents Association (CVEA) will organize a forum to update and inform the property industry across the country. It will be held at the Sofitel Hotel, Phnom Penh.Providing false information in the real estate sector can cause various problems, and certainly poses a great risk for the real estate sector. For that reason, the CVEA intend to create a open forum whereby all industry stakeholders can share information and find common understandings.The real estate sector in Cambodia is still very young with no real education institutions supporting it. Hence, the upcoming forum will be a place to learn more, for all the people of Cambodia: for novices who just started their career, and stakeholders in the real estate sector generally. In this public forum, we will discuss about: - Challenges and opportunities in Plotting Land and Sale - Challenges and opportunities in Housing Development - Challenges and opportunities in Condominium - Challenges and opportunities of Cambodia in ASEAN Globalization - Legal procedures for sale permit and construction permit for Condo - Type of Land title, property transferring, soft title ownership regulationsSIGN UP TODAY - contact the CVEA

Since the government’s commitment from the past decade to improve transparency and economic growth through Cambodian real estate law, the Kingdom has been one of the front-runners - and, in fact, one of the fastest growing economies in Asia.This is due largely to the numerous Cambodian real estate law and policies that have been passed and put into effect during this time. A few of these was discussed by Allen Pheap Prak, Legal advisor of P&A Asia, during his presentation at the inaugural Cambodia Property Show organized by Realestate.com.kh and Property Guru.Buying Condominium Units in Cambodia (Legal Qualifications):Pheap Prak mentioned that before the law on foreign ownership for co-owned buildings was implemented, sales of condominium units were really low and needed a quick boost. This is why Cambodia began accepting investments from foreign investors – through strata titles – to increase sales. Title deeds that are in the form of freehold strata titles could originally be held for 50 years and can also be mortgaged and put in a hypothec as collateral. But according to Pheap Prak, this policy didn’t initially have a provision to protect the locals. So, after a year, the Ministry of Economy and Finance decided that foreigners should only be allowed to purchase units above the ground floor and should only be allowed to own up to 70 percent of the property. This way, the occupancy rate goes up without giving any unfair advantages.He also states that a lot of developers have worked around the issue by either placing the parking area at the first few levels or turning the ground floor into a leasable commercial space.Although, if you look at the condominium market today, Pheap Prak mentions that locals are currently buying 40 percent to 50 percent of these condominiums for rental income. So, it’s not much of an issue these anymore.According to Cambodian real estate law, the typical transaction for purchasing a co-owned building in Cambodia requires a sales and purchase agreement. All sales and purchase of real property in Cambodia should have certification or notary by a Cambodian lawyer.But Pheap Prak mentions that if you were to sign a sales and purchase agreement outside of Cambodia, it’s important that you get a notary to witness on your agreements.He adds that if you want to rent a unit or retail space to operate food and beverage ventures, you do not need to get the tenancy agreement stamped by the local state council. However, if you were to rent a unit for office or residence, as a foreigner, that lease should be registered with a notary public so you can get a residence certificate to show that you can be in Cambodia and that you’re doing business here.For a company though, if you’re using it as an office address, you also want to register it because you would have to withhold 10 percent to pay to the government as tax.But it’s also important to note that for leases, it does not make a lease invalid if you’re not registered. Registering just means you’re compliant. Leases with 15 or more years, however, should be registered with the Ministry of Land. They give you a certificate of long term lease which is also valid collateral to use for mortgages and hypothecs.If you have long-term lease on a property, whoever the owner is, they cannot sell their landed property. A lot of foreigners like to register their lease in order to protect their interest, especially if they have a trustee hold or property for them.On top of all this, Pheap Prak also mentions that Cambodia is in the works for developing the trust law to further provide provisions to improve the way transactions are handled.Property Tax:In terms of taxation, just recently, Cambodia signed a double taxation treaty with Singapore which means that Singaporeans do not have to pay 14 percent tax for foreign remittance.  