Real Estate Market Outlook: Cambodia

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 23

C B R E R E S E A R C H | A P A C

R E A L E S TAT E
MARKET
OUTLOOK

CAMBODIA
TABL E O F CONTENTS

01 02
MARKET OUTLOOK ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
SUMMARY

03 04
OFFICE SECTOR RETAIL SECTOR

05 06
INDUSTRIAL SECTOR RESIDENTIAL SECTOR

07
RISKS & OPPORTUNITIES

CBRE RESEARCH | © 2019 CBRE, Inc. ASIA PACIFIC REAL ESTATE MARKET OUTLOOK 2019 | CAMBODIA

2
ASIA PACIFIC REAL ESTATE MARKET OUTLOOK 2019
CAMBODIA

G R O W I N G I N T E R N AT I O N A L I N T E R E S T
B O O S T S D E V E LO P M E N T

ECONOMIC RESIDENTIAL MARKET


OVERVIEW OVERVIEW
• GDP growth rate projected at • Total completed condominium
6.8% in 2019 stock to rise by circa 120% OFFICE MARKET
• Population estimated to reach • Concerns of oversaturation in OVERVIEW
16.3 million in 2019 high-end and mid-range • Centrally-owned office stock to
• The construction sector grew sectors persist reach circa 394,605 sqm by
by 18.1% in 2018 • Serviced apartment sector to the end of 2019 and 409,785
• Total volume of international maintain healthy performance, sqm before 2021
tourists increased by 11.5 % in on the back of relatively low • Strata-title office stock influx
2018 supply levels begins

RETAIL MARKET INDUSTRIAL MARKET


OVERVIEW OVERVIEW
• 543,653 sqm of retail stock by Q4 • Infrastructure development
2019 expected to catalyze growth in the
• Expansion focused on suburban logistics sector
districts • Industrial vacancy to remain low
• Community mall stock influx, with 6 • Rental rates are expected to
new projects set to complete in 2019 increase due to lack of supply
• More international brands entering
the market, spearheaded by F&B
operators

CBRE RESEARCH
This report was prepared by the CBRE Cambodia Research Team, which forms part of CBRE Research – a network of preeminent researchers
who collaborate to provide real estate market research and econometric forecasting to real estate.

© 2019 CBRE , Inc. Information contained herein, including projections, has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. While we
do not doubt its accuracy, we have not verified it and make no guarantee, warranty or representation about it. It is your responsibility to
confirm independently its accuracy and completeness. This information is presented exclusively for use by CBRE clients and professionals
and all rights to the material are reserved and cannot be reproduced without prior written permission of CBRE.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
ECO NO MIC OU TLOOK

CAMBODIA

Cambodia’s strong economic growth to continue amidst challenges to regional


competitiveness.
Cambodia’s economy maintained its robust performance (EBA) preferential trade initiative which provides tariff
across 2018 and is projected to remain one of the fastest free access to EU markets, a major destination for
growing economies with an estimated growth rate of 6.8% Cambodian made goods.
in 2019, according to the World Bank. The industry and
Construction, on the other hand, is expected to maintain
service sectors will remain the key driving forces behind
its strong growth. According to the Ministry of Economy
the economy.
and Finance, the growth rate in Cambodia’s construction
Macro-economic stability, favourable inflation rates and sector in 2018 was 18.1%.
stable exchange rates have played a crucial role in
Cambodia welcomed 6.2 million foreign visitors in 2018,
creating an investment-friendly environment within
an 11.5% y-o-y improvement. Angkor Wat ticket revenue
Cambodia over the past decade. Looking forward into
rose to $105 million last year. Tourism arrivals continue
2019, inflation rates are expected to fluctuate around
to be dominated by other Asian nations, of which Chinese
2.5% as projected by the National Bank of Cambodia
visitors constitute the highest proportion, increasing by
while the exchange rate is set to remain at approximately
71% y-o-y. This upward trend is predicted to continue in
4,050 Riels to the US Dollar.
2019.
In 2019, Cambodia’s industrial sector is predicted to grow
Investment flow into the economy in 2018 is reported to
by 10.2%, principally supported by manufacturing and
have increased to $5.8 billion, according to the Council
construction. Nevertheless, the country’s largest
for the Development of Cambodia (CDC). In total, the
manufacturing industry, garments and footwear, is facing
Council approved circa 183 investment projects outside
a number of challenges including rising labour costs and
SEZs, creating an estimated 176,257 jobs.
the risk of losing access to the “Everything-But-Arms”
CBRE RESEARCH | © 2019 CBRE, Inc. ASIA PACIFIC REAL ESTATE MARKET OUTLOOK 2019 | CAMBODIA

