Buyer due diligence

Phnom Penh Property Due Diligence: 10 Checks Before You Buy

Use this Phnom Penh property due diligence checklist to review title, seller, contract, building, costs, rental assumptions and handover risks.

Property advisers reviewing condominium plans and documents

Legal and ownership checks

An independent Cambodian lawyer should confirm the asset, seller and proposed ownership route. The review must match the actual unit and transaction.

  • Confirm the seller’s identity and authority to complete the sale
  • Review the title position and registered interests
  • Check eligibility for the intended buyer and ownership form
  • Match the unit number, floor, area and parking rights
  • Review payment, delay, default and cancellation clauses

Physical and building checks

For completed property, inspect the exact unit rather than only a show unit. Record defects and review the condition of lifts, corridors, parking and shared facilities.

For off-plan property, assess the specification, construction progress, approval position and developer track record. Clarify the process for snagging defects.

Financial checks

Build a complete cost schedule and stress-test the investment assumptions. A gross rental figure does not account for vacancy, management, repairs, furnishing, service charges, taxes or transaction costs.

  • Purchase price and payment dates
  • Taxes, registration and professional fees
  • Management fees and recurring building charges
  • Furnishing, maintenance and management allowance
  • Conservative rent, vacancy and resale scenarios

Keep advice independent

The selling agent, developer and buyer may each have different interests. Use qualified independent advisers for legal, tax and technical questions, and ensure important representations appear in the signed contract.

BKB can organise project information, comparisons and viewing support so your advisers have a clearer package to review.