Common Questions, Expert Answers

If you are new to Cambodia, below you will find answers to frequently asked questions you may have about buying, selling, renting, and investing in Cambodia real estate. Please feel free to check out our blog section for more informative articles about real estate in Cambodia. If you still can’t find answers, please feel free to chat with us or contact us!

About IPS Cambodia

At IPS, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of services to meet the needs of our clients. Our team of highly experienced and knowledgeable real estate professionals is here to assist you with all of your real estate needs.

Our services include: 
Property Lease and Sale Service
Property Management
Property Valuations
Document Processing Services Foreign Ownership Advisory, Nominee Services, Contract Agreements, Property Titles

Independent Property Services (IPS) is founded in 2009, by David Murphy who is also the Managing Director at IPS. 

IPS has presence in two major cities in Cambodia:
Our primary office is in Phnom Penh located at Street 63 corner Street 294, BKK1 and we also have a branch in Siem Reap, located at Wat Bo Road corner Street 24, Siem Reap.

You can reach us at our company hotline: +855 77 959 861 (Available in Telegram and WhatsApp) or by email inquiry@ips-cambodia.com. You can also connect with us on social media by following @IPSCambodia on your favorite social media platforms. You may also send us a message here

Our business hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and from 8:00am to 4:00pm on Saturdays, with the exception of Cambodian National Holidays

We specialize in both residential and commercial properties. Our team have experience in working with land sales, villas, borey, townhouses, shophouses, condos and apartments as well as different commercial properties such as office buildings, retail spaces and industrial properties. 

Our website’s property listings are updated as frequently as possible. We strive to keep them current and accurate, but please keep in mind that we do not own the properties ourselves, the availability of the properties may change. We also rely on our landlords to keep us informed about the availability of the properties. If you have any questions about a particular listing, please don’t hesitate to chat or contact us and we will do our best to provide you with the most up-to-date information. We look forward to helping you find your next home! 

IPS website displays the prices of the properties in US Dollars (USD)

BUYING & SELLING

YES. Foreigners are allowed to buy property in Cambodia, although there are some restrictions, on the types of property that can be purchased – these are co-owned buildings, which include condominiums and strata-titled properties. Under Article 44 of the Cambodian Constitution, “only natural persons or legal entities of Khmer nationality shall have the right to land ownership.”  But luckily, THERE IS, be it for residential, commercial, or agriculture purposes, a foreigner can legally own or have a right to a landed property under these methods:

Leasing a land under long-term contract [leasehold]
Investing in land through concessions
Forming land holding company/taking the minority stake
Through a Cambodian nominee

Check out this article, to learn more about these processes. 

The process of buying a home in Cambodia can vary depending on the type of property you are interested in and the location. Here is a general outline of the steps you may need to follow:

1. Research and decide on a property
2. Make an offer
3. Conduct due diligence
4. Sign a sales agreement
5. Close the sale

For a more detailed process, check out this home buying road map that we have prepared to help you in buying your ideal home. 

It’s important to note that the process of buying a home in Cambodia may differ from the process in other countries. Contact our team at IPS for professional advice and guidance to ensure a smooth buying process. 

In order to buy a property in Cambodia, you will need the following documents:

If the buyer is an individual –
Proof of identification (Passport, National Identity Card)
Residential Book or Family Book
Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate (If you are married)
Single Certificate (if you are single)
Copy of Witnesses ID card (individuals who will witness the sale)

If the buyer is a company –
Company’s Memorandum of Articles
Company business licenses
Tax Patent
Power of Attorney for each company director
Single Certificate (if you are single)
ID card and birth certificate of Chairman of the board

All documents need to be certified by the ministry. Some certifications can be done in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, and others can be done in your province of birth.

No. It is not required to hire a lawyer when dealing with a licensed and registered real estate agency. IPS is both licensed and registered as a real estate agency in Cambodia (License No. EV-12-096) and we have our own internal legal team that drafts all legal agreements for you without charge. In addition to this, our team is able to provide due diligence services to ensure your investment in property is without risk. 

