The Kingdom’s first ever real estate awards took place late last week, with sector leaders saying the event would only serve to aid an already growing industry.

Ten companies were given honours at the Cambodia Real Estate Awards 2018, with CBRE Cambodia being awarded the top prize this year.

Ann Sothida, director of real estate at CBRE, said the program would be a boon for the property sector, making it more robust and comprehensive.

The awards will give consumers more confidence when making choices about which agents or companies to use, she said. “I think that through this program, the real estate industry in Cambodia will become more robust and gain more recognition in the world.”

‘It’s not easy’

The event was organised by Realestate.com.kh, with support from both the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Association of Cambodian Valuers and Real Estate Agencies (CVEA). Over 200 people attended.

CBRE took home the most awards on the night, winning for excellence as both a property management firm and a commercial agency, as well as clinching the agency choice award.

“It’s not easy to get the awards. They highlight our team’s efforts to maintain and manage quality buildings with over a decade’s experience, ” Sothida said.

Sok Siphana, the head judge at the ceremony, said the annual event will contribute positively to the industry.

“The winners really deserve [the awards] for being superior and setting an example for others,” he said.

Kim Heang, president of the CVEA, said the event was very important in promoting the image and recognising the progress of the real estate industry in the Kingdom.

“We must have more events like this in the future to value and encourage outstanding individuals in Cambodia’s real estate sector,” Heang said.

Thomas O’Sullivan, CEO of Realestate.com said the real estate sector in Cambodia had been very successful in recent years.

“This affair will push the Cambodian real estate industry towards more professionalism and competition.”