SingMeng Telemedia was the first company in the Kingdom to launch a Triple Play Solution. The three-in-one bundle has already turned the heads of hotels, condos and other local businesses.Launched in 2017, the Triple Play bundled internet, television and telephone service into one package. Behind the scenes, the program was based on brand new infrastructure of optical fiber, which replaced an outdated system and brought SingMeng Telemedia to the forefront of the industry.The high-speed internet offered in the Triple Play package is ideal for hotels, casinos, banks and many other businesses.On top of that, the bundle offers TV service with over 100 channels, video on demand, an interactive interface and direct access to YouTube and other web applications.What’s more, subscribers with the full package can also access SingMeng’s Smart Community services. With this feature, the manager of a large hotel or residential complex can use the system to communicate with their customers. Our unique and customised TV interface will provide an opportunity for managers to promote their services, coordinate events and strengthen their brand image.What’s more, subscribers with the full package can also access SingMeng’s Smart Community services. With this feature, the manager of a large hotel or residential complex can use the system to communicate with their customers. Our unique and customised TV interface will provide an opportunity for managers to promote their services, coordinate events and strengthen their brand image.The Triple Play and Smart Community aren’t constrained by outdated technology. It opens doors to a new digital experience, into the ease of a faster, more reliable and enjoyable internet service. It’s time to take your customers’ experience to next level.Also, sign up for our newsletter today and stay up to date with the latest info. Looking for real estate for rent in Cambodia or real estate for sale in Cambodia?

Local media outlet Fresh News reported earlier this week that the government plans to spearhead the creation of an artificial beach in Kampot province. The eco-tourism project, worth an estimated $2 billion, is set to be six kilometres north of the town centre. Since the announcement, land prices around the proposed site in Kep Thmey village have skyrocketed.In fact, the plan has been in the proposal stages since mid-2018, when it began at the provincial level. The beach area would cover 200 hectares in Teuk Chhou district's Boeung Touk commune. Over the last year, however, land prices have shot up in the vicinity.Sok Ken, founder of Kampot Property, said that plots have increased in price by up to 300%."Land along the seaside, which in 2017 could be bought for $35 to $50 per square metre, is now going for $200 to $ 50 per square metre," he said, adding that land along National Road 3, 1.5 km away from the coast has also jumped in price recently."It currently costs $70 to $100 per square metre. Previously, it averaged just $30."Areas within Kep Thmey village have also been earmarked for two other big projects. A deep-water port and a 1,000-hectare special economic zone (SEZ) are currently being built. The SEZ is being developed by a Chinese company.Ken predicted that over the next five years the area would evolve into an entertainment and tourist destination. He further stated that adjacent plots to the proposed beach have already been purchased by developers, who are planning investments.Additionally, he also sees that a large part of the land has already been purchased by the developers and is awaiting investment in the next step.Kampot province is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Kingdom. Millions of visitors come every year to see the province's nature. Waterfalls, beaches and Bokor Mountain are some of its biggest draws. To learn more about Kampot province read our guide about the province. Also check out this year's Investment Guide.

The Ministry of Interior announced earlier this month that two new districts will be carved out of the Phnom Penh map. The sub-decree, which goes into effect in May, also establishes a single municipality comprised of the southern islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem. Boeung Keng Kang, formerly three separate communes within Chamkarmon district, will become a district of its own.The other new district, Kambol, will be made up of communes from Por Sen Chey and Dangkor districts.Included in the new Boeung Keng Kang district will be Boeung Keng Kang 1, 2 and 3, Toul Svay Prey 1 and 2, Olympic and Tomnub Teuk communes. The new Kambol district will take Kambol, Kantork, Snao, Phleung Chheh Roteh, Boeung Thum, and Ovlork communes from Por Sen Chey district. Prateah Lang commune, now a part of Dangkor district, will also become part of Kambol.In a recent interview with Radio France Internationale, Sak Setha, secretary of state at the Ministry of Interior, said that these communes have grown massively over the past few years. Public services, he said, would benefit from the new classifications.According to a 2017 report from the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC), the Kingdom’s urban population is set to hit seven million by 2030. The document further stated that more than 850,000 new homes would be required over the next decade.Chrek Soknim, president of the Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association, said that the new district would not impact the real estate sector. Values would remain unchanged.However, he speculated that public services wouldn’t be spread as thinly.Islands become cityUn Khannaron, director of Elevated Realty, said it was unlikely there would be any major change in the market due to the new districts. He said the BKK area already commands some of the highest prices in the city and hosts many new developments.Kambol district, meanwhile, could become a hotspot for industrial real estate such as factories and warehouses, according to Khannaron.Property ownership would carry over unchanged, he said, but any new transactions would soon take place in the new district offices.Besides creating two new districts in Phnom Penh, the sub-decree will make the southern islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem a single municipality.Additionally, Stung Treng, Kampong Thom and Pursat provinces will each add another district to their maps when the document is officially passed in May.For more breaking news like this, check our news section every day. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get news right to your inbox.

A wave of slumping real estate prices has swept across Asia. But apparently, Cambodia didn’t get the memo.Indeed, the Kingdom seems to be running in a different direction than the rest of the world. Half a dozen news outlets have named Cambodia one of the best places in Asia to invest money in the past month.Slump or price correction?Hong Kong, normally one of the continents top performers, has been in a downward turn over the past six months. That comes after an unprecedented period of growth. Indeed, the semi-autonomous region of China has been in the headlines almost nonstop over the past two years for its sky-high prices.Nonetheless, Hong Kong still holds the crown for the most expensive city in the world.The story looks similar in Australia. Prices are sliding. However, this comes after almost a decade of prosperity. Stats are still in a positive place if you zoom out.Michael Care, a director at Barry Plant real estate, which has offices around Australia, said the downturn was being felt in both Sydney and Melbourne.“Sydney house prices have corrected strongly over the last six to 12 months largely off the back of what has been rapid previous price growth from both owner occupiers and investors … The wider Australian market and cities are naturally affected by these similar macro factors albeit on a smaller scale again,” Care said.Inflows from Asia have face tighter regulations, which have played a part in the slump.“The correction has come due to a number of factors. The government has placed tighter controls on foreign investment over the last couple of years and more recently lending has also tightened ... There is also a general affordability issue whereby price growth has become out of line with wage growth.”Caution in SE AsiaWill this slump creep into the Southeast Asian market? The simple answer is yes and no.The smaller markets of the Asean region seem to be more independent from what’s going on globally. Foreign investment could see some cuts, however.“Despite being relatively isolated in the region, Laos has been feeling some minor effects from the current slump across Asia,” said James Whitehead, CEO and director of Laorealestate.la and classified website Yula.la.He added that lending seems to be down slightly, and investors from China appear more cautious than in previous quarters. A lack of valuation information is also a sticking point for the markets ongoing growth.Nonetheless, spirits are still high in the country, especially amid clear progress of the One Belt One Road rail network, directly connecting Yunan (China) and Vientiane (Lao capital). Whitehead noted that his company’s upcoming real estate expo would serve to jumpstart activity in the sector for 2019.“This is the first-ever specialised real estate investment expo in Laos, and we are expecting over 3,000 attendees. There’s still plenty of room for sustainable growth,” he said, "and we hope that events and education help the entire economy move forward, despite what’s going on globally.”Cambodia captures headlinesCambodia seems to be immune to any negative feelings currently. In fact, InvestAsia put the Kingdom on two different year-end lists naming best places for investments. As if that wasn’t enough, both Property Investor Today and The Global Times have singled Cambodia out for bullish prospects.  China’s Hurun Report released a ranking this week that named Cambodia as the number one location in the world as far as home price increases.Boreys selling ‘like hot cakes’Despite the all the media attention, many in Cambodia note that markets for local buyers and international investors a distinct and quite separate. A recent quarterly report from CBRE Cambodia, for instance, noted that supply of mid- and low-range real estate still had room for growth and unmet demand.Joe Phelan, head of personal finance services at the Kingdom’s Hong Leong Bank, said that the bank doesn’t finance condos, which are nearing an oversupply, but that the borey market looks stronger than ever. “There are no signs of things slowing down [in borey market], in fact, some of the biggest property developers have sold out almost all of their projects already and the brand new projects are selling like hot cakes too,” Phelan said.Oversupply or opportunity?So, will the slump impact Cambodia? Yes and no. Yes, it could cause foreign investors to be more cautious as we are seeing in Laos.That could go in conjunction with the nearing oversupply of condos in the Kingdom. We examined this possibility of oversupply in greater depth here by asking the experts.Leave a comment below to let us know how your region is reacting to the global real estate slump. Also, check our listings for investment property in Phnom Penh, and click over to our Investment Guide to learn more.

