With all the talk of condo skyscrapers springing up left and right, and your friends buying and even asking you to their condo housewarming parties, you could be on the verge of making a condo purchase. While you should take advantage of the low pricing and rising property market in the Philippines, you should also read these suggestions.

Stop obsessing over location. Everywhere you look, there’s a fantastic place. That’s because there are so many different people with so many varied occupations, tastes, circumstances, and everything else. Furthermore, known and reputable condo developers would not build such properties in areas where no one would be interested.

Be aware of your target market. Some condominium complexes cater to the common Juan, while others cater to the Juan who has made it in life. They aren’t all created equal. So, if you want to be sensible in your real estate investing, do your homework and learn about market trends. Make sure you do this thoroughly so you can target the correct market.

Be mindful with your timeframes. One of the most crucial aspects of real estate investing is timing. If this is neglected, your investment efforts may for not go as planned especially on the return of investment. Making sure that the condo property you acquire is accessible to your target market at the exact moment they are likely to require it is an important part of attaining the ideal timing.

Think about the project’s developer. When you purchase a condo unit during the pre-selling period, that is, when the building/s are still being built, you must ensure that the developer can deliver your unit on schedule. Aside from delivering on time, inquire about and inspect the quality of work that various developers provide.

Understand Your Payment and Financing Options. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be a billionaire to begin investing in real estate. The majority of condominiums in the Philippines nowadays, especially in the main cities, cost at least millions of pesos. However, you just need as low as P10,000 monthly installment to get one. In fact, in a lot of recent situations, it’s been much less!

The Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition (PPIE), the biggest, longest-running and most trusted Philippine business and investment forum in the Middle East, is now on its eighth edition, which will be held this November 5-6, 2022 at the Crowne Plaza – Sheikh Zayed Road.

The past seven PPIE editions made history in the UAE and the Gulf region by bringing in over 24,500 quality visitors.

Many people aspire to live the high life in a big metropolis at some time in their lives. While there are advantages to living in the city, you can’t deny that living in a fast-paced metropolitan atmosphere may be stressful at times.

That is why some people persist in their desire to settle in the province, away from the stress of city life.

Here are a few reasons why it’s also important to live somewhere away from skyscrapers and busy highways.

Living costs are lower. According to Numbeo’s latest data, Metro Manila has a higher consumer price index (CPI). According to Investopedia, the CPI is a weighted average of prices for a basket of consumer goods and services such as transportation, food, and medical care. Because most vegetables, fruits, and other items are grown locally, they are substantially cheaper in the province. Other services, too, are less expensive as compared to their equivalents in Metro Manila.

Accessibility. Outside of Metro Manila, traffic concerns are basically non-existent. You will be able to get to your desired location faster if there are less automobiles and people. Furthermore, Metro Manila is a landlocked city in the heart of Luzon. Living in neighboring provinces will provide you with access to beaches, mountains, and other destinations ideal for weekend excursions with your family and friends.

Best of both worlds. Many people opt to live in cities since they are the hub of many opportunities. However, there are several drawbacks, such as traffic, pollution, and stress. Many regions outside of Metro Manila, such as Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas, provide the convenience of rural living while yet being only a few hours away from the country’s capital.

The Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition (PPIE), the biggest, longest-running and most trusted Philippine business and investment forum in the Middle East, is now on its eighth edition, which will be held this November 5-6, 2022 at the Crowne Plaza – Sheikh Zayed Road.

The past seven PPIE editions made history in the UAE and the Gulf region by bringing in over 24,500 quality visitors.

One of the biggest considerations of OFWs when purchasing a house-and-lot nowadays is accessibility to key facilities, while staying outside the busy streets of the city at the same time. Hitting these two birds with one stone is a new and upcoming masterplanned community in Bulacan – Sta Lucia Land’s ‘Colinas Verdes’.

Colinas Verdes is a 261-hectare masterplanned community in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan’s up-and-coming Tungkong Mangga neighborhood. At the foot of the Sierra Madre, it provides house-and-lot and lot-only properties.

