For discerning high-net-worth investors, Cambodia luxury real estate represents one of Asia’s last true frontier investment opportunities—fast growth with institutional stability. While Bangkok and Singapore property markets are already premium priced, Phnom Penh property investment offers GDP growth above 5%, evolving financial systems, and regulation that welcomes sophisticated capital. This article dives into how cryptocurrency payments, currency evolution, and emerging markets are redefining Southeast Asia property investment.
Can you buy property in Cambodia with cryptocurrency?
Yes. In 2024, the national bank authorised commercial banks to process stablecoin payments, making Cambodia one of Asia’s most crypto-friendly property markets. Buyers can now purchase property with cryptocurrency, with platforms like realestate.com.kh already accepting digital assets. The Bakong blockchain payment system allows investors to pay in US dollars, Khmer riel, or stablecoins, creating a seamless bridge between digital and physical assets. This clarity gives the ‘Kingdom of Wonder’ an edge over Western jurisdictions still debating crypto property regulation.
Is Cambodia de-dollarising and what does it mean for investors?
Around 80–90% of the nation’s economy remains dollarised, providing the stability global investors value. Yet, de-dollarisation initiatives are gradually increasing riel usage. High-value real estate, however, will likely remain dollar-denominated, preserving international benchmarks. This creates a natural hedge: luxury assets priced in USD, while broader exposure to the riel allows for potential currency appreciation. The Bakong system integrates all three—USD, riel, and stablecoins—offering investors flexibility and security.
Where are the best areas to invest in Phnom Penh?
- Tonle Bassac & BKK1 – The city’s premier districts, comparable to Singapore’s District 10. Expect rental yields of 5–6% and capital appreciation of 8–10% annually.
- Chroy Changvar – A fast-rising peninsula across from the Royal Palace. Prices remain 30–40% below prime districts, with major infrastructure projects set to close the gap.
- Sen Sok – A long-term land-banking opportunity, poised for appreciation as middle-class migration expands into the northern corridor.
- Sihanoukville beachfront – Corrected after overdevelopment, now offering distressed properties at deep discounts, ideal for long-horizon investors.
What infrastructure projects drive the local property market?
Two types of infrastructure fuel property appreciation:
- Physical: expressways, new airports, and smart city developments enhancing connectivity.
- Digital: high-speed internet, mobile payments, and Bakong fintech integration.
Together, these attract remote executives, digital nomads, and wealthy professionals seeking integrated high-end living.
Is Khmer property a better investment than Thailand?
With GDP growth projected at 5.5–6.1% in 2025, Cambodia outpaces regional peers. It offers lower entry costs, strong ASEAN integration, and rising foreign direct investment that fuels demand for executive housing and top tier apartments. The hospitality sector provides a key signal. Global five-star brands continue expanding, confident in affluent tourism and business demand. Historically, where high-end hotels invest, discerning residential demand usually follows.
Can foreigners buy property here?
Yes, but with clear rules. Foreigners may own condominium units above the ground floor, but cannot hold land directly. Instead, long-term leases up to 99 years provide effective control of villas or land. Investors must conduct due diligence: verifying property titles (hard titles), ownership history, and correct registration. With English widely used in transactions and increasing standardisation, the property laws is more transparent than many frontier markets.
Is this the next big luxury real estate market?
In 2025, Cambodia resembles Vietnam in 2010 or Thailand in 1995—a market gaining structure just as growth accelerates. Key opportunities include:
- Quality condos in Chroy Changvar
- Land in Sen Sok near infrastructure catalysts
- Distressed assets in Sihanoukville
- Crypto property Cambodia purchases with stablecoins
By offering both dollar stability and crypto payment options, Cambodia is emerging as Southeast Asia’s most forward-thinking property jurisdiction.
What is the best investment strategy?
For high-net-worth investors, Cambodia is ideal for portfolio diversification. Strategies include:
- Off-plan property at 15–20% discounts from reputable developers.
- Prime properties in BKK1 and Tonle Bassac for immediate rental income.
- Smart building investment, catering to the country’s tech-savvy young population.
Institutional-grade valuations and international construction standards are raising quality, further boosting investor confidence.
Should investors act now or wait?
The question is no longer if the luxury market will mature—it’s when. Early investors enjoy favourable pricing, regulatory clarity, and higher yields, while those who wait may face institutional-level valuations. For globally mobile wealth, seeking both discretion and diversification, Cambodia real estate today represents one of Asia’s most compelling frontiers.
Abode is a specialist in top-end property and high-net-worth investment and we provide curated access to premium assets, crypto-facilitated transactions, and expert guidance in this fast-evolving market.
