Buying Property in Phnom Penh – Investor's Guide 2025

Property Purchase

Cambodia, and particularly its capital Phnom Penh, has been attracting investors from around the world for several years.
Modern condominium developments, liberal ownership laws, and attractive prices have made buying property in Phnom Penh one of the most profitable investment opportunities in Southeast Asia.

In 2025, Cambodia's capital maintains steady price growth and high demand among foreign buyers – including those from Poland and across Europe.

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Phnom Penh?

Yes. Cambodia allows foreigners to acquire property on a freehold basis, provided it's located in a condominium building.
Unlike Thailand, in Phnom Penh full ownership of an apartment is possible – including title deed ownership.

Purchase rules for foreigners:

• ✅ You can purchase apartments from the first floor upward (ground floor reserved for Cambodian citizens).
• ✅ You can own 100% of the property in condominium form.
• ✅ Land plots can only be acquired through a Cambodian company or long-term lease (leasehold up to 50 years).

💡 In 2025, the property purchase procedure in Phnom Penh is one of the simplest in the ASEAN region.

Property Purchase Process in Phnom Penh – Step by Step

Stage	Description	Timeline
1️⃣ Reservation (Booking Agreement)	Reserve your chosen unit in the project. Deposit payment $1,000–$3,000 (≈ €900–€2,700).	1–3 days
2️⃣ Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA)	Sign contract with developer, pay down payment of 10–30%.	7–10 days
3️⃣ Legal Due Diligence	Verify title deed and project licensing.	10–14 days
4️⃣ Transaction Completion	Final payment and transfer of strata title.	30–45 days
5️⃣ Registration at Ministry of Economy	Official entry into property register.	1–2 weeks

💡 The entire process can be completed remotely using power of attorney and an escrow account.

Costs of Buying Property in Phnom Penh

Item	Fee Amount	Value in EUR*
Registration fee	2–4% of property value	approx. €1,800–€4,500
Notary fee	$300–$500	approx. €270–€450
Strata title fee	$100–$200	approx. €90–€180
Transfer tax	4% of property value	variable
Legal services (optional)	$500–$1,000	€450–€900

💡 *Exchange rate: 1 USD = 0.90 EUR

Average total transaction cost is 5–6% of property value.

Property Prices in Phnom Penh (2025)

Property Type	Price per m²	Total Price	Value in EUR*
Studio	$1,800–$2,200	$55,000–$80,000	€49,500–€72,000
1 bedroom	$2,200–$2,800	$95,000–$135,000	€85,500–€121,500
2 bedrooms	$2,500–$3,200	$170,000–$250,000	€153,000–€225,000
Premium apartment	$3,500–$5,000	$300,000–$500,000	€270,000–€450,000

Best Locations to Buy Property in Phnom Penh

1. BKK1 – Boeng Keng Kang 1

Luxury embassy district with international schools and premium condominiums.
High ROI and strong demand from expatriates.

• Prices: $2,800–$4,000/m² (≈ €2,520–€3,600/m²)
• ROI: 8–9%
• Projects: Skylar Meridian, Embassy Central, The View

2. Tonle Bassac

Modern financial center along the Mekong River.
Rapid price growth and numerous commercial investments.

• Prices: $2,500–$3,500/m² (≈ €2,250–€3,150/m²)
• ROI: 9–10%
• Nearby: AEON Mall, NagaWorld

3. Chroy Changvar

Developing district on the other side of the Mekong.
Excellent infrastructure and lower entry prices.

• Prices: $1,500–$2,000/m² (≈ €1,350–€1,800/m²)
• ROI: 9–11%
• Projects: The Peninsula, Morgan EnMaison

Financing and Remote Purchase

Foreigners typically purchase with cash, however in 2025 the first mortgage offers for foreigners are appearing at select Cambodian banks (e.g., ABA Bank, Canadia Bank).
The lending process requires a local account and proof of income.

💡 For investors from Europe, the most convenient option remains purchasing with own funds or through an offshore company.

Common Mistakes When Buying Property

• ❌ Failing to verify strata title ownership.
• ❌ Purchasing through unauthorized agents.
• ❌ Not understanding foreign ownership limitations.
• ❌ Lacking an English-language contract with legal translation.

✅ Working with an experienced agency like Varsovia Estate eliminates legal risks and ensures complete transaction support.

Summary

Buying property in Phnom Penh is currently one of the safest and most profitable forms of investment in Southeast Asia.
Low taxes, a straightforward purchase process, and a stable market make Cambodia's capital increasingly attractive to European investors.

2025 is an ideal time to enter the market – prices remain competitive, and growth potential is very high.

FAQ

Can Europeans buy property in Phnom Penh?
Yes, condominium units can be purchased on a freehold basis.

How long does the purchase take?
On average 30–45 days, including title registration.

Is a local partner required?
No, for condominiums – purchase is possible entirely independently.

Does Varsovia Estate assist with purchases in Cambodia?
Yes – we offer comprehensive services for investors from Europe, including ROI analysis and legal support.