There are several factors that can impact the value of your property in Cambodia: 

• Location: Properties in desirable areas or locations with good amenities will typically be worth more than those in less desirable areas.
• Size: Larger properties are generally worth more than smaller properties.
• Condition: Properties in good condition will generally be worth more than those in need of significant repairs or updates.
• Amenities: Properties with amenities like pools, garages, or updated kitchens may be worth more than those without these features.

To determine the value of your property, you may want to consider the following steps:

1 Research the local market: Look at the prices of similar properties in the area to get an idea of what your property may be worth.
2 Consider any improvements you have made: If you have made any renovations or updates to your property, these may increase its value.
3 Hire a professional valuer: You can hire a professional valuer to assess the value of your property. IPS also provides this service. We provide a balanced, market led approach, aided by up-to-date market knowledge from our Valuation experts. 
4 Consult with your IPS agent: IPS agents are familiar with the local market and can provide first-hand insights on the value of your property.
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Please check out the following articles for more information about Property Valuation

What is Property Valuation?
How much is your property worth?
How to estimate your property’s market value?

In order to sell a property in Cambodia, you will need the following documents:

If the seller is an individual –
Proof of identification (Passport, National Identity Card, Cambodian ID card)
Residential Book or Family Book
Annual Property Tax Receipts
Original Copy of Property Title
Witness ID Card (individuals who will witness the sale)

If the seller is a company –
Company’s Memorandum of Articles
Company business licenses
Tax Patent
Power of Attorney for each company director
ID card and birth certificate of Chairman of the board

All documents need to be certified by the ministry. Some certifications can be done in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, and others can be done in your province of birth.

3%. In accordance with Cambodian law, IPS typically charges 3% commission on the total sale price of the property. For example, our commission on the sale of a $100,000 property would be $3,000. 

LANDLORDS & TENANTS

The process of renting a property in Cambodia generally involves the following steps: 

1 Determine your budget and desired location.
2 Search for properties on our website or book a viewing with one of our agents.
3 View properties in person to assess their condition and suitability.
4 Negotiate the terms of the rental with the landlord.
5 Sign the rental agreement
6 Pay a deposit – typically equivalent to one- or two-months’ rent, as security for any damages to the property.
7 Move in and start your tenancy.

It is highly recommended to work with a professional leasing agent when renting a property in Cambodia, as they can help you navigate the process and ensure that your rights and interests are protected. At IPS, we have highly capable leasing agents who can help you with your property search that meet your criteria, arrange viewings, negotiate the terms of the rental, and handle the paperwork and legalities of the rental process.

Want to save time and reduce the stress of finding and renting a property in Cambodia? Find properties for rent or contact us

To rent a property in Cambodia, you will typically need to provide a copy of your passport and visa. 

No. We will help you find a property to rent, absolutely FREE! In Cambodia, it is common for landlords or property owners to pay the agency fee when a property is rented through an agency. 

You can pay your monthly rental payment directly to the landlord, by cash or bank transfer/deposit. 

One (1) month commission for one year lease, and half price for any extension. 

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Cambodia has been receiving major foreign investments in recent years. It had also enjoyed stable economic growth for the last 20 years. Cambodia is one of the best places to invest among other Asian countries. It has a welcoming attitude to foreigners. The government made it easy for any nationality to stay long term.
This Cambodia investment guide provides full details and list all factors of the Kingdom’s financial growth.

The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR). However, the US Dollar (USD) is also widely accepted. It is common to see prices listed in USD and to make payments using either currency. The exchange rate is around KHR4100 = USD1.

Cambodia is one of the cheapest places to visit, work, or retire. However, these expenses can vary depending on your lifestyle and where you live. Check out this article to get an In-Depth Look at the Cost of Living in Cambodia

YES, you can open a bank account as a foreigner in Cambodia. Most of the major financial institutions such as ABA Bank, offer services to both local and expat clients. 
Read: Opening a Bank Account in Cambodia as an Expat