Private Ownership of Parking Spaces REF#6133

Sub-Decree No.126 on the Management and Use of Co-Owned Buildings passed in August 2009 and the Law on Providing Foreigners with Ownership Rights in Private Units of Co-Owned Buildings in May 2010 were heralded as significant progress for Cambodia’s real estate sector as they established the legal framework for co-owned buildings and opened the property market to foreign investors. These regulations were a catalyst for the tremendous growth of condominium developments across Phnom Penh, providing a diverse market for both local and foreign property purchasers. 

Sub-Decree No.126 defines the components of a co-owned building that are of the exclusive private ownership of each co-owner as well as components that are subject to common use. These shared-use areas are for the benefit of all co-owners to enjoy and are under common management and ownership. Part 2, Clause 3 of the Sub-Decree designates the areas under common ownership and includes ground areas, courtyards, access ways, structural components and a number of other shared components. Notably, car parking spaces have also been included as a common area, meaning developers are unable to allocate a private parking space to property owners. 

This is highly unusual, as typically in condominium developments around the world, when a buyer purchases a private unit, an allocated parking space is included in the sale for their exclusive use. This ensures that tenants can always park their vehicles within the grounds of their condominiums, otherwise the parking amenities could be at capacity, leaving co-owners disadvantaged within their own property. While EuroCham is aware of a number of developers that already offer private parking spaces for rent or sale due to the increasing demand from property purchases, at present Sub-Decree No.126 does not provide a mechanism to allow this practice to be recognised legally, leaving property owners open to potential consequences.

The current common use system for car parking in condominiums leaves scope for abuse by other co-owners who could take advantage of the good faith of this commonality, which may increase the dissatisfaction of other co-owners and could lead to a hostile environment for all tenants. If developers continue to be unable to offer private parking spaces as part of condominium sales this may harm Cambodia’s emerging property market by discouraging potential buyers from following through with their purchase. This issue is particularly apparent for Phnom Penh where residents are already struggling with the increased traffic congestion, which is expected to worsen as Phnom Penh’s population and affluence continues to grow. 

Creating a mechanism to allow for private ownership of parking spaces could also create a new tradable market for parking spaces, as tenants that do not utilise their space may sell or rent the unoccupied space to others. This is becoming a growing and increasingly valuable market in many countries where city centre parking is scarce and can be an effective means to help alleviate traffic congestion.