Are you looking to invest in real estate but unsure where to start? You might come across terms like off-plan property or new developments without understanding the meaning behind them. In this article, Realestate.com.kh will walk you through everything you need to know about off-plan property investments, their advantages and risks, and where to find reliable projects in 2025.What is an off-plan property?An off-plan property refers to real estate that is sold before construction has begun, or while construction is still in progress. The concept of off-plan property is based on the idea that buyers can secure a property at a lower price than if they were to wait until it is completed. You sign a contract indicating a purchase price for the land and a house to be built from a specific set of architectural plans.Developers offer discounts and incentives to early buyers to secure funding for construction.These incentives often include flexible payment plans, guaranteed rental returns, and customization options. This type of purchase is particularly popular among investors looking for capital appreciation and homebuyers seeking affordable entry points into the real estate market.Benefits of an off-plan propertyThe key advantage of the off-plan property is that buyers have the opportunity to customize their property to their liking. This can include selecting finishes, fixtures, and appliances, and making changes to the layout and design of the property. Another benefit of the off-plan property is that buyers can benefit from potential capital appreciation. As the property is being built, its value may increase, providing the buyer with an opportunity to make a profit if they choose to sell before completion. This is particularly true in areas where property prices are rising rapidly, such as in emerging markets and in areas where there is high demand for new housing.Risks of an off-plan propertyDespite its many advantages, the off-plan property does come with some risks. For example, there is always the possibility that the development may be delayed or even cancelled, leaving buyers with a property that they cannot occupy or sell. Additionally, buyers may be required to make payments in instalments throughout the construction process, which can be a financial burden if they are unable to secure financing or if their circumstances change. It is preferable to have pre-agreements with the developer prior to signing your Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA), and legal advice. What does the process look like? This stage of development where buying-off plan deals get offered is called pre-launch. The developer is still in the process of confirming plans, obtaining permits, and performing an Environmental Impact Assessment. However, even at this early stage, they need money in order to move the project forward. Because buying at this point involves a long wait for the property to be completed and more risk than at a later stage, they typically offer incentives to early buyers. In addition to price breaks, they may offer guaranteed rental returns, financing options, opportunities to customize the early units and other perks.When the contract is signed, the buyer must make a deposit. The amount of the deposit may be 10-30% at this stage. Beyond that, the exact process differs from one country to another and even from one developer to another. This process involves a lot of flux. The plans may end up being changed, sometimes without the buyer's knowledge.The costs may end up going up for reasons that seem mysterious, especially if you are buying as a foreign national. Sometimes, the developer has at least one unit already completed as a showcase of their work. In such cases, they typically allow a walk-through so buyers can get a good feel for what to generally expect. It is wise to not expect your completed unit to be exactly like the showroom. How long before I can move in?You do need to be willing and able to wait a bit, but there is no hard and fast rule as to how long. Some developments get completed in as little as a year. Others can take up to four years. Your sales contract should spell out the expected date of completion, as well as details about what happens if that target date is missed. In some places, laws are in place that automatically require the builder to pay penalties even if the contract does not provide for them.Why you should get a lawyer Off-plan properties are more complicated than post-construction real estate deals. They involve more risk and more variables. Especially if you are a foreign national, there can be a great many laws and details that impact the sale and that you are unaware of. For starters, many countries have a cooling-off period. This means you have the legal right to change your mind after signing the contract and back out of the deal. The length of time you have to decide this can differ from place to place and how much it will cost you can also differ. The development may not actually be completed. Doing your own due diligence to see if the developer has a good track record and working with a lawyer are the best ways to protect yourself from this worst-case scenario.The finished unit may differ from the plans. Sometimes the difference is for a good reason, such as resolving a defect in the plan that the developer was unaware of at the time of signing. Sometimes it is due to human error or oversight. The contract may allow the developer to make limited, reasonable changes without your permission, but substantial changes without your permission are often prohibited.Talking to a lawyer about what is typical and customary in this jurisdiction can help you understand the scope of what to expect. Another tricky thing that should be discussed with your lawyer if offered to you is Guaranteed Rental Returns (GRR). In cases where the underwriting guarantee is merely a paper promise, they can be unreliable. A good lawyer can read through it and get an idea of whether this detail is something of real value or not. Read more about the best advice on GRR, from Realestate.com.kh here!A few additional practical details:If you are not very familiar with the real estate industry or are uncomfortable for any reason, it can help to look for a development with a pre-built show unit. This can give you a much better idea of the quality of their work.In real estate, valuation is determined by "comps" -- in other words, comparable properties that are as similar as possible to the one in question. However, when you buy off-plan, there are no comps to see. This can lead to inflated estimates of what people think the price will be, especially in areas with a reputation as a hot spot. In order to be as realistic as possible, check out the surrounding area with a critical eye. Find out as much as you can about the area and about other properties for sale. This is the only way to get a realistic idea of what you may be able to expect.In some cases, the real estate market depreciates between the time the contract is signed and the time the unit is finished. This can leave the buyer owing more than the unit is worth. This can be a problem if bank financing is needed. The unit may no longer qualify for a large enough mortgage to cover what is owed.It is critical to understand what your options are. A lawyer familiar with the laws, culture and customs of the location in question will make a big difference in how smoothly your buying experience goes. Therefore, it is usually best to find a local national specializing in real estate deals before you sign any contracts.If the goal is to invest in real estate with the expectation of generating rental income, it is important to keep in mind that buying off-plan can involve a substantial wait. If you cannot afford to wait two or more years, it is best to look elsewhere and invest in a completed property or a property close to completion.Before diving in, you can check out realestate.com.kh, which collaborates with licensed developers operating in the market to bring you reliable projects. Happy hunting for your dream investment property!

InternationalLiving.com's Annual Global Retirement Index has just named Cambodia as 1 of 3 top retirement destinations worldwide. The retirement index seeks to compare and contrast retirement destinations around the world - all of which are exhibiting relatively low costs of living by global standards.Retiring in weaker economies is becoming a global trend for expats from more expensive, developed economies, as the relative costs of living in cheaper retirement destinations guarantees a better quality of life for pensioners. In the past 10 years the Kingdom of Cambodia has become one of Southeast Asia’s most up-and-coming destinations for tourists and expats looking to enjoy the exotic charm of a country that also offers the most attractive cost of living in Asia. Cambodia has flexible visa requirements for citizens of Western countries who can obtain annual long-stay visas with a minimum of paperwork and a processing fee of just $285 per year. When you get there, everything from entertainment to renting is very affordable in Cambodia.Meanwhile, the Cambodian government looks set to make it even easier to retire in the Kingdom. The government has released plans to increase Cambodia’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign retirees, according to a draft policy obtained from the Ministry of Tourism Wednesday this week by the Cambodia Daily. "The draft includes a range of proposals to extract more income from Cambodia’s tourist industry by encouraging foreigners to buy property and stay longer in the country, with involvement from the ministries of tourism, finance and land management," said the Cambodia Daily report. The proposed policies are said to include measures such as the development of “special residences” throughout Cambodia with commercial tourist properties and a wide range of useful facilities. “Special tourists” such as retirees would have the right to buy, rent or sell property in these special residences, and also be entitled to longer-term and more flexible vi­sas, according to the draft of the policy.Find out why Chroy Changvar is becoming a development mecca!

