Real Estate Purchase in Cambodia
Everything you need to know about buying property in Cambodia as a foreigner
Purchasing Real Estate in Cambodia
The Cambodian real estate market is booming.
New residential buildings and private developments are growing rapidly across the country, creating opportunities for buyers and investors. High returns are possible but only if you fully understand the laws and identify the right opportunities.
On this website, you’ll find an overview of the key points to know about real estate in Cambodia. On the private members’ website, each topic is explained in detail with dedicated pages.
Property Options in Cambodia
Whether you're looking to buy an apartment, a house in a gated community, or a plot of land, Cambodia offers a wide range of modern and well-equipped properties. Many condominiums include amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, saunas, children’s play areas, security, and cleaning services.
There are also many private housing developments offering spacious modern homes with small gardens. Land sales are increasing rapidly, especially in expanding urban areas.
For foreigners who wish to buy an apartment or a property in a co-ownership structure, either to live in or as a rental investment, the legal solution available is the Strata Title, which allows ownership in your personal name.
For other types of properties (including land), different legal mechanisms and specific agreements can give foreigners full control over the property’s use, management, and resale while remaining compliant with Cambodian regulations.
See the full explanations on the private members’ website
Can Foreigners Own Real Estate or Land in Cambodia?
Yes, as a foreigner, you can legally own an apartment in your own name through a Strata Title. You can live in it, rent it out, or sell it.
If you want to buy land or a house built on land, this is also possible through legally recognized solutions. Before discussing how to buy, the essential question is:
What type of property title does the real estate have?
Property and Land Titles in Cambodia
The type of property title is one of the most important aspects of any real estate transaction.
Under Cambodian law, only Cambodian citizens or Cambodian entities can own land in their own name. This means that as a foreigner, you cannot hold land under your personal name but legal solutions exist to structure ownership safely and properly.
Once the appropriate structure is identified and the property title is verified, the next step is the transfer of ownership, which must be done according to a precise legal process.
It is essential to be professionally assisted when purchasing real estate in Cambodia.
Property Title Categories
Cambodia has several types of property and land titles:
- Soft Title
- Hard Title
- LMAP (Private Ownership Title)
- Strata Title (Co-Ownership)
The first three types must be held by a Cambodian individual or entity. However, the Strata Title allows a foreigner to own a property in their own name within a co-owned building.
A complete explanation of each title is available on the private BCC members’ website.
New Real Estate Tax: Capital Gains
Sellers of real estate or land in Cambodia must now pay a 20% tax on capital gains. This new regulation is expected to increase overall property prices across the country.
Buying an Apartment
The members’ website provides full details on:
- the property title accessible to foreigners
- the legal process
- administrative steps
- secure purchase methods
Solutions for Buying Real Estate in Cambodia
Once you have confirmed the property title, we will study the legal solutions to acquire it. Specific legal mechanisms and documents allow foreigners to purchase real estate in Cambodia, fully control its sale and use, and enjoy all profits.
This is probably the safest option for buying property such as land in Cambodia.
BCC Note: Create your LHC with our specialized real estate lawyers to secure your investments. See full details on the private members’ site.
A practical alternative for foreigners to invest in land in Cambodia.
BCC Note: Specific clauses must be included in the contract, and legal documents registered at the national level to secure your investment.
You can legally put the property in the name of your Cambodian spouse.
BCC Note: Our team and partner lawyers can draft a contract to protect your rights and actions regarding the property.
Note: What happens in case of the Cambodian partner’s death? (See private members’ site)
Obtaining Cambodian citizenship allows a foreigner full legal ownership of property in their name, with all associated rights and protections under Cambodian law.
Allows direct ownership of an apartment within a co-owned building in Cambodia.
See “Strata Title” on the private members’ site.
With a land concession, foreign investors can use land for industrial purposes through a 50 year renewable concession.
A trust company can purchase and hold land or property for a foreigner, giving full ownership rights. Our team and partner lawyers offer trusts for land and property in Cambodia.
See details on the private members’ site and contact us.
⚠️ Registering property in the name of a Cambodian citizen as a nominee is very risky and strictly prohibited by the government.
Property Tax in Cambodia
Calculation and payment of property tax in Cambodia: 80% of the taxable value is used, $25,000 is subtracted, and 1% of the total is calculated.
Formula: (Taxable Value × 80%) - $25,000 × 0.1%
BCC Real Estate Listings
Property Listings: BCC Immobilier Cambodge offers housing options tailored to your needs: apartments and houses in different Cambodian cities, all legally verified.
Commercial Listings in Cambodia: Businesses available for purchase with negotiated conditions and secure contracts. All-inclusive packages are available, including: project study, personalized advice, local market adaptation, company registration, work permits, business visas.
A Brief History
Most Cambodian property records and land titles were destroyed between 1975 - 1979, making proof of ownership nearly impossible. The 1989 Land Law, revised in 2001, created private land ownership and established the cadastre system, still in use today. Millions of titles have been issued, but disputes remain. Investors must verify land ownership before signing contracts related to land use, leasing, or shared property interests.
Since the 2011 Civil Code came into effect, several provisions of the land law have been updated, clarifying foreign ownership rights. Legal solutions exist for foreigners to purchase property in Cambodia.
Investments in Cambodia
BCC advises on real estate investments and offers listings for houses and apartments accessible to foreigners. Exceptional opportunities are currently available to become property owners in Cambodia.
BCC: Your Real Estate Agency in Cambodia
Rent or buy apartments, houses, land, and commercial spaces. From visits to signing, BCC ensures secure contracts, legal verification, and expert guidance.
Full information is reserved for BCC members.
Members-Only Content Highlights
- Detailed property titles
- Solutions for foreigners
- Taxes on real estate
- Property title transfers
- Legal protection during purchase
- Pitfalls to avoid