Because the project is located outside of North Caloocan, you’ll be riding down Edsa in under two hours. MRT-7, which would connect San Jose del Monte to Cavite, will also help the city. Malls, schools, hospitals, civic buildings, and houses of worship are already close to Colinas Verdes, but as Bulacan grows, there will be more.

Colinas Verdes will maintain its tranquility and rural appeal even if the economy soars. A perimeter fence surrounds the complex, and a guardhouse at the entrance ensures security 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trees and open places are highly prized. Families will like the spaciousness of the houses, which allows them to enjoy their solitude. The city’s first affluent country club adds to the suburban feel. Swimming pools, cafes, tennis courts, gaming rooms, saunas, and even bowling alleys are all available there.

If that isn’t enough to convince you of how wonderful it would be to live in Colinas Verdes, Sta. Lucia’s top-notch onsite development will. Wide concrete roadways with curbs and gutters go through the hamlet. You may jog on the paved pathways while seeing the undulating countryside and being shaded by trees.

Meet Sta. Lucia Land Inc. at the 8th Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition (PPIE) on 5-6 November 2022 at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Sheikh Zayed Dubai. Sta. Lucia Land Inc. is an exhibitor of PPIE, the biggest, longest-running and most trusted Philippine business and investment forum in the Middle East, now on its eighth edition.

The past seven PPIE editions made history in the UAE and the Gulf region by bringing in over 24,500 quality visitors.

Once you’ve decided to begin your investment portfolio by purchasing a property, the following step is to determine whether you want to buy a house and lot or a condo. If you’re still deciding between a condo and a home and lot, Financial Web has created a list of advantages that condominiums offer in terms of financial matters.

More affordable downpayment. When it comes to putting aside a down payment, first-time home buyers face particular difficulties. They don’t have any money from a recent property sale, and many of them are young or in the early stages of their professions. As a result, choosing a condo with a minimal down payment requirement might make the process more inexpensive. A modest down payment, on the other hand, will benefit an older couple planning to downsize or retire.

Value appreciation. Improvements to and the popularity of the overall condo building might drive increase the sales value of a condo. Condominiums in tiny buildings are often less influenced by housing market bubbles and crashes than condos in larger structures. Even condominiums in huge complexes, however, might have a high property sales value if there aren’t many other units for sale when you’re ready to sell.

Amenities abound. While you must pay homeowners’ association (HOA) fees in order to obtain many of the perks of condo ownership, these costs are a small part of the overall cost. Individual homeowners can save a lot of money by taking use of the facilities provided by many complexes.

Lower utility and maintenance fees. The expense of maintaining a small property is significantly cheaper than that of maintaining a large one. Even if you live in a pretty big condo, you are not responsible for the roof, windows, or driveway. While these expenses are covered by your HOA fees, you will be sharing the cost with other homeowners. In addition, a condo is less expensive to heat, cool, furnish, and clean than a large house. This might be money set aside for a down payment on a property. These savings can also be used to improve living conditions for those wishing to downsize.

The Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition (PPIE), the biggest, longest-running and most trusted Philippine business and investment forum in the Middle East, is now on its eighth edition, which will be held this November 5-6, 2022 at the Crowne Plaza – Sheikh Zayed Road.

The past seven PPIE editions made history in the UAE and the Gulf region by bringing in over 24,500 quality visitors.

DoubleDragon Corp., one of the Philippines’ leading real estate developers, has completed the amendment of its offshore subsidiary’s core activities in Singapore, bringing it one step closer to expanding its Hotel 101 brand internationally.

DoubleDragon aims to buy its first site for development outside of the Philippines in the second quarter of 2022, and to open in the second half of the year.

This comes as the company announced that its subsidiary Hotel 101 Worldwide Private Limited has completed the change of its primary and secondary operations with Singapore’s Regulatory Authority, allowing it to hold acquisition, investment, and development of real estate properties and enterprises, as per reports from GMA News.