Phnom Penh: Hotel Okura Co., Ltd. has just announced a contract with TEHO Development Cambodia Pte Ltd. to facilitate development and management of  "The Okura Prestige Phnom Penh," set to launch 2019. The 40 floor, 250 unit hotel will be part of The Bay project. Located just 17 kilometers from the Phnom Penh International Airport, the Bay complex will provide the hotel with lush views across the city, Tonle Sap and the Royal Palace. Hotel Okura Co., Ltd. is a big player in the hospitality-related industries. The Japanese company is also involved in hotel management through Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co., Ltd., currently operating three hotel groups. Hotel Okura will be the first Japanese hotelier to enter the high-end hospitality market in Cambodia, the nation seeing more and more visitors for leisure and work related travel every year.“We are greatly honored to bring our hotel to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant center of economy and commerce and a hub between Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok,” said Toshihiro Ogita, President of Hotel Okura. "We hope that visitors and locals alike will love The Okura Prestige Phnom Penh and that our brand will flourish alongside the people of Cambodia and ASEAN,” said Ogita.Want to buy a unit in The Bay? Check out the full listing on Realestate.com.kh today!

According to figures from government and other international stakeholder, Cambodia’s economy grows around 7.0% in 2015. International Monetary Funds said in November that the Kingdom’s growth were bolstered by three main pillars: textile manufacturing, construction, and real estate sectors. However, there have been subsequent concerns about an anticipated bubble to crisis for the country’s property market. Realestate.com.kh talks to Mr. Mey Vann, head of Economy and Finance Ministry’s general department of financial industry.What have been the key strategies Cambodian government and stakeholders have done for post-global financial crisis’ resilience for the country’s real estate market?For the side of government, we have been trying our best to ensure macro stabilities of the economy, keep inflation rate low, and stabilize exchange rate of the national currency. In addition, we have strengthened our banking system to get strong enough in relation for market capitalization, especially, for this real estate market we are talking about.From the lens of government, what are the key attractiveness of the Kingdom’s real estate market or why should people invest in this market here?Indeed, when we talk about investment, we do not merely focus on real estate market but we talk many others at the same time. However, specifically talking about real estate, we try to create an open and convenient environment for the market. For example, we make eligible for foreigner to own condominiums. In addition with the context of regional economic integration starting this year, Cambodia locates in a strategic, dynamic regions of thriving growths and investment.What government’s general evaluation on the property market in 2015?Yes. Actually to make a figural analysis we need to wait until the end of February when the government’s official reports on economy is finalized. But I can say, as we mention before, the economic growth stood at 7.0% in 2015, which was partly contributed by the increasing real estate market, undeniably.This year 2016 is the kick-off of ASEAN Economic Community, welcoming a number of regional competition. What are government doing to keep market of property and real estate moving forward in year ahead?We will continue our works from previous years including stabilizing the macro situations and diversifying the foundations for the greater national economy. And as part of pushing investment in property and other markets, we are working to build it more effectively with public services and social works to bolster the growth. Whenever there is growth, the people get better off with greater purchasing powers that can dynamically drive the property market forward.What is government seeing as risks and threat for the real estate market? What government’s intervention with that?Our main concerns concentrate on the imbalance between demand and supply sides of the property market where there are more production than consumption (that subsides the price). We are also concerned about threat rising from beyond the borders where the region can be in crisis one day so that it shoots down amount of investment to the country which results as smaller purchasing power for people in the market.To be clear, we opt for a private sector-driven free economic system so government will never put any order to drive the market. What we can do are only in the scope I mention earlier with macro elements.No order or control from the government. But can you give advice from government’s side to the investors in the real estate market?Our advice is we urge investors to have a thorough study before making any investment decision with consideration on demand and supply. They should not get a greater-than-capability mortgage to invest in the market since it can be risky. Plus, please keep up to date with global market environment and latest development since both domestic and global factors are correlated.Find the best real estate news on Realestate.com.kh!

Located where the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers meet, to the north of the capital, the Chroy Changvar peninsula has undergone significant development over the last few years.Once a rural, marshy area, the peninsula is now seen as one of several future ‘satellite cities’ and accessibility has improved thanks to a second bridge opening last year, linking the suburb to the city center, and construction of commune and district roads and National Road No. 6A. With the much anticipated Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel opening its doors, along with some mid-rise and high-rise condominium developments completed such as Bellevue apartments and Galaxy condominiums, land prices have surged in recent years.According to VTrust Appraisal market research, the growth rate has been hovering around 20 percent over the past two years and is only set to continue. Current large scale project developments include LYP Satellite City, Borey the Flora, Borey the Royal Mekong, Mekong View II and III among others, and the advancement of the Chroy Changvar riverside boardwalk. Chroy Changvar district covers five communes, including Chroy Changvar, Preaek Lieb, Preaek Ta Sek, Kaoh Dach, and Bak Khaeng. An attractive calling card of the district is that it is less congested than those areas across the waterway and offers magnificent views of river and city skyline.A recent Vtrust land market survey from January 2016 found that land prices in the commune ranged from USD 420 to USD 1,750 per square meter depending on particular determinants such as significance of streets, zoning, and potentiality of development.“The land price is still lower compared to nearby districts such as Ruessie Kaev and Daun Penh,” says Mr. In Sitha, director of business development at VTrust Appraisal, “And only three kilometers from Phnom Penh’s city centre.”By contrast, the neighbouring district of Ruessie Kaev, located west and opposite the Tonle Sap River has experienced only a slight jump in land prices over the past two years, hovering around 8 percent.Chroy Changvar was found to be the fastest growing zone priced at USD 1080 per square metre in the second half of 2015 as compared to USD 670 per square meter in the same period in 2013. In says that land prices will continue to rise which is driven my major residential and mixed-use developments, and the peninsula realising its city master plans as mapped out by OCIC and L.Y.P Group.“There are several commercial developments underway and shop housing available at Borey Sopheak Mongkol and Young Commercial Supermarket. There is also potential to use existing commercial land for car showrooms, restaurants, banking and finance offices as well as office use for private companies,” adds In.VTrust also notes that there has been a slow market absorption rate influenced by a speculative demand deceleration due to an excessive supply of many large portions of vacant land that has seen a very slow pace of actual developments. However the evidence is clear that the district is packed with potential.Check out all properties for rent and for sale in Chroy Changvar!

Axis Residences is bringing a unique standard of quality to the Phnom Penh condo market. Already, whilst the Singaporean-inspired project is still under construction, Axis is becoming a pop culture icon among a new generation of Khmer's looking for their first home in central Phnom Penh. The Axis residences showroom, now open in Phnom Penh, is built to the exact specifications of the completed units, as per international standards. This authenticity gives visitors to the Axis showroom a perfect understanding of the look and feel of their new condo home-to-be. But not only are the Axis Residence's units impressing customers, with early sales off to a flying start, the sleek and contemporary design is also impressing Cambodian celebrities and film makers. Recently, the renowned film production company, Hong Meas HD TV, has been using the Axis Residences showroom to film various drama series and movies. The directors and producers of these productions are well-aware that the younger generation of Khmer are craving a higher standard of living, and a taste in design style that the market currently sorely lacks. Because the Axis showroom epitomizes the style and quality that the new generation of home buyers are craving, and feature brand name appliances and fixtures throughout, it is only natural that Axis Residences should be the ideal location to film these popular films and drama series. Spring CJW, the renowned Singaporean development company behind Axis Residences, however, is well-aware that many younger Khmer interested in purchasing their first condo home currently lack access to sufficient finance to make such a dream a reality... With that in mind, Spring CJW has created a very attractive 15 year end-financing package in partnership with Phillip Bank, uniquely designed for their customers. As the payment schedule for this loan is based on each construction stage, off-plan buyers will only have to pay as each stage of the development is completed. The Partnership between Axis Residences and Philip Bank The Phillip Bank loan package, available to Axis Residences buyers, only charges interest for the amount that is supposed to be paid. For example, if the sub-structural phase of construction is competed, just 10% has to be paid to the developer by the end-buyer. This means that customers who purchase via the Phillip Bank loan will only need to incur interest for that initial 10%. This is not a common practice at all in Cambodia, as most projects will charge the loan interest on the full sum owing, and few banks are willing to support condo buyers. Not only that but, again uniquely, the principle sum for the Phillip Bank loan will only be payable at the completion of the Axis Residences project in its entirety, which is around 2 years later. Customers who use the Phillip Bank loan option will thus be looking at only around a $90 installment payment per month for the first year. This is not only affordable for young buyers, but acts as a guarantee that the project is completed to the promised standards, in the promised timeframe. Although this is Spring CJW's first condo project in Cambodia, they have entered the market to stay - and customer-friendly initiatives such as this are a testament to that! At Axis Residences, younger buyers are offered a chance to secure a state-of-the-art home on finance terms that they can genuinely afford. This is a golden opportunity for young couples to own a new home with a lifestyle that will be the envy of their peers for many years to come. If you would like to learn more about Axis Residences, click HERE to check out the full listing on Realestate.com.kh today. Inquire directly with Spring CJW and join their friendly and knowledgable property consultants right here in Phnom Penh for a tour of the famous Axis Residences showroom. Don't forget to bring your camera! Click HERE to request an information pack today!

