Time Square 8 VS Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh – Choosing Between Time Square 8 and Diamond Bay Garden? Flip a Coin—or Use These 6 Buyer-Proof Tricks Instead

Time Square 8 VS Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh:👉 Avoid Viewing Burnout, Agent Misfires, and That “What Am I Even Doing?” Feeling With Clear, Step-by-Step Advice

Standing at a crossroads between two top Phnom Penh condos? You’re not alone. Picking between Time Square 8 Phnom Penh and Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh feels tough. Both shine in their own way. This guide cuts through the noise with six clear steps to make your choice easier.

Key Takeaways:

1. Location matters most: Time Square 8 sits in busy Toul Tum Poung near Russian Market, while Diamond Bay Garden offers waterfront living on Koh Pich (Diamond Island).
2. Price points differ greatly: Time Square 8 starts at $1,250/m² with flexible payment plans, but Diamond Bay Garden costs from $1,600/m² with more rigid payment terms.
3. Construction timelines vary: Diamond Bay Garden will finish sooner (2026) than Time Square 8 (2028), affecting when you can move in or start earning rent.
4. Return on investment varies: Time Square 8 offers higher rental yields (5-7%) for budget-minded buyers, while Diamond Bay Garden provides stable long-term growth with lower risk.
5. Both offer great amenities: Time Square 8 features a 50th-floor sky bar and 25% green spaces, while Diamond Bay Garden boasts river views and some units with professional management.
6. Your investor profile matters: Your goals, risk comfort, and timeline should guide your final choice between these two strong options.

Time Square 8 VS Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh: 6 Buyer-Proof Tricks to Make the Right Choice

1. Location: Two Very Different Phnom Penh Neighborhoods

The first trick to making a smart choice is understanding what each area offers.

Time Square 8 stands in Toul Tum Poung (Russian Market area), a spot known for:

• Lively streets with many shops and food places
• Good value housing compared to central areas
• Popular with young locals and expats
• Close to AEON Mall and other daily needs
• 8% yearly growth expected in this area

Diamond Bay Garden sits on Koh Pich (Diamond Island), offering:

• Amazing views where three rivers meet
• Upscale island living with modern design
• Close to diplomatic areas and high-end spaces
• Planned growth with new projects coming soon
• 9% yearly growth expected in this premium spot

Your daily life will feel very different in each place. Time Square 8 puts you in a busy, growing area with local charm. Diamond Bay Garden offers a more calm, upscale setting with water views.

2. Price Points and Payment Plans: What Fits Your Budget?

Money matters make a big difference when buying a condo.

Time Square 8 pricing:

• Starting price: Around $1,250 per square meter
• Studio units from $50,000
• One-bedroom units: $50,000-$75,000
• Two-bedroom units: $91,250-$110,000
• Three-bedroom units: $138,750
• Payment plan: 10% down, then 1-2% monthly for 40 months
• Even accepts cryptocurrency

Diamond Bay Garden pricing:

• Starting price: About $1,600 per square meter
• Studio units from $126,165
• One-bedroom units: From $150,000
• Two-bedroom units: $180,000-$250,000
• Three-bedroom units: From $303,643
• Payment plan: Larger upfront payment typically needed
• Payment tied to construction progress

Time Square 8 works best if you want a low entry price and small monthly payments. Diamond Bay Garden fits buyers with more cash now who want a premium product.

3. Construction Status and Timelines: When Can You Move In?

Timing affects both living plans and investment returns.

Time Square 8 timeline:

• Current status: Only 5% built (as of April 2025)
• Expected finish date: 2028
• Strong pre-sales: 78% of units already sold
• Three more years of construction ahead
• Developed by Megakim World Corp (Taiwanese company with 6 finished projects in Cambodia)

Diamond Bay Garden timeline:

• Current status: 70% complete (as of April 2025)
• First tower ready: Q2 2025 (very soon!)
• Full project finish date: 2026
• Much more advanced in building progress
• Developed by OCIC, one of Cambodia’s biggest, most trusted builders

If you need a place soon or want to start earning rental income quickly, Diamond Bay Garden wins. If you can wait longer and prefer spreading out payments, Time Square 8 may work better.

4. Return on Investment: What Can You Expect to Earn?

Smart buyers look at the money they might make.

Time Square 8 investment outlook:

• Rental yield: 5-7% yearly
• Lower entry cost means potentially higher percentage returns
• Example: A $100,000 two-bedroom unit might bring $7,000 yearly in rent
• Five-year growth estimate: 25-30% in value
• Total five-year return: Around 60-65% combining rent and value growth
• Phnom Penh condo investment appeal: Lower prices with good growth

Diamond Bay Garden investment outlook:

• Standard units rental yield: 3.5-5.5%
• Some units with 8% guaranteed returns for 10 years (Somerset-managed)
• Example: A $150,000 one-bedroom unit brings $7,500 yearly in rent
• Five-year growth estimate: 35-45% in value
• Total five-year return: 60-85% depending on unit type
• Phnom Penh waterfront condos tend to hold value better in down markets

Time Square 8 offers higher rental yields from a lower base price. Diamond Bay Garden might grow more in value but costs more to buy in.