The adjustments also enable the company to perform real estate sales, marketing, operations, and project management outside of the Philippines.

According to Chairman Edgar “Injap” Sia II, the firm aspires to build a domestic worldwide hotel chain akin to Holiday Inn, Novotel, Jinjiang Inn, Shangri-La, Dusit, Nikko, and Raffles in the United States and Europe.

“We have also observed that in other countries, many have a strong mindset of gearing their business for export. Pursuing business ventures, brands, and concepts that are geared to be exported to the 195 countries globally is truly admirable,” he said in a regulatory filing.

The idea patent for DoubleDragon’s pioneering condotel concept has already been submitted, and the company stated it has already identified places where its Hotel 101 is expected to be patronized by local and foreign travelers.

The Hotel 101 brand is a hybrid condotel motel with all units or “Happy Rooms” being similar, allowing unit owners an equal amount of cash produced through pre-sale and hotel operations.

Meet Double Dragon Properties Corp. at the 8th Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition (PPIE) on 5-6 November 2022 at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Sheikh Zayed Dubai. Double Dragon Properties Corp. is a silver sponsor of PPIE, the biggest, longest-running and most trusted Philippine business and investment forum in the Middle East, now on its eighth edition.

The past seven PPIE editions made history in the UAE and the Gulf region by bringing in over 24,500 quality visitors.

After acquiring you buy your first-ever condo, step two is to furnish your living area. While many Filipinos believe that they would simply transfer their old household belongings to their new home, they frequently forget that not all of their large household items will fit in the condo’s limited space. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind.

Consider your space. Condo developers may produce areas that are vastly different from what you imagined based on mock-ups at the sales center. Sometimes entry doors are narrower than expected, or shower doors are smaller than expected. If you are exceptionally tall or big, be sure the door frames will allow you easy access. Don’t assume that since the ceiling height in a model suite is high, your door frames will be high as well.

Prioritize and maximize. Condos frequently feature open concept living/dining rooms, so you could want to position a small table behind the sofa to generate interest and a divide that seems designed, rather than forced.

Look and feel. Today’s furniture designs come in a variety of styles, but whether you choose conventional or modern is all up to you. Many people believe that because condo designs are so modern, the interiors must be as well; however, this is not the case. Traditional furniture may be just as intriguing, but avoid the “I purchased this off the store floor” appearance.

Rethink your collection. Consider arranging your exhibits like a museum if you have collections of paintings, teacups, books, hats, or anything else. Instead of crowding exquisite objects onto walls, tables, and display shelves, divide them into “permanent collections” and “temporary displays.” This method of thinking will keep your area clean and orderly, preventing it from getting cluttered.

The Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition (PPIE), the biggest, longest-running and most trusted Philippine business and investment forum in the Middle East, is now on its eighth edition, which will be held this November 5-6, 2022 at the Crowne Plaza – Sheikh Zayed Road.

The past seven PPIE editions made history in the UAE and the Gulf region by bringing in over 24,500 quality visitors.

Shophouses, comprised of two-to-three story building with the store on the ground floor and residence on the upper floors, were a huge hit in the 19th to 20th century.

In the age of high-rise buildings and massive properties, these shophouses are given a new lease in life amongst contemporary estates such as Ayala Land’s Crescendo in Tarlac – as part of the real estate developer’s first mixed-use masterplanned community.

While Cresendo will be an ode to Tarlac’s rich history, this upcoming modern estate is expected to be a significant growth driver of the local economy, generating new job and business opportunities not only for the national and foreign companies that will locate here, but also for homegrown entrepreneurs.

“The overall vision for Cresendo is to be able to create a modern local community whether you’re a local regional or national player. Ayala Land sees Cresendo as an enabler for the community because in the end, what we want to create is an inclusive and diverse marketplace,” said John R. Estacio, Estate Development head of Cresendo and AVP of Ayala Land in an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

The shophouse lots will be located directly in the heart of the estate’s core, facing a 12-meter wide promenade on one side and the service road on the other, making them accessible from several perspective and access points.

