AsiaLIFE

When it comes to finding a home in Phnom Penh, it can be difficult to know where to start – especially for new arrivals. AsiaLIFE’s Lou Hayward gives some inside advice.

With over 12 years’ experience and an impressive network of homeowners, landlords and landladies, Art Hong Ly, better known as “Art the home finder”, can definitely help you find your home. Although it makes his job easier if you have a location and a price range in mind, Art has some tips for even the most undecided house hunter.

“Think about how many bedrooms are needed, what style of property, does it matter if an apartment is on the ground floor, and even if you want a swimming pool,” he says.

John Vuthy, Senior Property Officer with Bonna Realty Group, one of Cambodia’s leading real estate companies, takes a similar approach.

“Some people are prepared to pay more to live in a ‘prime location’ such as Daun Penh, Boeung Keng Kang (“BKK”) 1 or Tonle Bassac,” he says. “But there are many other options. For example, if you don’t need parking and want a good view, there are many places on the river. It’s different for every client.”

Consider how far you’re willing to live from your place of work, which amenities you want on your doorstep and whether you can tolerate construction noise? If your budget won’t stretch to a snazzy serviced des res and you don’t need to be smack in the centre of town, investigate BKK 2 or 3, southern Tonle Bassac or Toul Kork – your money wil go much further.

Given that John and Art’s assistance comes at no price to the house hunter, there seems little point in going it alone.

“It definitely takes longer if you do it yourself,” says John. “Many people notify an agent directly and may not even advertise. Having an agent makes asking a landlord questions about a property and negotiation a lot easier as many may not speak English.”

Think you’ve found your dream home?

“Always negotiate the rent,” says Art. “Landlords want good tenants who will stay for the full length of the lease so it’s worth bargaining. Unless you are only there for a short time, most will be happy to make a few home improvements”.

Although landlords prefer to lease for six months to one year or longer short-term leases are also available. “Again this may be a matter of negotiation,” says John.

To secure your home, you will probably need to put down a deposit, although John advises putting down no more than two months’ rent.  

Be prepared to act fast. The Phnom Penh housing market moves quickly, especially in the most popular districts, so you may have only a small window of opportunity before someone else beats you to it. Not that you should panic – both John and Art say that more and more properties come onto the market after Khmer New Year, and that June is the optimum month for finding a home.

Art The Homefinder, Tel: 012 422 126, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , http://artthehomefinder.wordpress.com/

Bonna Realty Group, 209, Street 51, Tel: 023 993 393, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.bonnarealty.com.kh