An Opinion piece from Mr Sim Hoy Chhoung, ceo of V Trust Appraisal Co. Ltd.As the banking sector is growing in order to fuel the mortgage and collateral-based lending industry, so is the potential concerns over the property valuation standards and risk management systems currently in place in the Kingdom’s banking sector. The global financial crisis, which led to real estate bubbles across various countries around the world, offers a good lesson to explain the current concerns.Industry leaders agree: a risk analysis should be carefully taken into account. This was the suggestion of Mey Vann, director general of the Department of Financial Industry, Ministry of Economy and Finance, as cited by the Phnom Penh Post on 19 August 2015, one day after the inter-ministerial seminar on “Opportunities and Potential Risks in Developing Cambodia’s Property Sector” at Cambodiana Hotel. The 2008 global economic crisis, which impacted Asia and Cambodia, offered a lesson that “we must not let happen again,” he said.But how can we curb the potential risks associated with mortgage and collateral-based lending? From my experience, compliance to standards and professionalism in property valuation is one of the best ways to help mitigate the risks associated with loan defaults that could potentially lead to a wider market financial crash. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), one of the world’s most well-recognized organizations, representing professionalism and ethics in land, real estate, and construction appraisals, stresses that accurate and professional valuations are vital to a healthy property market and a stable economy, forming the basis of performance analysis, financing decisions, transactional or development advice, dispute resolution and taxation. However, not all banks in the country comply with valuation best practices and standards. While all would consider property valuation as a crucial part of any risk assessment, not all of them have clearly-defined measures to ensure compliance, often deciding to offer contracts to valuation partners that are not independent, and do not enforce professional and ethical codes of conduct, or lack professional indemnity insurance coverage. This sentiment has also been echoed elsewhere. While many of the banks seem to forget the potential risks, officials advise that property valuation firms should not be biased or under any influence that could cause an unfounded value inflation or deflation of the subject property. Kim Vanda, director general of Banking Supervision of National Bank of Cambodia, said, in the same seminar, that the malpractice could potentially pose risks to the banking industry as a whole, adding banks that have in-house valuation units should also use independent valuation firms to ensure that the appraised values of the subject properties are reasonably concrete and consistent. To ensure a healthy property and banking sector, an understanding of the weaknesses in the valuation process could help. The Central Bank of Ireland issued the December-2012 study report entitled “Valuation Process in the Banking Crisis – Lessons Learned – Guiding the Future” identifying three overriding areas of primary weaknesses in valuation processes during the boom lending years. First, a weakness could come from an inaccurate or inappropriate definition of valuation requirements by credit institutions, thus leading to a subsequent inadequate assessment and understanding of valuations.Second, it could be the result of inadequate valuation processes and standards, or a disregard for adherence to such processes.Third, the weakness could also be the result of a lack of appreciation of the significance of the valuation document as independent evidence of risk mitigation effectiveness. Many bankers did not fully regard the importance of independent valuations and the valuation reports as a key document underpinning the basis on which they were acquiring the risk. Besides identifying the overriding areas of weaknesses, the study also highlighted a number of critical issues that credit institutions should pay attention to in the property valuation process - such as the issue of conflict of interest, valuer panel management, and inappropriate use of informal valuations. In many instances, lenders would accept existing valuations that had been prepared by valuers on behalf of the borrower, not the credit institutions. In this case the study recommends that the valuers’ duty of care is to the credit institutions and this should be emphasized by credit institutions in their written instructions to valuers in accordance with its clearly defined terms of engagement. Valuation reports should always be addressed to the credit institutions that is advancing the loan funds to avoid any complaint or manipulation between valuers and borrowers or owners of the property. When it comes to valuer panel management, the study identified some weaknesses in credit institutions practices including the appointment of valuers without sufficient qualifications, without any evidence of sufficient professional indemnity insurance, with inadequate or no review of panel members’ performance, or on the basis they are a customer of the bank. In sum, to create a healthy financial environment, banks should comply with valuation best practices and standards. Two of the most credible standardized valuation systems advised by the study report are the International Valuation Standards, known as the White Book, and the RICS valuation standards, known as the Red Book. Although the study report seems to stress more on experiences and applications in settings outside of the Kingdom, it does not make any difference since globalization has made almost all the world’s systems into ‘one’ that applies for all and, more importantly, all central banks should be subject to the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision which should incorporate best banking practices into all standards. That said, the country’s valuers association is also working to benefit the industry. Cambodian Valuer and Estate Association (CVEA), which represents the country’s valuation and real estate industry, has taken measures to set minimum valuation fee charges for the industry. The minimum fees should help prevent valuation firms from competing on fees and in-turn compromise the quality of the final appraisal. Sim Hoy Chhoung is the chief executive officer at VTrust Appraisal Co., Ltd. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of VTrust Appraisal Co., Ltd.

