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This guide covers everything a foreign investor needs to know about renting out residential property in Siem Reap in 2026, from legal ownership structures to realistic yield expectations.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data, regulations, and market conditions in Cambodia's tourism capital.
Whether you're considering a strata-title condo near Angkor Wat or exploring long-term leasehold options, we'll walk you through the numbers that actually matter for your returns.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Siem Reap.
Insights
- Siem Reap gross rental yields average 7.5% in 2026, outperforming Phnom Penh by roughly 1 percentage point due to stronger tourism-driven demand and lower purchase prices per square meter.
- Only three strata-titled condominium projects exist in Siem Reap as of early 2026, creating a landlord's market where foreign-owned units achieve high occupancy rates despite the city's six-story height restriction protecting Angkor Wat's skyline.
- Short-term rentals in Siem Reap average just 25-30% annual occupancy but can spike to near 100% during the November-to-February peak season, making seasonality management the single biggest factor in STR profitability.
- Cambodia's 10% rental tax applies to gross income with no deductions allowed, meaning a $500 monthly rent triggers $50 in tax regardless of your maintenance or management expenses.
- Foreigners purchasing landed property through nominee arrangements face significant legal risk since the 2001 Land Law explicitly prohibits foreign land ownership, while the 2019 Trust Law offers a safer but more complex alternative.
- Wat Bo and central Svay Dangkum command the highest long-term rents in Siem Reap in 2026 because they combine walkability to tourist attractions with the quality housing stock that expats and NGO workers demand.
- Property management fees in Siem Reap run 8-12% of rent for long-term leases but jump to 15-25% for short-term rentals, significantly narrowing the net yield gap between the two strategies.
- The new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, which opened in 2023 with capacity for 7 million passengers annually, has directly contributed to the 44% tourism increase recorded in the first half of 2024.
Can I legally rent out a property in Siem Reap as a foreigner right now?
Can a foreigner own-and-rent a residential property in Siem Reap in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can legally own and rent out residential property in Siem Reap, but only through specific ownership structures since Cambodian law prohibits direct foreign land ownership.
The most straightforward option for foreign investors in Siem Reap is purchasing a strata-title condominium unit, which grants full ownership rights from the first floor and above under the 2010 Foreign Ownership Law.
The biggest limitation foreigners face is that they cannot own ground-floor units or any landed property directly, and foreign ownership in any single building is capped at 70% of total units.
If you're not a local, you might want to read our guide to foreign property ownership in Siem Reap.
Do I need residency to rent out in Siem Reap right now?
You do not need Cambodian residency to rent out property in Siem Reap, as non-resident foreign owners can legally collect rental income and are simply subject to different tax treatment.
To legally collect and report rental income in Siem Reap, you will practically need a Cambodian Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the General Department of Taxation, especially if you want to operate compliantly at scale.
While international wire transfers are technically permitted for rent collection, having a local Cambodian bank account with a bank like ABA makes operations far smoother since tenants can pay easily and you can cover local expenses directly.
Managing a rental property in Siem Reap remotely is entirely feasible if you hire a reliable local property manager, though short-term rentals require significantly more hands-on support for guest check-ins and maintenance response.
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What rental strategy makes the most money in Siem Reap in 2026?
Is long-term renting more profitable than short-term in Siem Reap in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rentals in Siem Reap can generate higher gross revenue than long-term leases, but only if you can handle the operational complexity and absorb the seasonal volatility that comes with tourism-dependent income.
A well-managed one-bedroom long-term rental in Siem Reap typically earns around $4,800 to $5,400 per year (about 19 to 22 million KHR, or 4,100 to 4,600 EUR), while a comparable short-term rental might generate $7,000 to $9,000 annually (28 to 36 million KHR, or 6,000 to 7,700 EUR) in a good year with strong peak-season bookings.
Properties closest to Pub Street, Wat Bo, and the Old French Quarter in Siem Reap tend to favor short-term renting because tourists want walkable access to attractions, restaurants, and nightlife during their temple visits.
What's the average gross rental yield in Siem Reap in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential properties in Siem Reap is approximately 7.5%, which is notably higher than Phnom Penh's average of around 6.5% due to lower purchase prices and strong tourism-driven rental demand.
Most residential properties in Siem Reap fall within a gross yield range of 6% to 9%, with the spread depending on location, property condition, and whether you optimize for long-term or short-term tenants.
Studios and one-bedroom apartments typically achieve the highest gross rental yields in Siem Reap because they have the lowest purchase prices while still commanding solid monthly rents from the expat and tourist tenant pool.
By the way, we have much more granular data about rental yields in our property pack about Siem Reap.
What's the realistic net rental yield after costs in Siem Reap in 2026?