5
OFFICE SECTOR
O F F ICE SECTOR

CAMBODIA

Phnom Penh’s office market has expanded substantially in recent years, seeing rapid
development and improving occupancy in all grades. The development of new supply
has been driven primarily by tenants looking to expand and establish themselves
within multi-let commercial offices, as well as by new market entrants.

OVERVIEW SUPPLY OF GRADE C OFFICE TO SHRINK


DUE TO MARKET SHIFT
Phnom Penh’s office market continues to enjoy steady
demand in light of recently delivered stock, with multi-let As of Q1 2019, the supply of centrally-owned office space
buildings in both CBD and non-CBD locations attracting in Phnom Penh has reached circa 340,000 sqm. Existing
interest from established occupiers. stock continues to be dominated by the Grade C sector,
however, short to medium term development within the
The demand for modern office space is driven by the office market is focused on the Grade B sector, with
continued expansion of both local and foreign longer term trends indicating a shift towards Grade A.
corporations, in addition to the relocation of expanding
organizations from traditional villas to purpose-built During the last 12 months the market saw a slight
office buildings. decrease in Grade C sector supply due to the closure of
three aging buildings for refurbishment or
redevelopment. The completion of new Grade B stock
throughout the year ensured office supply remained
broadly static.

CBRE RESEARCH | © 2019 CBRE, Inc. ASIA PACIFIC REAL ESTATE MARKET OUTLOOK 2019 | CAMBODIA

7
O F F ICE SECTOR

CAMBODIA

INFLUX OF NEW GRADE B STOCK TO RISING W AVE OF STRATA-TITLE OFFICE


REDUCE OCCUPANCY RATES BUILDINGS

Overall, centrally-owned office stock is anticipated to The most notable trend anticipated in Phnom Penh’s
witness an increase of approximately 54,514 sqm in 2019, office sector in 2019 is an influx in strata-title supply. As
pushing total supply up to 394,605 sqm by the end of of Q1 2019, Phnom Penh has 20,264 sqm of Grade B
2019. Incoming supply is dominated by the Grade B strata-office stock, namely TK Royal One, the first strata-
segment and is forecast to be accompanied by a title office completed in early 2018, and East Commercial
compression in occupancy across all grades to Centre which entered in Q4 2018.
approximately 78%, compared to 81.8% in Q4 2018.
It is forecast that the market will see a significant increase
This fall in occupancy rate anticipated as a result of new in Grade B strata-title supply in 2019. Three projects are
Grade B centrally-owned supply, is forecast to be further expected to complete this year, including Diamond Twin
exacerbated by an anticipated growth in strata-title office Tower, Fortune Tower and Star City, which are expected to
supply of circa 72,921 sqm before the end of 2019. increase strata-title stock by circa 61,414 sqm. This influx
Nonetheless, the prevailing market demand is positive is also expected to spread to the Grade A sector next year,
and excess supply will be absorbed in time, as such an through the anticipated completion of The Gateway,
improving occupancy rate is forecast for 2020. which comprises approximately 28,565 sqm of net
leasable area.
NON-CBD RENTAL RATES TO DROP DUE
TO INCREASE IN STOCK Strata-title office remains a relatively untested concept in
the Phnom Penh market. Similar to trends seen in the
Office rents in Phnom Penh have increased considerably condominium sector, developers of strata-title offices
since 2012. The lack of available supply within the CBD have commenced significant overseas marketing
has fueled further rental growth, contributing to the campaigns, principally in Taiwan, Singapore and China.
increase in Grade B average asking rates within the CBD
by circa 39% over the past 7 years. Sales prices have been broadly stable during the past 12
months. As of H2 2018, the average sales price of strata-
During 2019, Grade B offices in non-CBD locations are title offices stood at circa US$3,400 per square metre
anticipated to see a slight downward adjustment in based on net leasable area, with prime sales prices
quoting rents to circa $17.2 per sqm due to the exceeding US$4,000 per square metre. It is forecast that
introduction of new stock in secondary districts. newly completed stock will require a period of bedding-in
before absorption rates pick-up.