5. Amenities and Features: What’s Your Lifestyle?

Daily living quality depends on what each building offers.

Time Square 8 standout features:

• 50 floors of modern condos Phnom Penh residents want
• Sky Bar on the 50th floor
• Gym and tennis court on the 49th floor
• Infinity pool on the 48th floor
• Sky lounge on the 39th floor
• 25% green spaces (more than typical high-rises)
• Seven lifts for quick access
• Phnom Penh high-rise condos with great city views

Diamond Bay Garden standout features:

• Three 39-floor towers
• Top 10 floors managed by Somerset (a trusted hotel brand)
• Views of three rivers (Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac)
• Infinity pools and sky garden
• Fitness center and private cinema
• Co-working spaces
• Phnom Penh waterfront condos with premium river views

Both offer great Phnom Penh condo amenities, but Time Square 8 focuses on height and sky features, while Diamond Bay Garden emphasizes waterfront living and professional management.

6. Matching Your Profile: Which Condo Fits You Best?

The final trick is knowing what type of buyer you are.

Time Square 8 fits best for:

• First-time buyers with smaller budgets
• Investors seeking higher rental yields
• Those who don’t mind waiting until 2028
• Buyers who want low monthly payments
• People who enjoy lively neighborhood life
• Those willing to take some risk for better returns

Diamond Bay Garden fits best for:

• Luxury seekers wanting the best Phnom Penh condo lifestyle
• Investors wanting guaranteed returns (Somerset units)
• Those needing a place to live or rent out soon
• Buyers with more cash available now
• People who value waterfront living
• Conservative investors seeking lower risk

Know yourself and your goals. Your comfort with risk, timeline needs, and lifestyle wants should guide your final choice.

Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh VS The Pinnacle Residence Phnom Penh – Square Footage vs. Location: The Soul-Crushing Math Problem!

–

Time Square 8 VS Diamond Bay Garden – Project Profiles

Time Square 8

Developer: Megakim World Corp. Ltd. – a Taiwanese developer with a track record of 6 successful completed projects in Cambodia IPS Cambodia

Location: Toul Tumpoung (Russian Market area), Phnom Penh

Key Features and Amenities:

• 50-story luxury condominium with 700 units
• Extensive facilities including:
  • 50F: Sky Bar
  • 49F: Gym and Tennis Court
  • 48F: Infinity Pool
  • 39F: Sky Lounge
  • 2-7F: Car Parking
  • Ground floor: Lobby and Café
  • B1-B2: Car Parking
• 25% green spaces (higher than the typical 15% for tall buildings)
• Modern design with quality finishes
• Seven lifts for optimal accessibility

Unit Types:

• Classic Flats (Floors 8-38):
  • 1-Bedroom: 40, 47, 60 m²
  • 2-Bedrooms: 73-88 m²
  • 3-Bedrooms: 111 m²
• Duplex Units (Floors 40-47):
  • 1-4 Bedroom configurations
  • Sizes ranging from 73 m² to 167 m²

Current Status:

• 78% sold despite only 5% construction completed (as of April 2025)
• Scheduled completion date: 2028
• Starting price: $50,000 ($1,250/m²)
• Flexible payment plan: 10% down payment, then 1-2% monthly for 40 months

–

Diamond Bay Garden

Developer: OCIC (Overseas Cambodia Investment Corporation) – one of Cambodia’s largest and most established developers OCIC

Location: Koh Pich (Diamond Island), Tonle Bassac, Phnom Penh

Key Features and Amenities:

• Three iconic towers, each with 39 floors
• Top 10 floors managed by Ascott under the Somerset brand
• Panoramic views of three rivers (Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac)
• Luxury amenities including:
  • Infinity pools
  • Sky garden
  • Fitness center
  • Private cinema
  • Co-working spaces
  • State-of-the-art security

Unit Types:

• Studio: 46 m²
• 1-Bedroom: 64-78 m²
• 2-Bedroom: 95-120 m²
• 3-Bedroom: 170 m²

Current Status:

• 70% construction completed
• First tower handover scheduled for Q2 2025
• Overall project completion: 2026
• Starting price: $1,600 per square meter
• Studio units starting at $126,165 ($2,967/m²)

Time Square 8 VS Diamond Bay Garden | Side-by-Side Comparison

–

The Cambodia Context: Why Phnom Penh Makes Sense Now

Cambodia’s growth story adds value to both properties. The country’s economy should grow 6.1% in 2025 and 6.5% in 2026. Phnom Penh real estate has been picking up since mid-2024 after a drop during 2020-2023.

Buying now means catching the market at a good time. Prices sit about 15-20% below their 2019 peak, creating a nice entry point for smart buyers.

Key benefits of buying in Cambodia include:

• Low taxes and small holding costs
• Freehold ownership for foreigners in condos
• All deals in US dollars, cutting currency risk
• Prices much lower than in Singapore, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur
• Strong rental demand from expats and growing middle class

Both Time Square 8 and Diamond Bay Garden let foreign buyers own units with secure Phnom Penh condo ownership rights.

