In the Cambodian real estate market, the words "Apartment", "Condo" and "Flat" are often heard, and sometimes they are all called "apartment". But in fact, there are some essential differences between them.

1. Different Property Rights Structures

"Apartment" usually refers to rental housing, that is, the ownership of the property belongs to the developer, owner or property management, and residents can only rent it to live.

"Condo" represents a residential unit sold in the form of ownership. The term is a strata condominium, which is a strata property. The buyer can own the property rights of the unit and enjoy corresponding legal rights. Some people call it "condominium", but it's actually the same thing. "Condo" is the abbreviation of "condominium". Maybe because "condominium" is too long, many people are accustomed to using "condo" instead.

"Flat" is quite different. In the UK, apartments are usually called "Flat", but in Cambodia, "Flat" or "Flat House" usually refers to an affordable housing type. Now, most of them appear in the form of residential areas, which mostly include row houses, shophouses, townhouses, single-family villas, and duplex villas. Locals call this type of residential area "Borey".

Similar to "townhouses" are "shophouses" or "commercial townhouses". As the name suggests, they are almost the same as ordinary townhouses. The main difference is that they mostly refer to townhouses close to the main road, where there is a flow of people, and are suitable for business. It is a combination of commercial and residential areas. Most of the structures allow for business downstairs and living upstairs.

Terrace houses, shophouses (commercial terrace houses), single-family villas, townhouses, and duplex villas are all real estate properties with land ownership, and foreigners are not allowed to purchase them.

2. Different Positioning

In addition to the distinction of property rights structure, there are other ways of distinction. In terms of positioning, Apartment is usually considered an "ordinary apartment", while condo is a "high-end apartment", and it is mainly reflected in the setting of public facilities. Apartments have fewer public facilities and tend to be older-style apartments. Condos have a lot of public and social spaces, and the competition for condos in the Cambodian market is very fierce.

In addition to the usual facilities provided, such as swimming pools, gyms, doormen and security, there are also a variety of public services, such as conference rooms and public office areas that meet work needs, lobby reception areas, business areas and children's areas that meet life needs. Gardens and sky bars for leisure needs, tennis courts, table tennis halls, playgrounds and saunas for health needs, and other facilities.

These facilities are designed to enhance the living experience. Most importantly, this kind of high-end apartment will charge a certain percentage of property management fees. A serviced apartment is actually the same as the condo mentioned above.

Other popular residential properties in Cambodia include townhouses and villas. Facilities in townhouse and villa complexes may be relatively simple and often do not offer luxury amenities. In the past, communities would at best have public green areas, garbage collection and security. In recent years, some communities have added swimming pools and gyms. There may be a service fee, but the price is usually relatively low.

3. Different Prices

Boreys occupy relatively large areas, and new townhouse community projects are expanding to the suburbs of Phnom Penh, with the most densely populated areas in Dang Kor district, Por Senchey district, Chbar Ampov district, and Sen Sok district. In recent years, some other supporting services have been added to the upgraded communities, and this kind of property belongs to land property rights, so the price will be relatively high. Boreys typically start in the low $70,000s.

Condos are usually located in the city center. Condos in Phnom Penh usually sell for between US$1,500 and US$3,000 per square meter, and the total price may start as low as US$50,000. And pricing varies depending on the region and supporting facilities.

Seeing this, do you understand the difference between "Apartment", "Condo" and "Flat"? As for how to choose, you must make a judgment based on your own needs and conditions. For example, some foreigners in Cambodia usually buy "condos" the most, because condos are usually located in the CBD area in the city center and are legally allowed to be purchased. The threshold is low and various legal documents are simple. You can buy it with your passport and deposit.

If you want to buy a "Flat" or "Villa" villa type, you can read this article "Can Foreigners Buy Borey in Cambodia?" to determine whether you meet the conditions.

If you only plan to stay in Cambodia for a short period of time, or if you do not have enough budget, you can consider renting an apartment, which is also a common option. In Phnom Penh, studio apartment rentals generally start at US$300. Prices for one-bedroom apartments range from US$400 to US$1,500 per month. Prices for two-bedroom apartments range from US$800 to US$2,500 per month. Three-bedroom apartments range in price from US$1,200 to US$3,500 per month.

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