“The shophouses are about two to three-story buildings (in) about 500 sqm lots (whose) package price will be suitable for local or regional investors. You have retail on the ground floor, potentially residential on the second floor, or an office on the third,” added Estacio.

These shophouses are anticipated to appeal to small to medium-sized enterprises whose owners and staff would want to reside close to their jobs and operations. Ayala Land is assisting local enterprises in building a better future with this type of service.

Meet Ayala Land at the 8th Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition (PPIE) on 5-6 November 2022 at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Sheikh Zayed Dubai. Ayala Land is a silver sponsor of PPIE, the biggest, longest-running and most trusted Philippine business and investment forum in the Middle East, now on its eighth edition.

The past seven PPIE editions made history in the UAE and the Gulf region by bringing in over 24,500 quality visitors.

To suit the shifting demands of OFWs as well as Filipinos in search of good homes, the real estate market continues to evolve at a rapid rate. Of course, individuals will always desire their own home, but condominiums are becoming increasingly popular.

Many people believe that condo living is better suited to seniors and young people, however families may still benefit from high-rise living. As more condos adapt to the demands of an expanding family, space is no longer a major problem.

Here are some things to think about while selecting a condo that meets the needs of your family:

1. Location
One of the primary reasons that families prefer to live in condominiums is the convenience that the sites provide. Family members might be closer to where they work or go to school because condominiums are developed in ideal areas.

2. Safety
Families may also rest comfortably thanks to the security features included in condominiums. Condominiums are often well-protected, with security officers, receptionists, and doormen on-site.

3. Amenities and space
These new projects and houses include additional bedrooms as well as facilities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and gaming spaces. More condominiums have lots of moving area in gardens and open places, so space isn’t an issue.

4. Price
While price is an important consideration in the purchasing process, it should not be the only one. After all, you’re spending money on something that will benefit your entire family.

The Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition (PPIE), the biggest, longest-running and most trusted Philippine business and investment forum in the Middle East, is now on its eighth edition, which will be held this November 5-6, 2022 at the Crowne Plaza – Sheikh Zayed Road.

The past seven PPIE editions made history in the UAE and the Gulf region by bringing in over 24,500 quality visitors.

Convenience and accessibility, as well as proximity to nature, the availability of adjacent parks or large open spaces, and even the incorporation of designs that bring the outside in, have all become priority for individuals looking to buy their very own home.

For OFWs, they prefer a house or condo with a community that can give them with a holistic lifestyle that is healthy, safe, and productive. But most of all, it should be a house and community that can legitimately be described as a quiet sanctuary.

Sta. Lucia Land understands what it takes to provide a real sanctuary since it has been doing so for quite some time. Its parent company, the Sta. Lucia Group, has been creating homes and communities for more than five decades, with a diversified portfolio that includes lake and golf communities, resort-themed residences, farm lots, condotels, lots, and house-and-lot units.

The corporation continues to improve on these developments, which have subsequently supplied inhabitants with houses and communities that are appropriate for the times.

For example, among its most popular developments now are lakefront villages and agricultural lots, which proved to be the best investments during the epidemic. These settings have helped one to strike the proper mix between enjoying life’s modern comforts and the peaceful atmosphere of rural and suburban areas.

Catalina Lake Residences in Batangas, La Alegria in Silay, Negros Occidental, and The Lake at St. Charbel in Dasmarinas, Cavite are among those that have been demonstrated to provide an excellent living and breathing area, thanks to its lush flora, open spaces, and peaceful view of the lake.

Meanwhile, prospective owners of Sta. Lucia’s La Huerta Farms and Residences in Laguna will be able to enjoy the beauty of nature brought about by picturesque vistas such as the majestic mountains of Makiling and Tagaytay, the historical Laguna Lake, and lush fields of Canlubang.

