Real Estate Company in Cambodia: Why CBRE Cambodia Leads the Market

As Cambodia’s economy expands, the Khmer real estate market is experiencing rapid growth, attracting both local and international players. Finding a reliable real estate company in Cambodia is crucial for investors and homebuyers navigating this dynamic landscape. Among the numerous agencies and developers, CBRE Cambodia stands out as the top real estate company, backed by a global network and a reputation for transparency. In this article, we highlight what makes CBRE Cambodia the market leader and also provide a real estate company list in Cambodia featuring other key competitors – from residential property developers to real estate websites – shaping the industry. We’ll also examine the main real estate segments (residential, commercial, mixed-use) and offer tips on choosing the right partner for your property needs.

Introduction

Cambodia’s real estate sector has evolved dramatically in the past decade, with Phnom Penh and other cities seeing new condos, office towers, and borey housing projects. (Borey, meaning “city” in Khmer, refers to gated community housing developments popular among locals.) This growth has led to the rise of many real estate developers and agencies. However, one name consistently leads the pack: CBRE Cambodia. Established in 2008 as the first international real estate firm in the country, CBRE Cambodia leverages its global expertise and local insight to set high standards for professionalism and service. It offers a comprehensive range of services and adheres to international best practices, making it a trusted advisor in an often opaque market. In the sections below, we delve into CBRE Cambodia’s strengths – its worldwide network, expert team, broad service scope, and commitment to transparency – and briefly overview other leading companies (from residential property development companies to online portals) in Cambodia’s property scene.

CBRE Cambodia: The Market-Leading Real Estate Firm

Global Network and Reputation of CBRE Group

CBRE Cambodia is an affiliate of the CBRE Group, the world’s largest commercial real estate services firm. Being part of a Fortune 500 company gives CBRE Cambodia a significant advantage in global reach and resources. CBRE Group boasts over 140,000 professionals in 100+ countries, providing a vast network for referrals and market knowledge. This global presence means that CBRE Cambodia can tap into international databases of investors and properties, bringing overseas buyers and standards to the local market. The firm’s connection to CBRE’s worldwide platform ensures it adheres to the same rigorous processes and ethical guidelines that have made CBRE a top name globally. For clients, this translates into confidence that their Cambodian real estate transactions are handled with world-class professionalism and oversight. It’s a key reason why CBRE Cambodia is often regarded as the biggest real estate company in Cambodia in terms of international service providers, backed by one of the biggest companies in Cambodia’s real estate sector worldwide.

Expert Team with Local and International Experience

Another pillar of CBRE Cambodia’s leadership is its team of seasoned experts. Since its founding in 2008, the company has grown rapidly and now employs over 100 full-time real estate professionals across various departments. This team is a blend of local Khmer talent and international professionals, providing a balance of on-the-ground market knowledge and global best practices. The experienced staff allows CBRE Cambodia to form “bespoke teams” for each project, tailoring expertise to client needs. Clients benefit from advisors who understand Cambodian regulations, language (Khmer and English), and business culture, while also being trained to Western standards of customer service and analysis. The firm’s leadership includes industry veterans who have guided investors through Cambodia’s property boom and downturns, ensuring that advice is data-driven and strategic. In 2023, CBRE Cambodia underscored its expertise by becoming a Licensed Valuation Firm authorized by the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia – a milestone that reflects the team’s qualifications and the trust placed in their professionalism. Whether a client is looking to lease an office in Phnom Penh or invest in land, CBRE’s team has the specialized knowledge to provide reliable guidance at every step.