As of early 2026, the realistic net rental yield for long-term rentals in Siem Reap averages around 5%, while short-term rentals can reach approximately 6% net despite higher gross revenue because operational costs eat into the difference.
Most landlords in Siem Reap experience net yields ranging from 4% to 6% for long-term leases and 4% to 8% for short-term rentals, with the wide STR range reflecting how much seasonality and management quality affect actual returns.
The three main cost categories that reduce your gross yield in Siem Reap are the 10% rental tax on gross income (or 14% withholding for non-residents), property management fees running 8% to 25% depending on rental type, and vacancy losses that are particularly significant during the June-to-September low season when tourism drops sharply.
You might want to check our latest analysis about gross and net rental yields in Siem Reap.
What monthly rent can I get in Siem Reap in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical monthly rents in Siem Reap are approximately $220 (880,000 KHR, 190 EUR) for a studio, $400 (1.6 million KHR, 340 EUR) for a one-bedroom, and $600 (2.4 million KHR, 510 EUR) for a two-bedroom apartment in a decent location with standard furnishing.
A realistic entry-level monthly rent for a decent studio in Siem Reap ranges from $180 to $300 (720,000 to 1.2 million KHR, or 155 to 255 EUR), with the lower end found in suburban areas like Chreav and the higher end in central Svay Dangkum.
A typical one-bedroom apartment in Siem Reap commands $300 to $550 per month (1.2 to 2.2 million KHR, or 255 to 470 EUR), with units in the Old French Quarter and Wat Bo area sitting at the top of that range.
A standard two-bedroom apartment in Siem Reap rents for $500 to $800 monthly (2 to 3.2 million KHR, or 425 to 680 EUR), with modern condos featuring pools and security in prime tourist zones reaching the upper end.
If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our guide about rents and rental incomes in Siem Reap.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Cambodia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What are the real numbers I should budget for renting out in Siem Reap in 2026?
What's the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a rental in Siem Reap in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total all-in monthly cost to hold a typical rental property in Siem Reap is approximately $140 (560,000 KHR, 120 EUR), excluding mortgage payments since most foreign buyers purchase with cash.
Realistic monthly holding costs in Siem Reap range from $90 to $260 (360,000 to 1 million KHR, or 75 to 220 EUR) depending on property size, whether you include tenant-paid utilities, and how much you budget for maintenance reserves.
The single largest contributor to monthly holding costs in Siem Reap is the 10% rental tax on gross income, which can easily exceed $40 to $60 per month on a typical apartment and cannot be reduced through expense deductions under Cambodian tax rules.
You want to go into more details? Check our list of property taxes and fees you have to pay when buying a property in Siem Reap.
What's the typical vacancy rate in Siem Reap in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate for long-term rentals in Siem Reap is approximately 8% to 12%, which translates to roughly one to one-and-a-half months of vacancy per year for a competitively priced apartment.
For long-term rentals in Siem Reap, you should budget for about one month of vacancy annually if your property is well-located and priced fairly, though poorly maintained units in peripheral areas can sit empty for two to three months between tenants.
The main factor driving vacancy differences across Siem Reap neighborhoods is proximity to the tourist and expat activity centers, with Wat Bo and central Svay Dangkum seeing faster tenant turnover and shorter vacancy periods than outer districts like Prasat Bakong.
The highest tenant turnover and vacancy in Siem Reap typically occurs from May through September, when the rainy season arrives and tourism drops significantly, causing short-term rental occupancy to fall below 20% and some long-term tenants to relocate.
We have a whole part covering the best rental strategies in our pack about buying a property in Siem Reap.
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Where do rentals perform best in Siem Reap in 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest long-term demand in Siem Reap in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest overall long-term rental demand in Siem Reap are Wat Bo, central Svay Dangkum, and Sala Kamreuk, all of which combine walkability to services with the housing quality that attracts reliable tenants.
Families seeking long-term rentals in Siem Reap gravitate toward Slor Kram and outer Sala Kamreuk because these areas offer larger homes with gardens, quieter streets, and proximity to international schools without sacrificing reasonable access to the city center.
Students in Siem Reap concentrate their rental searches around central Svay Dangkum and Taphul Village, where affordable rooms and apartments cluster near transport links and the services they need for daily life.
Expats and international professionals working for NGOs, hospitality companies, or running remote businesses strongly prefer Wat Bo and the Riverside area near Phsar Chas (Old Market), where they find the walkable lifestyle, quality restaurants, and social scene they want.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Siem Reap.
Which neighborhoods have the best yield in Siem Reap in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods delivering the best rental yields in Siem Reap are outer Svay Dangkum, Kouk Chak, and Chong Kaosou, where purchase prices drop faster than rents as you move slightly away from the tourist center.