They now only have to pay 10 percent which is the same for Cambodian nationals. Pheap Prak also mentions other scenarios such as having a 10 percent VAT on a sale of a condo and that if you transfer property in Cambodia, especially freehold, 4 percent stamp duty for the transfer is a requirement.He further adds that when you purchase a condo, Cambodian real estate law declares that you’ll have to take care of the property tax which is once a year. It’s 0.1 percent per annum. Property tax does not fluctuate with the market though. It’s important to keep in mind that the Ministry of Economy and Finance has their own index for what your unit would cost in what area, and the prices are usually half the value.If you’re looking to buy for a capital appreciation though, Pheap Prak says that there is no capital gains tax and you can buy as a company or as an individual. He recommends buying as an individual though because, “if you buy as a company, you have to pay 20 percent tax on profit or 1 percent of your revenue. Even though there are no capital gains, it will come out somewhere when you’re declaring profits or dividends to take back.”Legality of Foreigner Opening Bank Accounts:It’s pretty easy to open a bank account in Cambodia. Creating bank accounts usually just require a passport valid for 6 months. Some banks require additional proof though, such as proof of ownership of property.But Pheap Prak says that generally, most foreigners don’t like opening accounts and borrowing from banks in Cambodia because interest rates are high. So, what most foreigners do is they leverage finance in their own country, take the lower interest rate, and then purchase overseas.But banking in Cambodia does have an advantage. Cambodian banks support locals and foreigners to obtain financing of up to 70% of the value of the unit. This is mainly because banks usually work with developers from the start to support the whole project.Pheap Prak explains that “they don’t like to share the end-users going into other banks. And usually, they have an agreement where, okay, the bank will support the project, help split the title. So, usually buyers are more confident when banks are splitting, instead of developers splitting themselves.”With regards to refinancing, he clarifies that banks don’t restrict refinancing, but it depends on the market’s supply and demand. Banks usually loan to a developer only if they have a cooperation agreement with them. He advises that you would also want to take your title deed back and go to a different bank. Most of the international banks are okay with this but the local ones might frown on it. You can do this because once the strata title is out, legally, the banks cannot hold onto your title deed.But in practice, they won’t loan you a mortgage a second time around. This is why a lot of foreigners like to get leverage from their own country and buy overseas.A lot of things have definitely changed in the structure of policies and governance, especially in Cambodian real estate law, but it’s definitely done a lot of good for the economy and for the country. And while many laws are still in the process of getting approval, we can be assured that the future will hold better opportunities because of them.Learn more about investing in Cambodia!

Recently, Borey Maha Sensok, the biggest landed housing development by a Japanese company in Cambodia, has received massive interest from local customers.Only 4 months after soft launch, Borey Maha Sensok has been sold out around 80% for its first phase. This sales success is due to the affordable prices, starting from $49,500 per unit, flexible payment terms and home loan/financing options. Presently, the project is under construction, along with road construction and sewerage facilities development.This latest project of the Creed Group, Borey Maha Sensok, is located just 3km from the Phnom Penh International Airport, in Krang Thnong District, Sen Sok Commune, a fast developing area near the upcoming Lion Mall project and AEON Mall 2.Borey Maha Sensok covers a total area of 120,684 square meters and consists of 683 units, including one floor flats (E0), two floors flats (E0E1), and land lots for villas. Common amenities include solar power street lights throughout, beautiful flower gardens and landscaping, a children’s playground, and an exterior gym. Japanese elements are brought into the design also, such as a foot massage path and tree trunk path, and a full equipped garden cabana.According to Mrs. Cheng Sokha, assistant to the Sales and Marketing Director at Creed Group, the project has had high interest from clients because of the trust for the development company: “our project offers concise and fully legal documents for buyers, and the construction quality is strictly controlled by Japanese engineers.”Borey Maha Sensok is the second project of the Japanese investor, Creed group, who has already invested in Cambodia with their first project, Bodaiju Residences, located on Russian Boulevard in front of the Phnom Penh International Airport. Creed Group’s main office is in Japan and has been investing in projects throughout Asia, including Cambodia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Japan and Singapore.Looking for a new landed borey home? See the full listing for BOREY MAHA SENSOK now!Or want to buy a modern condo? See the full listing for BODAIJU now!

