Balcony or More Indoor Space: What Is More Practical in Phnom Penh?

Prepared by the NovAsia Editorial Team

A buyer compares two apartments with the same advertised total area.

The first has:

• a generous living room;
• space for a proper dining table;
• useful storage;
• a small service balcony.

The second has:

• a compact living room;
• a wide open balcony;
• an attractive view;
• less room inside.

On a floor plan, both may look equally appealing. In Phnom Penh, however, climate, orientation and building rules determine whether the balcony becomes a room used every day or a hot, wet and dusty platform that the owner paid for at purchase and continues to pay for through building charges.

The choice cannot be reduced to either of these statements:

A balcony creates a better lifestyle

or

Indoor space is always more valuable.

The practical comparison is about useful hours and everyday function.

Practical value = usable hours × utility − maintenance, risk and the value of lost indoor space

A large balcony can function as a genuine outdoor room. A smaller shaded balcony may be more useful than a deep terrace exposed to afternoon sun and wind-driven rain. Five additional square metres inside may provide a home office, storage or dining area that works throughout the year.

First separate four different measures of area

Registered private-unit area

The area recorded on the title, where a registered title has been issued.

Contract area

The area stated by the developer in the sale and purchase agreement or its schedules.

Usable interior area

The space within the apartment that can realistically be furnished and used.

Balcony or other external area

Open or semi-open space attached to the unit.

These figures may not be identical.

International property-measurement standards are designed to make floor areas comparable and to distinguish different components of a building. Cambodian project documents may use other methods.

Do not compare:

• the total saleable area of one apartment;
• the interior area of another;
• the titled area of a third.

Request a breakdown.

If an apartment is marketed as 60 sq. m but contains 48 sq. m inside and a 12 sq. m balcony, the unqualified figure hides the main compromise.

A balcony may be for private use while depending on common systems

Cambodia's Sub-Decree No. 126 provides a framework under which a balcony directly connected to and used exclusively by an apartment may form part of the private unit. At the same time, structural elements, the façade and shared engineering systems remain subject to common ownership and management.

In practice, this may mean:

• surface finishes are the owner's responsibility;
• the external appearance is controlled by building management;
• the slab, waterproofing, railing or drainage system may involve common property;
• alterations require approval.

Do not assume:

It is my balcony, so I can enclose it, drill into it or change the drain.

Before purchase, ask:

• which parts are private and which are common;
• who repairs waterproofing;
• who maintains the railing;
• whether an awning is allowed;
• whether glazing is permitted;
• whether plants and furniture are restricted;
• where outdoor air-conditioning units may be installed.

Climate changes the number of usable hours

Cambodia has a tropical climate, with hot conditions, a dry season and a rainy season that generally runs from May to October. Heavy rain often arrives in intense showers rather than as continuous rain all day.

This directly affects balcony use.

Hot, dry months

Expect:

• strong sun;
• very hot tiles;
• glare;
• dust;
• hot air discharged by air-conditioning units;
• limited daytime use.

Rainy season

Expect:

• wind-driven rain;
• wet furniture;
• high demand on drains;
• slippery surfaces;
• humidity;
• mosquitoes where water collects.

Cooler dry months

This is often the most comfortable period for outdoor space.

A balcony is therefore not used evenly throughout the year.

A space that feels perfect at 8:00 a.m. in January may be almost unusable at 3:00 p.m. in April.

Inspect and price it for its worst conditions, not only its best hour.

Orientation matters more than size

East-facing

Morning sun can make breakfast pleasant, but bedrooms and seating areas may heat early.

West-facing

Strong afternoon and evening heat, glare and solar load. A sunset view may come with higher air-conditioning demand.

North- and south-facing

Performance depends on the building's geometry, seasonal sun path, neighbouring towers and prevailing wind.

Do not rely on a compass arrow alone.

Check:

• direct sunlight during the viewing;
• shade from the slab above;
• reflected heat from a neighbouring tower;
• wind;
• direction of rain;
• potential future construction.

