Property glossary (Cambodia, condos, off-plan) – plain English
Quick definitions for the terms you will see in listings, contracts, and investment discussions. This is general information only – always confirm legal meanings in writing with qualified professionals.
General information only. Not legal or tax advice. Definitions can vary – confirm contract meanings with qualified professionals.
🏠 Ownership & Legal
How property ownership works for foreign buyers in Cambodia.
🏢 Foreign Ownership (Condo)
A common route for foreign buyers is purchasing a condo unit under a structure designed for foreign ownership. The exact rules and eligibility vary by country and project, so always confirm the legal structure and documentation in writing.
Check: Ownership structure, documentation you will receive, and any restrictions.
📜 Freehold
A form of ownership generally implying long-term ownership rights. The practical meaning can differ by jurisdiction and property type, so treat the label as a starting point and confirm the actual rights and restrictions in the documents.
Check: What “freehold” means in your specific contract and jurisdiction.
📅 Leasehold
A right to use a property for a fixed period under a lease agreement. Lease terms can affect resale value and financing, so the length, renewal rights, and restrictions should be reviewed carefully.
Check: Lease length, renewal terms, and any restrictions on transfer.
🏢 Strata Title
A form of “unit-level” ownership commonly used for condos. Each unit has its own title, while common areas are shared. This is the typical structure for foreign condo ownership in Cambodia.
Check: What documents you receive, the transfer process, and any restrictions that apply.
📄 Master Title vs Sub-Title
Master title: the main land or building title. Sub-title: the individual unit title (where applicable). Sub-titles are issued after the building is complete and registered.
Check: What stage unit titles are issued and what proof exists at each step.
📋 Title / Ownership Documents
The paperwork that confirms what you own and what rights you have. The type and timing of documents varies by project stage and ownership structure.
Check: Exactly what documents you will receive at each stage of purchase.
🔒 Encumbrance
A claim on a property (such as a mortgage or charge) that may affect transfer. Encumbrances must typically be cleared before ownership can transfer cleanly.
Check: Whether there are any encumbrances and how they are discharged before transfer.
🔍 Due Diligence
The process of verifying the deal before you commit meaningful funds. It typically includes checking documentation, developer track record, payment plan triggers, building management plans, and realistic rental and resale assumptions.
Related: Due Diligence Checklist →
🏗️ Off-Plan & Construction
Terms you will encounter when buying a property before or during construction.
🏗️ Off-Plan
Buying a unit that is not yet completed (or sometimes not yet built). Your outcome depends heavily on documentation clarity, developer track record, and realistic timelines.
Related: Developer Track Record Guide →
📊 Developer Track Record
Evidence of what a developer has delivered in the past: completion quality, timeline reliability, and aftercare. It matters because brochures and renderings do not predict real building performance.
Check: Completed projects, handover history, defects handling, and owner feedback.
🏠 Handover
The stage where the unit is delivered to the buyer and you can typically take possession (subject to documents and process). This is when you receive keys and can begin using or renting the unit.
Check: Snagging process, what you receive at handover, and what triggers final payment.
🧱 Practical Completion
A stage where a project or unit is considered substantially complete (even if minor defects remain). The definition should be confirmed in the contract as it often triggers payments.
Check: What “completion” means in your contract and whether it triggers final payments.
🔧 Snagging / Snag List
The process of identifying defects or incomplete items at (or near) handover. A documented snag list is your record of what needs fixing before you accept the unit.
Check: Who fixes what, timeline for repairs, and how disputes are handled.
🛡️ Defects Liability Period
A period after handover where certain defects are expected to be fixed by the developer or contractor. The scope and process vary, so confirm details in writing.
Check: What is covered vs excluded, how to report issues, and response timelines.
💰 Retention
A portion of funds held back until defects are fixed (not always offered). Retention gives buyers leverage to ensure issues are resolved.
Check: If it exists, how it is released, and whether it is written into the contract.
🚧 Force Majeure
Clauses that excuse delays due to events outside control (such as natural disasters or government actions). Wording varies significantly between contracts.
Check: What events qualify, how long delays can extend, and whether buyer protections remain.
📝 Contracts & Payments
The paperwork and payment stages of buying property.
📝 SPA (Sale & Purchase Agreement)
The main contract that sets the price, payment plan, inclusions, handover terms, and what happens if something changes. This is the most important document in your purchase.