The supply of condominiums in Phnom Penh stood at around 15,000 last year. That number is set to double over the course of 2019. But will there be buyers? We got quick takes from three industry experts to see how they see the condo market.James Hewson, manager of research and consulting at CBRE Cambodia, said he expected there could be a price correction in the condo market in 2019. He pointed to the supply influx in the mid- and high-range portions of the market.“The recent completion of circa 2,234 condominium units in Q4 2018 boosted total supply by 18.9% quarter-on-quarter, 40% of which was positioned in the mid-range segment,” he said, adding that the high-range market was set to grow by 243% in 2019.“This substantial influx in both mid and high-end condominium stock may catalyze market adjustments in the coming quarters.”Khorn Kungkea, CEO of ERA Cambodia, on the other hand, was optimistic that first-time buyers and international investors would come in to boost demand for condos. He pointed to the fact that Cambodian prices are still far lower than condos in Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore.“I don’t think we can say there is an oversupply of condos … Price per square metre here is still seven to 10 times lower than condos in China, Korea, Japan and Singapore,” he said, adding that profit margins were greater for investors who rented out Cambodian condos.Joe Phalen, head of personal finance services at Hong Leong Bank, said there was an oversupply of condos on the horizon.Adding that Hong Leong doesn’t finance condos, Phalen said they were still bullish on growth in the local borey market.“The biggest [borey] developers have sold out almost all of their projects already and just released a few more last week which are selling like hot cakes.”For a more expansive look at how Cambodia fits into the global real estate industry, check out our latest article on the slump creeping into Asia.

After putting on the biggest real estate events throughout  2018, Realestate.com.kh is at it again in the first quarter of 2019. It’s now bringing a huge Home & Lifestyle Expo to the local Cambodian market. Over 100 exhibitors will be on display over two days. On the property side of things, attendees will be able to check out affordable housing projects and mid-range boreys right through to luxury villas, apartments, mixed-use developments. Cambodia's leading real estate agencies, lawyers, banks, construction firms and architects will also be there. On the lifestyle front, attendees will be able to check out the country’s best car brands, latest technology, health, fitness, design, style and much much more. Mark your calendars for April 26 and 27 for the Realestate.com.kh Home & Lifestyle Expo 2019 at Koh Pich Exhibition Center. Attendance is completely free, so feel free to bring your friends, family and colleagues along!"It really is our intention to showcase the whole Cambodian real estate industry at this event. Previously, we hosted events in a hotel environment and they were really focused on international investors and affluent Cambodians" said Realestate.com.kh CEO Tom O'Sullivan.It is a dream event for those wanting to find the best property and the best prices. Many developers will be offering show-only discounts. Meanwhile, lifestyle brands are promising some of the biggest discounts ever seen in the Kingdom! Deals high and lowLocal buyers will come in full force. Everyone from first-time buyers to affluent investors will be there. Projects and products will cover the whole range. Everything from the most affordable to the most luxurious will be there. "This event will have much much more of a local flavor with many more local property developments and boreys joining the show. It should be a great place for everyone from first-time home buyers right through to international property investors and affluent Cambodians. With this event it's like we are opening it up to the whole market, not just a portion of the buyer pool in Cambodia," O’Sullivan added.Indeed, business people and investors from across the globe are flying in for the event. China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Korea and more will all be represented.A growing reputationRealestate.com.kh held a landmark show late last year. That expo generated tens of millions of dollars in sales. This one is set to be even bigger. The company has moved up to Cambodia’s biggest expo venue and expects to pack it full. The Home & Lifestyle Expo is the third major show the company has put on over the past two years. Initial estimates show over 10,000 are expected to attend.Make sure you go to Realestate.com.kh to sign up for free express entry.Want to be an exhibitor? Don’t hesitate to contact us. Early-bird discounts end soon. For more info call +855 78 637 323 (Khmer and Chinese) or +855 12 599 699 (English).

STEM Sisters Cambodia is a project by STEM Education Organisation for Cambodia in partnership with the British Embassy Cambodia and with the invaluable support from the Ministry of Education Youth and Sport.Inspiring Cambodia's girls to consider a career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, STEM Sisters Cambodia has launched an 8 week program of STEM Clubs, led by girls and starting NOW in schools all over Cambodia.STEM Clubs provide an opportunity to discover real STEM careers available to women here in Cambodia. While developing leadership skills a STEM Club leader will meet local female STEM professionals through video interviews, have fun doing hands-on STEM activities and discover all that Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths can offer.STEM Club content is available for free for all Secondary Schools in Cambodia and is suitable for Grades 8 to 10.  Each week the program focuses on a different STEM profession and STEM Club members will be inspired by a female professional working in that field through video interview. They will then carry out a relevant and fascinating learning activity with materials designed to be found locally in either the city or the provinces.  Leading a club is simple and both girls and boys can join.Any girls interested in setting up their own STEM Club in their own school can register here to receive the free weekly content.For more information contact STEM Education Organization for Cambodia atstemsisters@stemcambodia.ngoor on 0237 27262.  You can also visit http://www.stemcambodia.ngo/stem-sisters-cambodia/ or see photos at  https://www.facebook.com/CambodiaSTEMSisters/Also, sign up for our newsletter today and stay up to date with the latest info. Looking for real estate for rent in Cambodia or real estate for sale in Cambodia?

