Real estate agents in Cambodia — choosing well

In 3 bullets

• For a rental, the agent is usually free for you: the commission (often 1 month’s rent) is paid by the landlord. Get it confirmed in writing before any viewing.
• The sector is regulated: since 2022, every real estate service company (agency, management, valuation) must hold a licence from the Real Estate Business and Pawnshop Regulator (RPR), under the NBFSA (Ministry of Economy and Finance).
• Ask for two things: the company’s Ministry of Commerce registration and the RPR licence. A serious agency provides them without difficulty.

Concerned audience

• Newcomers: an agent saves time if you don’t read Khmer and don’t yet know the neighbourhoods.
• Families: useful for targeting villas, gardens, proximity to international schools.
• Investors / condo buyers: the agent acts on the sell side — see the buying a condo guide for the fee breakdown.
• Digital nomads / singles: often simpler to search directly (Facebook, Khmer24) for a cheap studio.

How an agency works

Rental

• Who pays the commission: by convention, the landlord pays the agent, generally the equivalent of 1 month’s rent. For you, the tenant, the service is therefore normally free.
• Variant to watch: some independent agents charge a commission to the tenant (up to 1 month’s rent). It is negotiable and must be announced before the first viewing — otherwise, change agent.
• Dual commission: an agent who gets paid by both sides (landlord and tenant) without disclosing it is a red flag (see pitfalls).

Buying / selling

• The commission is paid by the seller, typically 2 to 3% of the price. On the buyer side, budget instead for acquisition fees (transfer tax, notary) — detailed in the buying a condo guide.
• For a purchase, legal support (title check, due diligence) matters more than the agent: do not delegate the title verification to the selling agent.

Regulation: the RPR licence (to verify)

Cambodia has regulated real estate services since Prakas No. 064 of 27 December 2022 issued by the NBFSA. Real estate service companies — agency, rental management, valuation/appraisal — must obtain a licence from the Real Estate Business and Pawnshop Regulator (RPR), the sector regulator placed under the Non-Bank Financial Services Authority (NBFSA), itself attached to the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Professional certificates are also required for individual agents and valuers.

Since 1 August 2024, licence and certificate applications go through the regulator’s online portal (CamDigiKey).

What you should verify before mandating an agency:

1. Company registration at the Ministry of Commerce (legal existence of the business).
2. Valid RPR licence for the agency activity. The regulator publishes a database of licensed real estate companies on rpr.gov.kh — ask for the exact company name and cross-check it.
3. For the individual agent handling you: an RPR professional certificate (increasingly common at established agencies).

How to vet an agency

1. Registered company: ask for the Ministry of Commerce registration certificate (legal name, number). A serious agency displays it.
2. RPR licence: ask for the licence number and cross-check on rpr.gov.kh.
3. Physical office: a real address, not just a WhatsApp number. Visit once in person.
4. Written mandate: who pays the commission, how much, and that no fee will be charged to you without prior written agreement.
5. Reputation: Google reviews, track record, presence on established portals (Realestate.com.kh, IPS, Knight Frank, CBRE).
6. Language: an agent who speaks your language and Khmer makes translating the lease easier (see standard lease).

Agency or direct search?

In practice: an agency for a first move, a family villa or a purchase; a direct search for a cheap studio once you know the city. Many expats combine both.

Common pitfalls

FAQ

Do I have to pay the agent for a rental?

Normally no: the commission (often 1 month’s rent) is paid by the landlord. If an agent charges you, it is legal but negotiable — require the amount in writing before the first viewing.

How do I know if an agency is licensed?

Ask for its RPR licence number and its Ministry of Commerce registration, then cross-check the company name on the regulator’s site, rpr.gov.kh, which publishes the list of licensed real estate companies.

Is it better to use an agent or search alone?

Case by case. An agent to save time, handle the language and secure a family villa or a purchase; a direct search (Facebook, Khmer24) for a small place once you know the city. See the Phnom Penh rental guide.

Are agency fees regulated?

No. The amounts (1 month on the landlord side for rentals, 2-3% on sales) are market customs, freely negotiable. Only the activity and the licence of agencies are regulated by the NBFSA/RPR.

What if I have a dispute with an agency?

If the agency is licensed, you can turn to the regulator (RPR). With an informal agent, recourse is almost nil — hence the value of checking the licence before a significant transaction. Keep every written record (mandate, receipts, WhatsApp exchanges).