How Technology is Transforming Cambodia’s Real Estate Market

Over the past two decades, Cambodia has undergone a significant digital transformation that has impacted nearly every sector of the economy, including the real estate sector. What was once a market driven by in-person visits, word-of-mouth referrals, and cash transactions has evolved into a digitally connected industry where online listings, digital payments, and smart technologies play a central role. 

From faster internet connectivity to the rise of Property Technology (PropTech), Cambodia’s real estate sector is increasingly influenced by technological advancements that are shaping how properties are bought, sold, and managed.

Let’s explore how technology is reshaping Cambodia’s property sector.

Additional reading: Cambodia’s Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021–2035

Digital Infrastructure and Online Accessibility

In the early 2000s, Cambodia's digital infrastructure was limited, restricting access to property information and online platforms. However, the introduction of 4G services around 2014 and the ongoing expansion of 5G networks since 2022 have improved internet speeds and mobile access nationwide. This connectivity has enabled potential buyers and investors to easily browse property listings, research market trends, and make informed decisions without relying on traditional offline channels.

Real estate websites began to emerge during the mid-2010s, providing centralized platforms for buyers, sellers, and investors. In fact, began operating since 2009 onward, Realestate.com.kh has generate thousands of listings across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, offering detailed information about property prices, specifications, and locations. Virtual tours, floor plans, and price comparison tools have further enhanced transparency and accessibility within the market as well. 

Digital Payments and the Rise of Bakong

The evolution of Cambodia’s financial technology has significantly streamlined real estate transactions. Traditionally, Cambodians mainly rely on cash payments, but the sector has transitioned towards digital payments as mobile banking applications gained widespread adoption during the 2010s. Mobile platforms such as ABA Mobile, Acleda, Wing, and TrueMoney now facilitate the payment of rent, booking fees, deposits, and service charges.

A major milestone in Cambodia’s digital financial infrastructure was marked by the introduction of Bakong, a blockchain-based payment system launched by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) in October 2020. Designed to promote financial inclusion and reduce reliance on cash, Bakong integrates both bank accounts and e-wallets into a single platform, allowing seamless domestic transfers and payments in Cambodian riel and US dollars. Its implementation has contributed to the simplification of property transactions, particularly for locals who previously depended on physical currency for large payments.

In addition to Bakong, interest in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and USDT (Tether) has grown, especially among international buyers and tech-savvy investors. While cryptocurrency-based property transactions remain relatively niche due to regulatory uncertainties, certain developers and agencies have begun accepting digital assets as alternative payment methods, further diversifying transaction options within the sector.

Additional reading: Cambodia Embraces Crypto Assets: A Regulated Start to a Digital Future

This shift in digital finance makes it much easier for both local and foreign buyers to invest in Cambodian real estate, even from overseas, no matter where they are in the world.

PropTech and Real Estate Marketing Innovation

The adoption of Property Technology (PropTech) has redefined how real estate companies in Cambodia operate and engage with their customers. PropTech includes a range of digital tools and innovations designed to enhance the marketing, sale, and management of real estate assets.

One of the most prominent developments is the use of virtual tours, 360° views, and 3D walkthroughs, which enable buyers to explore properties remotely. Drone photography, AI-powered chatbots, and automated customer relationship management (CRM) systems are also increasingly being used to market properties more effectively and respond to buyer inquiries efficiently.

Developers now leverage 3D visualization technologies to showcase off-plan projects, allowing potential buyers to visualize future developments and make purchasing decisions before construction is complete. These technological tools not only improve marketing capabilities but also help bridge the gap between developers and investors, particularly those located overseas.

Smart Building Technologies and Sustainable Construction

Another significant aspect of technological advancement within Cambodia’s real estate sector is the rise of smart buildings and sustainable construction practices. Modern residential and commercial projects increasingly incorporate smart home technologies such as automated lighting, digital door locks, facial recognition entry systems, and app-controlled appliances.

Green building technologies are also becoming more common. New developments feature energy-efficient insulation, solar panels, and sustainable building materials. These innovations not only align with global environmental standards but also appeal to a growing segment of buyers and investors seeking cost-efficient and environmentally responsible properties.

Centralized Marketplaces and Transparency

The growth of online property marketplaces has contributed to increased transparency and market efficiency. Leading property portals, established primarily in the mid-to-late 2010s, allow buyers, sellers, and investors to access a centralized database of property listings, filter searches based on specific criteria, and compare market prices.

These platforms also offer additional resources such as loan calculators, investment guides, and market trend reports, empowering users to make more informed investment decisions. The availability of bilingual content in Khmer, English, and increasingly Chinese further enhances accessibility for both local and international stakeholders.

Realestate.com.kh is Cambodia’s largest and most trusted property portal, connecting thousands of buyers and sellers every month. Whether you're searching for your first home, comparing investment properties, or seeking the latest market insights, Realestate.com.kh offers the tools and resources to help you succeed in Cambodia’s evolving real estate market.

Cambodia’s real estate sector is undergoing a transformation driven by advances in digital infrastructure, financial technology, PropTech, and sustainable construction. From the implementation of high-speed internet and the launch of the Bakong payment system in 2020 to the adoption of smart home technologies and online property marketplaces, technology is playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the property market.

As Cambodia moves forward with its Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021–2035, the real estate industry is expected to continue integrating innovative solutions, creating a more accessible, transparent, and efficient market for buyers, investors, and developers alike.

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