Figure 1: Phnom Penh Centrally Owned Office Supply Figure 2: Phnom Penh Strata-Title Office Supply

450,000 100% 400,000


400,000 90%
350,000
350,000 80%
300,000
70%
300,000
60% 250,000
250,000
50% 200,000
200,000
40% 150,000
150,000
30%
100,000
100,000 20%
50,000 50,000
10%
- 0% -
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019F 2020F 2018 2019F 2020F 2021F
Grade C Grade B Grade A Occupancy Rate Grade B Grade A
Source: CBRE Cambodia, Q1 2019 Source: CBRE Cambodia, Q1 2019

CBRE RESEARCH | © 2019 CBRE, Inc. ASIA PACIFIC REAL ESTATE MARKET OUTLOOK 2019 | CAMBODIA

8
RETAIL SECTOR
RETAIL SECTO R

CAMBODIA

Phnom Penh’s retail sector has entered a new phase, characterised by rapidly
accelerating levels of new supply as developers seek to capitalize on predicted growth
in consumer purchasing power. As such, a marked increase in retail stock is anticipated
to be introduced in 2019, particularly within the community mall and retail podium sub-
sectors. 2019 is also set to see a continuation of the increasing numbers of
international retailers entering the Cambodian market.
As a result of the reported growth of Cambodia’s middle- Peng Huoth Group and Chip Mong Group, are currently
class, overall levels of disposable income increasing and actively involved in expanding the presence of their retail
the number of foreign visitors expanding, Phnom Penh portfolios across Phnom Penh.
has witnessed a shift away from traditional retail formats
such as wet markets, hawker stands, shop houses and Chip Mong has recently announced plans to develop up
independent grocery/provision stores, towards more to six retail projects across Phnom Penh over the next
modern retailing concepts such as shopping and three years. Similarly, Peng Huoth Group has scheduled
community malls. Whilst these concepts are relatively the launch of two shopping malls by the end of 2023.
new to the market and thus the evolution of local
consumer behaviour continues to adjust, this shift is a Similarly to 2018, the Phnom Penh retail sector in 2019 is
promising sign which has acted to increase the number of expected to see a sharp influx in supply in all sub-sectors,
international retailers entering the market. with most projects in the community mall segment. The
accumulated retail stock by the end of 2019 is forecast to
International developers including AEON and Oxley reach circa 353,415 sqm, a y-o-y increase of approximately
Holdings Ltd., together with local developers such as 35.7%.
CBRE RESEARCH | © 2019 CBRE, Inc. ASIA PACIFIC REAL ESTATE MARKET OUTLOOK 2019 | CAMBODIA

10
RETAIL SECTO R

CAMBODIA

This anticipated increase in supply is focused upon the Cambodia is becoming increasingly attractive in the eyes
community mall segment where 6 projects are to complete of international retail brands as a result of the
this year, including; MiDTOWN Mall, Downtown 93, Chip development of modern retail formats and growing
Mong Noro Mall, WB Arena, The Point and Chip Mong domestic purchasing power. Overseas fashion retailers
Baktouk Commercial Centre. Accumulated retail stock including Superdry, Under Armour and Converse all made
being injected into the market by these projects stands at their first forays into the market in 2018, continuing the
circa 28,857 sqm. Space within community mall penetration of international brands within Cambodia’s
developments is expected to be largely absorbed by Q4 retail sector. Particular growth has been witnessed within
2019 while rents in the sector are forecast to stabilize the food & beverage, cosmetics and electronics sectors
before the year end as a result of this anticipated high net both at a local and international level.
absorption. Figure 3: Vacancy Rate of Phnom Penh Retail Supply
40%
Notable expansion is also expected in the retail podium 35%
sector with an anticipated increase in retail podium stock 30%
of approximately 207%, primarily a result of the 25%
anticipated completion of projects such as Oxley 20%
Worldbridge’s The Bridge. Furthermore, the forecast 15%
completion of the first phase of The Olympia Mall (circa 10%
15,000 sqm) and Phnom Penh Megamall in Q1 2020 5%
comprising approximately 40,000 sqm (NLA), are set to 0%
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019F
2020F
boost retail stock considerably.

