Cambodia’s real estate market continues to evolve, offering impressive returns through high rental yields and strong appreciation potential.
For foreigners unfamiliar with the local market and Khmer language, working with a professional agent is extremely helpful.
Local Cambodians often prefer direct sales to save on the 3% brokerage commission, and thus, often sell property through local networks and word-of-mouth.
Yet realtors still provide an invaluable service to any foreign investor in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.
Cambodian Realtors: The Value Proposition
- Navigation of Local Bureaucracy: Unless you speak Khmer and are comfortable dealing with local bureaucracy, an agent’s services are invaluable.
- Access to Listed Properties: While some properties might not be available through an agent, they provide access to a broad market of verified listings.
- Quality Assurance: Professional agents can help you avoid problematic developers and ensure proper documentation.
Without further ado, here are the top five real estate agencies in Cambodia.
The best realtor will depend on your own personal goals, and because of this, our list isn’t in any particular order.
Knight Frank
Representing a significant presence in Cambodia’s evolving real estate landscape, Knight Frank operates quite differently from traditional local property agents.
As a large international consultancy with a dedicated Cambodian branch, they bring global standards to a market where many properties are typically sold through informal channels and local networks.
A property agent’s services are invaluable for anyone who doesn’t speak Khmer or isn’t comfortable navigating local bureaucracy
Hiring a realtor’s is particularly valuable to foreigners who might struggle with the local property landscape, especially given Cambodia’s written rules don’t always reflect actual market practices.
Knight Frank specializes in high-end residential properties and commercial real estate, which makes them relevant for institutional investors and anyone who seeks premium properties in major urban centers like Phnom Penh.
CBRE Cambodia
CBRE brings worldwide standards and corporate-level service to Cambodia’s property market.
What sets CBRE apart in the Cambodian context is their ability to bridge the gap between international expectations and local market realities
Like the other global realtors on our list, CBRE provides market analysis, valuation services, and investment advisory – all of them crucial services in a frontier market where property developers’ quality can vary tremendously
IPS Cambodia
Known for their strong presence in Phnom Penh’s premium market, IPS Cambodia offers comprehensive services with multilingual staff.
Cambodia’s best property agents can help you avoid problematic sellers and support the title transfer process.
IPS has steadily grown over the years, and is the largest local realtor in Cambodia that isn’t part of a larger international group.
Knowledge of both residential homes and commercial property, combined with dedicated after-sales service, makes IPS a popular choice real estate agent among foreign investors.
Century 21 Cambodia
Combining its global franchise standards with deep local market knowledge, Century 21 is particularly accessible to first-time foreign investors in Cambodia.
Their standardized agent training and extensive property database provide a more familiar experience for international clients, while their local expertise helps navigate Cambodia’s unique property landscape.
As a franchise, there are a few different Century 21 branches operating across Cambodia.
Each of these franchises has separate management, staff and, generally focuses on their own unique segment of the market.
Key Real Estate
Key Real Estate differentiates itself through its strong presence in both primary and secondary markets across Cambodia.
While many agencies focus solely on premium properties in Phnom Penh, Key Real Estate maintains an extensive network of contacts across Cambodia, making them valuable for investors seeking opportunities in emerging areas and secondary cities.
Keep in mind that Cambodia’s rural property market isn’t easy to navigate at all – whether through a realtor or otherwise.
Still though, choosing the correct realtor in Cambodia is practically a must for any foreign investor who isn’t already familiar with the country.
FAQs: Property Agents in Cambodia
What's the Largest Realtor in Cambodia?
While several international firms operate in Cambodia, IPS Cambodia stands as the largest local realtor that isn't part of an international group.
However, global firms like CBRE, Knight Frank, and Century 21 maintain significant operations in the country, particularly in major urban centers like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.
How Much is Real Estate Agent Commission in Cambodia?
The standard commission rate in Cambodia is 3%, which is typically paid entirely by the seller.
What Are the Risks of Buying Property in Cambodia?
The main risks include language barriers, government bureaucracy, and potential issues with shady developers.
Additionally, Cambodia's written rules don't always reflect actual market practices, and poor quality or inexperienced property developers can create numerous issues including delays, structural problems, and incomplete projects. This is why working with a reputable real estate agent is particularly important for foreign investors.
