A mortgage (specifically referred to as a hypothec under the Cambodian Civil Code) can be registered as an encumbrance of title and recorded on the original land title document and registered with the relevant land department. Such registration prohibits transfer/sale of the subject land without the removal of the hypothec from the title document. However, a hypothec can only be registered on what is known as “hard title” (land which has been registered with the Cadastral office at the national level).
Practical advice on doing business in Cambodia