As with established markets all over the world, the Cambodian real estate market right now is an outcome of an evolutionary process that involved many things. And much of what it will become is part of that evolutionary process.This is what the Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (AMCHAM) and the International Business Chamber (IBC), Mr. Bretton Sciaroni, believes.In an exclusive interview with Realestate.com.kh, Sciaroni discussed the many factors that have played into shaping the laws, policies and environment of the Cambodian real estate sphere as we now know it.Cambodian Real Estate in the Past:As one of the first foreign lawyers in the country, Sciaroni has had vast experience in business dealings and law in the Kingdom. In fact, he negotiated the first foreign investment deal in 1993 for a $60 million brewery venture.Sciaroni recalls that it wasn’t always smooth sailing for the real estate market. He says that after Pol Pot was kicked out, the communist constitution made it difficult for the citizens to go back to their former land because all the land title documents had been destroyed. But around 1988 or 1989, a proper land titling system was put into place.Another key event that shaped how Cambodia real estate transactions are made nowadays was the National Elections in 2008. According to Sciaroni, it was normal for activity in the real estate market to slow down months to a year before elections. However, the international financial crisis added another layer of issues that the government needed to address. Sciaroni adds that at this time it was a “superheated real estate market environment.”Cambodian Real Estate Now:The country has since recovered from those tough times.When asked about why he stayed despite having to go through those hurdles, Sciaronii says that “the growth rates have been unbelievable.” A contributing factor to this is that the government is now very open to foreign investment and the citizens are more confident in the electoral process.As evidence of this growth, new developments like the Exchange Square building and the prestigious Shangri La are already underway.Sciaroni notes though, “So much needs to be done and so much can be done”.He says that the current challenges that Cambodia faces are only stepping stones to a more dynamic future for the Cambodian real estate industry, and the society as a whole.Cambodia’s Bright Future:The past has proven to be the perfect testing ground for Cambodia’s potential.And with many changes, such as having His Excellency Chea Sophara take over as the new minister for the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, it can only get better, says Sciaroni.Now we have an improved communication system where industry professionals and the government can have an open dialogue. Sciaroni believes that the past is not bound to repeat itself in these new times with new approaches.But he adds that there are still many more things that need to be set in their proper place. He says, “So, what we need to do: we need to encourage the government to continue to work towards getting the laws and policies in place. We really need these laws and policies in place to help the growth continue.”Cambodia is one of the new lands of milk and honey. It’s a land of opportunity, but it definitely will not come without a little bit of work.Learn more about investing in Cambodia today!

When you talk about an improved economic standing on any scale, it is inevitable to also discuss the taxation system that enables the government the luxury of its own stability and consistent growth.And one of the many sectors or industries that have undergone and is still undergoing various changes in taxation is the property market in Cambodia. According to the CEO of Cambodian Investment Management, Mr. Anthony Galliano, this has been causing both problems and solutions in the system.Tax for Businesses:Generally, Galliano says, it’s been more difficult for businesses who have not been following best practices over the years and have either been evading or unintentionally neglecting tax obligations.This is because businesses who are renting out office spaces are required to present property tax receipts which should come from the property owners. If the owners of these properties have not been paying tax, this causes an issue with the ability of the companies to register with the Ministry.He says, “we can see it from those that are registering businesses that perhaps the owners of those buildings have not paid tax in the past. And there are some of those that are seeking to rent property and needing those tax receipts to register their business, they’re unable to get it because the owner hadn’t paid it in the past.”Personal Tax:Galliano continues to say that the trouble with taxation with renters may be because of an “apathetic” view of taxation in Cambodia, which may be perceived as personal tax.But since there is a stricter implementation now, he says that apathy doesn’t really get them far enough. They are forced to educate themselves about the laws of taxation and to actually pay their due diligences.Galliano says, “If you’re a person that just owns a property, then you’re responsible for paying that tax as the owner.” He continues to say, “For sure, if you’re owning property, you’re responsible for registering that property and paying the tax.” And now that there is an urgent call for compliance, owners really do not have much of a choice than to pay the tax or else risk paying penalties and other forms of consequences that may result from their resistance.Tax Change Perception:These issues can now be viewed in two ways. You can look at it as a form of inconvenience or you can look at it as a form of straightening out the system and developing better ways of doing transactions in the country. This provides protection for the investors as well because they now have a standard of which to base the legality of their investments.But Galliano adds that, moving forward it may get easier for investors as developers now provide property management services for the owners. This means that there will be a more streamlined process of paying and collecting tax which would then help the economy sustain the growth.Whatever the case, what is important is to make sure what types of tax you should be paying and actually paying them - so as to avoid any conflict with the law enforcement agents and entities.Learn more about Cambodian property tax law!