A shaded 6 sq. m balcony may be more useful than a 15 sq. m west-facing terrace.

Depth and shade

Depth determines what can actually fit.

Less than one metre

Usually suitable for standing, drying clothes or technical equipment rather than comfortable seating.

Roughly 1.2 to 1.8 metres

A small table and chairs may fit while preserving a passage, depending on the layout.

A deeper terrace

May accommodate dining furniture, lounge seating and plants, but takes a larger share of total area and receives more weather exposure.

These are practical guides, not legal standards.

Measure real furniture. With permission, use a tape measure during the viewing.

A wide but shallow balcony can look excellent in photographs while being too narrow to sit on comfortably.

Shade may come from:

• the slab above;
• side walls;
• screens;
• a neighbouring building;
• an approved awning.

Do not install shading without management approval.

Door threshold and connection to the apartment

A balcony is most useful when it connects naturally to the room that needs it.

Check:

• width of the opening;
• sliding-door tracks;
• threshold height;
• drainage lip;
• whether furniture can pass through;
• curtain placement;
• the transition between indoor and outdoor flooring;
• insect screens;
• child locks.

A high threshold reduces accessibility.

A narrow opening limits furniture.

A balcony connected to the living room and kitchen works differently from one accessible only through a bedroom.

If food must be carried through a bedroom, the practical value of outdoor dining falls.

Inspect after rain

After a heavy shower, examine:

• standing water;
• drains;
• floor slope;
• overflow marks;
• the door threshold;
• walls;
• the ceiling of the unit below, if access is properly available;
• rust;
• algae;
• odour;
• air-conditioner condensate outlets.

A small amount of water immediately after an intense tropical storm may not be unusual. Water that remains for a long time indicates a problem.

Ask:

• how long the balcony normally takes to dry;
• when waterproofing was last repaired;
• whether the apartment below has reported leaks;
• who cleans the drain;
• who pays for repairs.

Do not pour large quantities of water without permission.

A rainy-season viewing is especially valuable.

Wind-driven rain

A slab overhead does not guarantee a dry balcony.

At height, wind may push rain deep into the space.

Look for marks on:

• walls;
• doors;
• furniture;
• ceilings;
• electrical outlets.

Speak to occupants on the same side of the building.

If all furniture must be moved inside before every storm, the balcony should not be treated as a full outdoor room.

There must also be indoor storage for cushions and textiles.

Heat

Dark tiles absorb heat. Glass railings provide little shade. West-facing walls and concrete surroundings radiate heat, while outdoor air-conditioning units may blow hot air directly into the seating area.

Check:

• surface temperature;
• shade at different times;
• reflected heat;
• airflow;
• whether the balcony shades the windows behind it.

Use caution and do not stand barefoot on hot tiles.

A well-designed overhang may reduce heat entering the apartment. An exposed terrace may instead heat the wall and door.

A handheld thermometer is only an indication. The lived experience over several hours matters more.

Ventilation

A balcony may support cross-ventilation when:

• windows or openings exist on another side of the apartment;
• outdoor air quality is acceptable;
• doors can be left open safely;
• insect protection is installed;
• noise and dust are manageable;
• wind direction is favourable.

One balcony door does not automatically create crossflow.

Natural ventilation helps only when outdoor temperature and air quality permit open windows.

Cooler night air can improve comfort, but mosquitoes, security, noise and pollution must be considered.

Check conditions in the evening.

Do not assume that a high floor is always windy.

Interaction with air conditioning

Find every outdoor unit.

Potential problems include:

• hot exhaust directed at seating;
• noise;
• vibration;
• dripping condensate;
• difficult servicing;
• several units occupying most of the balcony.

A balcony filled with equipment is a service area, not a leisure space.

Ask whether units may be relocated.

Do not obstruct ventilation with cupboards or dense plants.

Poor airflow reduces efficiency and can damage the equipment.

Dust and air quality

A balcony reveals outdoor conditions.

Inspect after several days without cleaning:

• railings;
• tables;
• window tracks;
• plant leaves;
• air-conditioner filters.