Comprehensive Services: Sales, Leasing, Valuation, Management and More

As a full-service real estate company in Cambodia, CBRE Cambodia offers an extensive scope of services that cover virtually every property sector and need. On the brokerage side, the firm handles residential sales and leasing (helping clients buy, sell, or rent homes and condos) as well as commercial leasing and sales for offices, retail spaces, and industrial properties. CBRE’s brokerage services span all property types and are supported by deep market research and a broad client network. In addition to brokerage, CBRE Cambodia provides professional valuation and advisory services – delivering accurate property valuations for investors, banks, or developers. The company also excels in property management and project management, ensuring that completed buildings (be it an apartment tower or a shopping mall) are operated efficiently and to international standards. They advise developers from project inception through construction and beyond, helping manage properties post-launch. Consulting is another key offering: CBRE’s research and consulting team regularly publishes market insights and guides clients on feasibility studies, highest-and-best-use analyses, and investment strategies. Notably, CBRE Cambodia is also active in investment services, facilitating land sales, joint ventures, and connecting investors (both local and foreign) with development opportunities. This end-to-end service capability – from finding a tenant for a small shop to managing a multi-million-dollar mixed-use project – sets CBRE apart. Clients can have all their real estate needs met under one roof, with consistent quality.

Transparency, International Standards, and Industry Leadership

CBRE Cambodia has built its brand on transparency and adherence to international standards, which is especially valued in an emerging market like Cambodia. As an affiliate of a U.S.-based, NYSE-listed company, CBRE Cambodia implements strict ethical codes, compliance measures, and reporting practices that align with global expectations. Clients often cite the firm’s clarity in communication and honesty in dealings as reasons for choosing CBRE over local competitors. This leadership in transparency is further demonstrated by CBRE Cambodia’s commitment to data and technology – for instance, leveraging advanced property databases and research methodologies to provide clients with clear, evidence-based advice. The company’s dedication to quality and integrity has not gone unnoticed. CBRE Cambodia has won multiple industry awards, including Best Real Estate Agency Cambodia and Best Property Consultancy Cambodia for six consecutive years (2017 through 2022) at the Asia Pacific Property Awards. It was also a top winner at the Cambodia Real Estate Awards in 2018, 2019, and 2022, underscoring its consistent excellence. Moreover, CBRE’s status as a leading real estate service provider in the Kingdom is reinforced by its thought leadership: the firm regularly hosts market updates, publishes research reports, and introduces global best practices (for example, sustainability and transparency initiatives) to Cambodia’s property industry. All of these factors – ethical conduct, award-winning service, and knowledge sharing – illustrate CBRE Cambodia’s leadership in raising the bar for real estate companies in the country. For clients and partners, doing business with CBRE Cambodia means working with a firm that doesn’t just follow the norm, but actively shapes a more transparent and professional real estate market.

Other Leading Real Estate Companies in Cambodia

While CBRE Cambodia is the clear frontrunner, the country’s real estate sector features a mix of agencies, platforms, and developers that also play significant roles. Below is a real estate company list in Cambodia covering several key competitors and market players – from international consultancies to homegrown developers – each contributing to the property landscape in their own way.

IPS Cambodia (Independent Property Services)

IPS Cambodia is a prominent local real estate agency that has earned a strong reputation since its establishment in 2009. Founded to serve the needs of expats and international businesses entering Cambodia, IPS has integrated Western business practices into the Cambodian market. IPS operates offices in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, giving it coverage of Cambodia’s capital and its major tourist hub. Through a partner network, they also have representation in other provinces. IPS Cambodia offers services similar in scope to the international firms: residential and commercial sales/leasing, property valuations, consulting and feasibility studies, as well as property management and project management for landlords and investors. A blend of expatriate and Cambodian staff allows IPS to bridge cultural gaps and provide local insight with an international level of customer service. Over the years, IPS has positioned itself as one of the preferred agencies for those seeking transparency and reliability without going to a global firm. Its core values emphasize professionalism, honesty, and integrity, aiming to deliver “best in class” service to every client. While smaller than CBRE or Knight Frank, IPS Cambodia is often mentioned among the best real estate company choices for individual buyers and renters, particularly those in the expatriate community or anyone looking for attentive, locally grounded service.

