Realestate.com.kh Partners with SM Global to Forge Strategic Partnership in Cambodia

Phnom Penh, February 13, 2025. Realestate.com.kh has partnered with SM Global to offer a strategic alliance to foster investment confidence in the Cambodian property sector in an exciting collaboration for the Cambodian real estate sector.

The MoU signing ceremony, held alongside the grand opening of the SM Global Center, marked a significant milestone in SM Global's long-term vision for the next decade. This event formalized key partnerships that will further strengthen investment channels and trust services within the Kingdom.

H.E. Ney Sakal, Deputy Director General of the Trust Regulator, emphasized the evolving nature of Cambodia’s trust sector, stating:

"While public awareness of trust services in Cambodia is still emerging, the concept has existed since 2008. However, many still lack a clear understanding of what trust management entails. The MoUs signed between SM Global and its partners will be vital in promoting trust services and increasing awareness of this sector in Cambodia."

What Does The MoU Between SM Global and Realestate.com.kh Mean?

Korean businesses and individuals continually seek to explore investment opportunities in Cambodia and real estate is a key focus area. The strong economic ties between Cambodia and South Korea have facilitated growing investments, particularly in residential properties, commercial developments, and trust-based real estate ownership.

"One of the key sectors attracting foreign investors is trust services. By partnering with Realestate.com.kh, we aim to educate real estate brokers and firms on the benefits and applications of trust structures," said Paul S. W. Yang, Director of SM Global Group. "We will also work together to provide trust and consulting services to partners and clients."

As part of the agreement, both parties will continue to prioritise professionalism, transparency, and trust-building to improve confidence among buyers and sustain international investment in the local market.

SM Global’s clientele and Korean investors can rely on Realestate.com.kh to access the latest and most accurate information for the local market in helping them make investment choices, whether looking for residential, commercial, or land investments.

A key component of the partnership includes SM Global hosting regular seminars to educate clients on available financial and business services to provide enhanced value to their clientele.

Korean Investment in Cambodia

Tom O'Sullivan, CEO of Realestate.com.kh said at the signing ceremony, “The long-term belief in Cambodia’s real estate market remains strong.  

In the past 5 years, over US 1.7 billion dollars have been invested in Cambodia via a Trust and  90 per cent of this has been in real estate. This bounce in the market isn’t happening alone, It’s part of the bigger picture of growth in Cambodia, with the economy expected to grow over 5 percent in 2025.”

Realestate.com.kh has previously signed an MoU with the Korean Chamber of Commerce in the face of rising interest in the domestic market and to promote and facilitate Korean investment in Cambodia’s real estate sector.

There has been an increase in Korean interest in the Cambodian real estate market due to the Kingdom's economic growth, and strategic location in Southeast Asia which make the Southeast Asian nation an attractive destination for foreign investors. 

Growing Interest in Land Ownership via Trusts

One notable trend among Korean investors is the increasing interest in owning land in Cambodia through trusts. 

A Trust is one of the mechanisms to help investors manage their assets and a way of holding and managing property, whereby the person setting up the trust (called the grantor, settlor, or trustor) transfers property to a trustee, who manages the property for the benefit of others (called beneficiaries).

Cambodia's Law on Trust was enacted in 2019 followed by the establishment of the Trust Regulator in 2021. The trust market by October 2024 had a total value of approximately US $1.7 billion and real estate and property-related trusts account for a majority of commercial trusts.

A Promising Future for Cambodia’s Real Estate Market

This partnership between Realestate.com.kh and SM Global marks just the beginning of a broader collaboration aimed at enhancing investment opportunities and knowledge-sharing. With growing interest from foreign investors, particularly in trust-based property ownership, Cambodia’s real estate sector is poised for sustained growth in the years ahead.

Realestate.com.kh remains committed to serving as a bridge between Korean investors and Cambodia’s property market, ensuring that both sides benefit from this expanding economic relationship.

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Email: phany.chuon@realestate.com.kh