J Tower 3 vs Time Square 8 Phnom Penh: The Ultimate Condo Showdown You Need to See
Shocking price-to-quality gaps, rental returns you didn’t expect, and why one location could crush the other for smart investors!
When picking between J Tower 3 Phnom Penh VS Time Square 8 Phnom Penh, buyers face a tough choice. J Tower 3 offers luxury 3-bedroom units (166-178 sqm) with 8% rental yields in the fancy Tonle Bassac area, while Time Square 8 provides smaller, more affordable units (starting at 33 sqm) with 5-7% rental yields in the busy Russian Market area.
Key Takeaways About J Tower 3 vs Time Square 8 Phnom Penh
- Investment Returns: J Tower 3 projects 7.7-8% rental yields for high-end investors, while Time Square 8 offers 5-7.5% returns with a lower entry price
- Location Value: Tonle Bassac (J Tower 3) has land values of $5,000-$8,000/sqm with slower growth, while Toul Tom Poung (Time Square 8) shows faster growth from $2,000-$3,800/sqm base prices
- Unit Sizes: J Tower 3 focuses only on large 3-bedroom units (166-178 sqm), while Time Square 8 offers a range from small studios to 3-bedroom units (33-100 sqm)
- Completion Timeline: J Tower 3 finishes in Q4 2028, making investors wait longer, but Time Square 8 finishes in 2026 for faster returns
- Developer Track Record: Both have good histories – J Tower 3’s Japanese developer brings premium standards, while Time Square 8’s Taiwanese developer has built seven prior projects
- Pre-Sales Success: Both show strong market interest with J Tower 3 at 75% sold and Time Square 8 at 78% sold
- Price Points: J Tower 3 starts at $330,000 ($2,067/sqm), while Time Square 8 starts much lower at $54,000 ($1,000-$1,800/sqm)
J Tower 3 Phnom Penh vs Time Square 8: Which Condo Is Actually Worth the Price in 2025? 10 Points Round Down!
1. Location Face-Off: Tonle Bassac vs Russian Market
When looking at J Tower 3 Phnom Penh VS Time Square 8 Phnom Penh, location plays a huge role in your choice. These two buildings sit in very different parts of the city.
J Tower 3 stands in Tonle Bassac, part of the fancy Chamkarmon district. This spot is known as the “diplomatic zone” with many embassies nearby. You’ll find:
- Land prices between $5,000-$8,000 per square meter
- Close to the Tonle Bassac river
- Many luxury hotels and restaurants
- Easy access to Aeon Mall 1
- Slower but steady price growth (30-35% over 5 years)
Time Square 8 sits in Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market area), also in Chamkarmon but with a very different feel. This area offers:
- Land prices between $2,000-$3,800 per square meter
- The famous Russian Market for shopping and food
- Many small cafes, bars, and shops
- A mix of expats and locals
- Faster price growth (40-45% over 5 years) from a lower starting point
Both areas fall under the Chamkarmon district, but they target different lifestyles. Tonle Bassac provides quiet luxury, while the Russian Market area gives you more local culture and activity.
2. Building Size and Design: Height vs Practicality
The J Tower 3 Phnom Penh VS Time Square 8 Phnom Penh battle shows big differences in how these buildings look and feel.
J Tower 3 will be Cambodia’s tallest building at:
- 77 floors reaching 310.5 meters high
- A total of 360 units (all 3-bedroom)
- Separate floors for homes and fun stuff
- Building area of 98,480 square meters
- Striking design that will stand out in Phnom Penh’s skyline
Time Square 8 takes a more practical approach with:
- 50 floors (still very tall for Phnom Penh)
- 700 total units with many sizes
- Mixed-use design
- 25% green space ratio (above the city average of 15-20%)
- Modern but less landmark-focused design
These different approaches show who each building targets. J Tower 3 wants to impress and stand out, while Time Square 8 aims to be practical and offer good value.
3. Unit Types and Sizes: Luxury vs Variety
When comparing J Tower 3 Phnom Penh VS Time Square 8 Phnom Penh, the unit types show their market goals clearly.
J Tower 3 focuses only on luxury with:
- Just two 3-bedroom layouts: 166 sqm and 178 sqm
- All units have high-end finishes
- Prices starting from $330,000 ($2,067/sqm)
- Premium corner units with better views
- Targeting wealthy buyers who want space
You can see the fancy Signature 3-Bedroom Unit or the even nicer Corner 3-Bedroom Unit on the developer’s site.
Time Square 8 offers more choices with:
- Units from 1-3 bedrooms
- Sizes from 33 sqm to about 100 sqm
- Prices starting from just $1,000/sqm
- More affordable entry options
- Targeting both investors and people who will live there
The popular One-Bedroom Condo has been a top seller.
This difference means each building serves different needs. J Tower 3 is for those who want big, fancy homes, while Time Square 8 works for many types of buyers, from singles to families.
4. Amenities and Facilities: Premium vs Practical
Both buildings offer nice extras, but with different styles when comparing J Tower 3 Phnom Penh VS Time Square 8 Phnom Penh.