Possible sources include:

• traffic;
• construction;
• road dust;
• waste burning;
• restaurant exhaust.

A high floor may reduce some road dust but does not eliminate airborne particles.

Visible dirt is not a complete measure of air quality. A person with respiratory sensitivity should use appropriate professional monitoring and medical advice rather than relying on appearance alone.

Noise

Open space increases exposure to:

• roads;
• bars;
• schools;
• construction;
• generators;
• rooftop equipment;
• neighbouring balconies.

A balcony may have a beautiful view yet be too loud for conversation.

Visit:

• on a weekday morning;
• during the day;
• in the evening;
• on a weekend.

Close the balcony door and compare indoor noise.

Even a noisy balcony may retain visual value, but its price should reflect its real function.

Privacy

Check the view from:

• the opposite tower;
• neighbouring balconies;
• the corridor;
• rooftops;
• a possible future building site.

Can neighbours see:

• the bedroom;
• the dining area;
• drying laundry;
• a work computer screen?

Possible solutions include:

• curtains;
• an approved privacy screen;
• plants;
• different furniture placement.

Do not install an opaque panel that breaches façade rules.

A deep balcony with no privacy may feel less comfortable than a smaller sheltered one.

Safety

Safety matters more than all other benefits.

Check:

• railing height and rigidity;
• gaps between elements;
• horizontal features that can be climbed;
• glass condition;
• corrosion;
• furniture near the edge;
• door locks;
• child locks;
• gaps dangerous for pets;
• slippery tiles;
• weatherproof electrical outlets;
• risk of falling objects.

Cambodia's Construction Law establishes a general framework for safety and technical compliance, but a buyer should not try to certify a balcony independently.

Engage a competent professional when there is doubt.

Do not lean on a damaged railing.

For a household with a child or pet, the balcony may be unusable until approved safety measures are installed.

Children

A balcony benefits a family only when it can be used safely.

Ask:

• can the door be locked high enough;
• can the railing be climbed;
• can furniture be moved to the edge;
• are gaps dangerous;
• is an approved safety screen permitted;
• how slippery is the surface;
• who will supervise use?

Do not accept a verbal statement that the balcony is “child-safe” as evidence.

Additional indoor play or study space may be more useful.

A household with a young child often gains more from flexible interior floor area than from a decorative terrace.

Pets

A balcony may provide:

• supervised fresh air;
• space for plants;
• ventilation near a litter area;
• drying space for pet items.

Risks include:

• gaps;
• climbing;
• heat;
• toxic plants;
• complaints from neighbours;
• barking;
• escape;
• falling objects.

Protective netting may change the façade and require approval.

Never leave an animal outside in dangerous heat.

A balcony does not replace exercise or walking.

Plants

Plants can provide shade and improve the atmosphere.

Check:

• sunlight;
• wind;
• access to water;
• drainage;
• pot weight;
• fall risk;
• pests;
• building rules;
• water leaking to the unit below.

Heavy planters can affect structural load and waterproofing.

Do not create large soil beds without engineering and management approval.

Saucers should not become permanent water reservoirs.

Plants also require care when the owner travels.

Mosquitoes and standing water

Water may collect in:

• flowerpots;
• saucers;
• buckets;
• outdoor furniture;
• blocked drains.

Standing water supports mosquito breeding.

Inspect the balcony every week.

Do not keep uncovered containers of water.

A heavily planted balcony demands more maintenance during rainy season.

Drying laundry

For many households, the balcony's main function is laundry.

Check:

• space for a drying rack;
• sun;
• protection from rain;
• privacy;
• where water drips;
• building rules;
• hot air from equipment;
• dust.

Some buildings prohibit laundry visible on the façade.

If outdoor drying is not allowed, the balcony may be less valuable to tenants.

A ventilated indoor utility area can be more reliable.

Read the rules rather than making assumptions.

Smoking

A smoker may value a balcony, but the lease and building rules may prohibit smoking or restrict nuisance to neighbours.

Smoke can travel upward or return into the apartment.