Source: CBRE Cambodia, Q1 2019


Recent years have seen retail developers focusing their
In the coming year, retail vacancy is forecast to see an
attention on decentralized locations where larger land
upward adjustment due to substantial levels of new supply.
plots are more plentiful and available at more favourable
Vacancy in the sector as a whole is projected to reach
prices. Forthcoming projects include Eco Mall, Orkide The
16.3%, while vacancy in retail podium, community mall
Royal Mall, Chip Mong Mega Mall, and AEON Mall 3, all of
and shopping mall stock is expected to increase by 4%,
which are anticipated to complete before the end of 2023.
1.5% and 2% respectively.
Figure 4: Phnom Penh Retail Supply

600,000
525,000
450,000
375,000
300,000
225,000
150,000
75,000
0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019F 2020 F

Shopping Mall Shopping Center Community Mall Retail Podium


Source: CBRE Cambodia, Q1 2019

CBRE RESEARCH | © 2019 CBRE, Inc. ASIA PACIFIC REAL ESTATE MARKET OUTLOOK 2019 | CAMBODIA

11
INDUSTRIAL SECTOR
INDU STRIAL SECTOR

CAMBODIA

The industrial sector continues to be the back bone of Cambodia’s economy,


accounting for approximately 56% of the country’s GDP growth in 2018. Growth within
the sector is projected to remain strong at 10.2% in 2019 mainly as a result of a
robust performances expected in the manufacturing and construction sectors.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance estimated growth Figure 5: Planned Route of Ring Road No.3
of 10.9% for Cambodia’s industrial sector in 2018. The
brightest spots of the industrial economy were
construction (18.1%), followed by non-textile CBD
manufacturing (9.3%) and textile manufacturing (7.8%).
Chom Chao
Roundabout
Cambodia’s industrial sector is also benefiting from the
rapid development of infrastructure both within and
around Phnom Penh. Major projects to commence in
2019 include Ring Road No. 3, the Phnom Penh-
Anlong Chen
Sihanoukville Expressway and the expansion of several
National Roads. These infrastructure projects will
significantly improve connectivity within Cambodia and Source: Ministry of Public Works and Transport & CBRE Cambodia
will help to boost logistical integration with key industrial
locations around the region.

CBRE RESEARCH | © 2019 CBRE, Inc. ASIA PACIFIC REAL ESTATE MARKET OUTLOOK 2019 | CAMBODIA

13
INDU STRIAL SECTOR

CAMBODIA

The most prominent industrial locations remain the


Western and South-western regions of Phnom Penh which
are connected to the deep water port in Sihanoukville via
National Roads 3 and 4. Por Sen Chey District
accommodates the majority of the city’s dry-port as well as
GDP GROWTH Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone (PPSEZ) and is the
industrial hub of the capital. Additional supply is located in

6.8% Sen Sok District, where most of the standalone warehouse


supply is to be found, as well as dry-ports dispersed along
Veng Sreng Boulevard, Tumnub Kob Srov Street and
National Roads 4, 3, and 1.
Y-O-Y

The vacancy rate within the industrial sector has remained


PHNOM PENH WAREHOUSE consistently low, subsequently rental rates have risen in
QUOTING RENTS recent years. Prime quoting rents for ready-built-facilities
inside SEZs currently stand at circa $3.2/sqm per month,

$1.8-$5 whilst monthly rents for standalone factories and


warehouses outside SEZs average approximately $2.5/sqm
per month.
PER SQM
Cambodia’s industrial sector currently lacks supply of
quality stock in spite of strong demand from occupiers. This
is partially due to constrained infrastructure, increasing
land prices and a lack of speculative development.