Realestate.com.kh was extremely proud to welcome over 500 VIP guests to the official launch party of the first “Cambodia Real Estate" Magazine on 8/5/2016 Friday 6-9pm, D22 Bar/Tama Hotel, 22nd Floor, Phnom Penh Tower, Phnom Penh.Realestate.com.kh welcomed His Excellency Khieu Kanharith, The Minister of Information, as our Guest of Honor on Friday night.Realestate.com.kh thank everyone that supported us in making the Cambodia Real Estate magazine, and the evening’s party sponsors: Kilat Events, Bose, Voolim, Sino Plaza and The Piano Shop. A lot of people may be surprised by Realestate.com.kh’s decision to publish a magazine, considering Realestate.com.kh operate a real estate portal website and beileve strongly that ‘online’ and ‘digital’ marketing is the future of real estate marketing - which we still believe it is…Realestate.com.kh know how important it is to market real estate online in Cambodia and overseas, to attract foreign investors, and online/digital is the most effective and the CHEAPEST way to do so…But we also understand that our clients want to attract the local market and expats living in Cambodia.And even though Realestate.com.kh is experiencing rapid growth in internet penetration, there are still local buyers and renters that are primarily print-focused consumers. And if we can provide more value to our clients by creating a print publication/magazine we will - and now we have.And Realestate.com.kh prides ourselves on playing our part in educating the Cambodian real estate market, and the magazine is another way we can achieve and communicate this. On the magazine itself, firstly we are extremely proud especially of our team at Realestate.com.kh. And extremely proud that we have printed over 10,000 copies and have already distributed it to over 500 venues across Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. Realestate.com.kh will print 20,000 copies for our next issue and even more in future. We will print 4 issues every year, and the next issue will release in October 2016. Realestate.com.kh want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported Realestate.com.kh in the last 12 months. Within the last 12 months, Realestate.com.kh has grown to 38,000 listings, over 400 active agents and over 100,000 users per month. This usership is generating 1000’s of inquiries from serious buyers inside and outside of Cambodia every month. Realestate.com.kh also want to officially announce the launch of two great products that we have set up here tonight: 1) “Realestate.com.kh 360 Degree Intreractive Tours” and 2) “Realestate.com.kh Walkthrough Videos.”Realestate.com.kh 360 Degree Interactive ToursThe first product is the “Realestate.com.kh 360 Degree Interactive Tours” - which are primarily designed for new developments, boreys or high-end existing properties. These 360 degree tours allow customers to experience your show-flat, or property in a fully immersive experience from anywhere!  You can use it at AEON mall, in your real estate agent’s office in Singapore or in the lounge room of your best customer. “Realestate.com.kh Virtual Tours” allows this freedom. Best of all we do all of the work for you and we can build these tours within 72 hours (or even 24 hours if it’s a rush). Pricing for this products starts at just $500 per video and the experience is amazingly lifelike. We encourage you to try this product soon.Realestate.com.kh Video Walkthrough ToursOur second product, the “Realestate.com.kh Video Walkthrough Tours”, are specially designed to make your property listings jump out and grab potential buyers or renters attention with a cinema like walkthrough tour, whether on your own real estate website or on Realestate.com.kh. This product makes old-style photo listings look very out-dated. With a 30 - 60 second cinema-style video, the customer can instantly get a true sense of the benefits and size of the property. We have used the latest technology to quickly, easily and cheaply create a stunning tour of any property in just a few minutes. Realestate.com.kh can create these tours anywhere in Phnom Penh within 48 hours, and the cost per “Walk Through Tour” is just $13! We believe this product is unbelievable value.Finally, Realestate.com.kh would like to thank you all for coming and for your support over the last 12 months. We are currently planning our second magazine due to come out in October 2016 and we hope you all advertise in it again. We will see you all at the next Realestate.com.kh party!   For more info on our products, services and upcoming events - please get in touch today!

