Buying residential property for rental returns in Phnom Penh

By Realestate.com.kh staff

Here are some handy tips from Realestate.com.kh on things to consider before buying a rental property for future returns in Cambodia.

Cambodia has many types of properties suitable for investors seeking rental returns; such as villas, flats, shop​​ houses, apartments, and condos. However, finding the right properties for the right tenants can be time-consuming if you don’t have an understanding of the current rental market supply and demand.

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Here are some handy tips from Realestate.com.kh on things to consider before buying a rental property for future returns in Cambodia.

 

Target tenant versus target rental returns

 

It is vital that you know who your target tenants are: Cambodian or expatriate? They are two very different targets  with different tastes and financial means.

If you target local middle-income Khmer families, you can buy a flat house in a Borey project in the suburbs or a shophouse in the inner city with both residential and retail capacity. Expect lower returns for these properties than you might get from foreigners renting condos or villas  but expect more security from this income because demand for these properties is high compared with supply.

You might consider affordable houses such as a flat house with purchase prices between $70,000 and $100,000. Buying a flat house in the suburbs of Phnom Penh will earn anywhere between $350 and $550 per month in rental returns. For renovated one and two-bedroom flat houses around central Phnom Penh, you can earn between $450 and $550 per month. As a general rule in Cambodia, affordable rental properties tend to attract more tenants than expensive ones.

However, if you aim to get higher rental returns, you can buy a shophouse in a prime location in central Phnom Penh such as Daun Penh, Chamkarmon or alongside a major wet-market, where purchase prices are around $3-$4,000 per square meter , but you can then rent for an average $1,500 per month. This is because a shophouse has a high potential for retail businesses, especially if it has corner parking spaces.

A western-style kitchen with modern and high-quality products in a luxury condominium. Realestate.com.kh

If you want to target foreign nationals for more lucrative rental returns, you should consider buying a condo or high-end villa in the heart of the city for anywhere between $120-$700,000. This can bring you between $1,000 to $4,000 per month in rental returns, depending on quality, location and services. With a heavy supply of condos now entering the Phnom Penh market, however, focus on location, quality and other unique features to make sure that your asset will actually generate the rental returns you are seeking. Inspect the past rental returns of similar properties closely and get advice from more than one agent and/or developer.

Alternatively, look at budget condos (around $40 to $80,000 purchase price) in the less-central districts of Phnom Penh because these types of properties are able to be rented by locals working in the city, although at a smaller monthly rate than expats are happy to pay. These assets will have a safer rental return.

Look for bargain condos in areas such as Toul Tum Poung also known as the Russian Market, Toul Kork or in Steung Meanchey. Local renters are happy to live in these areas of the city, close to their workplaces or schools. Sen Sok, Chbar Ompov and Chroy Changvar are also seeing many new development projects popping up and buying rental property in this area is likely to get good monthly returns in rental fees from locals or expats and is also an asset that will appreciate in the coming years as you consider resale. Make sure you get a strata title so that your ownership is guaranteed.

The living room of a flat house within a Borey project in Phnom Penh. Realestate.com.kh

Location and Safety

 

Tenants, especially expats, tend to consider safety and security when they decide to rent a residential property. Boeung Keng Kang, Tonle Bassac, Toul Kork, Daun Penh and Toul Tum Poung are among the most secure locations in central Phnom Penh. But for Cambodian nationals, location is second only to price; therefore, they seem less concerned about security compared with foreigners.

Furthermore, you should buy rental properties in areas with amenities such as schools, hospitals, restaurants, entertainment services and convenient access to business and commercial establishments. Make sure you are investing in an area with a high and sustainable rental demand in the future.

Real estate agent advice

 

Finding a good real estate agent before buying a rental property is crucial for you as a buyer because the agent will guide you towards the right sector of the market for your needs and financial means. In addition, the agent is aware of the history of a property  and its actual potential for rental returns.

They will be able to help you lease the property if you want a full-service approach to your investment.

 

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