The Cambodian real estate industry has a larger proportion of women ceo’s, founders, managers and leading salespeople than many other business sectors in Cambodia. This is interesting, because not so long ago these positions were dominated by men in Cambodia.With this in mind, Realestate.com.kh spoke with Cambodia’s leading women in real estate to find out why real estate is providing a unique platform for women to build great careers and rise above their male colleagues to top leadership positions:Tang Hour, president of Amatak Property Service:When did you begin your real estate career and what first attracted you to real estate?“I first started real estate as a hobby. My family expected me to stay at home and look after the house. But that’s not my style. I wanted my own job and my own income. So for a start, I would buy some cheap apartments and houses near my home and renovate them myself, and then sell them on for a higher price. I would buy and sell a new house every 3 to 6 months. In 2014, I began working as an agent for a local company. But as a freelance agent, I had a very low salary, split commissions and lots of competition within the company. Meanwhile, I could see the real estate and construction markets booming all around me. I saw it as a great opportunity at the perfect time - so I started my own company, Amatak Property Service. Since then, I have not looked back.” What has been your greatest achievement since you began in the real estate industry? “I am proud to be my own boss. And I am proud to say that I don’t need to find clients anymore - my clients now find me.” Why is the real estate industry an attractive career for Cambodian women? Does it offer a better opportunity for career growth than other industries? Why? “Anyone with sales skills can find a place in the real estate market, whether they are a man or a woman. Before I got into real estate I was in the beauty industry and had my own spa and sauna business. I have always had a passion for sales and an ability to close deals. These skills are crucial in real estate and I guess that is why real estate was a good fit for me. Before, Cambodian society did not grant women freedom to pursue their own careers. We were expected to stay at home. But now, Khmer woman are becoming leaders in business, and not just in real estate, and other women are being inspired by this. When Khmer women are inspired by each other, we will keep growing as leaders in business. Everybody can benefit by learning from each other. So, if we are fellow real estate agents, we are not competitors - we are partners. It is a state of mind.” What advice would you give to other women (or anyone) considering starting a career in real estate? “Education and training is crucial in real estate. For my company, I am always training, teaching and mentoring my staff. If we teach, we all grow and become better at our jobs. For company leaders, we must focus on education and teaching our staff about the market and each and every property you sell. If we don’t understand the properties we are selling, we will never sell them. Inspiration and mentoring is so important, because when people are inspired by others they have confidence to do things themselves. Surround yourself with people who are excellent and they will inspire you to grow as a person and a professional. Actually, when I first started Amatak I had recently met a friend much younger than me who had just launched his own company. I said, “wow, but you are so young to have your own business!” But it also got me thinking - I could do that too. And I did. I have also had an inspirational friend who lives outside Cambodia and works in real estate in the US and Singapore - they shared knowledge with me and helped push me to start my own company.” Thida Ann, senior associate director at CBRE Cambodia:When did you begin your real estate career and what first attracted you to real estate?“I first started my real estate career in early 2010 at the Accounting and Admin department. I have a thorough understanding of business regulation, taxes, and compliance. I recognized that the frontier market in which we operate presented great opportunities for the development of a real estate sector in its infancy, plus the opportunity offering within the organization. I later moved my career to Marketing and Management. Now, I am the head of CBRE Cambodia and we have 27 dedicated team members.” What has been your greatest achievement since you began in the real estate industry? “For the last 6 years, I have broadened my market knowledge, consulting on a number of Cambodia’s largest, and most formidable projects, which has provided me with invaluable local experience and provided me the opportunity to develop my regional experience, working with both domestic and international clients.” Why is the real estate industry an attractive career for Cambodian women? Does it offer a better opportunity for career growth than other industries?  “I strongly believe in teamwork, having both men and women staff which can provide the balance in coordination when providing successful services. As of today, women are now able to complete a range of jobs similar to that of male focused roles. However, most importantly, I believe that the ultimate success depends on skill and expertise, rather than gender.” What advice would you give to other women (or anyone) considering starting a career in real estate? “It is never too late to start any job that you like. Be confident and do not be afraid to take on new responsibilities. It can be challenging taking on tasks that you have never tried before - but you should view this as a learning opportunity. It is important to be passionate about what you do. I love my job and that really helps me focus. If you do not enjoy what you do, it will be difficult for you to be dedicated to that career 100 percent.” Grace Rachny Fong, learning director at Century 21 Cambodia:When did you begin your real estate career and what first attracted you to real estate?“I began my real estate business about four years ago together with a few of my friends. At first we targeted expats looking for house rentals. Real estate is an important contributor to the country’s GDP and accounts for significant employment and investment opportunities for Cambodians. It has also put Cambodia on the Asia-Pacific map as a place for investors to invest and seek good returns on their investments.” What has been your greatest achievement since you began in the real estate industry? “I am now conducting real estate training for agents and owners. I genuinely believe that the Century 21 University which I am now heading can be the game changer for local real estate agents and owners. We are bringing a mindset change from those trying to become a “kokchhear” or traditional broker (a degrading Khmer name for a broker), to instead becoming a professional, ethical, knowledgeable, skillful and respectable agent through further training and education.” Why is the real estate industry an attractive career for Cambodian women? Does it offer a better opportunity for career growth than other industries? “Women in real estate do have an important role to play. More so, when it comes to opening doors for themselves and their male counterparts to make and close deals. Male and female property owners are more open and welcoming to ladies, especially when they receive phone calls from women in real estate. The real estate industry offers both full time and part time opportunities, meaning women with family can opt to work part time if need be. It’s perhaps also easier to sell or rent out their own properties and earn a better income for their family, and on their own properties. Real estate is generally easier to sell than other consumer products/services, as many people tend to heavily invest in properties.” What advice would you give to other women (or anyone) considering starting a career in real estate? “They must be willing to work hard, be smart and be professional. They must also be willing to invest their time and some money to learn things about real estate and develop through soft skills training. But, to succeed in real estate there is really no magic except for a strong commitment and willingness to work hard to gain trust.” Somnang “Lucky” Cheam, ceo of Lucky Property Services:When did you begin your real estate career and what first attracted you to real estate?“In 2005 I first started to work in real estate because i had good communication skills, honesty and commitment to clients - that is why I soon had great connections and referral clients. From the year 2010 until 2015 (August) I worked with one local real estate company, and I was a 5% shareholder in that company. When I started, I worked as admin and later became an agent. After success in this role, I became the Khmer director, taking care for khmer staff as well as selling properties as an agent. The company then changed their policy - so I decided to sell my shares and started my owner company: Lucky Property Services Co., Ltd. from September 2015.” What has been your greatest achievement since you begun in the real estate industry? “My timing has been very good. The real estate market in Cambodia, starting from around 2009, has seen a huge quantity of transactions from both local buyers and sellers, and international investors. For me, starting my career around this time, this offered great opportunities to make real estate deals as an agent, and build my connection network too.” Why is the real estate industry an attractive career for Cambodian women? Does it offer a better opportunity for career growth than other industries? “Most women in Cambodia cannot do this job because to become a woman in real estate you must commit time and money into training, education, property and client networking. And once you are an agent, you need to commit your life to the clients. But, if you are lucky to have a husband who understands this well, then you will be able to find a balance in work and family. For me as a single mom, I work hard like a man but I enjoy this job very much because I can see a lot of opportunities in this country. You will find success though only if you are committed. You cannot be lazy in real estate, because every minute is money! Lots more women can have a place in real estate though, whether full time or part time, because the market is growing very quickly, which equates to opportunities for sellers. More condos, link houses etc. are coming online everyday - I just hope the demand can match the supply.” What advice would you give to other women (or anyone) considering starting a career in real estate? “As you know, real estate is not always easy! You need to constantly take care of your client and take them to visit the properties that suit them - sometimes in town and sometimes outside the city. For me, my second house is my car because most of the time I am looking for new properties to list, or taking clients to see properties! Also, you need to be wise and careful, because not every client is a good client. Make sure that you know the property you are selling inside out - and do your homework before you take the client to visit.” Related news :

While expats and wealthy Khmer alike scramble to properties in the highly desirable Chamkarmon, Realestate.com.kh looks to Toul Kork: a highly underrated and competitively priced location for expats moving to Phnom Penh.Anthony Perkins, director of special projects, finance & investments at the Royal Group of Companies, says that, "If you have a family and are not particularly concerned about your travel distance to work, Toul Kork should definitely be considered as a prime place to find a home for rent or sale."Perkins notes that Toul Kork "appears to have far less electricity cuts than other parts of town, and the various "Boreys" (gated communities) dotted around Toul Kork also offer security and a guarantee of no ongoing construction adjacent to your house." For those choosing to live in BKK, you can safely bet your bottom dollar construction noise will become a part of your life... There are a host of schools in the Toul Kork area also, including international standard offerings, catering to all budgets and student age groups. Entertainment and shopping venues are also well respresented in Toul Kork, with the highly popular TK Avenue shopping plaza & surrounding area cinema/restaurants."Toul Kork is often a forgotten Khan for expats, but it shouldn't be," says Perkins, "particularly for those with a family." For expat renters, a decent 3-4 bedroom house can be secured in Toul Kork for under $1000 per month, with security provided, communal pools/gyms and the rarest of rare in Phnom Penh: wide pavements to walk on and trees!Interested in Toul Kork? Search from thousands of properties on Realestate.com.kh now!

