Bitcoin to Bricks: Buying Property Using Crypto in Cambodia

Cryptocurrency is transforming from a niche digital asset into a stalwart of the global real estate market. Beyond the virtual economy, it’s now a viable tool for purchasing property all over the world, offering a modern alternative to traditional real estate buying methods.

No country exemplifies this tidal shift better than Cambodia, where real estate transactions through digital currencies are unlocking new opportunities for both local sellers and international buyers.

Cambodia has been particularly proactive in regard to cryptocurrency use in the market in recent years. In late 2024, the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) officially permitted commercial banks and payment institutions to offer services with stable or backed cryptocurrencies (Category 1 crypto assets). The goal of the adoption is to regulate digital currency operations and keep up with global financial technology advancements.

Benefits of Cryptocurrencies in Real Estate

The shift to digital currencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Tether (USDT) in real estate is fueled by several compelling advantages:

• Efficiency and Speed:

Traditional property purchase processes can be an arduous trek through a thicket of bank negotiations and regulatory approvals, which take weeks or months. Cryptocurrency transactions, by contrast, provide a rapid alternative, with the potential to settle a property purchase in mere minutes.

• Lower Transaction Fees:

Property purchases often attract significant fees, especially when it comes to international money transfers and currency conversion. Cryptocurrencies offer a more economical alternative, often with transaction fees ranging between 0.1–1%, which can result in considerable savings.

• Security and Transparency:

Blockchain, the underlying technology of cryptocurrencies, is distinguished for its secure and transparent transaction ledger. This immutable record reduces the risk of fraud, offering peace of mind in high-value transactions like real estate purchases.

Real Estate Transactions in Cambodia with Cryptocurrency:

Cambodia’s real estate sector stands out in its adoption of cryptocurrency, particularly in the capital, Phnom Penh. Here, off plan condos can be purchased from developers via trusted exchange providers in country using USDT, which is then converted to US dollars and transferred to the developer’s official bank account.

The exchange rate for converting USDT to USD is competitively low, at 0.5% of the transaction amount, representing the cost-efficiency of using digital currencies. These transactions can be completed incredibly swiftly in a matter of minutes, whether in-person or through international transfers.

Once the condominium project is completed and the unit is handed over to the buyer, rental returns and resale profits can be accepted in USD in a local bank account, accessible for withdrawals on the Visa network worldwide. The profits of the property can also be converted back in USDT as required.

Note that IPS Cambodia charge no additional fees for the exchange service arrangements outside of the trusted providers baseline rates, while other agencies charge 2%+ for the same services. 

In summary:

Rates for coin exchange in Cambodia: Tether USDT -> USD exchange or USD -> USDT = 0.5% of total transaction amount (no additional fees)

A new way to invest in Southeast Asia’s fastest growing real estate market:

As the world’s financial paradigms evolve, cryptocurrency is proving its mettle in the real estate market, making swift and secure property purchases a reality across international borders.

Countries like Cambodia are leading this charge, showcasing a future where real estate transactions can be as nimble as the cryptocurrencies that power them. For investors and enthusiasts alike, this new territory is rife with opportunities to streamline the purchase process, lower costs, and enjoy a level of transactional transparency previously unseen in the real estate industry. The marriage of cryptocurrency and real estate is not just on the horizon—it’s happening now, and its potential for growth is boundless.

Ready to invest? Check out a selection of foreign ownership ready investments from trusted developers in Phnom Penh today with IPS Cambodia, Cambodia’s most trusted and longest running full-service real estate agency:

Time Square 8, with units starting at $60,000

J Tower 3, with units starting at $330,000.

Or learn more about the process for buying a condo in Cambodia.