According to the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC), nearly five million land titles have been issued in Cambodia as of mid-2018. There are around seven million land parcels across the country. Around a third still need to be registered, however.There are two ways for land to be registered at the provincial level: LMAP title and hard title for an individual owner. The latter is made at the owner’s request whereas the LMAP process is initiated by the government.LMAP registrationLMAP, or Land Management and Administration Project, was initiated by the World Bank in 2002 then handed over to the government. The MLMUPC selects key communes as priority areas to conduct the GPS-based land surveys. The process is used to accurately map and title large swathes of land.What are the steps of LMAP registration?There are committees set up at both local and provincial levels in order to oversee the LMAP process. Five key steps define the process of LMAP registration:Step 1: Defining the target areaThe government first determines specific communes which are in need of land titles. Local authorities then notify owners there. They inform locals about the process and what documents they will need to prepare. Step 2:  Land measurementCadastral officers come to measure land boundaries as indicated by owners and existing documents. Participation of landowners is crucial in this step. In the event of a dispute, both parties must agree on borders before they are officially laid down.Step 3: Announcement At this step, the authorities publicly announce the land titles and list of landowners. This happens within 30 days of surveying so that the people can check and appeal for corrections in the event of inaccuracies.Step 4: Final decisionThe cadastral officer then reviews titles and landowner claims. All information is recorded in a registration book. This is eventually signed by the head of the provincial land department and becomes official.Step 5: Land title issuanceAfter documentation at the provincial level is finalised, hard titles are distributed to landowners by the authorities.What documents do owners need?To register land ownership, the owner may be asked to produce a birth certificate, family book, marriage certificate, residence book, national identity card, military ID and letters of buy and sale.DisputesIf disputes arise during any step of the process, they are generally resolved by the commission. In the process of registering the land, if any dispute arises, generally such disputes will be resolved with the commission appointed. For a deeper dive into land titles, read our Investment Guide. Or, start your search for land in Cambodia.

House fires are, unfortunately, still common throughout the Kingdom. Fire in high-rises is rarer. Early this month, however, a blaze broke out at an 18-storey Poipet casino. Much of the building was destroyed. Luckily, there were no deaths. “Many local [building] owners haven’t yet paid attention to fire protection when constructing tall buildings,” said Hor Kunthea (Roy), CEO of Sokha Residences Group.     Roy, who also owns a condominium project in Poipet, claimed the recent fire was due to poor construction and building management.“I’m not surprised by the fire in Poipet, it can happen any time there is poor management,” he said, adding that owners must take precautions.His own 21-story condo project is covered by both building and fire insurance, he said. “For internal safety, the building is equipped with a Singaporean fire protection system.” Pushing precautionsKuang Catherine, a group planner at R&F Properties, said that fires are caused by either human factors or natural disasters. “I believe that most fires are due to human error,” she said, adding that smoking indoors, equipment malfunctions or poor safety management were responsible for most.“Our company’s projects are constructed under Chinese construction codes and are outfitted with a set of fire protection systems to minimize fires and reduce accidents,” she said, explaining that high-rises have more wiring and equipment that normal houses. So, safety needs to be stepped up as well.Catherine claimed the first step to boosting fire safety is to raise awareness. Equipment such as fire extinguishers and sprinklers must be properly maintained.A community concern In addition to both fire extinguishers and sprinklers, many new buildings now include fire alarm systems. This trifecta is a vital part of safety standards across the globe.Nong Samedy, an architect at Aerne Architect & Associates, called for greater care to be taken while installing electrical wiring in buildings. Samedy also urged the use of heat resistant construction materials and limitations on flammable substances allowed inside buildings. Additionally, he said high-rises should all have sprinklers, extinguishers, fire hoses at main points, smoke-proof barriers and special devices that cut power in the event of a fire.“Buildings need to be built using proper materials and set up with proper electricity systems,” he said.Mey Kalyan, general manager of Global Security Solutions, added that safety should be the top priority in buildings large or small.She claimed there were three major factors that increased fire danger: general building neglect, improper electrical systems, and excessive use of heavy equipment inside, such as air compressors and welding equipment. “In addition, we need to have emergency plans in place. That way, we can ensure everyone’s safety in the event of a fire.”Raising standardsSokha Residences CEO Roy summed up the issue by saying that fire safety should be a concern for the entire community. If one breaks out, after all, it can easily spread to nearby structures.“To ensure the safety, owners should hire professional property management. We need to push standards up to the next level.”If you need more information about making sure your rental property is safe, we have a handy guide. Our guides section has tons of handy resources you can use to keep yourself updated on everything in the real estate industry.For more breaking news like this, check our news section every day. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get news right to your inbox.

Scams within the real estate sector are declining. People are becoming more connected and well informed. Because of this, incidents of forgery, theft, and fraud are becoming rarer in Cambodia. That said, there were at least two major scams that happened this year.To see all the scams that have occurred in past years visit our guide to real estate scams in Cambodia. Indeed, staying informed is the best way to end criminal activity in the industry. The two types have happened over the last year are:The fake hard title scamThe fake development project scamMake sure you stay educated by reading up on all the scams. And stay tuned into our news section for any breaking stories. Below are two accounts of real estate scams that happened over the last year.1. Fake hard title scamEarly in 2018, a man identified as Mao Mao, attempted to sell a 580 square metre plot in the capital’s Toul Kork district at below market value. An unnamed land agent took Mao Mao’s documents to send off for verification. The agent gave Mao Mao a downpayment of $150,000. Over the next few days, three more people came to the agent to sell land. Plots were in Dangkor, Por Sen Chey and Sen Sok districts. Lot sizes were different, but all three suspects ended up with deposits of between $100,000 and $200,000. The agent forwarded all their documents off to the cadastral office for processing.Within a few months, the land agent received an alarming phone call from land officials. All four of the hard titles were fakes. Of course, the suspects weren’t responding to any phone calls or messages from the land agent. The scammed agent called capital authorities who soon located all four of the perps. They went to jail to serve time for their foray into fraud.Learning our lessonYou should always have documents checked at the district level before any money changes hands. Police determined that all the fraudsters were working as a team. It’s important to stay vigilant. If a deal is too good to be true it could be fake. The best approach is to deal only with legitimate real estate businesses. Check with a lawyer or consultant. Better yet, go through a well-established agency with a long history in Cambodia. We have a full list of the best agencies in the country.2. Fake development projectThis scam began in South Korea. Realestate.com.kh talked with Nok Nak, a plot land project agent in Cambodia. He said one of his current clients, a Korean man, was the victim in the scam.The man allegedly saw an advertisement on Facebook for a project in Cambodia. He even visited the Kingdom, met with the project’s leaders at their office and visited the site. Their proposal was so convincing that he ended up putting down a 50% deposit on two different plots. Two months later, the victim was back in Korea. He was unable to contact anyone associated with this alleged project. Their Facebook page was gone, phone numbers dead, and office building abandoned.The project had been a scam. Unfortunately, the suspects, in this case, are still at large, too.Do your researchThere’s a valuable lesson here: Don’t believe everything you read on Facebook. Scams that advertise on social media aren’t confined to real estate, either. The National Bank of Cambodia has warned about dodgy lending services over the past year. It said that many of these unlicensed groups use Facebook heavily.Before signing up with a new project, make sure you know the company. Make sure they have the proper licences. Look at firms that have already completed projects in the country. Our page on new developments in Cambodia is a great place to start. We've already vetted them. Again, if you’re at all unsure, consult with a professional.Our guides section has tons of handy resources you can use to keep yourself updated on everything in the real estate industry.Check our listings for investment property for sale in Phnom Penh and investment property in Sihanoukville.