Realestate.com.kh spoke to the leaders of the Cambodian real estate market to find out what type of trends we are likely to witness in the property market in 2016.Sunny Soo, managing director of Keystone, Savills Cambodian associate: “For the last 6 months, the speed of apartment transactions have softened significantly in Cambodia, especially those projects heavily targeting foreign buyers - and one would only assume this trend to continue into 2016, especially when the volatility of regional economies continue to be a challenge and the Cambodian economy as a whole moves slower than the real estate market boom, the market will eventually face adjustment. The coming election in 2018 may also prompt some developers to start considering holding onto their development plan for now, unless 2016 proves to be a good year for transaction. Nevertheless, it seems that landed developments as well as projects targeting locals will continue to see higher demand as the middle income group continues to grow bigger. All in all, there are still good opportunities for real estate developments in middle-end offices and hotels. The Cambodian market will continue to remain significant for investment consideration among the countries in this region in 2016.”   Simon Griffiths, associate director at CBRE Cambodia:“For 2016, confidence in the Phnom Penh real estate market, with particular reference to the condominium market, will be low within Cambodia with commenters stating oversupply and too-rapid growth causing oversaturation, ultimate leading to exposure to risk.Interestingly, this sentiment will not be reflected outside of Cambodia, in particular relating to Taiwan and China where inbound investment is expected to grow from consumers and developers alike. However, Singaporean investment is likely to cool.Developers who have not launched schemes pre-2016 are likely to continue to progress with development plans but unlikely to consider exclusively condo developments.  Mixed-use schemes, as well as freehold strata title office and retail space, are likely to become more popular as the potential returns in these sectors are realized both locally and internationally.Hongkong Land Development’s “Exchange Square” shall be ready for tenants to fit-out in November 2016, bringing a second high quality Grade A building to Phnom Penh and a very interesting life-style mix for tenants.”   June Zeng, investment adviser at Da Yu Real Estate:“In my opinion, 2016 will be a rather different year for property developers and real estate agents alike. The major fact everyone has to face is that gone are the days when anyone who had a piece of land in town could make a fortune simply by building something on it. The age of professionals have come, which consequently means Adios to the amateurs.In the city of Phnom Penh, market performance will strictly favour the few projects that score high in two aspects: excellent product and professional marketing. Anything short of either, I'm afraid, is very likely to bring about disappointment.The immediate question Phnom Penh is soon to face within this year is not whether or not there are too many condo units in the market, but why aren't there enough small-sized and affordable units for the young middle class and expats.So, 2016 is the year for many to re-examine demand, which isn't a bad thing at all as that's how a market learns to mature. Despite Phnom Penh's new challenge, the nearly uncharted waters of other provinces are still fresh. 2016 is also the year we might hear major success stories from other fast-growing cities - Sihanoukville, to name the most potential one.”    VA Vireak, chairman of Century 21 Fortune Investment:“Cambodia’s property market in 2016 is very challenging and it’s very hard to predict about its future for this year and beyond.On one side, there are some challenges with increased supply (houses, condos, apartments, offices, …), and the possibility of global economy impacts (mainly from China and the region), the interest rate and bank loan policy (which may be changed), the exchange rate from US Dollars to other currencies (the strong US Dollar), etc.On the other side, Cambodia’s economy can maintain the growth of around 6.9% till 2018, the population growth rate in the urban areas as well, and the AEC (ASEAN Economic Community) integration.Economic growth means more income to the country and to the people as well, therefore the GDP per capita will be increase, so people can have more money to buy the property - of course if there is not too much inflation. Population growth in the city triggers the demand for the housing, as most developments are based in cities only. The AEC integration will bring more skilled workers and specialist, so this new labour pool can help to boost the demand, especially for the condo, apartment and office space.All these factors can help to balance on the real estate market.”   Van Chanthorn (John), managing director of TownCity Real Estate:“The property market in Cambodia will be better than in the previous years for the following reasons.The ASEAN Integration will bring more expatriates to Cambodia. When expatriates come, whether tourists, investors, employees, students, workers or interns, the first thing that they need is accommodation, a place for business, an office, or hotel for a temporary stay. So when they come, it is not only a direct benefit to Cambodia but indirect as well. Cambodians can earn more money and will have the purchasing power to buy other products. When this happens, finally the locals will have enough money to invest in property.Cambodian Returnees who have stayed abroad for a long time have now graduated in their adopted countries and look to Cambodia with new, innovative ways of doing business. When the new businesses enter the market, the properties and offices are their first requirement. These returnees and expats will also seek a higher standard of living, meaning condo demand should pick up also.Bank policy is also changing, and this will boost the lower income real estate market. For the previous 5 years, the banking sector has increased year by year, and still more banks will come. As more competitors come, the policies of the banks are becoming more and more accommodating to Cambodian investors and young couples seeking their first home loan. More appropriate loan policies will drive up demand for low to middle range flats and villas across the market.Government Policy to encourage international and local Investors will also develop in 2016. When the government implements new policies to encourage the private sector, more businesses will come - and when businesses come, people have jobs, better salaries and a higher standard of living. Thus, there will be greater demand for property investment and homes for stay as well. In particular, the real estate sector is monitoring the government's plans to expand the city, and develop infrastructure in suburban areas."   Sharon Liew, ceo of Huttons CPL:“2016 will be a very challenging year for the property market in Cambodia. With owners and investors spoilt for choices for condominium and the country's upcoming elections, buyers are getting more cautious on their purchase. Personally, I feel this is a better start as cautiousness leads to more informed buyers, and this also helps to prevent the exploitation of over-promising developers. The market has upgraded more to commercial properties as is the current trend, and this is another challenge for local buyers needing to absorb the commercial investment value which is rather new in this market. Overall, through experience, I always believe that "Prime property will hold it's value" and "the Early & well-informed bird always catches the worm".”   Chee Yap, project director at Grand Phnom Penh International City:“Currently, there are so many unknown factors within the country, and both regional and global issues.First of all, I suggest the “actual” absorption and digestion of exponential land price growth in 2015 will be something very interesting to watch in 2016.Meanwhile, various factors will exert pressures on the local real estate market, in uncertain ways: such as minimum wages rising to USD 160 per month; local undercurrent political issues; Cambodians adjusting to improving regulations ( i.e. Traffic Law, Tax Law, Forestry Law etc.); the dropping of oil prices below USD 30 per barrel; the appreciation of the USD currency against other major currencies in 2016; and the regional influence of a booming Jakarta and increasing demand in other major regional centers. With these things on the horizon, be prudent and conservative for 2016.Last but not least, Grand Phnom Penh’s Fantastic Water World Waterpark will be completed in mid-February this year and will be the talk of the town during Khmer New Year.”   Ross Wheble, country manager of Knight Frank Cambodia:“With signs of softening in certain sectors, some developers are diversifying. Whilst the supply of retail and office space will approximately double by 2018, the supply of condominiums will increase by more than six-fold. This has led to a recent slowdown in sales rates of condominiums and developers are looking at alternative asset types to appeal to investors.TC Royal Asset Manor was one of the pioneers in this area with the launch of stratified office units in their TK Royal One development. This has been followed by a raft of new stratified office developments as developers seek to diversify away from the condominium sector and we expect this trend to continue into 2016.Equally, with more funds being allocated to infrastructure improvements, we are seeing increasing investment in the industrial sector as multinational companies assess the benefits of setting up operation in Cambodia, particularly along the border with Thailand. We also expect to see growing demand for agricultural land as foreign companies seek to take advantage of a more mechanised approach to farming, providing higher crop yields and better returns than the more traditional methods currently used in Cambodia.”   Alex Evengroen, general manager of Khmer Real Estate:“My forecast for the property market in 2016 is that there will be a large shift from buying properties to investing in land.Cambodia became part of ASEAN and this means that the country will be flooded with highly skilled and hungry Real Estate professionals and investors with a lot of inside knowledge. The M2 price keeps going up and so it is inevitable that at one point people start to look at other and more creative options….This is in my opinion land. There will also be a change in demographics regarding the land market. More will look for (low priced) land in the other provinces like Kep, Kampot, Sihanoukville and others closer to the borders. One of the issues I expect is the oversupply of mostly condominiums which will at a certain point lower the prices and will have an effect on the investments people make to buy these properties.  If this is not well monitored and guided many people could get into financial difficulties. One very important positive change that I see will be the unification of the official Real Estate companies under the scepter of the CVEA. This will result in a better understanding and sharing of upcoming and expected changes and needs within the Real Estate industry, and will also eventually eliminate the people who do Real Estate on the side without the proper papers or required knowledge. We do have to understand that we have to work hard and smart to keep going in the right direction, the direction that will benefit the people of Cambodia and safeguard their investments in the industry. This also means that it is important to keep communicating frequently and act on decisions made to reach the required upgrades.”   David Kim, ceo at Informax Property:“The core sector of new developments will shift from pure residential toward mixed commercial and residential developments in 2016, a trend we are already beginning to see.Due to new residential shifts during 2014 and 2015 to the suburbs of Phnom Penh, these areas now need commercial facilities such as shopping centers, hospitals, offices and schools.Expect to see a rush from mainland China. While Singaporean and Taiwanese developers were the main developers for 2015, now mainland Chinese developers with large capital are starting to launch projects in Cambodia. When they start promoting these projects in China, more and more Chinese investors will consider investments in Cambodia.Industrial development along the borders of Cambodia will enjoy the benefits of the AEC. Cambodia has a good business environment for regional expansions such as low tax, low labor cost, freehold property, and prime logistical connectivity to other member countries of the AEC. When the AEC goes through, the biggest handicap of Cambodia - namely it’s small domestic market - will not be handicap anymore.These 3 issues will be main things to watch in Cambodia's real estate market in 2016.”   Kim Heang, president of the CVEA:“I name the Year 2016 as “the Year of Condo Construction” as you can see the construction of Condos across the City, especially in Khan Chamkarmon, Daun Penh, 7 Makara and Khan Toul Kork.There will be around 18 000 to 20 000 Units of Condo by 2018, this amount is too much for the local market but it is still a small amount for the ASEAN Market. Developers need to find out their own market or create their own market for their product. Also, the Cambodian Government needs to attract more investors to help the Condo industry.The land price has increased too much in 2013, 2014 and 2015 - so the price in 2016 will not increase too much. It should be just 5 to 10% for land in down town, and still around 20% for land outside the city.Boreys for the Middle Class and High End clientele have reached their limits, so it is better for the developers to focus on the lower income and new family markets, especially for the flat house at around 30 to 45K - instead of flat houses at 80 to 100K for the middle class, or 200 to 300K for the high end client.Warehouses need to be moved from downtown as the price keep increasing for their land. The savvy warehouse owner needs to sell their land for big money and shift their business elsewhere!Serviced Apartments in prime locations such as BKK1 and nearby areas are doing good business. However, lower standard apartments will disappear and be replaced by higher end apartments.There will be investors coming to buy factories in Cambodia as we have great advantages for industry. In particular, no tax to the EU, USA and other Asian countries, and low labor costs. However, there are too many demonstrations in the industrial industries recently - thus, the Government needs to take the action and find a solution to the issues of workers.”   Desmond Yap, general manager of Yong Yap Properties:"Cambodia will continue to be an investment hotspot - especially with its continual integration into ASEAN and the government enforcing laws to ensure a cleaner business environment."               Check out a 2015 info-graphic review from Realestate.com.kh here...