Future industrial supply is forecast to remain in demand


amongst Cambodia’s key industrial investors and
manufacturers from labour intensive economies such as
China, Japan and Taiwan, however demand from EU and US
based investors is likely to remain low, particularly in light
of potential preferential trade agreement revocations.

CBRE RESEARCH | © 2019 CBRE, Inc. ASIA PACIFIC REAL ESTATE MARKET OUTLOOK 2019 | CAMBODIA

14
RESIDENTIAL SECTOR
RESIDENTIAL SECTOR

CAMBODIA

Condominium supply continues its rapid growth, particularly in the high-end and mid-
range sectors. The anticipated impact of continued supply increases is a downward
adjustment to average sale prices and rental rates across the sector, and a rise in the
conversion of condominiums into serviced apartments in an attempt to alleviate the
projected over-saturation throughout the market.
The rapid growth in Phnom Penh’s condominium sector indicating increasing interest from Cambodian
since 2014 has primarily been fueled by interest from purchasers in the affordable condominium sector. As
foreign purchasers predominantly from China, land prices continue to appreciate, Phnom Penh has
Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Korea and Japan, motivated witnessed a rise in launches of affordable projects in
by comparatively high rental yields which range between secondary locations that aim to target local buyers.
5% and 8% as well as the continued stability and
opportunity afforded by Cambodia’s dollarized economy. The vast majority of serviced apartment supply continues
to be located centrally within the capital and remains
Premium condominiums in central locations are still out tailored towards the expatriate community. Supply has
of reach for the majority of domestic buyers. Whilst there steadily increased in recent years with little change
has been clear take-up from wealthy domestic buyers expected within the Grade B segment. More notably, the
looking to invest in flagship condominium projects, only market is witnessing an increase in international
a small portion are being purchased as a primary operators within the market, with Somerset opening their
residence. However, in recent years a trend has emerged first fully branded residence in Q3 2018.

CBRE RESEARCH | © 2019 CBRE, Inc. ASIA PACIFIC REAL ESTATE MARKET OUTLOOK 2019 | CAMBODIA

16
RESIDENTIAL SECTOR

CAMBODIA

PROJECT DELAYS RESULT IN INCREASED In recent years, rapid increases in land prices across
PIPELINE OF NEW CONDOMINIUM SUPPLY Phnom Penh have led to landed property becoming
increasingly unaffordable for young Cambodians,
The condominium market in 2019 will see a spike in pushing young families and rising middle-class buyers
activity due to the delayed completion of 17 projects from towards the condominium sector. Thus, there has been a
2018 added to an existing pipeline of 26 new completions growing trend of local buyers focusing on the affordable
in 2019. The completion of these 43 projects will add a condominium segment where sale prices can be less than
total of 16,939 units to Phnom Penh’s condominium US$1,400 per sqm, equating to less than US$50,000 per
stock, equating to 120% growth in total supply y-o-y. The unit. Financing remains scarce especially for off-plan
biggest change is expected in the high-end segment with strata-title projects, presenting a barrier to entry for many.
an estimated increase of 243% y-o-y, followed by the
affordable and mid-range sectors at 100% and 78%, It is anticipated that the swift transformation of Phnom
respectively. Penh in general will play an increasing role in
condominium sales, particularly with regard to the
Through to the end of 2020, Chamkarmon District will growing traffic volume that is pressurizing the city’s
continue to host the largest volume of condominium infrastructure, a by-product of the rapid rate of
supply with a total of circa 12,000 units, followed by 7 urbanization. It is therefore forecast that there will be an
Makara and Sen Sok which are due to represent 14% of increase in demand for centrally located supply as second
the total supply each by 2020. homes in the coming years.

FOREIGN BUYERS TO CONTINUE TO MID-RANGE AND HIGH-END CONDOMINIUM


DOMINATE CONDOMINIUM DEMAND IN PRICE COMPRESSION
SPITE OF GROW ING LOCAL INTEREST
Whilst soaring condominium supply is an indication of
The condominium sector continues to receive the highest positive developer sentiment, a fear of over-saturation
share of demand from foreigners, especially within the persists within the Phnom Penh condominium sector,
high-end and mid-range sectors and particularly within particularly in the mid and high-end segments. As a
foreign developed projects. Foreign buyers are primarily result, the quoted sale prices of high-end and mid-range
from other Asian nations, chiefly Mainland China, stock in 2019 are expected to experience a downward
Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong, with a smaller pool of adjustment of approximately 5%. However, average
buyers from Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. quoted sales prices within the affordable segment are
expected to adjust positively, with a projected increase of
circa 8% by the end of the year.