The office space sector has seen rapid growth during the first half of the year and is expected to focus more on prime properties in its second half. This is according to a report that was recently released by Knight Frank.But even with high quality offices continuing to change Cambodia’s landscape, it offers few opportunities for entrepreneurs and startups to find a space that will allow them to go beyond its full potential.This is something that the Emerald HUB aims to address.In an interview with Ms. Sou Monypich, she mentions that as part of the Emerald+ Property Management Services’ desire to pursue social responsibility, the Emerald HUB Co-working office space was built.Emerald Hub is designed to create an atmosphere conducive to creating up and coming game changers in the different sectors of the local economy. Based in the capital city of Phnom Penh, the Emerald Hub provides entrepreneurs access to not only an office but also facilities like meeting rooms, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, printing services, a pantry, and all that anyone starting out in business would ever need.Beyond the Typical:Deciding to take a piece of the creative culture in Emerald HUB also guarantees that you will get more than just an office. Ms. Monypich says that their end goal is to provide the necessary support to help any entrepreneurial venture take flight.This means that there is a collaborative effort between you and their mentors on product development, creative design, financial management, and sales & marketing. They also offer trainings and different fun activities for people who call Emerald Hub their business home.More than all these benefits, it is also a place where you can meet like-minded people who are willing to network to create better business concepts that will make a huge impact on the way we currently look at doing business.Ms. Monypich says Emerald Hub allows “a space with a lot of people from different backgrounds, from different expertise, and for them to exchange the information.”Size and Time Doesn’t Matter:Ms. Monypich explains that more than a co-working space, they also offer private rooms which corresponds to around “8 or 9 square meters per room.” These rooms can be rented out by startups who need a more secure and enclosed space for them to be able to focus on specific tasks. Nevertheless, they are still able to mingle with fellow business people through the common areas of the property.She adds that you can rent out these spaces for as low as $30 a month. But if you only need a temporary work space, they also allow you to rent out an area on a per day or per week basis. These terms offer a more flexible and convenient way for both individual entrepreneurs and the small startup companies.If you have questions or want to find out more about how you can use this space to grow your business, you can contact Emerald+ today!

The perception of foreign nationals towards Cambodia often seems to have grown old like the ruins of Angkor. In fact, there is more to the country than temples...There is an understanding among some international investors and businesses that the country is still underdeveloped and poorly regulated. This is a myth Dr. Simon Vancliff, Investment & Development Director of ING Holdings, the developer behind ING City, has debunked during the recent inaugural Cambodia Property Show organized by the leading real estate portals of Singapore and Cambodia, PropertyGuru and Realestate.com.kh.Vancliff explains that this is far from the truth. In fact, there are large economic zones and developments coming to Cambodia, and this is increasing every year. In fact, just this year, Coca-Cola has decided to invest $100 million into the Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone in order for them to be able to build a plant and expand their distribution inside the country and region, as according to the Phnom Penh Post last April.Large business entities have also established ties with the country such as Akira, Toyota, Samsung, ICBC, BMW and Suzuki, just to name a few. These companies, Vancliff says, recognize not only the inexpensive labor they are able to harness, but also the political stability of the land and its foreign-investment-friendly environment.He also enumerates other reasons why investing in Cambodia is ideal. Other than political stability, Cambodia has an advantageous location in the region, favorable investment climate, largely dollarized economy, increasing trade integration, improving transport and connectivity, lower costs in telecoms and internet, untapped natural resources and land, underpenetrated and growing domestic consumer markets, an unleveraged financial position, stock exchange and a flexible financial market. Furthermore, since the population is in the bracket of the working-age population, the demographics are also well suited for investment.Vancliff mentions that the Cambodian stock exchange will have around ten to twelve more companies joining soon and will continue to grow. He further strengthens his case by stating that Cambodia is now truly the “Pearl of Asia”, having a more centralized Governance system, and is raking in huge investments for infrastructural upgrades. As an evidence of this, more and more airlines are creating direct flights to Cambodia every year.One of the Kingdom's traditional weaknesses for investors - electricity costs - are also predicted to go down as more and more clean and solar energy plants are on the way to creating better solutions for energy consumption and supply.This will be especially true in Cambodia property areas like South Phnom Penh, says Vancliff, where the population is less dense and have more centralized amenities, such as water. Vancliff adds that there are also plans to install underground fiber optics and phone lines. New roads are also coming thick and fast, such as Hun Sen Boulevard, that will open in mid-2016. This will allow easier transport and access to resources that are once unavailable in the area.As the Cambodia property market and infrastructures grow, Vancliff hopes that the worldview towards Cambodia encompass more than just about the Angkor temples. While its grand history has been preserved, Cambodia continues to push towards global economic competitiveness.Want to find out more about Cambodia? Check out news and updates on Realestate.com.kh now!

