Despite recent tensions over a land dispute on the border between the two countries, the Thai government is expected to remain committed to a series of 'productive bilateral cooperations' which will precipitate the development of range of projects on energy, infrastructure and business. Among them is the highway 68 construction project, which will link Thailand's Surin province to Siem Reap. The US$43.7 million road is expected to act as a significant boost to an already burgeoning tourism industry in the city.

Condos in Siem Reap
Condominium developments are relatively new to Siem Reap, so there is not a lot to choose from. However, the rate at which developers are looking at this option indicates that this will not be the case for much longer. More on buying condos in Siem Reap .

Houses and land in Siem Reap
Those considering investing in Siem Reap should be aware of the fact that laws pertaining to ownership and leases are not always as they are elsewhere in the country. This is because swathes of land in-and-around Siem Reap are not under the jurisdiction of a local authority but are governed to a large extent by the National Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor. Donor nations, such as France and Japan, have some governance over areas near to the World Heritage site. Hence, a detailed check on town planning controls may pose a real challenge as only broad regulations are currently in place. It therefore requires vast experience and a deep local market knowledge to enable a valuation to be done properly. More on buying houses and land in Siem Reap .

Renovating
A number of investors have opted to renovate properties in-and-around Siem Reap, but given the fact that the area was practically leveled during the Khmer Rouge years, like elsewhere, there is not a lot of any real age to renovate. That said there are plenty of stand-alone houses and shop houses mimicking French colonial style villas that have seen better days and are crying out for overseas buyers with the money to develop them. Homes such as these also tend to come with considerable gardens which in years to come could be invaluable.

Those considering going down the route of renovation in Cambodia are often compelled to do so by the extremely cheap cost of labour and rebuilds. However, things tend to happen at their own pace in Cambodia so buyers, particularly those operating on a small scale, should give buffer time for the renovation completion date.

As always, for those going for this option, it is important to visit the renovation site regularly to catch mistakes which could severely delay scheduled completion dates. Those who opt to renovate should also be totally clear about whether they intend to rebuild for their own use or in or as a means of generating income by renting. Those opting for the later should be more utilitarian in outlook.

Top tips for Siem Reap property
Guide to buying condos in Siem Reap
Guide to buying houses and land in Siem Reap

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