Knight Frank Cambodia

Knight Frank Cambodia is the local branch of Knight Frank, a global real estate consultancy headquartered in London. Present in Cambodia since 2008, Knight Frank brought its worldwide expertise to the Cambodian market around the same time as CBRE. The firm provides residential and commercial brokerage services, helping clients find everything from upscale villas and condos to prime office spaces. Knight Frank Cambodia is especially known for its research and valuation capabilities; it regularly publishes market reports and insights (such as the Cambodia Real Estate Highlights and the annual Wealth Report) which are valued by investors for understanding trends. With a smaller team compared to CBRE, Knight Frank focuses on personalized, first-class service for niche clients and often caters to high-end properties and developer consultancy. The company’s motto in Cambodia emphasizes making property transactions “simple and stress free” for clients by leveraging deep local market knowledge. Knight Frank’s long presence (over 15 years) and global backing lend it credibility. They have noted important market trends, such as the rising demand for both affordable housing and branded residences in Cambodia, reflecting their analytical strength. In the commercial sector, Knight Frank is frequently involved in office leasing and has observed that Phnom Penh’s office market is moving toward stabilization by 2025 after years of rapid growth. As a competitor, Knight Frank shares many similarities with CBRE in service lines, though on a more boutique scale. It remains one of the top real estate agencies in Cambodia, trusted especially by corporate clients and those seeking internationally recognized professionalism.

Leading Property Website in Cambodia

In addition to traditional agencies, Realestate.com.kh has emerged as the go-to real estate website in Cambodia for property listings and information. Launched in the late 2000s, Realestate.com.kh is Cambodia’s leading real estate portal and foremost source of market information and news. It operates as an online marketplace where the top agencies (including CBRE, IPS, Knight Frank, and many local brokers) list properties for sale or rent, ranging from apartments and houses to commercial spaces. With over 47,000 property listings and advanced search tools, the site allows buyers and renters to filter options by location, price, and property type across Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, and beyond. Realestate.com.kh is not itself a brokerage; rather, it connects users with agents and developers. However, it plays a critical competitor-like role by commanding a huge audience of property seekers. The portal also produces valuable content – daily news articles, investment guides, and an annual Cambodia Real Estate Investment Guide – positioning itself as a knowledge leader in the industry. Because of its central position in the property search process, any real estate company list in Cambodia would be incomplete without Realestate.com.kh as the dominant digital platform. Agencies often vie to have their listings featured prominently on this site. For consumers, Realestate.com.kh offers a convenient starting point to see what’s available on the market, compare prices, and even read reviews or get advice.

Harbor Property – Emerging Real Estate Marketplace

Harbor Property is another noteworthy name in Cambodia’s prop-tech (property technology) scene, positioning itself as an innovative real estate marketplace. Marketed as “Cambodia’s leading real estate marketplace,” Harbor Property provides a website and mobile app for property search, somewhat similar to Realestate.com.kh. On Harbor’s platform, users can find homes for sale or rent, browse listings with photos and details, and even chat with agents via an online interface. The company emphasizes empowering consumers with data, aiming to provide rich information on neighborhoods, pricing trends, and investment opportunities. Although a newer entrant, Harbor Property has rapidly gained traction by leveraging technology and user-friendly tools. For example, it integrates map-based searches and augmented reality home tours to enhance the property hunting experience. While it does not replace the need for an agent or agency, Harbor Property is certainly a key player to watch, illustrating how competition in Cambodian real estate now comes not just from brokerage firms but also from digital platforms.