These high-yield neighborhoods in Siem Reap typically deliver gross rental yields of 8% to 10%, compared to the 6% to 7% you might see in premium central areas where property prices are significantly higher.
The main characteristic allowing these neighborhoods to outperform on yield is their "value gap": they remain close enough to attract working expats, NGO staff, and budget-conscious long-term tenants, but property prices reflect their slightly peripheral status rather than premium tourist positioning.
We cover a lot of neighborhoods and provide a lot of updated data in our pack about real estate in Siem Reap.
Where do tenants pay the highest rents in Siem Reap in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods where tenants pay the highest rents in Siem Reap are Wat Bo, the Riverside area near Phsar Chas (Old Market), and prime central Sala Kamreuk, with one-bedroom apartments reaching $500 to $650 monthly (2 to 2.6 million KHR, or 425 to 555 EUR).
In these premium Siem Reap neighborhoods, a typical modern one-bedroom apartment with good finishes rents for $450 to $600 per month (1.8 to 2.4 million KHR, or 385 to 510 EUR), while two-bedroom units command $700 to $900 monthly (2.8 to 3.6 million KHR, or 595 to 765 EUR).
What makes these neighborhoods command the highest rents is their combination of walkability to Siem Reap's best restaurants, cafes, and nightlife with housing stock that actually meets Western quality expectations for finishes, air conditioning, and reliable internet.
The typical tenant profile paying top rents in these Siem Reap neighborhoods includes senior NGO staff, hospitality industry managers, successful digital nomads, and semi-retired expats who prioritize lifestyle convenience and are willing to pay a 30% to 50% premium over peripheral areas.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Cambodia. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
What do tenants actually want in Siem Reap in 2026?
What features increase rent the most in Siem Reap in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three property features that increase monthly rent the most in Siem Reap are reliable high-speed internet (essential for the digital nomad and remote worker tenant pool), powerful air conditioning with good insulation (critical in Cambodia's tropical heat), and a modern Western-style kitchen with hot water (a clear quality signal that separates premium units from basic stock).
Reliable high-speed internet alone can add a 15% to 20% rent premium in Siem Reap because so many desirable tenants are remote workers or business owners who cannot compromise on connectivity.
One commonly overrated feature that Siem Reap landlords invest in but tenants rarely pay extra for is a building pool or gym when the amenities are poorly maintained, as tenants quickly recognize that a dirty pool or broken equipment signals broader management problems.
One affordable upgrade that delivers strong returns in Siem Reap is installing blackout curtains and quality bedding, which costs under $200 but significantly improves guest reviews for short-term rentals and helps long-term tenants sleep through the heat.
Do furnished rentals rent faster in Siem Reap in 2026?
As of early 2026, furnished apartments in Siem Reap rent approximately two to three weeks faster than unfurnished units because the dominant tenant pool of expats, NGO workers, and long-stay visitors strongly prefers move-in-ready accommodation.
Furnished rentals in Siem Reap typically command a 20% to 30% rent premium over unfurnished equivalents, reflecting the hassle and cost tenants would face trying to source furniture locally for what is often a one-to-three year stay.
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How regulated is long-term renting in Siem Reap right now?
Can I freely set rent prices in Siem Reap right now?
Landlords in Siem Reap have essentially complete freedom to set initial rent prices, as Cambodia operates under a contract-driven civil law system with no national rent control or price-setting regulations for residential property.
Rent increases during a tenancy in Siem Reap are not capped by law and are governed entirely by what you negotiate in your lease agreement, so savvy landlords include annual increase clauses of 3% to 5% or tie adjustments to inflation.
What's the standard lease length in Siem Reap right now?
The standard lease length for long-term residential rentals in Siem Reap is 12 months, though six-month leases are also common for tenants who want flexibility, with renewals typically negotiated one to two months before expiry.
Landlords in Siem Reap typically request one to two months' rent as a security deposit, with two months being standard for furnished properties, and there is no legal maximum limiting what you can ask.
Cambodian law requires landlords to return the security deposit within a reasonable time after the lease ends, minus legitimate deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear, though "reasonable time" is not precisely defined and is usually negotiated as 14 to 30 days in the lease agreement.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Cambodia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How does short-term renting really work in Siem Reap in 2026?
Is Airbnb legal in Siem Reap right now?
Short-term rentals like Airbnb are legal in Siem Reap but are generally treated as tourism accommodation under Cambodian law, which means operators should expect to navigate business registration and tourism licensing requirements if they scale beyond casual hosting.
If you operate a short-term rental as a business in Siem Reap, you will likely need tourism business licensing from the Ministry of Tourism, business registration, and proper tax registration with the General Department of Taxation, with requirements becoming more stringent as you add multiple units.
Cambodia does not currently impose a nationwide annual night limit or cap on short-term rentals like some European cities do, so your constraint in Siem Reap is primarily about licensing and tax compliance rather than a hard limit on rental days.