Edmond Lim Yao Zen, Project Head, Cambodia Group Division Director @ Absolute Division of PropNex Realty Pte Ltd, has for many years been bringing investors from Singapore and around the region to the Kingdom to survey real estate investment opportunities. In an exclusive Q & A, Realestate.com.kh caught up with Edmond while he was last in town to find out more about his investor tours and get his thoughts on the progress of the Cambodian real estate market past, present and future... 1) Tell us about yourself, your experience and your relationship with Cambodia? I started my real estate career 17 years ago in Singapore. At that time, my job included the normal agent roles - like selling, leasing and property management, as well as hotels and building acquisitions. I first came to Phnom Penh in 2012. I was introduced by a good friend, Mr. Tan Teck Kee, COO of Worldbridge Land, to visit Phnom Penh at that time. My good relationship with Cambodia started then. I was with Jones Lang LaSalle Singapore at that time and we started off with a major event entitled "Cambodia Real Estate Night." The first of these investment nights was held in 2013 at the Sofitel Hotel, and was jointly organised with Bonna Realty Group. We had 200 guests who graced the event. Nowadays, I am with PropNex (in partnership with JLL), in charge of managing the sales of all partner projects in Cambodia. Besides taking care of all salespeople's sales training about Cambodia, I also join as a speaker at various hotel events (marketing Cambodia investments) around the region. 2) How long have you been involved with Cambodian real estate, and in what capacity? Since September 2012, I have traveled to Phnom Penh every month. As well as real estate investors, I bring business prospects other than just property investment clients to Phnom Penh and assist them in investing in the country. The first two years I had more difficulty getting investors to come here as they generally stereotyped  the country, based on the lack of potential of the economy and the history. In 2016, it is much easier... 3) Tell us about your investor tours? What is the inspiration, and how do they work in practice? I believed in educating the investors about the country, first and foremost. I don't just talk about properties to them - I share with them information about the economy, the people, the culture and my opinion about the potential future of what this country could transform into. I get them to spend time in the country doing enjoyable things like shopping, eating in a local eatery, spa and promoting to them some charities available for them to contribute too. They really understand more after my 4 days/3 nights trip. Past guests always introduce more investors to us too. 4) Why is coming to Cambodia, physically, so important for investors? Some savvy investors need not visit Cambodia physically, as they only look at the numbers and facts we show them. Some request to visit to experience the market personally before they invest. It depends on individuals. 5) Why is Cambodia such an exciting real estate market - in your opinion? Cambodia to me has been exciting since 2012. My beliefs started then.. And the passion is still burning high for me now. The property market for Cambodia is more transparent compared to Myanmar, Vietnam or Laos, if we are comparing emerging markets. And according to the FDI restrictiveness indexes of the whole of ASEAN, Cambodia's 0.049 is second to Singapore's 0.047. Even if its population is not the highest in the region, the FDI coming into the country is very promising for investors. Furthermore, the country allows 100% foreigner owned equity/corporations - which is highly beneficial to expat entrepreneurs too. 6) In your opinion, what steps need to be taken to boost the Cambodian real estate market to the next level? I believe that the country should look into raising the vocational standards of the whole real estate industry. Then the efficiency and professionalism can complement the thriving market - especially now with the mass influx of foreign investors. Despite the mass supply raising up in 2018, I believe that the government is exploring and opening up more industries and other business sectors to lift the economy standards to another level. You can see from the FDI coming from China, Japan, Taiwan and others that there will be more expat professionals moving to the country. We will need the infrastructures and housings to cater for these people. We can't wait for demand to come and then build supply - rather, the country has to be ready for it.7) What is some interesting feedback you have had from people who have joined your investor tours? They always say that they didn't expect Cambodia to be so attractive and that they enjoyed every moment of the itinerary I planned. They thought of the past where you might get bombed, gunned or other things related to the past conflict here. But instead, I show them my healthy legs and my ballooned belly from all the delicacies I have eaten in the country. Now a lot of them have also registered with me to visit Siem Reap and the beautiful beaches in Sihanoukville... Learn more about investing in Cambodia!

