---
title: Buying Property in Cambodia: The 2026 Essentials
tags:  #cambodia property #buying property in cambodia #phnom penh condos #cambodia real estate guide #riel property #foreign ownership cambodia  
author: [The Guide Desk](https://www.docswell.com/user/theguidedesk)
site: [Docswell](https://www.docswell.com/)
thumbnail: https://bcdn.docswell.com/page/DEYDVG85EM.jpg?width=480
description: A short guide for home buyers and international investors from Riel Property. It covers what foreigners can own in Cambodia, buying in five steps, typical costs and taxes, off-plan versus ready condos, paying and living there, and where to buy in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Koh Rong and Siem Reap. Read the full Cambodia Property Guide 2026: https://www.rielproperty.com/invest/cambodia-property-guide/
published: November 13, 26
canonical: https://www.docswell.com/s/theguidedesk/Z4NPEJ-buying-property-in-cambodia-2026
---
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RP R I E L P R O P E R T Y
Buying Property in
Cambodia: The 2026
Essentials
A short guide for home buyers and international
investors
November 2026
www.rielproperty.com


# Page. 2

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The 2026 Essentials
Why Cambodia, and Why Now
Cambodia is one of the few markets in Asia where foreigners can own a home in their own
name, pay for it in US dollars and live in it on a simple, renewable visa.
Dollar economy: property prices, rents and banking in US dollars, with no currency risk on the asset.
Freehold ownership: foreigners can hold strata title to condo units on any floor above ground level,
within a 70% foreign limit per building.
Simple long stays: renewable 12-month extensions for workers and retirees aged 55 and over.
Lower entry prices: modern condos in Phnom Penh cost a fraction of comparable homes in
Bangkok, Singapore or Western cities.
A two-speed market: prices softened overall in 2025 and 2026, while prime, well-managed
buildings held up far better. Choosing the right building is what matters.
This short guide is a summary of The Cambodia Property Guide 2026, published by Riel Property. The
full guide, with checklists and detailed chapters on costs, titles, off-plan buying, living in Cambodia and
where to buy, is available free at www.rielproperty.com/invest/cambodia-property-guide/.
Riel Property
www.rielproperty.com
1


# Page. 3

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The 2026 Essentials
What Foreigners Can Own
Property
Can foreigners own it?
How
Condo unit
Yes
Strata title in your own name, any floor above
ground level
House or villa
Not directly
Registered lease of up to 50 years, or a
Cambodian-majority company
Land
Not directly
Long-term lease or a Cambodian-majority company
Some local projects call the first level above the lobby the 2nd floor, so confirm the unit is above ground
level rather than relying on the floor number. Always buy strata or hard title, check the building’s foreign
quota, and use an independent lawyer to search the registry before paying more than a deposit.
Buying in Five Steps
1. Reserve a unit with a deposit, often $1,000 to $5,000.
2. Check the title, developer and contract with an independent lawyer.
3. Sign the sale and purchase agreement and pay the first installment.
4. Pay the balance, either before transfer (ready units) or in stages during construction (off-plan).
5. Transfer the title. For ready units this usually takes around 12 weeks.
Riel Property
www.rielproperty.com
2


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The 2026 Essentials
What It Costs
Cost
Typical amount
Stamp duty
4% of the official value; relief for many developer purchases until 31
December 2026
Legal fees
About 0.5% to 1% of the price
Building management
About $1 to $2 per square meter per month
Annual property tax
0.1% of the assessed value above about $25,000
Rental tax
10% of gross rent; foreign owners are typically taxed at 14%
Capital gains tax
None before 2027; from 1 January 2027, 20% of the gain, or an effective
4% of the sale price under the lump-sum method
On a $150,000 condo bought from a developer, one-off costs come to about $7,500 without the 2026
relief and about $1,500 with first-time buyer relief. Foreign buyers should confirm eligibility for the relief
in writing.
Off-Plan or Ready?
Off-plan offers lower prices and staged payments over two to four years, with construction and delay
risk. Ready condos let you move in or earn rent now. Construction-linked payment plans, a firm
completion date with delay compensation, and a written commitment to issue your strata title are the
three protections to insist on.
Riel Property
www.rielproperty.com
3


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The 2026 Essentials
Paying and Living There
Payment: international wire in US dollars, developer payment plans, and in some cases cash or
crypto, converted to dollars through a regulated provider before payment.
Selling: no foreign exchange controls on transfers through authorized banks; keep a full paper trail
for repatriation.
Visa: arrive on a $35 E-class visa and extend in-country for up to 12 months at a time. Remote
workers need a work permit route for longer business extensions.
Banking: dollar accounts with a passport, valid visa and proof of address.
Healthcare: good private care for routine needs in Phnom Penh; international insurance with
evacuation cover is essential.
Where to Buy
Area
Why buyers choose it
BKK1, Phnom Penh
Central expat district, strongest rental demand
BKK3 and Toul Tom Poung
Quieter, popular with long-stayers and first-time buyers
Toul Kork
Residential, family-friendly, newer projects
Koh Pich and Chroy Changvar
Riverside, more space and views
Sihanoukville
Strata-titled sea view condos, new tourism plan
Koh Rong
Early-stage island market, mainly leasehold
Siem Reap
Low-rise villa market near Angkor, mainly leasehold
Riel Property
www.rielproperty.com
4


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The 2026 Essentials
Your Next Step
Riel Property helps home buyers, first-time buyers and international investors find and buy condos in
Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and beyond, from the first enquiry to handover and title transfer. Our
experienced local agents have hundreds of completed sales, and we work by chat, phone and video
call, with in-person viewings arranged whenever you are in Cambodia. We can prepare a cost
breakdown, rental evidence and developer track record for any unit you are considering.
Read the full guide: www.rielproperty.com/invest/cambodia-property-guide/
Browse projects: www.rielproperty.com/property/
Enquiries: www.rielproperty.com/contact-us/ | WhatsApp: +855 76 821 6915
This summary is general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial or investment advice.
Rules and incentives in Cambodia change regularly.
Riel Property
www.rielproperty.com
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