How to buy property in Cambodia: the step-by-step process

Buying property in another country only seems complicated until you break it into steps. Below is the whole path from defining your goal to registering the title in your name. Most clients go through it remotely, without travelling to Cambodia. We're alongside you at every stage: explaining the terms, checking the property and bringing in partners on the ground in Phnom Penh.

Step 1. Goal and budget

It all starts with the question "why". Rental income, capital growth, relocation or diversifying capital outside Russia and the CIS — the choice of project, form of ownership and strategy depends on the goal. At this stage we also set the budget: market entry starts at roughly $40,000 in residential complexes and from $97,000–226,000 in premium and commercial projects.

Step 2. Consultation and property selection

You leave a request — via the bot or the quiz on the site. We clarify the task and match projects to your budget and goal — not "whatever sells fastest", but the ones that genuinely fit. We immediately explain the terms of each option: the form of ownership, whether there's a guaranteed-income programme (GRR), installments, taxes and real costs.

Step 3. Checking the property and terms

Before booking, we check the essentials: the current price and availability of the specific unit with the developer (they change), the form of ownership — strata-title, which lets a foreigner own directly, the apartment's eligibility under the building's foreign quota (up to 70%), and the key terms of the future contract. This protects you from unpleasant surprises at the deal.

Step 4. Booking

Once the property is chosen, a booking fee is paid. It secures the specific unit and price, taking the property off the market while paperwork is prepared. The amount depends on the project: from $500 (for example, Time Square 9) to $5,000 (Odom Tower). The booking is made by bank transfer — you don't need to travel for it. Refund terms for the booking are clarified in advance: they differ between projects.

Step 5. Sale-and-purchase agreement (SPA)

Next the SPA (Sales & Purchase Agreement) is signed — the main purchase contract. It fixes the price, the specific unit, the payment plan, completion dates and the terms of the GRR and buy-back programme, if any. This is the deal's key document — we recommend reading it rather than the marketing materials. The contract can be signed remotely; if needed, a notarised power of attorney is issued to the partner in Phnom Penh.

Step 6. Payment and installments

The typical payment scheme: a 20–30% down payment on signing the SPA, then interest-free installments (0%) over 25–45 months, and the final part on handover of the property. In a number of projects the final part can be replaced with a developer loan. All payments are made by bank transfer in US dollars — it's worth checking with your bank in advance about transfers to Cambodia.

Step 7. Construction and oversight

While construction is under way, you're not left without information. The NovAsia partner in Phnom Penh oversees progress, sends photos and video from the site on request, and keeps in touch with the developer's office. This is the advantage of working through an intermediary with a presence on the ground: you're abroad, but there are "eyes" on the construction.

Step 8. Handover and title registration

When the building is ready, the property is inspected, the final part is paid, and strata-title (the ownership title) is registered in your name. From that moment you are the full owner. If the project has a guaranteed-income programme (GRR), its countdown begins from the handover date — payouts usually run on a delay, for example every 3 months.

What comes next

After the purchase you choose a strategy: take the guaranteed rental income, let the property yourself, live in it, or — if a buy-back is provided — use it in year 5 or sell the property at market price. We stay in touch and help with the next steps.

Common questions about the process

How long does buying take?

The stage from selection to signing the SPA and booking usually takes from a few days to a couple of weeks. After that comes the installment schedule and construction until completion. The deal paperwork itself is quick; most of the time is the installment period and the build.

Do I need to travel to Cambodia?

No, most deals are done remotely. Read more in the article how to buy an apartment in Cambodia remotely.

Do I need residency to buy?

No. The purchase doesn't require residency and doesn't grant it automatically. Read more in the article buying property abroad without residency.