Confirm:

• the landlord's rules;
• building rules;
• complaint procedures;
• ash disposal requirements.

Do not advertise a balcony as a smoking area without confirmation.

For a non-smoker, smoke from neighbouring balconies may be a major disadvantage. Visit in the evening.

Storage

Balconies often become improvised storage rooms.

This can:

• block drains;
• increase fire load;
• attract pests;
• damage the façade;
• remove the balcony's intended function;
• breach building rules.

If the apartment lacks cupboards, balcony storage may appear convenient but quickly degrades the space.

A 3 sq. m internal storeroom may be more useful than an 8 sq. m open balcony.

Test the real furniture layout

Make a list of what you would actually place outside:

• table;
• two chairs;
• lounge chair;
• plants;
• drying rack;
• pet area.

Measure each item and preserve:

• door clearance;
• a walking path;
• drain access;
• air-conditioner service access;
• a safe zone beside the railing.

Marketing images often use undersized furniture.

Bring measurements to the viewing.

A balcony where the table fits only when the door is closed is not practical.

Indoor space provides more reliable functions

Additional interior area may become:

• a home office;
• a dining area;
• storage;
• a larger bedroom;
• a comfortable route to a second bathroom;
• a children's zone;
• space for a sofa;
• a wardrobe;
• a guest sleeping area.

It is:

• air-conditioned;
• usable during rain;
• better protected from noise;
• easier to secure;
• easier for tenants to understand.

Poorly planned indoor space can also be wasted, such as an oversized corridor or an unnecessarily large bedroom.

Compare function, not just numbers.

Five extra square metres inside are valuable only if the layout makes them usable.

A balcony may improve the apartment even when nobody sits outside

A lightly used balcony may still provide:

• a more open view;
• additional daylight;
• a buffer between the room and façade;
• shade;
• ventilation;
• access for exterior maintenance.

The absence of outdoor chairs does not mean zero value.

But external floor area should not automatically be valued at the same rate as internal floor area.

The two should be measured separately and weighted using relevant market evidence.

There is no universal balcony discount factor.

Price per square metre

Calculate two figures.

Price based on contract area

Price / area stated in the sale and purchase agreement

Price based on usable interior area

Price / measured interior area

Example:

Apartment A:

• price: $120,000;
• interior: 52 sq. m;
• balcony: 8 sq. m;
• contract area: 60 sq. m.

Contract-area price: $2,000 per sq. m.

Interior-area price: approximately $2,308 per sq. m.

Apartment B:

• price: $118,000;
• interior: 57 sq. m;
• balcony: 3 sq. m;
• contract area: 60 sq. m.

Interior-area price: approximately $2,070 per sq. m.

Apartment A may still be the better purchase if the view and balcony quality justify the difference.

The calculation simply makes the compromise visible.

Building management fees

Ask which area is used for the fee calculation.

Possible methods include:

• registered area;
• saleable area;
• an internal building schedule;
• a fixed monthly amount;
• separate parking charges.

If balcony area is included, the owner pays every month for external space.

Confirm:

• rate;
• area used;
• contractual or title basis;
• method for increasing the rate;
• possible special assessments.

Do not assume balcony ownership is free to maintain.

A large terrace can also create greater waterproofing and façade risk even if the monthly fee does not increase directly.

Who repairs the waterproofing?

A balcony leak may affect:

• the owner's apartment;
• the unit below;
• the façade;
• a shared slab;
• a drainage riser.

Responsibility depends on:

• property boundaries;
• cause of the defect;
• unauthorised alterations;
• whether the system is common property;
• building rules;
• maintenance history.

Before purchase, inspect:

• management records;
• previous complaints;
• the drain;
• tiles;
• sealant;
• the unit below where properly accessible.

Do not cover a leak with decking before identifying the cause.

A balcony has value only when its waterproofing is under control.

Alteration risk

Common ideas include:

• glazing;
• awnings;
• safety screens;
• outdoor kitchens;
• washing machines;
• sinks;
• replacing tiles;
• large plant walls.