Figure 6: Phnom Penh Condominium Supply by Grade Figure 7: Future Condominium Supply by District as of 2020*

45,000 140%
Chamkarmon
40,000 120%
35,000 Sen Sok
30,000
100% 6% 4% 7 Makara
80%
6%
25,000 33%
6% Russey Keo
20,000 60%
15,000 7% Mean Chey
40%
10,000 Toul Kork
20% 10%
5,000
14% Chroy Changvar
0 0% 14%
Daun Penh
2019F
2020F
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018

Por Sen Chey


Affordable Mid-Range High-End % Change *Based on announced projects
Source: CBRE Cambodia, Q1 2019 Source: CBRE Cambodia, Q1 2019

CBRE RESEARCH | © 2019 CBRE, Inc. ASIA PACIFIC REAL ESTATE MARKET OUTLOOK 2019 | CAMBODIA

17
RESIDENTIAL SECTOR

CAMBODIA

SERVICED APARTMENT SECTOR SEES


RISE IN INTERNATIONALLY BRANDED
OPERATORS
Demand within the Phnom Penh serviced apartment
The supply of serviced apartments in Phnom Penh has market is driven primarily by expatriates and to some
gradually increased over the last decade and this extent tourists looking for an alternative to hotels.
moderate pace of growth is set to continue over the
coming 24 months. In 2019, Phnom Penh’s Grade A and Rents for serviced apartments in the Phnom Penh market
Grade B serviced apartment stock is forecast to reach a are performing relatively well, particularly in the prime
combined total of approximately 2,497 units, comprising locations of Boeung Keng Kang 1, Boeung Keng Kang 2,
of 1,135 Grade A and 908 Grade B units. The accumulated Tonle Bassac and Daun Penh. Currently, the average
stock of Grade A and B serviced apartments in 2020 is also quoted rental rates of Grade A serviced apartments in the
expected to show modest growth, reaching 2,763 units. aforementioned locations range between $17 and $34 per
sqm, whilst that of Grade B stock are between $13 and $22
Although a large number of these developments are per sqm.
marketed as quality serviced apartments, only a minority
truly meet international standards. To date, The Ascott is CBRE Cambodia anticipate that more international
the only internationally branded serviced apartment branded serviced apartment operators will enter the
operator in the city, while Oakwood has announced market as demand rises amongst developers for
commencement of their operation by the end of 2019. international quality management and product
differentiation. Meanwhile, those operators already
The Ascott entered the market in 2017, managing 75 units present will continue to expand their portfolios as the
within Casa Meridian on Diamond Island. A further 169 market matures.
units came on-stream in Q3 2018 within Skylar Meridian.
Oakwood, another international serviced residence A number of multi-phased condominium projects that
operator, has unveiled its two properties in Cambodia, have been unable to achieve sufficient pre-sales rates are
namely, Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh and Oakwood exploring the possibility of repositioning components of
Hotel & Residence Phnom Penh, comprising of 220 units their developments as internationally operated serviced
and 168 units, respectively. apartments and hotels.

Figure 8: Phnom Penh Serviced Apartment Supply by Grade (2009 – 2020F)

2,000 60%
1,800
50%
1,600
1,400
40%
1,200
1,000 30%
800
20%
600
400
10%
200
0 0%
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019F 2020F

Grade A Grade B % Change


Source: CBRE Cambodia, Q1 2019

CBRE RESEARCH | © 2019 CBRE, Inc. ASIA PACIFIC REAL ESTATE MARKET OUTLOOK 2019 | CAMBODIA

18
RISKS & OPPORTUNITIES
RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES

CAMBODIA

In a time of rapid transformation, CBRE Cambodia forecast a number of opportunities


and risks to arise in 2019, as outlined below:
ECONOMIC OFFICE SECTOR

OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES
• Cambodia’s economy to maintain robust performance • Shifting occupier demand towards more international
and macroeconomic stability. standard specifications could be a potential benefit for
• Political stability after the general election in 2018 to the market in attracting increasing numbers of
reinforce investor confidence as can be seen through corporate tenants to the capital.
the increased volume of approved investments in 2018.