J Tower 3 goes all out with:
- Multiple swimming pools on different floors
- Sky bar with city views
- Observation deck at the top
- Several fitness centers
- Japanese-style green spaces
- Private lounges and meeting rooms
- 24/7 concierge service
Time Square 8 offers good but more standard features:
- Rooftop infinity pool
- Single fitness center
- Movie room
- Multi-purpose rooms
- Green areas (covering 25% of the property)
- Security system
- Parking
Both provide what their target buyers want. J Tower 3 makes amenities a major selling point with many special features, while Time Square 8 covers all the basics well without going overboard.
5. Developer Background: Japanese vs Taiwanese
The companies behind these projects affect their quality and style in the J Tower 3 Phnom Penh VS Time Square 8 Phnom Penh match-up.
J Tower 3 comes from Tanichu Assetment Co. Ltd:
- Japanese developer in Cambodia since 2013
- Built J-City, J-Village Apartment, J-Tower 1, and J-Tower 2
- Known for strict Japanese building standards
- 90% of projects finished within 3 months of promised date
- Premium quality focus
Time Square 8 is built by Megakim World Corp. Ltd:
- Taiwanese developer with long local experience
- Completed Time Square 1-7 series already
- Good to very good local quality standards
- 85% of projects finished within 6 months of target
- Focuses on value and timely delivery
Both have good histories in Cambodia, but with different strengths. The Japanese company brings higher standards at premium prices, while the Taiwanese developer offers good value with a proven track record of many completed buildings.
6. Investment Returns: High-End vs Mid-Market
For investors comparing J Tower 3 Phnom Penh VS Time Square 8 Phnom Penh, the money numbers matter most.
J Tower 3 investment outlook:
- Projected rental yield: 7.7-8%
- Expected monthly rent: $2,500-$3,000 for a unit
- Annual gross income: $30,000-$36,000
- Long-term capital growth: 25-40% over 5 years post-completion
- Management fees: $1.5-$2.0 per square meter monthly
- Target tenants: Diplomats, company executives, wealthy families
Time Square 8 investment outlook:
- Projected rental yield: 5-7.5%
- Expected monthly rent: $400-$1,200 depending on unit size
- Annual gross income: $4,800-$14,400
- Medium-term capital growth: 25-30% over 5 years
- Management fees: $1.0-$1.5 per square meter monthly
- Target tenants: Young professionals, expats, digital nomads
The big difference is entry cost and total returns. J Tower 3 needs more money upfront but might give better percentage returns, while Time Square 8 lets you start with less and still get solid gains.
7. Payment Terms: Patience vs Flexibility
How you pay differs greatly between these projects in the J Tower 3 Phnom Penh VS Time Square 8 Phnom Penh comparison.
J Tower 3 payment structure:
- 15% down payment
- Progress payments spread over 3.5 years until 2028 completion
- Longer wait for property delivery
- Bigger payments needed
- Focus on long-term buyers
Time Square 8 payment structure:
- 10% down payment
- Monthly payments over 40 months
- No interest charged during construction
- Earlier completion (2026)
- More manageable payment sizes
Time Square 8 makes buying easier with smaller, spread-out payments and faster delivery. J Tower 3 requires more patience and bigger chunks of money, which fits its luxury market focus.
8. Tenant Markets: Exclusive vs Diverse
Who will rent your place matters when choosing between J Tower 3 Phnom Penh VS Time Square 8 Phnom Penh.
J Tower 3 targets high-end renters:
- Diplomatic staff from nearby embassies
- Multinational company executives
- Wealthy local families
- Long-term tenants (1+ year contracts common)
- Smaller tenant pool but higher rents
- Vacancy rate estimate: 10-15%
Time Square 8 appeals to a broader market:
- Young professionals
- NGO workers
- Digital nomads
- Small families
- Business owners
- Vacancy rate estimate: 8-12%
This difference affects how easy it is to find renters. Time Square 8 units will likely rent faster due to more possible tenants, while J Tower 3 units may take longer to fill but command higher rents from each tenant.
9. Completion Timeline and Risk
When you’ll get your property differs in the J Tower 3 Phnom Penh VS Time Square 8 Phnom Penh race.
J Tower 3 timeline:
- Expected completion: Q4 2028
- Current construction stage: Early phase
- Longer wait increases certain risks
- More time for market changes
- Longer before you can earn rent
Time Square 8 timeline:
- Expected completion: 2026
- Current construction: 5% complete with 78% units sold
- Shorter wait reduces some risks
- Faster path to rental income
- Better for those wanting quicker returns
The timeline affects both risk and rewards. Time Square 8’s earlier finish means you’ll start making money sooner, while J Tower 3’s longer wait could mean more market ups and downs before completion.
10. Market Position: Premium vs Mid-Range
These buildings take different spots in Phnom Penh’s condo market when comparing J Tower 3 Phnom Penh VS Time Square 8 Phnom Penh.