With the release of 13,730 new condo units through ‘off-plan’ proposals during the first half of 2016 in Phnom Penh alone, it seems that there is no backing down for developers in the real estate market in Cambodia as both the number of condominiums being built and the number of sales in the market continue to rise.But if you’re a property owner or investor, you may want to consider getting a dynamic property management team like Emerald+ so that you can avoid the stress of juggling different aspects and requirements of your investments. Whether it’s your first property asset or you are aiming to diversify your portfolio, Emerald+ offers an all-around property management solutions to protect your property from both anticipated and unforeseen issues.Taking a 360-Degree Approach:In a recent interview with Realestate.com.kh, Ms. Sou Monypich, General Manager of Emerald+ said that the demand for property management services will begin to rise in the next couple of years - just as the supply in different real estate markets increases drastically as well. She adds that the involvement of Emerald+ in various large-scale projects during this time of growth has given them an advantage that allowed them to develop a competitive standard of operating procedures to benefit both the customer and the property owner.Among the services Emerald+ has to offer is property maintenance, customer care, staff trainings, audits, asset management, marketing, and even equipment provision. They also provide their services for a wide range of property types including condominiums, boreys, and corporate offices.Venturing Out:During the interview, Ms. Monypich also mentioned Emerald+ is working alongside its sister company, Emerald Architect, to provide well-rounded solutions to help cover other aspects like landscaping, design consultancy and construction for both the interior and exterior designs of a property. She adds that this is a step towards bridging the gap in the current market where there is a shortage of companies providing these sorts of services.They have also branched out into offering effective business solutions through the Emerald Hub by creating a co-working space where young entrepreneurs can nurture their skills and ideas to pursue the start-up businesses that they are trying to build with limited means.The Heart of the Company:Ms. Monypich also states that the strength of the company, the heart of Emerald+, lies in the skills and the wellbeing of its people. This is why they provide comprehensive and ongoing training for all of their staff.More than that, Emerald+ also teaches their employees the value of good and meaningful customer service, which is vital to their business model. This is accomplished through various activities that enable their employees to attend and organize charity events that make a significant impact in communities across Cambodia.Despite its young age, the company has accomplished a lot already. It is a testament to the capacity of Emerald+ to follow through with their promise of total property management and protection.Find out more about Emerald+ today!

On the 3rd of August, 2016, Emerald+ Property Management Services signed an exclusive agreement with the committee ownership and development company Chroychangva.This is in conjunction with the property management services that they will be providing for the Borey Grand Chroychongva project. These properties will include 4 types of residential properties. Namely, the grand villas, single villas, twin villas and flats.In this agreement, Emerald+ asserts that they will only offer management services that are of high standards and quality.Chen Yuxian, the general manager of Grandvision International Development Co.,Ltd and the representative of Borey Grand Chroychangva, said that “Property management services are significantly important for borey projects. These include security protection, social order, and environmental protection so that the borey space will remain aesthetically pleasing and clean at all times.He added that Emerald+ offers the best suited partnership for the relatively new industry of property management in Cambodia because of the professional standards of their work and the qualifications of their human resources.Meanwhile, Ms. Sou Monipich, the general manager of Emerald+, said of the agreement that “offering property management services that are flawless and oriented towards a great customer experience is the stance of the company because of its long term vision for being in this business. Emerald+ sees itself as a company that will adhere to both national and international standards of quality into the future.Grandvision International Development is very busy with the next property development project which is named the Borey Moon Town. It will have 5 types of residential properties and will strategically be located along Oknha Duong Ngeap road, Sangkat Teuk Thla, Khan Sen Sok, Phnom Penh.Emerald+ Property Management Service is a big real estate management company that is licensed by the ministry of commerce. It will open its operation with various partners like UEMS and Nature Landscape who are both huge and famous companies in Singapore, They are known for their expertise in property management and developing natural gardens (landscaping), respectively.For more information, you can contact EMERALD+  today.