Check: That incentives and inclusions are written in, milestone triggers are defined, and delay or refund clauses are clear.
🧾 Booking Form / Reservation Form
A short document used at the very start to “hold” a unit before the full contract is ready. This is typically the first payment stage.
Check: Refund terms, expiry dates, and whether it locks you into anything before you have verified documents.
💡 EOI (Expression of Interest)
A non-final “I am interested” step used to gauge demand or reserve a unit informally. Not all projects use this stage.
Check: Whether money paid is refundable and what you are agreeing to (if anything).
💳 Reservation Fee / Booking Fee
A payment to hold a unit while documents are prepared. The amount varies but is typically a few thousand dollars.
Check: Whether it is refundable, under what conditions, and what happens if you do not proceed.
💵 Deposit
An upfront payment that forms part of the purchase price. Deposits are often not fully refundable, so confirm refund terms and documentation before paying.
Check: Refund conditions and what documentation you receive as proof of payment.
📅 Payment Plan
The staged schedule of payments for an off-plan purchase. Plans vary from heavy upfront payments to spread instalments tied to construction milestones.
Related: Payment Plans Explained →
🎯 Milestone
A defined project stage that triggers a payment (such as foundations completed or structure topped out). Milestones must be clearly defined and verifiable, not vague or discretionary.
Check: What evidence is provided that a milestone is reached.
📦 Inclusions / Exclusions
What is included in the price (furniture, appliances, parking, storage) and what is not. Verbal promises mean nothing without written confirmation.
Check: That everything promised is written into the contract or formally attached.
⏳ Cooling-off Period
A window where you can cancel after signing (if offered). Not guaranteed in all cases and varies by jurisdiction and contract.
Check: Whether it exists in writing, how long it lasts, and how refunds work.
🛡️ Escrow
A third party holds funds until conditions are met. This can reduce risk if real and properly documented. Not all projects offer escrow arrangements.
Check: Who the escrow agent is, release conditions, fees, and written receipts.
💥 Liquidated Damages
A pre-agreed amount payable if a party breaches certain terms (such as delays), if included. This gives buyers compensation if the developer fails to deliver on time.
Check: Whether it is included, how it is calculated, and how it is claimed.
💰 Costs & Fees
The ongoing and one-time costs of owning property in Cambodia.
🏢 Service Charge
A recurring fee paid to maintain and operate the building (security, cleaning, shared facilities). Typically charged per square metre per month.
Check: What is included, how it is calculated, and whether it tends to change over time.
🏦 Sinking Fund / Reserve Fund
A fund used for major repairs and long-term maintenance (lifts, roofs, major systems). A healthy reserve can protect the building’s long-term condition and your investment.
Check: Whether it exists, how much is collected, and how it is managed.
📄 Transfer Fees
Costs associated with transferring ownership. These vary by project and transaction type and should be confirmed for your specific purchase.
Related: Taxes and Fees Guide →
🔑 Management Fees (Rental)
Fees charged by a property manager to handle tenant finding, rent collection, and day-to-day issues. Typically 8% to 15% of rental income.
Check: What is included and how repairs and vacancies are handled.
📊 Gross Yield
A simple measure: annual rent divided by purchase price, before costs. It can be misleading if used without considering expenses and realistic occupancy.
Check: Always calculate net yield for realistic returns.
📈 Net Yield
Rental income after costs (management, service charges, repairs, voids). Net yield is typically more useful than headline “gross” numbers when comparing investments.
Check: Include all costs and assume conservative occupancy rates.
💸 Hidden Costs
Costs buyers often forget to budget for: furnishing, setup, initial vacancy, repairs, and transfer costs. These can add 5% to 15% to your total investment.
Related: Hidden Costs Guide →
🔑 Rentals & Management
Terms related to renting out your property and ongoing management.
🏢 Property Management
A service that handles tenant relationships, maintenance coordination, inspections, and rent collection. Management quality often matters more than investors expect.
Related: Rental Management Guide →
👤 Tenant Profile
The type of tenant most likely to rent your unit (professionals, couples, small families, expats). Your unit layout and location should match the tenant profile you want.
Check: Who currently rents in the building and area.
📅 Void Period
A period when the property is unoccupied and not earning rent. Conservative investors allow for voids (typically 1 to 2 months per year) when modelling returns.
Check: Historical occupancy rates in the building and area.
🛋️ Furnishing Level
How furnished a unit is (unfurnished, partially furnished, fully furnished). Furnishing affects rental demand, tenant type, and your upfront setup costs.