RISKS RISKS
• The potential withdrawal of Cambodia’s access to the • The rise of strata-title office stock poses a challenge
“Everything But Arms” (EBA) preferential trade with regards to building management and regulations.
agreement could increase the price of Cambodia’s For instance, price differences could occur in the same
exports and hinder the country’s competitiveness as a development owned by multiple landlords, creating
manufacturing destination. confusion. In addition, the lack of control of tenant mix
• Over-exposure to foreign investment, particularly from within strata-title developments may deter corporate
China, could make Cambodia vulnerable to unforeseen tenants.
economic issues, particularly at a time of global
economic and political volatility.
CBRE RESEARCH | © 2019 CBRE, Inc. ASIA PACIFIC REAL ESTATE MARKET OUTLOOK 2019 | CAMBODIA

20
RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES

CAMBODIA

RETAIL SECTOR market as cheaper alternatives may be found


elsewhere in the region.
OPPORTUNITIES • Electricity continues to be expensive and vulnerable to
• As AEON is the only international retail mall operator disruption, a particular concern as the effects of
present in Cambodia, there is a significant global warming threaten the country with drought.
opportunity for competitive international operators to
enter the market. Growing market confidence is being RESIDENTIAL SECTOR
reflected through AEON Mall’s announcement to
launch their third shopping mall in 2023, a sign of OPPORTUNITIES
their proactive development strategy. In addition, the • The affordable condominium sector, whilst being
announcement of CapitaLand's introduction to the somewhat under-represented in forthcoming supply,
market as the operator of the retail podium at The is expected to be increasingly in demand in the future.
Peak is a positive development. This is a result of the relatively low price positioning
of the current and foreseeable supply when compared
RISKS to the region. Affordable condominiums could
• Recent project completion delays, particularly in the potentially attract sales among both the local and
retail podium and community mall sub-sectors are set international community, more so than the rapidly
to increase future developer competition as the retail increasing mid and high-end stock that is
pipeline builds. unobtainable to much of the local market.
• The affordability of some retail brands is yet to suit • The serviced apartment market has a relatively low
the purchasing power of local consumers. It is supply pipeline with few international operators at
therefore projected that retail sales in certain higher- the current time. Whilst market immaturity may be
end retail developments may be low. the reason for the lack of international operators,
there is potential for international operators within
INDUSTRIAL SECTOR the region to expand into the local market in the
foreseeable future.
OPPORTUNITIES • Land prices in Phnom Penh’s central regions remain
• Active investment in public infrastructure across the relatively low compared to other markets in the
country is predicted to continue over the coming region. Furthermore, the fairly low suburban land
years. This trend is particularly advantageous for the prices have facilitated the widespread development of
manufacturing and logistics sectors. landed residential property and affordable
• Improved urban planning and zoning, although a condominiums popular amongst local buyers.
potential inconvenience in the short term, is forecast
to be strategically advantageous for long term growth RISKS
by allowing governing entities to allocate resources • The risk of over-saturation in the high-end and mid-
more efficiently through the improvement of range segments remains the core concern within the
infrastructure to support the industrial sector at large. condominium market. Whilst supply is accelerating
rapidly, the affordability of these segments has not
RISKS adjusted to fit the local context and hence caused
• The Governor of Phnom Penh has signalled a increased dependency on international investors.
potential plan to relocate all industrial supply in • The serviced apartment market is forecast to witness a
Phnom Penh to more decentralized areas around Ring boost in supply over the foreseeable future as a result
Road No.3. If enforced, this will have a disruptive of the perceived over-supply within the condominium
effect on industrial operations currently located sector, as some condominium developers pivot their
within suburban areas. developments towards the more underserved sector.
• Cambodia’s minimum wage is rising rapidly and has
already surpassed some countries in the region. This
increase in the minimum wage may deter potential
international manufacturers from entering the

