Before you buy a home in Cambodia: a checklist

2026-11-04 · The CONWE

Once you have found a home you like in Cambodia, a little checking before you pay a deposit prevents most disputes. This guide lists only what to ask, look at and keep in practice. It does not explain the law or tax rates; for those, rely on the authorities and qualified professionals.

Confirm who the seller is

Understand the papers in front of you

You will hear terms such as "hard title", "soft title" and "strata title", but a name alone does not show the actual state of the right. Ask which authority issued the document, what right it records, and whether it has been registered. Note the certificate number, parcel or unit number and area, and check the registration yourself at the land registry office, including any mortgage, seizure or other encumbrance.

Check the site

Make sure the location, boundaries, floor and unit number on site match the document. Ask whether anyone lives there or rents it now, and whether management, water or electricity fees are unpaid. For an apartment, ask the building management for the house rules, monthly fees and parking rules instead of relying on advertising photos.

Put the terms in writing

Write the price, payment schedule, handover date, condition at handover, included furniture and equipment, who pays each tax and fee, and which documents the transfer needs and who prepares them into a written contract. Both sides sign and keep a copy. Do not rely on spoken promises or chat messages alone.

Foreign buyers: ask one more question

Keep a record

Keep copies of the documents, payment records, the contract and your messages in one folder, with both sides holding the same versions.

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