As mentioned at the start of this article, the risks of investing in Cambodian property are too high for most people.
But what are the arguments in favour of doing so? Well historically, countries at the crossroads of economic routes have always been in a favorable position.
Cambodia is located at the crossroads of the economic flow of neighboring Thailand, and the developed trade through the Gulf of Thailand makes it a connecting country between fast-growing China and India.
Since 2004, Cambodia has been a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This provides privileged access to key markets in the USA, Korea and Europe.
Prime Minister Hun Sen has served in his post for over 30 years and retains significant support from a large network of business leaders in the region thanks to the strong economic growth of the Kingdom and its management of the national and military police.
Stable domestic policies influence the formation of a new middle class, which strives for urban centers. According to a study by Realestate.com.kh, in 2016, 79% of Cambodians expressed confidence in the purchase of real estate over the next several years.
Foreign agencies with a name on the real estate market have an important role in the urbanization process.
Therefore, the government is trying to create a stable favorable environment for foreign investors: 100% ownership of the company, except for land (rent for 99 years); creating incentives for investment; easy account opening and profit repatriation.
In addition to low land and labor prices, tax benefits, lower cost of living, investors are also attracted by the growing popularity of Cambodia as a tourist destination. Together with progressive urbanization, it raises the speed of infrastructure development to a new level.
Why is it important for real estate? The development of infrastructure in the conditions of the tourist flow multiplies development options in different directions and the emergence of new types of property and the improvement of existing ones: from the condominium to traditional Khmer wooden houses.
Along with nature, which makes the country a popular center for beach holidays, the rich cultural heritage of the Kingdom is also an enduring factor in attracting tourists.
The title of the world’s main tourist attraction, given in 2015 to the temples of the Angkor Wat Temples in Siem Reap (under the protection of UNESCO) caused a real tourist boom in Cambodia.
There are currently three operating international airports in Cambodia. The number of arrivals at the moment has already reached the figure of 5 million.
For neighboring Asian countries where gambling is prohibited, casinos are also particularly attractive. There are 60 of them in Cambodia.
Another 150 are planned to be built. Together with the development of various services for recreation and entertainment, this can earn Cambodia the status of the second Macau.
Options of investments.
What kinds of investments are available if you want to invest in Cambodia?
Long-term investment → Agriculture
If you have chosen a long-term investment strategy and want to create assets that will have value over the next 50 years, then you could look towards agriculture. Farming is widely supported by the government, so everyone wants to participate in this sector that is important for the country. In 2012, Cambodia received from China its FIRST order for the supply of rice. Jim Rogers argued that if you want to become rich, “become a Chinese farmer.” But even better, do not become a Chinese farmer and do not open your own business in a communist country, start an agricultural business and sell your rice to neighboring China. Cambodia is well positioned as an agricultural center in Southeast Asia. With the growth of economic development, an increase in population and middle class, Vietnam, China and Thailand need more food. In the 21st century, the general demand for food increased at times, but supply fell. Cambodia and Myanmar are strategically committed to running this business.
Short-term investments → Tourism
In the coming years, tourism on the southeast coast will develop rapidly, unless the coronavirus will change the equation for the long-term. The Thai tourist market is already very crowded, and in Cambodia there are pristine beaches that can compete with any Siamese. Cambodia’s annual tourism growth exceeded 10%. In 2011, 2.8 million tourists visited Cambodia, which is 12% more than in 2010 – 2.5 million. Compare this data with 15 million tourists who visited Thailand, with 55% of them were those who returned home. The authorities are confident that by 2014 the number of international tourists will increase to 4 million, and by 2020 – up to 7 million. Obviously, tourism is on the rise, and there are so many amazing desert beaches ready to use. Instead of spending your money in Phuket, why not invest it in opening your own Phuket. Foreigners cannot own land, but can buy apartments or other real estate. True, a passport is required for this.
Portfolio investments → Cambodian passports
In addition, if you have cash and you want to put it into business, then you should think about obtaining citizenship by investment. Now the average cost of citizenship is about $ 75,000, which is much more profitable than obtaining citizenship in the Dominican Republic – $ 95.00 (this is per person, and an additional $ 120,000 per family) or in Saint Kitts and Nevis (where this process is based real estate investment), where you pay over $ 500,000, including taxes. Among other things, a Cambodian passport will give you visa-free access to all ASEAN countries. Cambodia’s passport can be obtained without any problems through investing in the country. In many cases, this will be a slightly gray passport, so you need to be sure of the people you will contact.
Condominiums → Apartment investments
In recent years, the most profitable and reliable investment destination in Cambodia remains an apartment in a condominium. Condominiums are, as a rule, newly built high-rise buildings, fully equipped for housing. Condominium apartments are usually privately owned. The wide distribution of this type of housing gives freedom in choosing a district. From sleeping, far from tourist centres to the most streaming. However, there are concerns that the property market will collapse and that a bubble has been caused by the recent explosion in prices.
Source: adamfayed.com