👉 What Nobody Tells You About Choosing Between The Pinnacle’s Tiny Luxury or Diamond Bay’s Spacious Compromise
Picking between Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh VS The Pinnacle Residence Phnom Penh means choosing more space or a better spot. This choice makes many buyers feel stuck. We’ll show you what each place offers, so you can make a smart choice that fits your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Location Battle: Diamond Bay Garden sits on Koh Pich (Diamond Island) with beautiful views of three rivers, while The Pinnacle Residence stands in the busy Tonle Bassac area near many shops and offices. Your daily life will feel very different depending on which one you pick.
- Price and Value: Apartments at Diamond Bay Garden start at $126,165 for a studio, while The Pinnacle offers studios from $74,732. The price gap exists because Diamond Bay gives you more space, newer design, and water views.
- Return on Investment: Somerset backs Diamond Bay with an 8% guaranteed rental return for 10 years on managed units. The Pinnacle offers a 6% return for 5 years with a 100% buyback promise. Both beat the average Phnom Penh yield of 6-7%.
- Living Style: Diamond Bay targets people who want a resort-like home with big pools and a sky garden. The Pinnacle aims at busy workers who need quick access to the city’s main areas. Your daily routine will shape which suits you best.
- Future Growth: Both areas show strong growth signs, but Koh Pich may grow faster due to new bridges and the nearby stock exchange complex planned for 2027. This might help Diamond Bay units gain more value over time.
What Real Estate Agents Won’t Tell You: Is River View Worth Giving Up City Center?
Two top Phnom Penh condos force buyers to choose. Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh VS The Pinnacle Residence Phnom Penh represents the classic battle between space and location. One gives you river views and bigger rooms. The other puts you right where the action is.
What Makes Diamond Bay Garden Special?
Diamond Bay Garden stands proudly on Koh Pich, an island that connects three major rivers – the Mekong River, Tonle Sap River, and Bassac River. The project by OCIC offers something truly unique in Phnom Penh.
When you visit Diamond Bay Garden, you’ll notice its three towers linked by a sky bridge. This design isn’t just for looks – it lets everyone enjoy the panoramic city views no matter which tower they live in. The builders plan to finish the project by mid-2025, with 70% already done.
The waterfront living experience makes this place stand out. Imagine waking up to river views every day! Many units face the water, giving a sense of peace that’s hard to find in busy city centers. This location offers a mix of calm and easy access to downtown.
Diamond Bay Garden offers units ranging from studios to three-bedroom homes. They start at $126,165 for a studio and go up to $372,000 for the biggest units. The price per square meter runs between $1,600 to $2,300 depending on the floor and view.
What many buyers like is the deal with Somerset, which backs an 8% guaranteed rental return for 10 years on units they manage. This partnership with Ascott Limited makes Diamond Bay Garden a solid investment opportunity for those looking to earn while they own.
What Makes The Pinnacle Residence Special?
The Pinnacle Residence sits right in the central business district of Phnom Penh, on Boulevard Preah Monivong in the Tonle Bassac area. The location puts you steps away from key spots in the city.
Unlike Diamond Bay Garden, which is still under construction, The Pinnacle is ready now. You can move in right away or start renting it out. This matters a lot if you need a place to live soon or want to start earning rental income immediately.
The prices at The Pinnacle start lower than Diamond Bay Garden. Studios begin at $74,732, while one-bedroom units range from $132,884 to $159,078. Two-bedroom homes cost between $214,999 and $281,833. These prices make it easier to enter the market, even with less money.
Prince Real Estate Group built this property with investors in mind. They offer a 6% guaranteed rental return for five years, plus a 100% buyback guarantee after that time. This setup lowers your risk – if the market drops, you’re still protected.
The building includes many neat features like a sky bar, fitness center, and swimming pool. While these match some of Diamond Bay’s offerings, they come in a more compact package. The Pinnacle focuses on giving you luxury in a smaller space but with perfect city access.
