SunCity apartments have turned into a success story for a family with no background in construction, but who branched out from running a successful internet provider business into real estate.

This large, white skyscraper that has great views over the capital has become the family’s new and successful business model.

“The building and location of SunCity came from our savings after a career that involved the Anana technological shop and the Mekongnet internet service provider business,” SunCity Managing Director Sok Channda said in an interview with The Phnom Penh Post last week.

Starting construction on SunCity was a new start for technology-savvy Sok Channda’s family, and moving into the housing and construction business opened up a new world for her and her family members, who had not previously taken any interest in the real estate business.

But after SunCity started to take shape and some parts of its interior were decorated, clients became very interested and wanted to move in, even though construction was not finished.

“We started building SunCity in 2009 and we opened the doors for some people to stay in 2012 while some decoration work continued. A lot of our rooms have been occupied by our customers for long periods already,” she added.

SunCity is between Norodom Boulevard and Boeung Keng Kang market in an area of traditional Khmer villas, offices and schools. Markets, restaurants and other businesses are all nearby.

“Our building is different to others and is new, it has modern architecture with big mirror windows and it is painted white. It has brought new, well-designed living standards to Phnom Penh,” she said.

“Several of the attractions of SunCity are that each room has a lot of space and modern furniture. There are tables, cabinets, televisions and modern equipment. Lamps and air-conditioners are installed in the ceilings or on walls.

“Big doors and windows also let in the light from outside and provide a bird’s eye view of the capital.

“Also, the place has security guards 24-hours a day and we provide free fibre optic, hi-speed internet. We also have a laundry service two times a week. Another feature is that our staff is friendly and performs their duties very responsibly.

“I do believe that the good look of our building and its modern equipment is one of the main attractions, but our staff’s good service is the key factor for our customers.

“Our first client was a Korean family and they have now stayed a long time. We have clients from many countries, but the majority of them are Japanese.”

SunCity covers nearly 700 square metres and consists of 15 stories. There are five floors underground for offices and a centre for Mekongnet’s internet data.

From the sixth floor up, it has rooms for accommodation and has a swimming pool at the top with a lobby lounge and gym.