Cambodia Investment Review
Branded residential developments are rapidly moving into focus as one of Cambodia’s most promising real estate investment segments, following strong signals from international operators and developers that the model is taking hold across Southeast Asia.
That momentum was underscored during EuroCham Cambodia’s Real Estate & Construction Committee Forum, “The Rise of the Branded Residence: A New Era in Real Estate Investment,” held on November 19 at the Shangri-La Phnom Penh, where industry leaders, global specialists, and government representatives examined the opportunities ahead for the Kingdom.
Key Takeaways from the Forum
• Branded residences are gaining traction in Cambodia and align with global luxury investment trends.
• The first wave of international projects has been announced in Phnom Penh, signalling strong market confidence.
• Global experts highlighted price resilience, investor premiums, and demand for high-end lifestyle design.
Defining a New Chapter in Cambodia’s Luxury Property Market
Committee Vice-Chairperson Charles Amar outlined the fundamentals of branded residences and their alignment with Cambodia’s development priorities. He highlighted the early wave of market activity, noting three confirmed projects in Phnom Penh: The Ritz-Carlton by Royal Group, Somerset Diamond Bay by OCIC, and Wyndham Garden by UC Group. Amar described these as early indicators that Cambodia is prepared to meet global expectations in terms of design, service, and investment performance.
He added that the emerging trend is an opportunity to shape a new chapter in urban living by combining global best practices with an authentic local identity, creating developments that are not only branded but distinctive, sustainable, and competitive in the long term.
Government endorsement followed from H.E. Ny Phaly, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Tourism, who described branded residences as highly complementary to national strategies aimed at positioning Cambodia as a premium tourism and investment destination. He noted that the integration of tourism and high-end property offerings could attract both longer-stay visitors and global capital.
International Experts Point to Performance Drivers and Investor Demand
The forum brought global branded residence expertise to Phnom Penh through two specialised presentations. Riyan Itani, Founder and Director of Global Branded Residences, delivered an international market update outlining structural drivers behind the expansion of brand-affiliated developments worldwide, including institutional investor demand, long-term resilience, and expectations around professional hospitality management.
A regional perspective followed from Michael Ayling, Group Managing Director of Brand Atlas, who explained how the asset class has evolved across Southeast Asia into a sophisticated and stable product category driven by lifestyle-led living, rising investor expectations, and the security that comes with globally recognised brands.
Panel Discussions Highlight the Investment Fundamentals and Design Imperatives
Two interactive panel sessions offered investors and developers further insights into commercial and operational considerations.
The first, moderated by Charles Amar, included representatives from Frasers Hospitality, the Cambodia Hotel Association, Global Branded Residences, and Brand Atlas. Panelists shared why global brands are increasingly venturing into the residential segment and identified several opportunities for Cambodian developers—including premium pricing, stronger resale performance, and the ability to attract international buyers seeking clear quality assurance.
The second panel, moderated by Sectorlight Group CEO Richard Stevens, shifted focus to the design foundations of branded developments. Speakers from Sectorlight, Santhaya, The One Atelier, and Archetype Group emphasised that design coherence, amenity integration, and consistent brand experience are key to achieving long-term value creation. Storytelling, material choices, spatial planning, and service delivery were highlighted as essential to ensuring the lifestyle experience that differentiates branded residences from traditional developments.
Collaboration, Innovation, and Standards Seen as Industry Catalysts
In closing remarks, Committee Chairperson Michel Cassagnes underscored the importance of innovation, global standards, and public–private cooperation in elevating Cambodia’s property sector. He added that branded residences are not only an emerging investment segment but also a catalyst for broader improvements in the domestic real estate landscape, encouraging developers to embrace international-level design, delivery, and management practices.
