Cambodia real estate market

Interview with Patrick Monti by PAP’s Romain Rainfray, for the French real estate website immoneuf.com

Cambodia: a stable economy

Cambodia enjoys political stability, based on a constitutional monarchy.
The country has enjoyed strong economic growth in recent decades, mainly thanks to sectors such as textiles, tourism and agriculture.

A booming real estate market

Since the end of pandemic-related restrictions, the Cambodian real estate market has regained momentum. This revival has attracted many investors and expatriates, particularly to the capital Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, which is close to the famous historic site of Angkor. “ The market is active again “, says Patrick Monti, co-founder of Osiris, a company specializing in assisting international investors in Cambodia.

Where do French invest in Cambodia?

According to the French consulate in Phnom Penh, some 8,000 French nationals live in Cambodia for more than six months of the year.
What’s more, part of the local population (around 3%, or 460,000 people) still speaks French, a legacy of the colonial era.
French expatriates mainly settle in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.
According to Patrick Monti, ” Phnom Penh is an attractive capital and much more accessible than many Asian capitals, more accessible than Bangkok or Singapore, not to mention Tokyo “.

How to buy properties in Cambodia?

It’s quite possible for a foreigner to become a homeowner in Cambodia.
For a new property, the cost is around $2,400 per square meter.
A 37 m² apartment would therefore cost around $87,000, with top-of-the-range finishes and amenities such as a swimming pool.
It’s important to note that most major transactions are carried out in US dollars.

How to finance a property purchase in Cambodia?

Financing a real estate project in Cambodia presents a number of challenges: – Cambodian banks are reluctant to lend to foreigners, as direct debit is a key criterion for them; – French banks often require guarantees on property located in France, complicating the acquisition of a property abroad. “ Cash purchases are often the preferred solution for the French,” says the head of Osiris.

Favourable tax treatment for foreign buyers

The Cambodian tax system offers significant advantages for foreign buyers, including: – low inheritance tax (title transfer fee of 4% of property value); – no capital gains tax; – minimal property tax (0.1%); – no council tax.   Osiris Investissements markets apartments in Cambodia from around 88,000 USD. Find all our offers in Cambodia on our website.