Direct Comparison: Which One Wins?
Let’s put these two places side by side to see how they stack up:
| Feature | Diamond Bay Garden | The Pinnacle Residence |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | OCIC (Cambodia’s largest) | Prince Real Estate Group |
| Location | Koh Pich (Diamond Island) | Tonle Bassac (Central CBD) |
| Status | 70% complete, ready Q2 2025 | Completed and ready now |
| Starting Price | $126,165 (studio) | $74,732 (studio) |
| Guaranteed Return | 8% for 10 years (Somerset units) | 6% for 5 years |
| Extra Benefits | Somerset serviced management | 100% buyback guarantee |
| Views | River and city views | City views |
| Special Features | Sky bridge connecting towers | Radisson Hotel partnership |
The numbers tell part of the story, but not all of it. Diamond Bay costs more but offers bigger units and better views. The Pinnacle costs less but gives you a central spot and ready-to-use units. Your choice depends on what matters most to you.
Location Deep Dive: Koh Pich vs. Tonle Bassac
The Koh Pich area where Diamond Bay Garden sits has changed a lot in recent years. Once just empty land, it’s now a growing center for luxury buildings. The island sits where three rivers meet, making it special in Phnom Penh.
Koh Pich has parks, walkways along the water, and plenty of restaurants. It connects to the mainland by bridges, so you don’t feel cut off. The area feels cleaner and less crowded than other parts of the city. New projects keep coming, including a stock exchange complex planned for 2027.
Over in Tonle Bassac, where The Pinnacle stands, you find yourself in the heart of the action. This area in the Chamkarmon district hosts embassies, government buildings, and top restaurants. Walking to work becomes possible for many people.
Tonle Bassac grew faster than Koh Pich and feels more established. The streets buzz with activity day and night. While you won’t have the same water views as Diamond Bay Garden, you gain quick access to everything the city offers. Shopping, dining, and entertainment sit just steps from your door.
Both areas will keep growing, but in different ways. Koh Pich has more room to expand with new buildings. Tonle Bassac, already packed, will see property values rise as demand for central spots increases.
Investment Returns: The Numbers Game
When buying property, smart investors always look at the return. Both developments offer strong options, but with different approaches.
Diamond Bay Garden partners with Somerset (part of Ascott Limited) to offer an 8% guaranteed rental return for 10 years on units under their management. This beats most other offerings in Phnom Penh. The guarantee comes from a trusted global brand, adding extra safety to your investment.
The Pinnacle takes a different path. They offer 6% annual returns for five years, plus a 100% buyback guarantee. This means you can sell the property back to the developer at your purchase price after five years if you want to exit. The shorter timeframe gives you more flexibility but a lower yearly return.
The average rental yield in Phnom Penh ranges from 6% to 7%, making both offers better than typical market returns. High-end properties like these typically see yields of about 7.5%, showing these guarantees hold real value.
Both properties target different renters. Diamond Bay aims at expatriates and wealthy locals looking for luxury condos with water views. The Pinnacle targets business travelers and corporate tenants who need easy access to the business district.
Over time, Koh Pich may see faster growth in property values due to limited waterfront land. Tonle Bassac, already developed, may grow more slowly but steadily as demand for central locations remains strong.
Living Experience: Day-to-Day Life
Imagine your daily routine in each place. How would life differ?
At Diamond Bay Garden, mornings might start with coffee on your balcony, watching boats on the river. The sky garden offers a peaceful place to relax after work. Weekends could include walks along the waterfront or swimming in the infinity pool. The area feels somewhat separated from city noise, creating a resort-like feel.
The children’s playground makes Diamond Bay family-friendly. Parking facilities are ample, making car ownership easier than in many city locations. The overall vibe feels relaxed but luxurious, like a permanent vacation home.
Life at The Pinnacle Residence looks quite different. You might walk to work or take a short tuk-tuk ride. Lunch breaks could mean quick trips to nearby restaurants. After work, the building’s fitness center sits right there for a workout. The central location means less travel time for almost everything.
