What can a foreign buyer own?
Cambodia’s co-owned building framework allows eligible foreign buyers to hold private units above the ground floor in qualifying condominium buildings. The ownership normally relates to the individual unit and a proportional interest in shared areas, rather than ownership of the land beneath the development.
Not every apartment is automatically eligible. Buyers should confirm that the building has the correct legal status, that the unit can receive an eligible title, and that the foreign ownership quota has not been exceeded.
Documents to verify before paying a deposit
Use an independent Cambodian lawyer to review the ownership structure and transaction documents before signing or transferring funds.
- The title or master-title position and the seller’s legal right to sell
- The building’s co-owned or strata-title eligibility
- The available foreign ownership quota for the building
- The sale agreement, payment schedule and cancellation terms
- Outstanding fees, taxes, mortgages or other registered interests
Freehold, leasehold and company structures
A qualifying condominium unit is different from land or a landed home. Long leases and properly structured companies may be discussed in some transactions, but they create different rights, obligations and risks.
The safest structure depends on the asset and the buyer’s circumstances. Obtain independent legal and tax advice instead of relying on a structure proposed only by the seller or developer.
Budget beyond the advertised price
Plan for professional fees, applicable transfer taxes and registration costs, building management charges, furnishing, insurance and ongoing maintenance. For an investment property, also test a conservative rental scenario that includes vacancy and management costs.
BKB can help shortlist suitable Phnom Penh condominiums and coordinate the information needed for review. The final legal opinion should always come from an independent qualified adviser.