These days, many potential property buyers in Cambodia use the internet and social media to search for properties... Hence, their very first impressions of a property are made from the photographic appeal of the real estate listing. As an agent, you tell your clients about their property's "curb appeal", and ask them to clean it up and make their property look more attractive to prospective buyers when it comes time for inspection. But, who is responsible for the online appeal? The agent has one chance to impress the potential client with a listing. You need to grab their attention in the first 20 seconds before they skim over your listing and move on to the next property listing. So, while the owner needs to clean the house - you, the agent, better keep the listing crystal clear. Even with this knowledge, most real estate agents are happy to take the listing photographs themselves. The photographs are sometimes grainy, walls and floors are tilted, colors are off, reflections of the agent appear in the walls and mirrors, and rooms are not made camera ready.The result? That newly renovated colonial apartment looks dark and dingy instead of warm, cosy and inviting.  That beautiful, breathtaking view over the Tonle Sab River is just a bright white burst of light. This is not the first impression that any property seller wants to convey.These sort of photographs may hurt a property as the potential buyer will more likely skip over it in favor of another one which grabs their attention.HIGHER PRICES: There are studies conducted in the US real estate market which indicate that property listings that use professional photography tend to sell for higher prices. MORE APPEAL AND ATTENTION: When high-quality photographs are used on the listing, they will help grab the buyer's attention, giving the listing more views and exposure. When the listing is viewed more, more potential buyers are having a closer look at the property. A buyer may be lost as they skim past a listing using low-quality photographs. In this competitive market, having a listing with more 'pop' will give your listings a distinct advantage over your competitors.WE HAVE THE TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: A professional real estate photographer has the experience and technical knowledge to photograph and show a property at its very best. We use composition and editing techniques, as well as lighting, to help grab and focus the buyer's attention on the property's primest selling points. Professional real estate photographers have spent countless hours practicing and refining their skills and techniques. We are on a continual learning process to bring out the best in a property that we possibly can. Many agents have bought expensive cameras and the use "Auto" mode to take their listing photographs. Just owning an expensive camera does not make one a good photographer. You need to be able to see the best composition and have an array of techniques at your disposal as each photograph is different. This only comes after years of experience, practice, and learning.With that in mind, contact Bruce today from BDV Photography for a free quote on your next property photo shoot: bdv@bdvphotography.net Want to see real life samples of photos taken by agents, browse through our list of properties up for sale and rent now!

On the heels of its first housing development success – Embassy Residences, which has sold 90 per cent of its units – local developer Urbanland is wasting no time in establishing its second project, Embassy Central. Being at the pulse of Boeung Keng Kang 1, and within strolling distance of renowned restaurants like Topaz Restaurant, Malis Restaurant, and Eric Kayser Bakery, with retail stores along the nearby Preah Sihanouk Boulevard such as Charles & Keith, Pedro, and Mango, and more cafés and bars interspersed around, there is no area more bustling and convenient than where Embassy Central is located. Thriving hub aside, Embassy Central itself is a building to behold; its discreet brilliance is reflected through its minimalistic and sleekly structured design. Only 25 storeys tall and 119-unit strong, Embassy Central holds its own in dedicating its composition to the importance of an urban lifestyle that is in sync with modernity, yet maintaining a green lifestyle with its outdoor landscape features. Check out the full Embassy Central listing today on Realestate.com.kh! With only 119 units, Embassy Central has a more private and intimate feel, with four sky gardens in different parts of the building that residents can fully utilise to their liking. These open spaces provide a tranquil respite from the hustling bustle of the city; spaces where you can exercise or do yoga amidst the rising or setting sun, sit and read a book by the trees, or simply bask in the crispness of the air. Besides its multiple sky gardens, another distinctive feature of Embassy Central is its vertical green wall garden that runs through the building from the 4th floor to the 25th, with the main purpose of brightening up usually enclosed hallways with natural sunlight. The condominium’s swimming pool is surrounded by lush greenery, as it is on the same floor where the vertical garden begins. The impressive architecture of this condominium comes from the same masterminds behind Cambodia’s most popular coffee chain – Brown Coffee. The same attention to detail, quirky steeled structures, and top-notch finishing seen in all Brown Coffee outlets across Phnom Penh are mirrored in Embassy Central’s building and showroom. Hok Kang Architects, who wholly designed Embassy Residences and Embassy Central, and are also the people behind Urbanland and Brown Coffee, aptly sums it up: “Embassy Central is a very special project for us. We want to design a building that responds to a hot tropical climate such as Cambodia. Vertically designed elements and oversized balconies help to shade the building from the harsh tropical sun. The building is punctuated by pockets of green gardens, giving it a more iconic architecture, and also its residents a more liveable space that is close to nature. Upon its completion, Embassy Central will be the emblem of contemporary urban living at its finest in the heart of BKK1.” Urbanland and Hok Kang Architects comprise a small but diverse team, and being local adds value and trust among Cambodians – that a relatively small developer is able to bring to the Kingdom international standards of ideas, design, and product. Urbanland is committed to investing in its home country, and seeing it thrive as an urban cosmopolis. The company prides itself on catering as much as they can to their niche clientele’s needs, offering interior design services or suggestions that will complement the overall flow of the building units’ designs. Embassy Central’s showroom is fitted with high-end furnishings, with cleverly streamlined storage spaces and enclosed air-conditioning, while everything that is attached to the walls such as the lights, cupboards, console table, and appliances come together with the unit. Singapore investment firm, Terrasia Capital Investment, has said that the quality of interior fittings and finishes is a game-changer that sets a very high benchmark for other developers to follow. In Urbanland’s Marketing Manager, Victor Huot’s words, “what you see and feel in our showroom will be the same experience you will get when you walk into your Embassy Central home.” “The most prestigious address in Phnom Penh, crafted with design and high-quality materials, Embassy Central is a gem of investment that will only increase in value over time,” Terrasia Capital Investment concluded. Check out the full Embassy Central listing today on Realestate.com.kh!