CBRE RESEARCH | © 2019 CBRE, Inc. ASIA PACIFIC REAL ESTATE MARKET OUTLOOK 2019 | CAMBODIA

21
For more information about this major report, please contact:
RESEARCH & CONSULTANCY

James Hodge James Hewson Kinkesa Kim


Associate Director Manager Senior Analyst
E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected]
M: +855 89 333 722 M: +855 85 333 228 M: +855 95 777 582

Sonic Sovuth Kimsea Chea


Analyst Analyst
E: [email protected] E: [email protected]
T: +855 95 777 982 T: +855 89 333 662

For more information regarding global research, please contact:


Richard Barkham, Ph.D., MRICS Henry Chin, Ph.D.
Global Chief Economist Head of Research, Asia Pacific
[email protected] [email protected]

Follow CBRE

CBRE RESEARCH
This report was prepared by the CBRE Cambodia Research and Consultancy Team, which forms part of CBRE Research – a network of preeminent researchers who
collaborate to provide real estate market research and econometric forecasting to real estate investors and occupiers around the globe.

All materials presented in this report, unless specifically indicated otherwise, is under copyright and proprietary to CBRE. Information contained herein, including
projections, has been obtained from materials and sources believed to be reliable at the date of publication. While we do not doubt its accuracy, we have not verified it
and make no guarantee, warranty or representation about it. Readers are responsible for independently assessing the relevance, accuracy, completeness and currency
of the information of this publication. This report is presented for information purposes only exclusively for CBRE clients and professionals, and is not to be used or
considered as an offer or the solicitation of an offer to sell or buy or subscribe for securities or other financial instruments. All rights to the material are reserved and
none of the material, nor its content, nor any copy of it, may be altered in any way, transmitted to, copied or distributed to any other party without prior express written
permission of CBRE. Any unauthorized publication or redistribution of CBRE research reports is prohibited. CBRE will not be liable for any loss, damage, cost or expense
incurred or arising by reason of any person using or relying on information in this publication.

To learn more about CBRE Research, or to access additional research reports, please visit the Global Research Gateway at www.cbre.com/research-and-reports

© 2019 CBRE, Inc.


CBRE CAM BODIA

SUBSCRIPTION MARKET REPORT

STAY INFORMED
STAY AHEAD
Subscribe to our market report now and receive
the latest, most in-depth intelligence on Phnom
Penh’s real estate market.

A WIDE RANGE OF SECTORS COVERED


LAND & DEVELOPMENT COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL SUPPORTING FIELDS

• LAND VALUE TRENDS • OFFICE • CONDOMINIUM • ECONOMY


• REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT • RETAIL • SERVICED APARTMENT • INFRASTRUCTURE
TRENDS • INDUSTRIAL • LANDED PROPERTY • TOURISM
• LEGISLATION

Our Subscription Market Report is an all-new platform offering subscribers access to CBRE’s market leading in-depth
research. The semi-annual report is prepared by CBRE Cambodia’s property experts, offering insights and detailed data to
help drive decision making. Whether you are an investor, real estate developer or an occupier, our report can help you by
providing thorough market data, case studies, forecasts of future trends and our experts’ comprehensive analysis on
opportunities and challenges in each market sector. Subscribe now and ensure you have the data needed to make confident,
informed, real estate decisions.

ABOUT THE REPORT

Geographical Coverage Number of Reports Pricing Report Delivery


per Year (including VAT) Timeline

PHNOM PENH 2 (SEMI-ANNUAL) US$3,850/ANNUM 20 WORKING DAYS

20
To understand how the report can help you make smarter real estate decisions, please contact:

RESEARCH & CONSULTANCY

James Hodge James Hewson Kinkesa Kim


Associate Director Manager Senior Analyst
E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected]
M: +855 89 333 722 M: +855 85 333 228 M: +855 95 777 582

CBRE RESEARCH | © 2019 CBRE, Inc. ASIA PACIFIC REAL ESTATE MARKET OUTLOOK 2019 | CAMBODIA

23

You might also like