Legal Impact of Land Registration on Real Estate Investment: The Case of Cambodia

Abstract

The main purpose of this article was to discover the relations between land registration and real estate investment. Methodologically, the research was based on analysis of the reflection of the actual practice relating to legal regulations available since the beginning of land privatization in 1989, the official reports from the government agencies and other reports from civil society. It has also elaborated the Cambodian land system has evolved in order to boost the country development. The research findings revealed that land registration is one of the main factors to ensure land stability. The legal regulations were made to manage co-ownership and co-owned buildings thereby resulting in a great impact on real estate investment. A great policy to grant co-ownership to foreigners is undeniable for the co-owned building construction. As a result, high buildings have been then flourished in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. The research however suggested that local competent authorities should be granted full responsibilities to control constructions in their territorial areas.