What About the Neighborhood? A Closer Look

Your day-to-day life will feel very different depending on your choice.

Toul Tum Poung (Time Square 8):

• Known for its mix of local life and modern coffee shops
• The Russian Market offers shopping, food, and crafts
• More affordable eating and shopping options
• Growing expat scene with many language schools
• Toul Tump condos in high demand with young professionals
• Good rental demand from both locals and foreigners

Koh Pich (Diamond Bay Garden):

• Man-made island with planned, upscale growth
• Home to exhibition halls, event spaces, and high-end shops
• Less street life but more organized spaces
• Popular with wealthy locals and foreign business people
• Koh Pich condos command premium prices for their status
• Strong rental demand from business travelers and diplomats

Both spots have their own charm. The Russian Market area feels more “real Cambodia” while Koh Pich offers a cleaner, more planned feeling.

Comparative Data with Other Developments

This comparative data highlights Time Square 8’s strong market performance in terms of pre-sales and competitive pricing, while Diamond Bay Garden’s premium location justifies its higher price point.

Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh – Why Rich Expats Are Rushing to Buy at Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh (Before Prices Explode)

The Developer Factor: Who’s Building Your Home?

Trust in the builder matters greatly for off-plan purchases.

Megakim World Corp (Time Square 8):

• Taiwanese developer with strong Asian presence
• Six finished projects in Cambodia already
• Known for modern design and keeping promises
• Strong pre-sales show market trust
• Good track record of on-time delivery

OCIC (Diamond Bay Garden):

• One of Cambodia’s biggest, most trusted developers
• Built the whole Koh Pich (Diamond Island) area
• Strong government connections
• Won five major property awards in 2023-2024
• Nearly done with construction, lowering buyer risk

Both builders have good names, but OCIC’s local standing and advanced construction stage offer more security.

Comparing Prices Against the Market

How do these condos stack up against other Phnom Penh condo prices?

The general market prices in Phnom Penh (2025):

• Basic condos: Average $1,300/m²
• Mid-range condos: Average $2,000/m²
• Luxury condos: Average $2,700/m²

Time Square 8’s $1,250/m² starting price sits at the lower end, making it good value. Diamond Bay Garden’s $1,600+/m² fits in the mid-range, which seems fair given its waterfront setting.

Compared to similar projects:

• The Peak (Chamkarmon): $2,800/m²
• Urban Village (Sen Sok): $1,600/m²
• Le Conde BKK1 (BKK1): From $150,000 per unit

Both condos offer fair value for their areas and features when looking at Phnom Penh condo comparison data.

Time Square 8 Phnom Penh Investment Returns – 7-9% Yearly Profit Machine

Payment Plan Details: The Fine Print

The way you pay impacts your cash flow and risk.

Time Square 8 payment schedule:

• $500 booking fee
• 10% down payment to secure your unit
• 1-2% monthly for 40 months
• Final balance at handover in 2028
• In-house financing from the developer
• Crypto payments accepted

Diamond Bay Garden payment schedule:

• Larger initial deposit typically needed
• Payments tied to building progress
• Final payment upon handover (starting Q2 2025)
• Bank loans available for qualified buyers
• More standard payment approach

Time Square 8’s plan feels much more flexible and buyer-friendly, especially for those without large savings.

Cambodia’s 2025 Property Tax Incentives: Save up to $8,400 on Your Next Home Purchase

Foreign Ownership: What You Need to Know

Phnom Penh condo ownership rules allow foreigners to own units, but with some limits:

• You can own condo units (above ground floor) with a hard title
• Foreign ownership in any building is capped at 70% of all units
• Land ownership remains off-limits to foreigners
• Both Time Square 8 and Diamond Bay Garden offer freehold ownership
• Always check title details carefully before buying

Guide to Foreign Property Ownership in Cambodia – How Foreigners Can Legally Own Property in Cambodia Without Breaking Any Rules!

Making Your Final Choice: A Simple Guide

To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:

1. Budget: How much can I spend now and monthly?
2. Timeline: When do I need the property to be ready?
3. Purpose: Is this mainly for living or investing?
4. Risk comfort: Am I OK with some risk for higher returns?
5. Location preference: Do I want lively streets or quiet waterfront?
6. Management: Do I want to handle rentals myself or have it managed?

Your answers will point you toward one property over the other.

Final Thoughts: Both Winners, Different Races

In the Time Square 8 VS Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh match-up, there’s no clear “better” choice – just better fit for different buyers.

Time Square 8 wins for:

• Affordability and payment terms
• Higher rental yields
• Lively neighborhood
• Potential for stronger percentage growth

Diamond Bay Garden wins for:

• Earlier completion
• Premium location
• Professional management options
• Lower risk profile

Both offer solid value in a growing market. Your personal needs should drive your choice.

Need help making this big choice? Our team at DaBest Properties knows both projects inside and out. Contact us for personalized advice that fits your needs.

Helpful Resources:

1. Guide to Foreign Property Ownership in Cambodia
2. Cambodia’s 2025 Property Tax Incentives
3. Time Square 8 Investment Returns

Browse our full selection of condos for sale in Phnom Penh to see more options beyond these two great choices.