Phnom Penh: According to a recent report from the Phnom Penh Post, the government has undertaken a private design competition to select a new development project to be situated on a 14-hectare plot on Chroy Changvar peninsula alongside the Sokha Hotel. The plot of land set for development is a prime location, facing the main city riverside on Chroy Changvar. Although owned by Sokha Hotel, the group's own development design plans were not granted approval from the necessary ministries and have since been rejected.  13 different development companies have bid the Government for the rights to the project, but now the group has been reduced to five: including international developers from Malaysia, Korea and Singapore, as well as two local Khmer firms. The committee is set to resume on January 25 in order to narrow the current list down to three candidates. Supposedly, an official announcement of the project winner will come by mid-February this year.

Phnom Penh:  Mr. Kim Heang, president of the Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association (CVEA), has urged the government to regulate property transactions in the upcoming Management Law and educate private property sellers as a means to control market price fluctuations running out of control in 2016. The initiative would mimic the US model in theory, making all property sellers bound to use a registered real estate company in order to sell their property. The proposal is intended to control the unfounded price hikes throughout the local market, and ultimately stem speculative fluctuations in aggregate market prices. More accurate property valuations would lead to a more sustainable market place, and grant local and international investors greater confidence to buy in. “Nowadays the property owner can easily make their own 'House for Sale or Land for Sale' sign,” says Heang. “Generally, when a private seller attempts to sell their own property, however, the price they seek in 30 to 50 per cent higher than market value.” This makes it very difficult to buy and sell, Mr. Kim Hang added, and creates unfounded speculation in the market. Hence, the CVEA is calling the Government to educate the market to these problems before they create the new Management Law. Mr. Kim Heang’s solution to these speculative bubbles from private sellers is to regulate that “all property owners should sell their property via the consultation of a registered real estate agency.” This will allow selling prices to better match the market price. And in doing so, will ultimately control real estate prices running out of control, and make the market more stable and sustainable, suggests Heang. Heang also added that “in many other developed economies, the real estate market management law demands the owner sell their property via an expert real estate company for this reason.” Mr. Bo Eavkong, general manager of the Asia Real Estate company, said that real estate companies currently have no right to force the property owner to consult with a real estate company when deciding their property value. "The first step is the Government educating people and urging the property owner to seek guidance from real estate professionals and trained valuers. Gradually, then the real estate sector will strengthen in terms of professional ethics." He added that, “if they want to sell their property for a reasonable price and sell it, they only need to spend 160$ for the fee of the expert real estate valuation. Meanwhile, selling over the market price is much more difficult, stalling the market,” says Bo. Mr. Khom Monyroth, consultant manager of Daily Realty Group, has agreed with what Mr. Bo Eavkong said, adding that education is a good start. “Even if the property owner studied the real estate prices of 4 or 5 other similar properties in the same area, they will automatically have a better understanding of the price at which their property will most likely sell for.” He also said that any “announcement or education won’t take effect immediately. Still, serious real estate investors must contact real estate agents if they want to succeed in the market. If you consult with a real estate company, you will understand that it is impossible to sell your property too much over the market price.” Stay tuned to realestate.com.kh news for more on this topic as the situation develops. Learn more about property registration, Cambodian land titles, strata title transfers andforeign ownership regulation on Realestate.com.kh today!

TA Corporation Ltd. is an established property and construction group with a track record of over 40 years' experience in the Singapore construction industry, and over 15 years' experience in real estate investment and development. As an integrated business group, TA Corporation is also involved in the provision of workers’ training and accommodation as well as the distribution of lubricants and commercial vehicles, tyres and spare parts. At the dawn of 2016, the company is slated to launch its first mixed-use real estate Cambodian project: The Gateway.

Due to cheap labor, social and political stability, and incentive policies to attract FDI - especially in the construction industry from the Government -Cambodia has become a choice target for foreign property investors. Besides financial institutions, textile, and other manufacturing industries, the real estate market in Cambodia now is a lucrative market for property investors. Investors view Cambodia as an emerging country with a large potential economy. Within the next three to five years, it will develop its infrastructure beyond recognition; transportation, roads, energy and water together with financial institutions. The Cambodian real estate market is massively shared by the Asian region states such as the Chinese, Taiwanese, Japanese, Korean, and Singaporeans. Taiwanese however has become the top buyer in most major condominium projects in Phnom Penh such as Baily, Suncity Bassac and many more. As the local property market in Taiwan is slowing down, the number of real estate sales agencies in Taiwan is increasing hugely. Sales agency offices are also shifting their current operations toward Cambodian based real estate investments, according to The China Post. This new focus offers the Cambodian real estate market a chance to grow and extend the market to such regional property investors, as Cambodian property offers reasonable prices for these types of buyers.   As a result, Century 21 Cambodia is organizing another collaborative trip to Taiwan on the 17th of January 2016 to share the practical Cambodia market situation with Taiwanese property investors and to build a strong network between Century 21 Cambodia and Century 21 Taiwan. Check out Century 21's listings on realestate.com.kh today!

Welcome to another Realestate.com.kh Dream Home Report.Every week we will showcase some of Cambodia and the world’s most luxurious, interesting and unique properties. We want to show you the home gems of the International property market. This week we show you a home with a superstar legacy.David Bowie’s Caribbean island retreat has apparently been sold to an unknown buyer, according to a recent report from Domain.Rock legend Bowie died at the age of 69 at the start of this month.Bowie once used the island villa as his private getaway home throughout the 1990’s, with its own personal pool and wet bar. Recently on the market for an asking price of $20M, the five bedroom mansion is now under-offer – suggesting it has been snapped up by a savvy buyer who understands the potential appreciation value now the Bowie has passed. The Indonesian inspired villa home on the private island of Mustique was built as Bowie’s private getaway in 1992. The lush house overlooks the Caribbean. Check some more Dream Home reports here:Dream Home Report : Unique Khmer HomesDream Home : Song Saa Private Island Villa

