AS always, my rating system is based on an innovative five thumbs-up rating system.

With windows on all four sides and a spacious balcony, this two-bedroom spot really lets the light shine in.

This could be your pink bedroom, top, if you lived in this spot. The love seat might look like it came from a carnival, but, besides that, the balcony,bottom, is beautiful and spacious. NEANG SOKCHEA

Value:

?????

For US$400 this first floor apartment is excellent value. The location, the amount of outside space and the thorough upkeep give the apartment a charm that makes the money well spent.

Utilities and service:

????

The cost of electricity, 1200 riel per kilowatt hour, is about the same as most apartments you will find, but the owners charge slightly more than the cost from the company. The price of everything else is at cost.

Location:

?????

Very close to independence monument, this apartment is on a small dead-end street, which means you get to reap the benefits of being in the centre of the city without having to deal with the annoyances that usually go along with it.

Atmosphere:

?????

Very good atmosphere with plenty of light throughout the day, thanks to the windows on all four faces. Even though it is on the first floor, there are very few large buildings nearby and it is quiet so you will get fresh air and won’t have to deal with disturbances on the street or sounds from heavy traffic.

Furnishings:

?????

The apartment is nearly fully furnished already and the owner has promised to buy the items that are missing once someone moves in. They are even willing to replace the current pieces of furniture upon the tenants request.

Maintenance:

?????

The owners have done a thorough renovation of the apartment since the last tenants lived there, including a check of all of the inner workings. The walls are freshly painted, so fresh, in fact, that we were unable to photograph some of the apartment due to ongoing improvements.

Security:

????

The owners do not hire a guard; however, the physical enforcements are plenty to make sure that people can not come in over the high wall, steel bars and barbed wire around the place. This area of town is generally safe from street criminals as well, so you won’t have to worry about coming home after a late night.

_____________________________________

Art Hong Ly works independently as a home finder in Phnom Penh. If you want to look at the spot of the week or other available apartments, villas or offices, he can be reached during standard business hours by calling 012422126 or email [email protected]. For other questions related to this column send an email to [email protected].