Unveiled in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an ambitious, trillion-dollar strategy that China is pushing across several continents. The initiative, also known as One Belt, One Road, involves the construction of a massive network of ports, gas pipelines, highways, railways, dams, and related infrastructure across countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe.For a deeper dive into the BRI and other investment topics go download our Investment Guide 2019.The initiative is divided into two major components: the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The Silk Road Economic Belt will bring China closer to Central Asia and Europe, while the 21st Maritime Silk Road will see the South China Sea and the Mediterranean connected via the Indian Ocean and two important shipping channels, the Strait of Malacca and the Suez Canal.The BRI includes six land corridors of economic integration: China-Pakistan Corridor New Eurasia Land BridgeBangladesh-China-India-Myanmar CorridorChina-Indochina CorridorChina-Central Asia-West Asia CorridorChina-Mongolia-Russia Corridor Trillions of dollarsMany say the BRI is one of the largest infrastructure and investment projects in history. As of 2019, the BRI involves 71 countries, which account for almost 70% of the world’s population and more than 40% of the world’s $90 trillion GDP.China has, thus far, invested between $1 trillion and $8 trillion into BRI-related infrastructure projects since the program was unveiled. Furthermore, figures promise to continue growing by leaps and bounds as more projects are approved.  Funding for BRI projects mostly comes from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), $40 billion Silk Road Fund (SRF), New Development Bank (NDB), and two of China’s biggest financial institutions, the China Development Bank (CDB) and Export-Import Bank of China (EIBC).Vehicle for peaceChina has touted the BRI as a vehicle for peace, stability, and prosperity. It says the BRI’s goal is one of economic integration, and that it will herald a new era of global prosperity.Some critics, however, remain wary. There are claims that the plan is pushing “21st-century colonialism.”  Officials from the US, Japan and India have linked the BRI to China’s military ambitions. Beijing has strongly denied these claims. BRI in Southeast AsiaSoutheast Asia is viewed as a critical part of the BRI. In fact, seven of the largest BRI projects in Asia are located in Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Laos.Indeed, Cambodia welcomed the initiative warmly. It has been seen as a pivotal way to overcome infrastructure gaps. It is estimated that Southeast Asian nations will need to shell out a combined $2.8 trillion over the next decade to maintain their rapid growth. So, help from China can certainly help temper these costs.At the same time, however, there have been voices saying the plan is a debt trap. Default in Sri Lanka Around 70% of those questioned in a recent survey by Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, a think tank connected to the Singaporean government, urged their governments to be cautious over the BRI.The poll involved 1,008 Southeast Asian respondents from the government, academia, business, media, and several other sectors across all 10 Asean states. Some claimed the BRI was a ‘Trojan horse’ meant to expand China’s sphere of influence. Suspicions were highest in the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia.Many detractors of the deal have pointed to what happened in Sri Lanka in late 2017. The country was forced to hand over control of the Hambantota port to China after it was unable to pay a $1.3 billion debt on the project. Roadblocks in Malaysia and MyanmarThe BRI has hit a rocky road in both Malaysia and Myanmar.Shortly after taking office in August of 2018, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad deferred or halted China-backed projects that were worth $22 billion. The projects, signed during the administration of former leader Najib Razak, included the $20 billion East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and two natural gas pipeline projects in Sabah worth $2.3 billion. Mahathir administration said the three projects were overpriced. “We don’t need [the projects] at this time and the debt accumulated from them could bankrupt Malaysia,” Mahathir explained.Pushback has also occurred in Myanmar. The government there ended up renegotiating a deal for a deep sea port in Kyaukpyu. Costs went from $7.2 billion down to $1.3 billion.Thailand and Indonesia waryReaction to the BRI was initially frosty in Thailand. They went as far as rejecting Chinese infrastructure investment three years ago. However, they flipped their stance and agreed to partner with China on a railway connecting Thailand, Laos and China. The project, worth $14.2 billion, broke ground in late 2017 but has been delayed by numerous disagreements.Several high-ranking Thai officials have since called for a reassessment of BRI projects.In Indonesia, the BRI has also come under scrutiny. The country is facing a $1.5 trillion infrastructure gap. Since becoming president in 2014, Joko Widodo has aggressively courted China to help bolster infrastructure. A slew of project deals was signed. Construction of a 150-km railway connecting Jakarta to Bandung, however, has garnered criticism. At $4.5 billion, many say it’s too costly and not necessary. The country heads to the polls in April of this year.Upbeat on BRI in CambodiaCambodia, as well, suffers from something of an infrastructure gap. Indeed the foreign investment from China has been welcomed to ease the gap. Other nations such as Japan and Korea have contributed on that front as well. China has become Cambodia’s biggest foreign investor, pouring in more than $1 billion every year since 2013.Under the BRI, China is funding the construction of the $2 billion Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville expressway and the $3.8 billion Dara Sakor project in Koh Kong province, which includes an airport, seaport, and a high-end resort.Given that these projects are still relatively small, there isn’t much risk over defaulting. Many inside the country have said that more lasting effects will come from the private sector, where investors will benefit from boosted infrastructure. Success in Vietnam, Laos, and the PhilippinesNext door in Vietnam, BRI has also seen success. A BRI-centred deal was signed during President Xi’s visit to Vietnam in November of 2017.China’s ambassador to Vietnam, Xiong Bo, who previously served as China’s top envoy in Cambodia, said during a BRI forum last November that China is willing to expand cooperation with Vietnam under the framework of the initiative. In Laos, the 414-km China-Laos railway project is proceeding on schedule. The $6 billion is the centrepiece of BRI in the region. It involves the construction of 167 bridges and the digging of 53 tunnels. The railway promises to make Laos a fully-connected country.Over in the Philippines, BRI projects have also been lauded. The pro-China administration of Rodrigo Duterte signed a deal in November to fund a sweeping $152 billion infrastructure overhaul. Projects include multiple railways and a dam.Future of BRI in the regionWhile it’s true that the project has gotten mixed reviews across the board. Less developed nations like Cambodia and Laos are eager for the assistance. Indeed, as the project evolves, China will be better at adapting to feedback. Its partnerships across Southeast Asia are no doubt strengthening.Most of the worries surrounding BRI are centred on larger projects. In Cambodia, however, most of the action is based on road work and port equipment.Indeed, China-backed road work is nothing new in Cambodia. By the last count, around 70% of byways in the Kingdom have been built with at least some assistance from China. The general consensus about BRI is quite positive in the Kingdom. There’s no doubt that boosting trade and stronger relationships with China can only serve to benefit investment activity in Cambodia. For a more thorough look at the investment climate in Cambodia, head over to look at out Investment Guide 2019. It covers topics on everything from real estate to manufacturing to agriculture.Check our listings for investment property for sale in Phnom Penh and investment property in Sihanoukville.

