Is It Safe to Buy Off-Plan Property in Cambodia? – Realestate.com.kh Editorial

on Feb, 25 2026

Realestate.com.kh Phnom Penh, January 22, 2026

There was a time when buying property in Phnom Penh meant waiting for the building to be finished before signing anything. Today, many buyers are committing long before the first keys are handed over, drawn by early-bird pricing, prime locations, and the promise of future value. But in a market as dynamic as Cambodia’s, the real question isn’t whether off-plan property is popular, it’s whether it’s safe. And that’s exactly what we need to talk about.

Click here to learn about the definitive guide to Off Plan Property

This is the author's opinion: I couldn’t help but wonder, when did buying property become the new dating? Everyone’s talking about it, everyone has an opinion, and yet no one can agree on what’s “safe”. In Phnom Penh, the conversation often circles back to one question: Is buying off-plan property in Cambodia a smart commitment, or just another beautiful promise? With new towers rising across the skyline and projects like Time Square 9 and J-Tower 3 capturing attention, it’s time to separate market myths from measurable facts.

Cambodia’s Real Estate Boom

Before answering the question of whether it is safe or not, it would be better to understand the country’s current emerging market first. Cambodia’s property market has caught international attention in recent years. In 2025, foreign buyers for the condo accounted for over 70 per cent of all real estate transactions, a clear sign that global investors are watching this market closely.

Find out more about where the buyers and renters in the condo market come from

Phnom Penh remains the focal point, with condominium launches and residential developments expanding rapidly. In the first third of 2025 alone, the Ministry of Land Management approved around 1,300 construction projects covering nearly 6.7 million sqm of land, representing an 18 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

Rental dynamics are equally compelling: average rental yields in prime areas such as Phnom Penh can range from 6-10 per cent, reflecting strong demand from expatriates, professionals, and local renters alike.

So yes, there’s real momentum here. But the safety of buying off-plan isn’t just about the numbers.

Buying Off-Plan: Risks You Should Know

Buying off-plan, meaning entrusting your money into the property even before the building exists in bricks and mortar, can feel like investing in a beautiful promise.

Here’s the truth: off-plan projects by nature carry higher risk than completed developments. Unlike a ready-built condo where you can walk through the door and evaluate quality, an off-plan purchase depends entirely on trust, trust in the developer, trust in timelines, and trust in legal transparency.

Check out The Market Analysis 2025 - Cambodia Condominium Report for further details

Common issues to be aware of include:

Construction delays: even the best projects in Cambodia can take longer than expected, especially with global supply chain shifts or local permitting complexities.
Developer reliability: not all developers deliver on time, or sometimes at all. Some new companies lack the financial reserves to finish ambitious projects.
Legal complexity: while Cambodia allows foreigners 100 per cent freehold ownership of strata-titled units, land ownership remains restricted; verifying titles, permits, and developer land rights is essential.

In short, off-plan can be wonderful, but only when you’ve done your homework.

So, Can It Be Safe? Yes, With the Right Strategy

Here’s the logic that turns risk into opportunity: off-plan property in Cambodia can be a smart move when you choose wisely.

The market fundamentals, rising urbanisation, strong rental demand, and continued international interest suggest that well-located properties will appreciate over time. Phnom Penh’s central districts, where quality developments cluster, are often at the centre of this growth story.

But the smart investor doesn’t stop at market trends, they scrutinise the developer’s track record, financial stability, and past delivery performance. A seasoned team with completed buildings under its belt, transparent contracts, clear land ownership, and realistic construction timelines markedly increases your odds of success.

Additional Reading: Tips When Looking For Condo Investment in Cambodia

Case Studies for Confident Off-Plan Investing

Time Square 9 – The Gatsby Residence

Located in one of Phnom Penh’s most prestigious districts BKK1, Time Square 9 is part of a broader family of Time Square developments that have already completed or are progressing steadily.

Backed by a trusted developer, Time Square 9 sits within a context of past delivered and near-complete towers that provide a measurable history to study. With Phnom Penh’s condo supply expanding but still driven by demand from professionals and expats, this type of project gives buyers:

Choice of units and early-market pricing
Flexible payment terms that ease entry cost
Location benefits that support both rental and long-term value

Remember: most risks associated with off-plan property revolve around uncertainty, and Time Square 9 mitigates those uncertainties by being part of a proven developer track record and a high market demand. What’s even better is that the Time Square team is dedicated to sending monthly construction updates to all of the buyers to ensure an even smoother buying process.

Learn more about Time Square 9- The Gatsby Residence

J-Tower 3

Located in the south of BKK1, J-Tower 3 builds on the strong reputation of Tanichu Assetment, which has become synonymous with high-end residential living in Phnom Penh. Following the successful completion and strong occupancy rates of J Tower 1 and J Tower 2, this third iteration benefits from a clear, observable track record rather than speculative promises.

What sets J Tower 3 apart is its positioning: slightly removed from the busiest stretches of BKK1, yet still within walking distance of international schools, offices, cafés, and embassies. This balance appeals strongly to owner-occupiers seeking lifestyle comfort, as well as investors targeting long-term rental stability rather than short-term hype.

As an off-plan investment, J-Tower 3 offers buyers:

Early access to premium unit layouts before full market absorption
Pricing that reflects pre-completion value rather than post-handover premiums
A product shaped by lessons learned from earlier towers, resulting in refined layouts and amenities

Most importantly, the uncertainty often associated with off-plan purchases is reduced when a project is part of an established development lineage. With J-Tower, buyers can physically visit earlier buildings, assess construction quality, and even review rental performance, something many off-plan projects simply cannot offer.

Learn more about J-Tower 3

In a market where confidence is increasingly tied to transparency and delivery, J-Tower 3 stands as a case study in how off-plan investing can be both strategic and grounded in real performance, not just projections.

Be Smart, Not Speculative

Is buying off-plan property in Cambodia safe? The honest answer is yes, when it’s approached with the right strategy, thorough due diligence, and a trusted partner. Off-plan investing is not about speculation; it’s about making informed decisions backed by market knowledge and proven projects.

That’s where expert guidance makes the difference. Let Realestate.com.kh help you navigate the market with confidence and clarity, ensuring your investment is aligned with your financial goals.

Contact Realestate.com.kh today, Cambodia’s number 1 real estate agency and portal, for trusted insights and professional advice you can rely on.

This editorial was originally published by Realestate.com.kh.