Penthouse vs. Detached Villa Living in Phnom Penh — Which Suits Your Expat Lifestyle Best?

Written By chheng leang

In Phnom Penh’s thriving property market, luxury living for expats comes down to two standout options: the penthouse (hi-sky living) and the detached villa (landed living).

Both promise comfort, status, and security — but each one fits different lifestyle and ownership needs, especially for foreigners in Cambodia. Here’s your guide to similarities, differences, pros and cons, plus what’s legally possible for expats.

Where Are They Located?

Penthouses: Found in high-rise condominiums in Phnom Penh’s central business districts (BKK1, Tonle Bassac, Daun Penh). This means easy access to embassies, offices, cafes, international schools, and nightlife — perfect for expats who want everything at their doorstep.

Detached Villas: Primarily in gated boreys in suburban districts, around 10–20 km from the city center. Favored by families who value more space, quiet neighborhoods, and a garden lifestyle.

*Key Similarities

  • Both provide spacious layouts designed for comfort and a sense of prestige. Whether in the sky or on the ground, owners enjoy expansive living areas that feel truly luxurious.

  • Both attract affluent buyers who see their homes as both a personal sanctuary and a status symbol — plus a smart long-term investment.

  • Both benefit from strong security features, ensuring peace of mind whether you live in a guarded borey or a serviced high-rise.

  • Both generally hold or increase in value, especially when located in areas with strong demand and limited new supply.

  • Both provide living environment with friendly expat neighbors are common in both.

A living room of a detached villa in Phnom Penh

A living room of a penthouse in Phnom Penh

Key Differences: Penthouse vs Detached Villa for an Expat

Price & Legal Factor for Expats

  • Buying: ✔️ Penthouses — no restriction for foreigners. ❌ Detached villas — Cambodian law restricts direct foreign ownership of landed property. To own one, expats must use a legal representative (nominee) or set up a real estate trust, which is increasingly common and regulated in Cambodia.

  • Renting: ✔️ Detached villas are a popular choice for expats who want more space without legal hassle — and rentals can be about 3 times cheaper than penthouse leases in the city center.

Advantages & Disadvantages

>Penthouse Advantages: Penthouses offer stunning top-floor views, a sense of prestige, and the ultimate city convenience. However, this comes at a premium: per square meter, penthouses cost significantly more than villas, meaning buyers often get less total space for the same budget. Other advantages for a penthouse:

  • Walkable CBD lifestyle, close to work & social scene

  • Stunning skyline or river views

  • Hassle-free legal ownership for you as being an expat

  • Top-notch building management

>Penthouse Disadvantages: However, penthouses don’t come with a yard or garden in the traditional sense. Some may find building rules restrictive — for example, not all condos allow certain pets. Plus, high-end management fees are a standard part of sky-high living. Other disadvantages for a penthouse:

  • Higher cost per sqm

  • Less living space than a landed home

  • No private yard for kids/pets

  • Condo rules apply

>Detached Villa Advantages: Detached villas give you more house for your dollar. Compared to a penthouse in the city center, the same investment typically buys you a larger floor plan, private garden space, and parking for multiple cars. For families needing space to grow, this is often a big plus. Other advantages for a villa:

  • More indoor and outdoor space

  • Private garden, great for families & pets

  • Quiet environment away from city bustle

  • Lower rental cost than a penthouse

>Detached Villa Disadvantages: On the flip side, living further from the city means more time spent driving to offices, schools, or shopping hubs. Maintenance responsibilities are also greater — from garden care to security upgrades, it’s all up to the homeowner.

  • Direct ownership complicated for expats

  • Commuting to CBD takes time

  • Maintenance is owner’s responsibility

Price Comparison

While penthouses command a premium for their prime views and locations, detached villas offer significantly more square meters for the same investment. If maximum living space and a private garden are priorities, a villa may deliver more value.

Which One Fits Your Style?

If you crave prestige living with panoramic views and immediate CBD access, a penthouse justifies its higher cost with unbeatable location and exclusivity. If you prefer more square meters for your budget, want a garden, and value privacy, a detached villa in a well-managed borey offers fantastic value and comfort.

Phnom Penh Snapshot

  • Penthouse supply: Around 300 units, commanding premium prices in prime districts.

  • Detached villas: 5,000+ units citywide, offering larger spaces for a lower price per square meter.

  • Market trend: Penthouses remain rare and desirable trophies; borey villas keep expanding as suburban living grows more popular for families seeking value and space.

Conclusion

In Phnom Penh, the choice between hi-sky living and landed luxury is as much about lifestyle as it is about value. Consider where you want to be, how much space you need, and how you want to live every day.

  • Best for expat executives & city lovers: A penthouse puts you in the heart of Phnom Penh’s action — legally easy to buy, easy to manage, and always in demand.

  • Best for expat families: A detached villa in a borey offers more space for kids, a private garden, and excellent value, especially if renting.

Curious which one fits your budget and lifestyle best? Message me for an insider’s list of today’s best penthouse deals and borey villas on the market.

Contact for Inquiry and Advisory

chheng leang
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What is a Penthouse, Deluxe Criteria, and How Rare Are They in Phnom Penh?