Cambodia won’t stay hidden from international investors for much longer. Announcements have been circulating that GDP growth will be at 7% for 2018. Cambodia’s been growing this fast since the global crisis of 2008-2009.In fact, THREE different online investor publications in the last month have named Cambodia as one of the best places in Asia to lay down money. Check here and here and here. Both say there’s enormous potential in the region.As 2019 dawns we look back at the last decade of amazing success. Consistent growth in Cambodia has led it to become a “new tiger economy.” Seven percent growth each year is outstanding for a developing nation. But what’s in the cards for this year?Steady growth through 2020 has already been projected. What’s more, foreign investment in the Kingdom keeps ramping up. A few key factors that will come to define the property sector in 2019. There will be a boost to human resources. A new real estate school has already been established. Companies here are raising the bar for professionalism. Growing tech systems will play a larger part in the industry. Realestate.com.kh’s own CRM is already bringing agencies to the cutting edge. Adoption is quick and the country is more connected than ever. These systems will boost efficiency and productivity. Finally, regulators have embraced an open-minded perspective when setting the rules. Both the government and industry bodies want the sector to grow. They are committed to listening and working through challenges.Back to schoolPushing education is, of course, a major priority in the Kingdom. The real estate sector is no different. Experts have called for a boost to human resources. In fact, in our yearly survey, nearly 40% of respondents called for more standardised agent licences and training. The real estate program at the University of Economics and Finance (UEF) is doing a lot to raise the standards.Bun Chhay, board member at UEF, said the school is already admitting the second generation of students to its real estate agency and valuation program. The program began in August after a partnership was signed between the university and Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association (CVEA).“Over the course of 2018, we trained 400 students and prepared them for a range of careers in the real estate industry. Many have already be fully certified and have their licences from the Ministry of Economy and Finance,” he said, adding that many had learned to be real estate agents, property managers or valuation agents. Chhay said that the program was generating plenty of interest. He pointed out that within the next 10 years they planned to be offering full Master’s degrees in real estate.Let’s get professional As activity in the Kingdom’s real estate sector ramps up, customers want more professionalism. They expect better service and faster results. Indeed, international buyers expect service to be on par with countries like Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia.Realestate.com.kh itself has brought a new enterprise solution to the market that will take the industry to a new level. The customer relationship management system, dubbed RealestateCRM, is meant to be an all-in-one tool for local agents.“The tagline of the project is ‘work smarter not harder,’ the system will keep information centralised. It will save agents both time and money,” said Pheara Moeun, the company’s CRM manager.According to Mathew Care, CEO of Digital Classifieds Group, Realestate.com.kh’s parent company, the CRM is professionalising the market for agents.“There was a huge demand for a service of this king from Cambodia’s agents. It’s a tool they can use to build their businesses and we already have 50 major clients and over 15,000 listings,” he said.When asked how the Cambodia market is different from others that DCG operated in such as Laos, Fiji and Mongolia, Care said the Kingdom shifted and adapted incredibly fast.“There are a few key market segments in Cambodia, such as Chinese buyers, local buyers and Western buyers. Each one needs to be reached and communicated to in a unique way. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach,” he added.In a digital worldTech inclusion is rapidly sweeping across Cambodia. Data from the Mekong Business Initiative's 2017 report on Cambodia fintech showed there were over 7.1 million internet users that year, which represented a growth of 40% over 2016. What’s more, nearly all of those internet users are currently active on social media. It’s no surprise then, that companies are relying more and more on digital outlets to reach customers. B2B Cambodia, BizKhmer, Business Cambodia and Thmey Thmey are growing in influence and becoming major sources of information in the country. Realestate.com.kh is also one of the leaders of this group, bringing daily news updates, guides and tons of other resources to Cambodia’s internet users. We host over 25,000 listings and consistently get more than 20,000 pageviews per day.We even put together a full list of the tech that is set to reshape real estate in the coming year.  Flexible leadershipCambodian regulators are supportive of real estate industry growth. Indeed, they have embrace dialogue with industry figures. Chrek Soknim, the general manager of Century 21 Mekong, was last month named as the new head of the Cambodia Valuers and Estate Agents Association (CVEA). He mentioned during the announcement ceremony that bolstering human resources would be a priority during his two-year term."The world’s economic growth remains strong, and the Asean’s economy will be on the rise. For Cambodia, I am still optimistic about the real estate market over the course of 2019. The market will continue to grow in all aspects related to residential, commercial, and property management, including houses, condos, apartments, boreys and land," Soknim told Realestate.com.kh during an interview this week."China is still the leading investment country in Cambodia, following by Japan, and European countries."A tale of two marketsIt is becoming increasingly clear that Cambodian real estate has two distinct segments. The market for locals is based mainly on affordable condos, boreys, houses and land. Both local investors and international buyers, however, occupy the segment for mid- and high-range condos. James Hewson, manager of research and consulting at real estate firm CBRE, said that affordable condos are still a fairly new idea in the Kingdom. Adoption is slow, but there is demand.During the release of CBRE’s market outlook earlier this week, Hewson said there are slight fears of an oversupply in the mid- and high-end condo market. Affordable condos, however, have plenty of room for growth. "The recent completion of around 2,234 condominium units in Q4 2018 boosted total supply by 18.9% q-o-q, 40% of which was positioned in the mid-range segment. This high inflow of mid-range supply is set to continue throughout 2019, with 13,444 units forecast to be complete by the end of the year. Similarly, the high-end segment is also estimated to see a considerable increase of 243% to a total supply of approximately 10,611 units in 2019. This substantial influx in both mid and high-end condominium stock may catalyze market adjustments in the coming quarters. Whilst the affordable segment saw an additional 870 units added in Q4 2018, the total stock within the segment trails behind the mid and high-end supply at just 3,530 units," he said.Any fears of a shock, he said, were tempered by the fact that rental rates have remained steady for condos across the board.The new normalAll in all, experts are expecting this to be another year of positive growth building on previous success. New challenges will come, yes, but there's a new crop of professionals ready to face them.Stay tuned to our news section all year long for breaking updates on the real estate sector. For other great resources on the business climate in Cambodia check out our latest investment guide! Also, sign up for our newsletter today and stay up to date with the latest info.Looking for real estate for rent in Cambodia or real estate for sale in Cambodia?

The area near Cambodia’s border with Thailand holds huge potential for real estate with high investment returns. Flat​​​​ house and Villa  Star Gold is number one in its class and gives you the easiest way to start your business.Located on a prime location near plenty of five-star casinos in Poipet’s Samaki Meanchey village, Flat house and Villa  Star Gold is closed to collection of casinos, hotels, restaurants, banks, schools, markets,  entertainment centres and many more commercial complexes.  Lun Nin, sales and marketing manager at Star Gold Flat and Villa, said that this project holds potential for many businesses because it sits in a central location.“It is less than one kilometre from the new off-plan project, Thailand’s famous mall ,Big C,” Nin said.He added that Poipet is growing rapidly because it hosts a wide range of facilities and amenities; it’s connected by sturdy infrastructures such as roads, and railroad tracks and welcomes industries with the local special economic zone.The developers of this groundbreaking project are offering both local and international buyers a free tour of the site. What’s more, foreigners can obtain a long-term lease for up to 99 years.Nin confirmed that Flat house and Villa  Star Gold was developed to bring high-quality construction and a luxurious lifestyle to its residents. He said it’s an investment in the future.On top of everything, Flat house and Villa  Star Gold is now offering discounts of up to 7% ($15,000). Buyers are guaranteed rental returns of up to $1,200 a month for the first three years. You won’t even have to do anything to get this return. If you rent the unit out yourself​ you could even make as much as $4,500 per month.Making payments for a property is so simple. Installment payments are offered for five months and there is no fee for the transfer of hard titles. Don’t even worry about spending money on a full range of appliances because the house will come with high quality partly furnishing. What’s more, every buyer will get a free online casino licence.  And there are prizes too! If you buy a unit now you will be entered for a chance to win an iPhone, a television, a refrigerator, a washing machine and much more.For those who want to start a business near the border with Thailand, buying a shophouse within the Flat house and Villa  Star Gold project is the best choice. You will be generating income while you sleep. Nin added that Poipet is set to be one of the hottest secondary locations in all of Cambodia.There are two types of residences available at the complex. Shophouses measure 4.2 metres by 16 metres, boasting five bedrooms and six bathrooms​ with 4 floors in total. Linkhouses, on the other hand, are 5 metres by 12 metres and have four bedrooms and five bathrooms with 3 floors in total. There are 540 total units in the project which spans a massive 10 hectares. Both types of units have a parking area in the front and patio in the back.Flat house and Villa Star Gold project is where you will find the happiness of residential life!