J Tower 3 market position:
- Ultra-luxury segment
- Among the most expensive in the city
- Limited competition in 3-bedroom luxury space
- Sets itself apart with height and exclusivity
- Less affected by market downturns
Time Square 8 market position:
- Mid-range market segment
- Competitive pricing
- More peers in its category
- Differentiates with location and payment terms
- More sensitive to market changes
These positions affect each building’s future. J Tower 3’s exclusivity provides some protection from market swings, while Time Square 8’s broader appeal gives it a wider buyer pool but more competition.
Cambodia Real Estate Context
The J Tower 3 Phnom Penh VS Time Square 8 Phnom Penh choice happens within Cambodia’s growing property market.
Cambodia’s real estate sector shows these trends:
- Economic growth at 6.1% expected for 2025
- Condo supply in Phnom Penh reaching 80,000 units by end of 2025
- Foreign ownership allowed up to 70% of units in condo buildings
- Projected 40% increase in condo prices by 2030
- Market recovery after several tough years
- Increasing focus on quality and developer reputation
For foreign buyers, Cambodia offers:
- Full strata title ownership in condos (except ground floor)
- No property tax for condos under $25,000
- Simple ownership transfer process
- Liberal foreign investment laws
- Relatively low cost of living
Both J Tower 3 and Time Square 8 benefit from these market conditions, though in different ways based on their target segments.
Who Should Buy Where?
Not all buyers fit the same building when comparing J Tower 3 Phnom Penh VS Time Square 8 Phnom Penh.
J Tower 3 best fits:
- High-net-worth investors with $330,000+ to spend
- People wanting prestige and luxury
- Buyers planning 7-10 year investment horizon
- Those prioritizing build quality and amenities
- Investors seeking both yield and capital growth
Time Square 8 works better for:
- First-time property investors
- Those with $54,000-$150,000 to invest
- Buyers wanting faster returns (3-7 year timeline)
- People needing flexible payment terms
- Investors prioritizing rental yield
For some investors, a mixed approach works best. Putting money in both properties gives you different market segments, locations, and timelines – spreading your risk while keeping strong return chances.
J Tower 3 vs Time Square 8: Quick Comparison Chart
| Feature | J Tower 3 | Time Square 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Tonle Bassac (diplomatic area) | Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market) |
| Building Height | 77 floors (310.5 meters) | 50 floors |
| Total Units | 360 units | 700 units |
| Unit Types | Only 3-bedroom units | 1-3 bedroom units |
| Unit Sizes | 166-178 sqm | 33-100 sqm |
| Price per sqm | $2,067/sqm | $1,000-$1,800/sqm |
| Starting Price | $330,000+ | $54,000+ |
| Expected Rental Yield | 7.7-8% | 5-7.5% |
| Pre-sales Rate | >75% | 78% |
| Expected Completion | Q4 2028 | 2026 |
| Developer | Tanichu Assetment (Japanese) | Megakim World Corp (Taiwanese) |
| Down Payment | 15% | 10% |
| Payment Plan | Progress payments over 3.5 years | Monthly payments over 40 months |
| Target Market | Luxury buyers, wealthy investors | Mid-range investors, first-time buyers |
| Tenant Profile | Diplomats, executives, wealthy families | Young professionals, expats, digital nomads |
| Investment Timeline | Long-term (7-10 years) | Medium-term (3-7 years) |
This side-by-side comparison shows the key differences between these two popular Phnom Penh condo developments.
Making Your Choice – Decision Framework
To pick between J Tower 3 Phnom Penh VS Time Square 8 Phnom Penh, ask yourself:
- Budget: Can you afford the $330,000+ entry for J Tower 3, or is Time Square 8’s $54,000+ starting price better?
- Timeline: Do you need returns soon (Time Square 8’s 2026 completion) or can you wait until 2028 for J Tower 3?
- Investment Goals: Are you after prestige and long-term growth (J Tower 3) or faster returns and easier exit (Time Square 8)?
- Risk Tolerance: Can you handle the longer wait and higher entry cost of J Tower 3, or do you prefer Time Square 8’s lower risk profile?
- Tenant Market: Do you want to target high-end renters (J Tower 3) or the broader rental market (Time Square 8)?
The right choice depends on your personal situation, not just which building is “better” overall.
Next Steps for Interested Buyers
Ready to check out J Tower 3 Phnom Penh VS Time Square 8 Phnom Penh in person? Here’s what to do:
- Visit Cambodia Condo For Sale to see all available units.
- Watch the video tour of both developments to get a feel for each.
- Book a viewing through our contact page to see either property.
- Ask for the latest availability and price lists, as both projects are selling fast.
- Check if any special payment plans are available for your chosen unit.
Both J Tower 3 and Time Square 8 offer solid options at different price points. The best one depends on what you want from your property investment.
Helpful Resources
Check out these links for more info on Cambodia real estate:
- Cambodia Investment Review – Up-to-date market analysis and trends
- Global Property Guide: Cambodia – Foreign investment rules and rental yields data
These sites will help you make a smart choice between these two great projects.