These changes may affect:

• the façade;
• structural load;
• drainage;
• fire safety;
• common property;
• neighbours' rights.

Obtain written approval from the owner, building management and, where required, the relevant construction authority.

Do not rely on “other owners have done it.”

Unauthorised enclosure can create problems at resale and with insurance.

Future construction and the view

A balcony premium is often based on the view.

Check:

• neighbouring plots;
• announced developments;
• active construction;
• whether the view has any legal protection;
• distance and direction.

Do not pay for a “permanent view” merely because the land is currently empty.

Take panoramic photographs and identify adjacent sites.

If the view is the balcony's main function, a future tower can materially reduce value.

A neighbouring building may also provide shade or privacy, so both positive and negative effects should be considered.

Price the less favourable scenario.

Tenant demand

Different tenants value balconies differently.

More likely to value a balcony

• couples;
• smokers, where permitted;
• pet owners;
• plant enthusiasts;
• tenants who prioritise a view;
• short-stay occupants looking for atmosphere;
• households that dry laundry outside.

More likely to value indoor space

• people working from home;
• families needing storage;
• people sensitive to heat;
• households that keep windows closed;
• families with young children where safety is unresolved.

Do not project your own preferences onto the market.

Compare completed leases for similar apartments with and without balconies.

Use actual achieved rents rather than premiums claimed in listings.

Short-term rentals

A balcony photographs well and may improve short-stay marketing.

Guests may also:

• smoke;
• leave doors open;
• create safety risks;
• move furniture;
• disturb neighbours.

Building rules and tourism-accommodation requirements remain separate questions.

A large balcony does not make short-term letting lawful or profitable.

Management workload may increase.

Resale

A balcony can distinguish an apartment from otherwise identical layouts.

The strongest premium generally appears where there is:

• a genuine view;
• good orientation;
• shade;
• sufficient depth;
• privacy;
• safety;
• sound waterproofing;
• a rare position within the tower.

The premium is weaker where there is:

• harsh western sun;
• noise;
• an obstructed view;
• outdoor air-conditioning units;
• insufficient depth;
• poor drainage;
• high maintenance costs.

Resale photographs often overstate the balcony's role.

A buyer should inspect it in unfavourable conditions.

Furnished or empty presentation

Stage the balcony realistically.

Use:

• full-size furniture;
• a limited number of plants;
• an unobstructed drain;
• an honest view without replacing the sky or surroundings.

Do not use developer imagery with an impossible furniture arrangement.

An empty balcony may look smaller, while excessive furniture can hide defects.

For an apartment with more indoor area, use the floor plan and photographs to demonstrate storage and practical zones.

Working from home

Additional interior floor area is usually better for:

• a desk;
• air conditioning;
• consistent lighting;
• noise control.

A balcony offers a place for breaks but rarely serves as a dependable office because of heat, glare, rain and noise.

A deep, shaded balcony with a fan may work seasonally.

Make a test video call.

Do not describe the balcony as a workspace without checking shade, outlets and noise.

Family choice

Families often benefit more from:

• a second desk;
• wardrobes;
• a larger dining area;
• a secure indoor play zone.

A balcony may provide:

• laundry space;
• supervised plants;
• a view;
• brief outdoor breaks.

Assess safety first.

For a toddler, an unsafe balcony is not useful floor area.

For a teenager, it may provide privacy but also require clear household rules.

Older residents

Consider:

• threshold height;
• slippery surfaces;
• heat;
• shade;
• railing condition;
• chair stability;
• ease of access;
• health conditions.

A small, accessible and shaded balcony can improve daily life.

A large hot terrace with a step may provide little benefit.

External space is not a universal health advantage.

Investor matrix

Use actual evidence.

There is no universal winner.

Test likely use

For every intended balcony function, estimate actual use over a year.

Then ask whether the same function is available inside the apartment or in common areas.

Do not value an imagined lifestyle instead of current habits.

If the household rarely sits outdoors in hot climates, buying a 15 sq. m terrace may be a fantasy about becoming a different family.