From 1867 to 1953, Cambodia was classified as a French protectorate. This was an important time historically for the Kingdom, but it also came to define the architecture of the country. In fact, this is when Phnom Penh became known as the Pearl of Asia. Much of the French colonial architecture is still alive, too, and can be explored to this day.Some of the best surviving examples of French colonial architecture are to be found in the capital. However, there are tons of buildings dotted across the country. Battambang, Kep, Kampot and Siem Reap host colonial buildings as well.To check out what's on the market now, look at our listings for villas for sale in Phnom Penh and apartments for sale in Phnom Penh.What makes a French colonial building?France previously had colonies all over the world. Many in the southern US and Southeast Asia embrace the tropical heat with high ceilings that bring ventilation. Tall windows and wide balconies also helped mitigate the Cambodian heat. Secondly, French colonial structures tend to be very rectangular. They are designed symmetrically and have squared off lines. What about that signature pale yellow? Well, only royal buildings could be yellow in France so they followed suit with government structure in Cambodia.Where are the French colonial buildings?Prime examples of colonial architecture can be seen around the capital at places such as:The Post OfficeCapital Railway StationFCC Hotel/The MansionOld Police StationRaffles Hotel Le RoyalNational MuseumCentral MarketInterestingly, The National Museum looks to be built in the traditional local style. Indeed, it does take cues from Khmer adornment. But it was designed in full by a Frenchman and sports many European influences.Central Market, on the other hand, was built by the French in 1937 and exhibits striking art deco style. Of course, it still has the symmetry and clean lines of other colonial spots.Srin Sokmean, founder of Amazing Cambodia, a social media group that seeks to preserve culturally significant artifacts within the Kingdom, said there has been efforts to restore many colonial properties.“The main building of the Ministry of Education is being repaired and Hotel Le Royal has always maintained its historical architecture. Additionally, the Fish Market in Kampot has been given a facelift inside its original structure,” he said.Colonial on the coastThough many of the mansions in the seaside town of Kep have fallen into full disrepair, it can be a great place to tour the ruins. In its heyday, the area hosted more than 500 estates. Likewise, Kampot has plenty of colonial-era buildings. Some have been renovated, but some definitely have not. A trip up Bokor Mountain is definitely necessary for anyone interested in historic buildings. Battambang, too, is known to have tons of colonial buildings. Many have been turned into boutique hotels.Head over to our listings for real estate for sale in Kep, real estate for sale in Kampot and real estate for sale in Battambang to see if anything catches your eye! And we have guides giving you information about real estate in every region of the country.Buying a colonial buildingColonial buildings have survived through war, flooding and years of neglect. Nonetheless, There are still historic buildings available for sale in Phnom Penh and across the country.We took a look at listings for colonial-era spaces and made some interesting findings: First off, these places don’t come cheap. If you want to buy a colonial home or apartment you will probably be paying somewhere between $150,000 and $400,000.The beauty of the building adds a premium, but so does location. While there are a few historic properties available in Toul Kork, most are in central areas such as Wat Phnom or the riverside. They tend to be quite spacious as well, usually boasting two bedrooms or more. Colonial spaces in other provinces such as Kampot or Battambang will be much cheaper. There is currently a two-storey apartment on the market in Kampot, for instance, for $120,000. The sky’s the limit if you have an unlimited budget. Currently, a French colonial villa in Phnom Penh can be yours for a cool $1.5 million. MTV’s Cribs might come asking for a tour, however.Conserving the landmarksYou might think high rises are the only thing new happening in Phnom Penh real estate. Nevertheless, the growing skyline doesn’t tell the whole story. There are still efforts going on to renovate older structures and breathe new life into colonial-era buildings.Raffles Hotel Le Royal, in particular, is keen on preserving its status as a Phnom Penh colonial landmark. Originally opened in 1929, the hotel has pursued many renovations over the years.Vanessa Han, communications manager at the hotel, added that upkeep for such an old structure can be challenging, but the history behind the building sets it apart from other luxury accommodations in the city.“From our famous Elephant Bar, which serves the femme fatale [dedicated to Jacqueline Kennedy, who stayed at Raffles in the 1960s] to the paintings done by the countries royal artist, we are practically a tourist site on our own,” she said, adding that the company was dedicated to keeping its history alive.Andrea Suteu, who runs La Villa Boutique Hotel in Battambang, a fully-restored colonial villa, said that keeping the place running smoothly can be a challenge. Most guests, however, come to the hotel for the unique experience. "Ninety percent of our guests come to experience this building. I am trying not to bring anything modern to the design. I even designed our new menu in a vintage style," she said.Turning to tourismOf course, there has been a broader move toward tourism-focused businesses that leverage unique locations. Colonial buildings fall squarely into this category. Many across the Kingdom are being converted into boutique hotels.Sokmean expressed optimism that an interest in history is indeed growing in the country, even as investors are pushing for more modern buildings. He said there was a rumour that an abandoned governor’s mansion in Kampong Thom province would soon be turned into a luxury hotel. Indeed, we are seeing many colonial structures being used for tourism, business or even government functions. The growing tourism industry has been on everyone's minds lately. In a recent guide, we looked at the top factors for starting a hotel in Siem Reap. We even did a deep dive on what it takes to start a business in Cambodia.Also, sign up for our newsletter today and stay up to date with the latest info. Looking for real estate for rent in Cambodia or real estate for sale in Cambodia?

Whether you’re shopping for your dream home, a new family car, or you simply cannot resist great deals, this event is for you!RealEstate.com.kh invites you to the biggest home and lifestyle market in Cambodia: The Home & Lifestyle Expo 2019. You’ll find everything you need and more at this limited two-day event. There will be over 100 booths and exhibitors offering the best deals and discounts on boreys, condos and other properties. And there will be furniture, cars, motorcycles, mobile phones and devices, too. You’ll get access to banks, lenders and other financial institutions. You can learn from experts who will host free seminars on home financing, loans and credits, taxes, home design and more.Mark the date! April 26 and 27 at the Koh Pich Exhibition Center.Entrance is FREE.Register now for express entry and to receive updates via this link or via Facebook.Interested in exhibiting? If you own a business and would like to be part of the show, reserve your spot now. We expect 10,000 people to attend the Home & Lifestyle Expo 2019. Local buyers will come in full force, along with business people and investors from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and Korea, so don’t miss out on the opportunity. Call our agents today!Nin Kang (Khmer/Chinese)+855 78 637 323+855 93 552 305nin.kang@realestate.com.khTyler Stuart (English)+855 12 599 699+855 81 599 669tyler.stuart@realestate.com.kh

Before buying a home, you need to carefully consider how you will spend your time and money. When you buy into a borey, you should make sure of several things: Construction quality must be strong. Also, the project must be licensed and legal.If you want to find a project that meets all the strictest requirements, Borey VIP is the best project for you. This project is one of the most modern developments in Dangkor district, a growing area on the outskirts of Phnom Penh.Covering seven hectares, Borey VIP has nearly 1,000 homes. Buyers can choose from two different types of luxurious units. Both are quite large. The first type measures 4.2 metres by nine metres and the other is a full three metres longer. Both have both a front parking area and a back patio.We saved the best for last, however. Borey VIP is in a perfect location, it is extremely affordable and payment terms are convenient. This community will be for regular Cambodians and their families.Borey VIP is located in Dangkor district on Street 217. This is a well-established investment zone and is just three km from the Khmer Beverage factory.The project area will have everything in terms of services and amenities. Markets, schools, banks, restaurants, cafes and resorts are all close by. What’s more, the upcoming Aeon 3 complex will be just 10 minutes away. The centre of the capital is only a little further, as well.The price of a unit at Borey VIP starts at just $28,800. You can pay just $188 per month, however!In just 18 months the project is set to be complete. Units will be handed over starting in mid-2019. So don’t wait to get in on this project.For more detail about Borey VIP please contact us today!

