The Process for Buying Property in Cambodia

    Before you buy a property, it’s important to have knowledge about the process and the different steps involved. Let’s have a look at the different steps involved when buying a property on the secondary market.

1. Doing a Title Search

    it’s important to assure that there are no encumbrances attached to the property and to check the previous ownership.

2. Contact the Local Commune Council

    In addition to checking the title, contact the local Commune council and request more information about the property. The first commune council was elected in 2002. Shortly explained, it consists of 5 – 11 persons and responsible to work with the development of infrastructure, health services, and to protect the environment, for example.

    Be sure to get an ID copy from the person that acts on behalf of the company selling the property, in case you buy the property from a company (and not a private person). The person should be certified to present the selling company at the Land office. Request documents that prove this. The Ministry of Commerce should have issued a certificate previously, be sure to receive a bona fide copy of that certificate.

3. Paying the Deposit

    When you have found a property that suits your needs, you’ll need to prepare a deposit equal to 10% of the property value. At this stage, you’ve already managed most parts of the process. The next step is for you and the seller to visit the Cadastral Office and receive the documentation needed. Before the Khan will be able to transfer your name to the title, the seller needs to show the original title document, called a deed.

    In general, the Castral Office will need up to a month to prepare the documents, signed and ready for submission.  

4. Payment of the Transfer Tax

    When you have received the documents from the Cadastral Office, you need to visit the General Department of Taxation, which will handle your payment of the transfer tax. The seller will join you for a new visit to the Castral Office, to sign the buying agreement. Be sure to bring your receipt received when you paid the transfer tax, as this will be needed.

    After around 5 working days, the Cadastral Office will send the final documents to the Municipal Land Office, which will in turn issue a certificate of title in your name.

    You might need to wait up to 3 weeks before you can receive the final documents.