Check: What tenants in your target market expect.
📋 Building Rules / Bylaws
Rules that govern how the building operates (noise, pets, short-term rentals, renovations). Well-enforced rules protect building quality and tenant experience.
Check: Whether short-term rentals are allowed if that is your strategy.
🚪 Resale & Exit
Planning your exit and selling your property.
🚪 Exit Strategy
Your plan for selling or holding long term. Exit planning should start before you buy, especially for overseas property where liquidity can vary.
Related: Exit Strategy Guide →
💧 Liquidity
How easily and quickly you can sell at a fair price. Liquidity depends on building reputation, unit practicality, running costs, and buyer eligibility.
Check: How quickly similar units in the building have sold.
🏠 Resale Market
The market for previously-owned units. Some off-plan units sell well later; others struggle if the building is poorly managed or the layout is undesirable.
Check: Resale activity and pricing in the building before you buy.
🔄 Assignment
Selling your contract to another buyer before the project completes. Not all contracts allow assignment, and there may be fees or restrictions.
Check: Whether assignment is permitted and what fees apply.
💱 Capital Repatriation
Moving funds out of a country after a sale. Requirements can vary; keep clean records of transfers and documentation, and confirm processes with qualified professionals.
Related: Bank Transfers Guide →
🏦 Banking & Transfers
Moving money and completing transactions.
🧾 KYC (Know Your Customer)
Identity checks that banks and regulated service providers may require. It can apply when opening accounts, sending funds, or completing certain transaction steps.
Check: What documents you need (passport, proof of address, source of funds) and timelines.
🛡️ AML (Anti-Money Laundering)
Regulations requiring banks and businesses to verify the source of funds and prevent illegal money flows. You may be asked to provide proof of where your money comes from.
Check: What source of funds documentation is required.
💸 TT / Wire Transfer
A bank transfer method for sending funds internationally (telegraphic transfer). This is the most common method for property payments.
Check: Beneficiary details, bank fees, reference wording, and keep receipts.
💱 FX Spread
The “hidden” cost in exchange rates when converting currency. The rate you get is typically worse than the market rate, and small differences add up on large transfers.
Check: The all-in conversion rate and compare providers.
🧑⚖️ POA (Power of Attorney)
Allows someone to sign or act on your behalf (common for remote buyers). Essential if you cannot be present for signing or handover.
Check: Scope, expiry, who can use it, and whether it must be notarised or legalised.
📌 Notarisation / Apostille
Document validation steps for cross-border use. Requirements vary by country and document type. An apostille is international certification under the Hague Convention.
Check: Which documents need it and the exact process required for your situation.
🧾 NOC (No Objection Certificate)
A letter confirming there is no objection to a transfer or action (varies by context). May be required from developers, banks, or authorities.
Check: Who issues it, why it is needed, and whether it is required for your transaction.
🎯 Practical Buyer Terms
Practical concepts that affect your buying decision.
✅ Verification
A practical process to reduce risk: checking documents, track record, payment triggers, building management, and realistic rental and resale assumptions. The foundation of safe buying.
Related: Due Diligence Checklist →
✈️ Remote Purchase
Buying from overseas without being physically present for each step. Remote buying can work well, but increases the need for written terms and organised documentation.
Related: Remote Buying Guide →
📍 Micro-Location
The specific street position and immediate surroundings. Micro-location can affect noise, liveability, tenant demand, and resale confidence more than the district name.
Check: What is directly around the building, not just the general area.
🧭 Orientation
Which direction the unit faces and what that means for light, heat, noise, and views. Orientation can strongly affect liveability and rental appeal.
Check: Sun direction, noise sources, and what you will see from windows.
📐 Net vs Gross Area
Gross area includes shared spaces (corridors, walls). Net area is your usable internal space. Always confirm which measurement is used for pricing and compare like with like.
Check: Whether quoted sizes are net or gross.
🏷️ Price per sqm
A way to compare unit pricing: total price divided by size. Useful for comparing value, but remember to check whether the size is net or gross.
Check: Use consistent measurements when comparing projects.
📚 Helpful Next Steps
📬 Not Sure How a Term Applies?
Send us the project name and your budget or timeline. We will explain the key terms in context and help you shortlist options that match your strategy.
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General information only. Not legal or tax advice. Confirm definitions with qualified professionals.
Last updated: 9 January 2026