The districts on the north side of Phnom Penh are a powerhouse of growth. In fact, 2019 is set to be the year of success in the suburbs. Pancier Residence is leading the charge. It sits in Russey Keo district, which is adjacent to both the affluent Toul Kork and Sen Sok district.This place has every imaginable luxury and value for money. Borey homes are the future of Cambodia and this borey is one of the best you will find. Location is a highlight here: Pancier is just minutes from the Tonle Sap River.Pancier Residence is making history as well. It’s one of the first borey’s in the country where foreigners can own property, thanks to a program with Canadia Bank. Land prices are already shooting up across the city and it’s only a matter of time before the do in the northern districts as well.A home for every budgetSitting right off the riverside, Pancier has plenty of room. Other places in the city feel tight and cramped. This borey is different. There are huge sidewalks, shrubs and trees that will bring shade and allow a refreshing breeze to blow through.All 133 units are designed to blend with their environment and be a home where you can relax and feel safe. This is surely a great place to raise a family. Even driving through the neighbourhood will be fun. There are trees lining every avenue so it will give a sense of homeYou might be shocked at how affordable homes in Pancier are. There are so many amenities in the area, and huge potential for growth.It’s close to tons of quality international schools, banks, ATMs, international hotels, popular restaurants and so much more. The brand new Aeon 2 and Makro shopping centres are just around the corner. Additionally, a waterpark and golf club are also nearby. Being located near National Road 5 means transportation is simple.Pech Socheata, a sales representative of the 133-unit Borey Pancier Residence in Svay Pak commune, said that Russey Keo is already turning the heads of potential investors and it’s only a matter of time before the floodgates really open up.Custom-tailored to your needsNo matter what you are looking for in a home, Pancier Residence has something for you. Units come in three sizes: linkhouse, shophouse and villa. Each unit is three storeys and they range in size from 98.69 to 243.76 square metres. What’s more, each home has a dedicated parking area.You and your family will feel safe, secure and welcome here. There’s 24-hour security, so you will be well taken care of.Want to live a modern life? This is the place where you can. The complex boast a gorgeous pool, jacuzzi, sauna and fitness centre. There will be plenty of commercial space in the borey as well so there will be loads of restaurants, shops and retailers.Many are saying that land prices are set to rise sharply over the next few years. So, don’t wait if you want to own your own place. Whether this is your first home or another addition to your portfolio, this place is sure to age well.If you are part of the growing middle-class, this borey is perfect for you. It’s a perfect place for young families, or just those who want to have a stronger future. Pancier Residence is set to be complete in 2020 so 2019 will be the year to buy.Don’t wait too long. Get in touch now to reserve your place.

Chrek Soknim, general manager of Century 21 Mekong, has been selected for a two-year term as the president of the Cambodia Valuers and Estate Agents Association (CVEA). Speaking at a conference announcing the appointment on December 14, Soknim said he was firmly committed to leading the CVEA so as to benefit the entire country's economy. Elaborating on future plans in his new leadership position, Soknim said his first priority was to re-structure the system of leadership. Indeed, effective management is a key point for Soknim. Additionally, Soknim stressed the need to bolster the group's legal counsel. He said this was necessary to ensure the interest of all members was represented. Secondly, Soknim expressed the need to boost cooperation among members. Making sure everyone was properly advised and moving in the right direction would be of the utmost importance, he reiterated.Making a list, checking it twiceListing five key action items that he would be tackling during his mandate, Soknim said he would:1) Develop new strategies for the group and successfully implement them.2) Build the capacity of individual members by focusing on human resources.3) Seek to adequately support and protect each member firm.4) Create and bring opportunities to CVEA members.5) Mediate any problems that members encounter.New training courses"Capacity building is a necessary part of our process," he said, stressing that technical competence was still limited. He claimed it was the association's responsibility to mitigate these shortcomings by offering training courses."The utilisation of human resources and the opportunity for skilled people to join the association is a high priority," said Soknim.Soknim will officially assume his new post in early 2019. He follows Dr. Kim Heang, who has been the president of the CVEA for the past two years and lead a remarkable period of growth. As 2018 comes to a close, many are looking ahead to the new year fuelled with optimism about the real estate industry. News has already broke that GDP growth for 2018 will, yet again, be near 7%. Here at Realestate.com.kh we have released the much anticipated Cambodia Investment Guide 2019. You can download this business cheat sheet completely for free!Additionally, you can find tons of resources in our guides section, location profiles, and reports. Make sure you stay current with our news section.Also, sign up for our newsletter today and stay up to date with the latest info. Looking for real estate for rent in Cambodia or real estate for sale in Cambodia?

Realestate.com.kh has expanded its vaunted marketing campaign to include transit advertising.Since October 2018, five buses have been running on Lines 1A, 2, 3, 4B, and 5 bearing the Realestate.com.kh brand. In addition, 100’s tuk-tuks (100 in Phnom Penh and 50 in Siem Reap) are rolling around town with signage promoting Realestate.com.kh in both Khmer and English.Cambodia’s leading real estate website and marketing agency made a foray into transit advertising as it continues its biggest marketing campaign ever. The campaign also includes promotion on Cambodia’s leading networks CTN and MY TV, and billboard advertising.To do transit advertising, Realestate.com.kh signed an agreement with the Phnom Penh City Hall to allow it to advertise via the public bus system.Realestate.com.kh’s decision to enter the world of transit advertising is expected to pay dividends big time. Transit advertising is one of the best and most effective forms of marketing. This type of promotion is inexpensive, reaches a wide audience, and offers high visibility on a daily basis.Transit advertising is seen as particularly effective for a small city like Phnom Penh where the public bus is a popular and constant presence.  The air-conditioned buses form the backbone of the Phnom Penh public transport system.They are the cheapest form of transportation within the city and its suburbs, are clean, and give passengers a cool, comfortable ride to their destination.Phnom Penh City Hall currently operates more nearly 200 buses donated by China and Japan. The buses run from 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM every day and crawl to a halt at every bus stop along the route to offload and pick-up passengers.A ticket for a single trip only costs 1,500 riel or less than $0.40. Workers and students can ride the buses for free by just showing their labor card or student ID.During important public holidays like Pchum Ben, the buses are used for the free transport of people from Phnom Penh to the provinces and vice versa.At present, the Phnom Penh public bus system services 13 routes.Realestate.com.kh, Cambodia’s home of real estate, has the most up to date information for buyers, sellers and property enthusiasts! Sign up for our newsletter today and stay up to date with the latest info…Looking for real estate for rent in Cambodia or real estate for sale in Cambodia?