Borey Peng Huoth (PH Property) – Leading Local Developer

No discussion of Cambodian real estate is complete without mentioning the major borey developers – the companies building entire residential communities across the country. Borey Peng Huoth is one of the largest and most reputable residential property development companies in Cambodia. Also known as PH Property, Borey Peng Huoth has over 17 years of experience in building residences and creating vibrant community townships. The term “Borey” refers to gated community projects, and Borey Peng Huoth’s name has become synonymous with high-quality borey developments that cater to the Cambodian middle and upper-middle class. Since the early 2000s, this developer has constructed numerous sprawling housing projects around Phnom Penh – typically comprising link houses, villas, and shop-houses – along with amenities like parks, schools, and security services. Their flagship projects often carry the “Peng Huoth” brand, such as Borey Peng Huoth Boeng Snor and the Star Platinum series, each known for modern design and reliable infrastructure. The company’s success lies in understanding local demand: many Cambodian families prefer landed houses in gated communities, and Peng Huoth delivered exactly that at scale. By maintaining construction quality, timely delivery, and corporate social responsibility initiatives, Borey Peng Huoth has earned public trust. It exemplifies the strength of local developers in Cambodia’s real estate sector and highlights that “real estate company” can mean not just agencies like CBRE, but also developers that build the very properties those agencies trade.

Chip Mong Land (Chip Mong Group)

Another major local powerhouse in real estate development is Chip Mong Land, the property arm of Chip Mong Group. Chip Mong Group is a large Cambodian conglomerate (spanning businesses from breweries to banking) and is frequently cited among the biggest companies in Cambodia. Its real estate division, Chip Mong Land, was established in 2008 and has since become one of the leading property developers in Cambodia. Chip Mong Land has a diverse portfolio that includes both landed housing projects and condominiums, as well as commercial developments. Their first major project, The Park Land 598, was a residential community featuring villas, twin houses, link houses, and shophouses, which was successfully completed and sold out. Building on that success, Chip Mong delivered projects like ParkLand TK Condo, Landmark 271, Landmark 60M, and Land Riché. What sets Chip Mong apart is its backing by a huge parent company – this means strong financial capacity and the ability to undertake large-scale projects. For instance, Chip Mong has also invested in commercial real estate, building shopping malls (such as Chip Mong Mega Mall) and office towers, contributing significantly to the country’s commercial landscape. Industry profiles note that Chip Mong Land employs experienced Khmer and foreign architects and engineers, blending global and local expertise in its construction quality. For buyers, Chip Mong’s projects carry the credibility of a well-known brand with a track record of delivering on promises. They are a top choice for those looking at new developments, and their projects are often mentioned in any real estate company list in Cambodia that includes developers.

Prince Real Estate Group (Prince Holding Group)

Cambodia’s real estate boom has also attracted significant foreign investment, notably from China. Prince Real Estate (Cambodia) Group, often referred to simply as Prince Real Estate, is a prominent Chinese-backed developer that has become a major player in the country. Founded in 2015, Prince Real Estate Group entered the market to capitalize on Cambodia’s thriving development scene. Backed by the diversified Prince Holding Group from China, this developer quickly started undertaking large projects, especially in Phnom Penh and the coastal city of Sihanoukville. Prince Real Estate is known for high-rise condominiums and mixed-use complexes that add a modern and sometimes luxurious flair to the skyline. For example, in Phnom Penh, Prince has been involved in projects like Prince Central Plaza and Prince Happiness Plaza, which combine residential condos with shopping and entertainment components. As a real estate developer, Prince brings in significant capital and a fast-paced development style, often completing buildings in shorter timeframes. This has positioned them as a formidable competitor among residential property development companies, particularly in the condominium segment appealing to foreign buyers. Some locals even refer to them as Prince Real Estate China, highlighting the influence of Chinese investment in Cambodia’s property sector.

Key Real Estate Segments in Cambodia

Cambodia’s real estate offerings can be broadly categorized into residential, commercial, and mixed-use segments. Each segment has its own trends, major players, and considerations, which both investors and those choosing a real estate company should be aware of. Below we explore these key segments and what’s happening in each.