The boutique lobby welcomes you home each day with professional service. The partnership with Radisson Hotel means you can access hotel-style services. For those who value time and convenience above all, The Pinnacle shines.
Both offer modern residences with good design and features. Your choice depends on whether you prefer the calm of water views or the energy of city center living.
Cambodia’s Property Market: Why Now is a Good Time
Cambodia’s real estate market offers some unique benefits for foreign buyers. Unlike many Asian countries, Cambodia allows foreigners to own condos outright. This makes places like Diamond Bay Garden and The Pinnacle Residence fully available to international investors.
The market has seen ups and downs since 2019, with the pandemic causing some slowdown. However, rental yields remain strong compared to places like Singapore or Hong Kong. The country’s use of US dollars for property transactions adds stability for foreign investors.
Looking at long-term trends, Phnom Penh expects to grow to six million people by 2035. This ongoing urbanization will drive demand for quality housing in good locations. Both Diamond Bay Garden and The Pinnacle Residence stand to benefit from this growth.
New infrastructure projects also boost property values. The new international airport, scheduled to open in July 2025, will make travel easier. This helps both properties but may benefit Koh Pich more due to improved access routes.
Tax changes matter too. Cambodia has delayed its capital gains tax on property until late 2025, giving buyers a window of opportunity. The annual property tax remains low at just 0.1% for properties over $25,000.
Who Should Choose Diamond Bay Garden?
Diamond Bay Garden fits best for certain types of buyers:
- People who value views and space over central location
- Investors looking for the highest guaranteed returns (8% for 10 years)
- Buyers who don’t need immediate occupancy (ready mid-2025)
- Those who want a resort-like living experience
- Families needing more space and amenities
If you’re planning to live in your unit and want a peaceful setting with easy access to luxury facilities, Diamond Bay Garden makes sense. The waterfront setting creates a special living experience that’s hard to match elsewhere in Phnom Penh.
For investors, the Somerset partnership offers strong returns with professional management. The location on Koh Pich shows good potential for long-term value growth as the area develops further.
Who Should Choose The Pinnacle Residence?
The Pinnacle Residence works better for these buyers:
- People who need a central location for work or lifestyle
- Investors wanting immediate rental income
- Buyers with smaller budgets (lower entry price)
- Those valuing the 100% buyback guarantee
- City lovers who enjoy being in the middle of everything
If you work in central Phnom Penh or enjoy urban living, The Pinnacle puts you right where you want to be. The completed status means you can move in or start earning rental income right away.
For cautious investors, the buyback guarantee offers peace of mind that’s hard to find elsewhere. Even if the market changes, you have a clear exit strategy after five years.
Making Your Final Decision
Choosing between Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh VS The Pinnacle Residence Phnom Penh comes down to your priorities. Here’s a simple way to decide:
Choose Diamond Bay Garden if:
- Views and space matter most to you
- You can wait until 2025 for completion
- You want the highest guaranteed return
- You prefer a quiet, resort-like setting
- Water views would improve your daily life
Choose The Pinnacle Residence if:
- Central location is your top priority
- You need to move in or earn rent immediately
- You have a smaller budget for your purchase
- You value the security of a buyback guarantee
- Being close to work and entertainment matters most
Both developments represent quality options in Phnom Penh’s growing property market. Your lifestyle, investment goals, and personal preferences should guide your choice.
For more details on either property, contact our team for floor plans, payment options, and viewing arrangements. We can help you run the numbers and find the perfect match for your needs.
Helpful Resources
Need more information? Check out these useful links:
- Guide to Foreign Property Ownership in Cambodia
- Cambodia’s 2025 Property Tax Incentives
- Condos for Sale in Phnom Penh
- Video Tour of Properties in Cambodia
Want to explore more options? Our team knows the Phnom Penh market inside and out. We’re ready to help you find your perfect property.