According to real estate investment company JLL, the value of investable commercial property worldwide will hit US$65 trillion by 2020. Nearly a third of that, it stated in a recent report, will be in the Asia Pacific region.We are entering the last year of this decade. Technology shapes our everyday life now more than ever. Communication across the globe is instant, businesses trade millions of dollars with those in other nations via the internet and normal people do their work and get information on the web. Tech is pivotal to every industry and real estate is no exception.The JLL report goes on to show that, of the $7.8 billion poured into proptech (property technology) between 2013 and June of 2017, 61% of that was in the Asia Pacific region. It is truly the global centre of real estate innovation.Tech inclusion is rapidly sweeping across Cambodia. Data from the Mekong Business Initiative's 2017 report on Cambodia fintech shows there were over 27 million mobile subscriptions and over seven million internet users in a country of 16 million people. Perhaps more significant, over 50% of the population is under 25 and 21% live in an urban area. This means tech adoption happens at a breakneck speed. But which technologies are changing the face of real estate? Well, here are five of the big ideas that could radically shake up the property sector in the coming year:Cyberspace toursEveryone has seen the flashy virtual reality (VR) headsets put out by Oculus and HTC. We are now seeing that these aren’t just devices for video games. Educational and non-profit organisations are already adopting this technology to develop immersive experiences. So, it’s only natural that real estate businesses are using them to give virtual tours and explore intricate 3D designs.Yu Kobayashi is the CEO of Lastmile Works, a Phnom Penh tech startup which is creating interactive apps that allow users to explore buildings and even entire cities in the virtual space.“The experience is more useful than a brochure or animation. The user can really experience it [the space]. Some of them even buy the property without ever seeing it in person,” Kobayashi said.He was sure to add that the price to create these immersive environments was already trending downward. One could be created for as little as $200, he claimed.The importance of this technology can’t be understated in Cambodia, either. Most real estate funding in the Kingdom, in fact, comes from investors in China. The power to take virtual tours from hundreds of miles away will surely open the floodgates for even more capital inflows.Blockchain: It ain’t just bitcoinBlockchain has hit the headlines because it is the technology behind bitcoin. But actually, cryptocurrency is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to blockchain. Contracts and agreements can be distributed across the globe with the technology. Indeed, entire properties have already been traded on blockchain networks. In Malaysia, one group has issued tokens which are backed by properties in Kuala Lumpur. This essentially allows anyone with an internet connection to own a fraction of that estate.Official and commercial uses of cryptocurrency are technically illegal in Cambodia after a joint statement issued by the National Bank of Cambodia in June. So, projects now exist in a grey area. The ubiquity of financial scamming was cited as a reason for the ban.Steve Miller, founder of CryptoAsia, said that after blockchain is embraced in the financial sector it will filter down into other industries.“Once the actuality of a trustless money system is realized, then the more exotic use cases of a distributed ledger system will fall into place such as rights management, voting, and other smart-contract innovations,” he said.In Mean, who founded the Khmer Crypto Foundation and a project called KH coin before the official ban, urged people to educated themselves about any sort of tech before making investments.KH coin, he said, was simply a project that aimed to educate people about blockchain, help them avoid scams and boost tech knowledge.Echoing Mean’s comments, Chhay Lem, founder of Serey, a social media and content network based on blockchain said his project was meant to boost education and information access in Cambodia. The platform, which rewards users for creating videos or news articles, decentralises information on a global scale.“Blockchain is the future, and we are using it to create a space for discussion that is completely open and free,” Lem said. There’s an app for thatIf you’ve perused any of the listings for the latest developments in Cambodia, you’ve undoubtedly heard about smart home features. Lights, televisions, air conditioning, security systems and a full range of home appliances can all be controlled from a smartphone. While this concept is still a luxury in Cambodia, properties in South Korea and Singapore have been implementing it for years. IoT, or internet of things, is the broader concept that encompasses these connected devices. Companies making everything from light bulbs to blenders are hopping on the IoT train. There’s even an IoT Asia conference held every year in Singapore. Real estate isn’t the only industry that could be overhauled by IoT, either. The technology is already being put to use in the manufacturing, utilities and logistics sectors in Thailand. Cambodia’s leaders have already set goals towards bringing more high-skilled jobs and value-adding processes to the nation’s factories. Along with robotics and automation, IoT is a clear solution to supercharge local production.Take it to the bankReal estate and banking are intimately related, no matter where you reside. Loans and financing are needed for mortgages, down payments and investment. The banking sector in Cambodia is undoubtedly growing and becoming more mature. Indeed local media has noted that more international players are entering the country, raising standards and making competition more fierce.However, peer-to-peer lending is also on the rise within Southeast Asia. A report from Cambridge University found that the market for alternative financing in Southeast Asia alone was worth a staggering $215.9 million in 2016. Many services that are emerging offer smaller loans with fewer stipulations than banks can offer. What's more, many have humanitarian motives and, ultimately, aim to reduce poverty by bringing people another step closer to more formal financial institutions.Singapore's Fintech News recently profiled P2P lending platforms across Southeast Asia. They highlighted three operating in Cambodia: Karprak, Komchey and Lendwithcare.org. Big data in the big cityAs cities like Phnom Penh offer more and more job opportunities, they grow in size. With a larger population comes the potential for more detailed studies of the market. The idea of big data is quite new. In a report on the topic from earlier this year, real estate group CBRE claimed that urban big data was about three V’s: volume, velocity and variety. Cambodia’s capital is home to nearly two million. The amount of data and information about anything from transactions to food preferences is staggering. What’s more, because of the ubiquity of smartphones, this data can be collected constantly and cover a range of media from pictures and text to video or audio.CBRE’s report goes on to state that higher urban wages and a greater availability of opportunities both contribute to rising real estate prices. “The availability of high-wage, high-status jobs plus the local effect of quality of life [a city’s amenities] will be equal to local real estate values,” the report says.The document goes on to show a few examples of smart city monitoring in action, and how big data is helping to solve real problems. In Santa Clara, California, sensors were put on water systems to save 180 million gallons of water and avoid drought. Yinchuan, China has implemented facial recognition technology and grocery delivery apps to increase efficiency and productivity.Despite noting challenges with regards to privacy, usability and human capital, the report clearly states that Asia could be the most vital region for big data.“Many of the most impressive examples of the application of big data techniques are in Asia -- China in particular, but also Korea.”Potential proptech powerhouseThough many tech developments have been slow to catch on in Cambodia, there is momentum growing. Often people in the country get their first internet connection through a mobile phone, leapfrogging personal computers entirely. A similar effect is being echoed in the world of banking. Credit and debit cards remain relatively rare in the country. However, digital payment platforms such as PiPay, WePay and Smart Luy are a growing trend. We could see the masses jump straight from cash to mobile-based payment.Certainly, there is a growing demographic of youths that are eager to get into the tech world. Perhaps many of them will find themselves working in one of these four areas.For other great resources on the business climate in Cambodia check out our latest investment guide! Also, sign up for our newsletter today and stay up to date with the latest info.Looking for real estate for rent in Cambodia or real estate for sale in Cambodia?