Inspect at the worst time

Visit:

• on a hot afternoon;
• after rain;
• on a windy day where possible;
• in the evening;
• while nearby construction is active.

Check:

• heat;
• glare;
• drainage;
• noise;
• insects;
• smell;
• privacy;
• air-conditioner exhaust.

One pleasant morning is not enough.

Red flags

• balcony and interior area are not separated;
• price per square metre is calculated from an unclear area;
• no drain;
• water remains for a long time;
• damaged railing;
• unsafe gaps for a child or pet;
• air-conditioner exhaust blows into the seating area;
• western sun with no shade;
• promises of a permanent view;
• no waterproofing history;
• glazing promised without approval;
• unclear management-fee calculation;
• stored items block the drain;
• laundry is prohibited even though drying is the intended use;
• visible cracks;
• smoke from neighbours;
• a high threshold;
• furniture shown in photographs is not included;
• an agent says “the balcony is not counted” but cannot show the documents.

Practical decision rules

Choose more indoor space when:

• someone works from home;
• the family needs storage;
• year-round air-conditioned space is important;
• there are young children;
• the balcony orientation is poor;
• the road is noisy;
• the view is weak;
• dust is heavy;
• equipment occupies most of the terrace.

Choose the balcony when:

• the view is rare and verifiable;
• the space is shaded and sufficiently deep;
• it is safe;
• drainage works;
• the household will genuinely use it;
• the target tenant values it;
• interior space is already sufficient.

Choose a small balcony when:

• the main needs are laundry, plants and brief outdoor access;
• interior area is more valuable;
• the owner wants lower maintenance exposure.

A common practical compromise is:

an efficient interior layout + one genuinely usable balcony of about 4–8 sq. m

This is a guide, not a universal rule.

Main principle

Balcony area is not equivalent to indoor area, but it is not worthless.

Its value depends on:

• usable hours;
• orientation and shade;
• drainage;
• noise and dust;
• privacy;
• safety;
• everyday functions;
• ownership and maintenance boundaries;
• durability of the view;
• market demand.

Assess every square metre by what it does.

A balcony that works only in a brochure should be priced as lightly used external space.

A shaded, safe and well-drained balcony with a genuine view can materially improve daily life and differentiate the apartment at resale.

This material is for general information only and is not a substitute for individual measurement, valuation, engineering, legal or medical advice. Area definitions, balcony rights, alteration permissions and repair responsibility should be checked against the title, sale and purchase agreement, plans and building rules.

Sources

1. Cambodia Ministry of Tourism — official information on tropical heat, dry periods and rainy season relevant to the use of outdoor space. Checked 19 July 2026.
2. Royal Government of Cambodia — Sub-Decree No. 126 on the management and use of co-owned buildings, including balconies connected to private units and the system of common ownership. Checked 19 July 2026.
3. International Property Measurement Standards Coalition and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors — standards for consistent measurement and separate reporting of building components. Checked 19 July 2026.
4. World Health Organization — materials on heat and health, housing, ventilation, injury prevention and accessibility. Checked 19 July 2026.
5. Kingdom of Cambodia — Construction Law 2019, covering safety, technical compliance, inspections and alterations. Checked 19 July 2026.

Frequently asked

Does a large balcony always increase an apartment's value?

No. Its value depends on orientation, shade, depth, view, noise, drainage, privacy and how often it can actually be used. An uncomfortable balcony may be expensive but almost useless space.

Is a balcony included in the apartment's total area?

That depends on the measurement method, sale and purchase agreement, title and project documents. Balcony area and interior area should be stated separately; price per square metre cannot be compared reliably when different measurement methods are used.

What type of balcony works best in a tropical climate?

Usually the most practical balcony is not the largest one, but a sufficiently deep, partly shaded and well-drained space with safe railings and convenient access.

What is better for rental demand: a balcony or an extra room?

Families and people who work from home often value additional indoor space more. Smokers, pet owners, plant lovers and tenants who prioritise a view may value a balcony. The answer depends on the exact target tenant.