Meet Sta. Lucia Land Inc. at the 8th Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition (PPIE) on 5-6 November 2022 at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Sheikh Zayed Dubai. Sta Lucia Land Inc. is an exhibitor of PPIE, the biggest, longest-running and most trusted Philippine business and investment forum in the Middle East, now on its eighth edition.

The past seven PPIE editions made history in the UAE and the Gulf region by bringing in over 24,500 quality visitors.

Gone are the days when you had to wait for the PCSO lottery draw to win before you could buy your own property, whether it was a condo or a house and lot. Financial organizations and other entities have made it simpler to obtain a house loan in recent years.

During open houses, certain condominium developers may have special offers, and your licensed agent may give you some advice on a flexible payment scheme, something that suits your financial profile, and they may provide extended down payment programs to make your monthly payments more affordable.

Bank loans
Qualifications: You are at least 21 years old but younger than 65 years old. You must be a regular employee of your company for at least 2 years with a monthly gross income of at least P30,000 and if you own a business, it must at least be in operation for 2 years.

Documents needed: Basic documents needed include financial statements and Income Tax Return, Certificate of Employment, pay slips, copy of CCT / TCT (Condominium Certificate of Transfer / Title Certificate of Transfer), valid IDs, lot plan and vicinity map, marriage contract if applicable, proof of remittance for 3 months (for OFWs) and certificate of Business Registration.

Loan amount: Banks may lend up to 80% of the actual property value and a minimum of P400,000. Amount to be loaned is also dependent on the individual’s paying capacity.

Interest rate: For bank loans, interest rates may range from 5.75%, subject to re-pricing after one year, to 12%. But buyers can opt for a fixed interest rate from 1 to 5 years.

Term of Loan: 5 to 20 years.

In-house Financing
Qualifications: If you are an interested buyer who can afford the down payment and present required documents.

Documents needed: Certificate of Employment and Compensation, source of income, bank statement or remittance slip, and post dated checks.

Interest rate: 14% to 18%.

SSS Loan
Qualifications: Applicant must be an SSS member or an OFW not older than 60 years old upon application, those who are 60 years at the time of application will have a maximum loan term of 5 years. The member should have contributed for at least 36 months and 24 continuous contributions in the period prior to application. The borrower must also be up-to-date in the payment of their other SSS loans if any and was not previously granted final SSS benefits.

Documents needed: Latest ITR (Income Tax Return), certification of employment, latest pay slips, SSS form, Property Tax declaration, and Realty Tax receipt, and OCT/CCT/TCT (Original Certificate of Title / Condominium Certificate of Transfer/ Title Certificate of Transfer).

Interest rate: 8% to 11 % per year still depending on the amount borrowed.

Loan amount: P400,000 to P2,000,000.

Loan Term: 5 to 30 years.

Pag-IBIG
Qualifications: Applicant must be a Pag-IBIG member for at least 24 months and have no existing housing loan or any Pag-IBIG foreclosed property loan, the borrower’s monthly amortization must not exceed 35% of their total gross salary and must not be older than 60 years old upon application and 70 years old upon loan maturity.

Documents needed: Birth certificate (if single) or Marriage Contract (if married), latest pay slip, TIN (Tax Identification Number), ITR (Income Tax Return), Residence Tax, proof of billing address, (Original Certificate of Title / Condominium Certificate of Transfer/ Title Certificate of Transfer) job contract with VISA and passport for OFWs, and business permits for business owners.

Interest rate: 8% to 11.5%.

Loan amount: A maximum if 80% of property price.

Loan term: Maximum of 20 years and 15 years for OFWs.

The Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition (PPIE), the biggest, longest-running and most trusted Philippine business and investment forum in the Middle East, is now on its eighth edition, which will be held this November 5-6, 2022 at the Crowne Plaza – Sheikh Zayed Road.

The past seven PPIE editions made history in the UAE and the Gulf region by bringing in over 24,500 quality visitors.