The most common consequence for operating a non-compliant short-term rental in Siem Reap is tax penalties and potential business license issues, though enforcement tends to focus on larger operators rather than individuals renting out a single condo occasionally.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Siem Reap.
What's the average short-term occupancy in Siem Reap in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average annual occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Siem Reap is approximately 25% to 30%, reflecting the city's heavy dependence on seasonal tourism and the competitive nature of the market.
Most short-term rental operators in Siem Reap experience occupancy ranging from 20% to 40% annually, with well-reviewed properties in prime locations like Wat Bo achieving the higher end while average listings struggle during the extended low season.
The highest occupancy rates for short-term rentals in Siem Reap occur from November through February, when the cool dry season brings peak tourist arrivals and top-performing properties can reach 70% to 90% monthly occupancy.
The lowest occupancy in Siem Reap hits from June through September during the rainy season, when monthly occupancy can drop below 15% to 20% for many listings as tourist arrivals slow dramatically.
Finally, please note that you can find much more granular data about this topic in our property pack about Siem Reap.
What's the average nightly rate in Siem Reap in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly rate for short-term rentals in Siem Reap is approximately $70 (280,000 KHR, 60 EUR), though this varies significantly based on property quality, location, and season.
Realistic nightly rates in Siem Reap range from $30 to $95 (120,000 to 380,000 KHR, or 25 to 80 EUR), with basic apartments in peripheral areas at the low end and well-appointed villas with pools near the city center at the high end.
The typical nightly rate difference between peak season (November to February) and low season (June to September) in Siem Reap is approximately $20 to $40 (80,000 to 160,000 KHR, or 17 to 34 EUR), with many hosts dropping prices 30% to 50% during the rainy months to maintain any bookings.
Is short-term rental supply saturated in Siem Reap in 2026?
As of early 2026, the short-term rental market in Siem Reap is competitive but not fully saturated, with low average occupancy rates suggesting oversupply in the middle of the market while top-performing properties still achieve strong results.
The number of active short-term rental listings in Siem Reap has grown by approximately 3% to 5% annually since the post-pandemic tourism recovery began, indicating continued investor interest despite challenging average returns.
The most oversaturated areas for short-term rentals in Siem Reap are the streets immediately surrounding Pub Street and the Night Market, where dozens of similar offerings compete for the same tourist foot traffic.
Neighborhoods that still have room for quality short-term rental supply in Siem Reap include outer Wat Bo, the quieter parts of Sala Kamreuk, and areas near the new airport corridor, where travelers seeking authentic experiences or convenient access are underserved by current options.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Siem Reap, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Cambodia Land Law (2001) | Cambodia's core statute governing land ownership and property rights. | We used it to confirm what foreigners cannot own (land) and its implications for buy-to-rent structures. We cross-checked interpretations against practitioner guidance. |
| 2010 Foreign Ownership Law | The specific law creating foreign freehold ownership for strata-title condos. | We used it to explain exactly what foreigners can own and key constraints like floor restrictions. We validated its practical meaning with legal firm guidance. |
| National Bank of Cambodia | Cambodia's central bank providing official macroeconomic data. | We used it to ground rental demand discussions in official economic context. We combined it with tourism statistics for Siem Reap-specific analysis. |
| National Institute of Statistics Tourism Report | Official government tourism statistics from the Ministry of Tourism. | We used it to support seasonality and demand timing that affects vacancy risk. We combined it with STR data to estimate realistic occupancy. |
| Knight Frank Cambodia Report H1 2025 | Global real estate consultancy with transparent reporting methodology. | We used it to corroborate tourism recovery and Siem Reap market context. We cross-checked against official statistics to avoid single-source dependency. |
| General Department of Taxation | Cambodia's official tax authority administering rental income taxes. | We used it as the authoritative anchor for rental tax obligations. We combined it with professional summaries to estimate net yield after tax. |
| PwC Cambodia Tax Summaries | Globally recognized tax advisory with regularly maintained guidance. | We used it to corroborate withholding tax rates for non-residents. We triangulated with Cambodia-specific sources for accurate tax estimates. |
| Global Property Guide | Transparent yield methodology comparing asking rents versus prices. | We used it to triangulate reasonable gross yield ranges. We adjusted for Siem Reap specifics using local rent data and neighborhood analysis. |
| AirROI Siem Reap Data | Specialized STR analytics provider with standardized market KPIs. | We used it to quantify realistic occupancy and nightly rates. We validated the seasonality pattern against official tourism statistics. |
| IPS Cambodia | Major Siem Reap brokerage with published local market benchmarks. | We used their rent data as our primary local anchor. We cross-checked against live listings to confirm ranges are current. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Cambodia. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
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