Residential Real Estate

The residential sector in Cambodia includes everything from standalone houses and villas to condominium units and the prevalent borey (gated community) developments. In Phnom Penh, condominium projects have proliferated in the city center and along major boulevards, often targeting both local elites and foreign buyers. At the same time, the outskirts of Phnom Penh and other cities are dotted with borey projects – master-planned communities of townhouses and villas built by developers like Borey Peng Huoth, Chip Mong Land, and others. These residential property development companies have catered to the strong local demand for landed homes in secure, amenity-rich neighborhoods. Recent trends show a growing middle class fueling demand for quality housing. Developers have responded by offering flexible payment plans and mortgages in partnership with banks, making home ownership more accessible. Additionally, affordable housing is a buzzword, and rental demand remains strong, particularly among expatriates and locals moving to urban areas. One unique feature of Cambodia’s residential market is foreign ownership: foreigners can legally own condominium units (strata title) but not land or ground-floor property, making condos especially attractive to international investors.

Commercial Real Estate

Cambodia’s commercial real estate encompasses office buildings, retail spaces (shops and shopping malls), hospitality (hotels, serviced residences), and industrial properties (warehouses, factories). Phnom Penh, as the capital, is the center of most commercial real estate activity. Over the past decade, the city has seen a construction boom in office towers and shopping malls. Grade A office buildings such as Vattanac Capital Tower and Exchange Square have come online, and more are in the pipeline. This surge in supply led to a more tenant-favorable market recently, with high vacancy rates in some new buildings; however, experts anticipate the office market to stabilize around 2025 as the economy absorbs new space. For businesses setting up in Cambodia, choosing the right office location is key – and firms like CBRE and Knight Frank provide office brokerage services, including advice on office grading, lease negotiations, and workspace planning. On the retail front, major malls like Aeon Mall (I & II) and smaller community malls by developers (e.g., Chip Mong’s malls) have transformed how Cambodians shop. Retail space in prime malls is handled by commercial leasing agents, while “shophouses” remain a staple of Cambodian commerce, often bought and sold as commercial assets in prime locations.

Mixed-Use Developments

Mixed-use developments – projects combining residential, commercial, and sometimes hospitality components – have become a hallmark of Cambodia’s urban expansion. These developments can range from single high-rise towers mixing condos and retail podiums to entire districts with offices, malls, parks, and residences. Notable examples include Diamond Island (Koh Pich), a peninsula developed with exhibition centers, condos, villas, and amusement facilities by OCIC, and twin towers like The Bridge and The Peak in downtown Phnom Penh, which house apartments, a mall, and a hotel. Mixed-use projects are attractive because they create live-work-play environments and offer multiple revenue streams for developers. They also raise the bar for safety, environmental standards, and smart-city technology. For buyers and tenants, these complexes provide convenience and modern amenities, but it’s important to research the developer’s track record and the management plan for the entire complex.

How to Choose a Real Estate Company in Cambodia

With so many agencies, developers, and platforms available, how do you pick the right real estate company in Cambodia to work with? Consider the following factors:

• Reputation and Track Record: Look for established firms with positive testimonials, case studies, and industry awards.
• Services and Specialization: Match your needs (e.g., brokerage, valuation, management) to a company’s core expertise.
• Local Market Knowledge: Ensure the firm understands Cambodian regulations, pricing dynamics, and cultural nuances.
• Transparency and Professionalism: Choose companies known for clear communication, honest assessments, and formal contracts.
• Network and Connections: A broad network (with banks, lawyers, investors) can streamline transactions and surface off-market opportunities.

Meeting with multiple firms, treating it like an interview, and assessing their communication style will help you find a partner who genuinely has your best interests at heart.

Conclusion: The Top Choice for Cambodian Real Estate

Cambodia’s property market presents tremendous opportunities across residential, commercial, and mixed-use segments. Among the many players – global agencies, local developers, and digital platforms – CBRE Cambodia stands out as the top real estate company in Cambodia thanks to its blend of international standards, deep local expertise, comprehensive services, and unwavering commitment to transparency. Whether you’re buying a downtown condo, scouting borey communities, or investing in commercial space, aligning with a trusted partner like CBRE Cambodia will give you confidence and peace of mind.