Phnom Penh property due diligence should confirm that the seller can sell, the buyer can legally own the unit, and the contract accurately records the property, price and obligations. Physical inspection, cost analysis and realistic occupancy assumptions matter too. Complete these checks before paying a substantial deposit or signing an unconditional agreement.
Legal and ownership checks
An independent Cambodian lawyer should confirm the asset, seller and proposed ownership route. The review must match the actual unit and transaction.
- Confirm the seller’s identity and authority to complete the sale
- Review the title position and registered interests
- Check eligibility for the intended buyer and ownership form
- Match the unit number, floor, area and parking rights
- Review payment, delay, default and cancellation clauses
Physical and building checks
For completed property, inspect the exact unit rather than only a show unit. Record defects and review the condition of lifts, corridors, parking and shared facilities.
For off-plan property, assess the specification, construction progress, approval position and developer track record. Clarify the process for snagging defects.
Financial checks
Build a complete cost schedule and stress-test the investment assumptions. A gross occupancy figure does not account for vacancy, management, repairs, furnishing, service charges, taxes or transaction costs.
- Purchase price and payment dates
- Taxes, registration and professional fees
- Management fees and recurring building charges
- Furnishing, maintenance and management allowance
- Conservative cost, vacancy and future sale scenarios
Keep advice independent
The selling agent, developer and buyer may each have different interests. Use qualified independent advisers for legal, tax and technical questions, and ensure important representations appear in the signed contract.
BKB can organise project information, comparisons and viewing support so your advisers have a clearer package to review.