Relocating residents displaced by Cambodia’s eco-tourism site, plus other headlines

For PropertyGuru’s news roundup, Cambodian authorities are preparing a new location for residents displaced by the Phnom 1500 eco-tourism site. In other news, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of the new Wyndham Semporna Resort in Sabah, Malaysia. Lastly, Australia’s Victoria must implement tax reform measures to attract investors to Victoria’s property sector.

Cambodia’s Pursat prepares relocation area for residents of Phnom 1500 eco-tourism site

Pursat provincial authorities are preparing a new location of over 150 hectares for people who volunteer to relocate from the Phnom 1500 eco-tourism site and have given 30 days to those who have not yet agreed to abide by the Cambodian government’s land policy and move.

Provincial governor Khoy Rida said on 1st July that authorities are working hard to prepare the new area for individuals who agreed to leave the original site, located in Dey Krahorm village of Veal Veng district’s Anlong Reap commune. He noted the new site is about six kilometres from the district’s Elephant Circle roundabout.

“We have been preparing a new location for more than a week. Its location is not far away. It is near the town, making it convenient. There is infrastructure like roads, electricity and water, and some residents have already visited it,” he said.

Rida noted that 98 families have been living in the Phnom 1500 area but only 67 of them have agreed to leave. He said the authorities have advised them to continue cooperating with officials to prepare to move to the new location once completed. “The preparation of the new site is to ensure that they live safely, proudly, and can continue their professional work,” he said in a The Phnom Penh Post report.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts announce the signing of Wyndham Semporna Resort Semporna, Malaysia 

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,200 hotels in more than 95 countries, announced the signing of the new Wyndham Semporna Resort in partnership with Goldstone Holdings. The exciting new addition will feature 188 breathtaking villas overlooking the beautiful eastern coast of Sabah, Malaysia and is expected to open in 2026.

“Our partnership with Goldstone Holdings highlights our commitment to expanding in Southeast Asia while delivering exceptional experiences for our guests in new destinations around the world,” said Matt Holmes, Vice President of Development for Southeast Asia Pacific Rim, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, in The Hotel Conversation. “The Wyndham Semporna Resort is set to become a premier destination in the area due to its unique hotel design which offers guests a tranquil getaway in Sabah, known for its sprawling coastline, secluded tropical islands and pristine rainforests.”

“We’re dedicated to turning Semporna into a top-tier destination, comparable to the Maldives,” added Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Tang Yong Chew JP, Executive Chairman of Goldstone Holdings.

Victoria’s housing crisis: Tax reforms crucial to achieving new home target

With recent Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures showing the number of new home constructions in Victoria has slumped to a decade low, the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) is again urging the Victorian Government to consider modernising its property taxation strategy.

Despite the Government’s ambition to increase new home builds to 80,000 new homes per year, ABS figures show only 55,653 homes were completed in the past twelve months, 2698 less than the previous year.

According to The Real Estate Conversation, the REIV asserted the current property taxes serve as a disincentive to investors and will likely hinder the achievement of the 80,000 new homes per year goal. The Victorian Government must look to implement measures to attract investors to Victoria’s property sector.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].