D’Seaview brings Sihanoukville’s first fully integrated residential and commercial mixed development, located alongside Sihanoukville’s most beautiful beaches.With its twin towers standing at 28 storeys each, D’Seaview will bring a collection of premium executive condominiums, commercial units and a hotel to Sihanoukville’s pioneer integrated living complex.D’seaview’s waterfront location, close to Sokha beach, remains idyllic, yet the vicinity is overflowing with international and traditional Khmer dining, bars, discos, night markets, spas and shopping plazas. The official D’Seaview groundbreaking ceremony will be held at the development’s building site on Saturday, 16 January, to celebrate the physical launch of Phase 1 of the project. All are invited by Camhomes to witness the occasion and join the festivities, starting from 8am onsite. The event will be presided over by H.E. Yun Min, Governor of Sihanoukville province. Following the groundbreaking ceremony, a complimentary lunch will be provided for guests at the Sokha Hotel and Resort, Sihanoukville. In addition, Camhomes is offering a special “sure-to-win instant lucky dip” to award attractive prizes for new buyers who purchase a D’Seaview unit in the month of January. The development, encompassing 735 residential units, offices and hotel units, is slated for completion in an estimated 28 months. D’Seaview will give its residents a level of convenience that only a mixed use development can offer: living and shopping at the highest standards in the same building. Not only can residents live, work and play within the complex, investing in a mixed development with both commercial and residential owners, and tenants offers a unique hedge against future inflation, assuring appreciation for your asset. D’Seaview’s integrated hotel is also open to bids from investors, as well as local shophouse-style blocks that are targeted at Cambodian retailers who would like to set up their business as well as live within the complex. The resident’s lifestyle will reflect the quality of D’Seaview’s design concept, and already buyers are proud to gain the status of first movers for this momentous development. In the first phase of sales and booking, already over 80 per cent of the 300 units in phase 1 have been successfully subscribed by both local and international buyers at price per square metre ranging from $675 to $1943. And it is no surprise that Cambodians and international investors are increasingly looking south for new property investment opportunities. Cambodia’s southern coastal resort town, Sihanoukville, is not only one of the nation’s premier tourism destinations, known for its tranquil beaches and idyllic islands, but it is also the fastest growing commercial city outside of Phnom Penh. Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s coastal economic hub and is growing faster than ever; it is host to the nation’s sole deep-sea port, the largest Special Economic Zone, as well as a large scale oil and gas industry soon to commence extraction. As Sihanouk province grows in popularity, more flight and bus connections are being established, linking it to the rest of the country and region. Sihanoukville International Airport now operates flights from South Korea, Singapore and China, as well as daily flights to Siem Reap. Realise your housing and commercial dreams now; and visit Camhomes’ D’Seaview showroom at Canadia Towers and talk to their property consultants, or check out the full listing information online at realestate.com.kh. And don't miss the D'Seaview groundbreaking tomorrow. To find out more information about the D’Seaview groundbreaking ceremony, please call +855 23 985 828 today.

Now that 2015 has come to an end, Realestate.com.kh would like to start 2016 with a recap of the Kingdom of Wonder and its burgeoning real estate sector.  In particular - let's review the office space and retail supply trends in Phnom Penh - 2015. Also, don't miss the Real Estate Review: 2016Real Estate developers in Phnom Penh are seemingly boosting Grade A and Grade B office space to welcome the AEC integration in 2016. The intention is to be ready for potential demand from incoming investors as the integration takes affect in 2017-2019. According to Knight Frank's report, there will be a 64% increase in office space stock by 2018: 60% of this office space will be Grade A category, 40% will be Grade B. The majority of all office space will be within Daun Penh and 7 Makara. No wonder business is booming...The retail sector is growing rapidly: New malls, such as Aeon - with Aeon 2 and Parkson on the way soon in 2016, are having a dramatic influence on Phnom Penh's retail sector. According to Knight Frank Cambodia's: “Cambodia Real Estate Highlights 1st Half 2015,” total supply is building fast 2011: 59,154sqm; 2012: 66,154sqm; 2013: 72,114sqm; 2014-15: 134,153sqm; 2016: 223,173sqm (est.); 2017: 297,591 sqm (est.). With the entrance of a host of new brands and extensions of existing franchises in the retail sector, the supply by district is evening out. The evening of the share of retail supply could be related to new and existing brands increasingly looking outside of the Phnom Penh city center, where their customers are increasingly choosing to live. Check out more great info-graphics, from Realestate.com.kh: Prime Development Land Price Growth Tops ASEAN and the Real Estate Review: 2016

What are the special features of your apartment for rent that are going to make potential tenants genuinely excited to move in?Find out what is attractive about your apartment property for renters - and then flaunt it, baby! With this in mind, Realestate.com.kh has gotten to the bottom of what tenants really want when considering an apartment for rent Location of your apartmentApartment tenants are more driven by no other factor than a prime location. But of course, “a great location” is always subjective. Different apartment renters are looking for different locations depending on where they work, where their kids go to school, and what they like to do for fun on the weekends. Renters will pay a lot more money to live in their preferred location.Normally, people are looking for hubs within the city with amenities at hand. This means shopping, banking, F & B venues, schools, and proximity to workstations. But, first and foremost, tenants considering your apartment for rent will look for transport options. If your apartment for rent isn’t close to these other amenities naturally, you had better make sure your tenants can access appropriate transport, or, at the very least, have parking for their personal vehicle “People think about where they need to live long before they consider how they would like to live.”The unique features of your apartment for rent and any questions of cost only enter the tenant’s equation after location is measured. Access to workplaces and schools is always going to be important because we spend as much time at these places as we do in our homes. So, always make sure transport amenities are promoted to prospective clients considering your apartment for rent.And, if you are still searching for an investment apartment or condo to use as a rental property – pay more for a great location, because it is going to guarantee your rental returns for that apartment into the future. If you cheap out and buy an apartment in a bad location, don’t expect the rental process to be easy…. Lock in a great location, and your apartment for rent won’t sit empty for long.For agents, when a property seeker mentions they want to live in a certain area – this really means they must live in this location. Don’t see it as a preference among many. It is the number one preference.If you want to help them and win the commission, forget about apartment properties away from their preference area – even if the prices are higher where they really want to live. Apartment renters will generally rethink their budget when the right location comes along.Number of bedrooms inside the apartment:If a rental tenant says they need 3 bedrooms, that is exactly what they need – and they will be very unlikely to accept less.  So – if you don’t have enough bedrooms for that prospect in your apartment for rent, don’t bother inviting them to view the property.You are wasting your time! Possibly, they will accept an extra bedroom inside the apartment for rent, but not if it is costing them an arm and a leg.  Some people do like to have a spare bedroom for guests or as a study/home office. This means always making it very clear how many bedrooms your apartment has available, and focusing on making that feature attractive.When the tenants visit your apartment for rent, make sure all rooms are set up for occupants and don’t try to advertise a room that is not fit to be a bedroom as a bedroom. This will frustrate prospective tenants who are only considering properties that truly fit their bedroom necessities.Extra PerksThose in the market for an apartment for rent are generally quite busy people. They might be foreigners temporarily living here for work. They might be students living in the city to study. Or they might own a property in the provinces but need an apartment for rent close to their workplace so they can work in the city during the week.This means the tenant might appreciate features in your apartment for rent like the garden and swimming pool – but, remember, they don’t want to maintain them! This makes an apartment for rent with service inclusions very attractive.Tenants don’t want to waste their time setting up the internet connection, or paying the electricity bill to the provider. The more services you can package into the rental price for your apartment for rent, the better. When the tenant pays just one fee every month and knows that the pool will be cleaned, the garden will be weeded, and the internet will be provided – this is a great bonus for prospective tenants looking at your apartment for rent.Cleaning services and exercise facilities might also be attractive to many busy tenants looking for an apartment to rent. "If you are dealing with a busy demographic - think about how you can make their life easier!" Make your property more attractive to tenants by thinking about how you can make their day-to-day life easier. This will mean your property rents faster, and for a higher monthly rate.Looking for property in Cambodia? Let us help!