How can you reap the financial benefits of condo investment and maximize your profits?
As the number one real estate mantra goes, it's location, location, location. You've got a solid and profitable long-term investment when you buy a low-priced condo in a great location and put it up for rent or sell it later at a higher price.
Now, what makes a good location for condo investors? It should offer affordability and high rental income (with the steady increase of condo rental prices) at the shortest time possible. A condo in an ideal location attracts potential tenants with affordable rental rates, accessibility to amenities, useful facilities, peaceful areas, and beautiful views. It's where condo living is made practical for professionals, couples, and families who want to be closer to their offices and spend more time with their loved ones.
Considering those factors, property experts recommend investing in up-and-coming areas outside Metro Manila's major central business districts (CBDs). These locations offer a growing demand for condo rentals, low prices, and high rental incomes, according to the Q2 2017 market report by property consultancy Colliers International Philippines.
In the latest property rankings by online real estate portal ZipMatch, DMCI properties are among the top investment-worthy condos in Metro Manila based on rental yield, affordability, neighborhood, and amenities, among other factors.
Take advantage of the condo investment opportunities in these six under-the-radar locations in Metro Manila.
1. Mandaluyong: Highway Hills, Hulo, and Malamig
Aerial view of modern tropical-themed Flair Towers
Photo courtesy of DMCI Homes
Mandaluyong City is home to the country's leading shopping malls and emerging business districts, EDSA Central, and Pioneer, where many BPO (business process outsourcing) companies hold office.
The city is accessible via Metro Manila's major thoroughfares: EDSA, Ortigas Avenue, and Shaw Boulevard. Because of this, professionals working in major CBDs like Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and Ortigas will find living in a condo for rent in Mandaluyong—particularly in Highway Hills, Hulo, and Malamig—a value-for-money option.
Recommended DMCI properties for condo investment in Mandaluyong:
Dansalan Gardens Condominiums - This secure condo community in Barangay Malamig is just less than 20 minutes away from Makati CBD, Ortigas, and Rockwell Center. An ideal living space for families, Dansalan Gardens features open spaces for kids to play in and for adults to enjoy the views of Ortigas, Makati, and Manila skylines.
Tivoli Garden Residences - Easily accessible to Makati CBD and malls via Makati Avenue, this condo community in Hulo is perfect for young professionals, couples, and starting families. Convenient facilities include a laundry shop, a water station, a children's daycare center, and convenience stores inside the condo premises. The resort-like amenities like the pools and gazebos are great for relaxation and family gatherings.
Flair Towers - Combining resort-like and country club condo living for families, Flair Towers sits in a quiet neighborhood in Highway Hills but is still accessible to EDSA and public transportation.
2. Pasig: Kapitolyo and San Miguel
The Balinese-inspired East Raya Gardens
Photo courtesy of DMCI Homes
A highly urbanized area, Pasig City houses not just Ortigas CBD but also some up-and-coming business districts. Two notable areas worth considering for condo investment in Pasig are Kapitolyo and San Miguel. Kapitolyo is a popular foodie hub that's accessible via EDSA and C5, and San Miguel is in a peaceful neighborhood surrounded by malls and schools.
Recommended DMCI properties for condo investment in Pasig:
Brixton Place - This condo community is just within walking distance of Kapitolyo’s hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Offering a comfortable and relaxing city living, Brixton Place features a panoramic view of Antipolo, BGC, Ortigas, and Makati skylines.
East Raya Gardens - The Balinese-themed community in San Miguel has a high potential rental yield because of its accessibility for working professionals—it's close to offices not just in Pasig but also in Makati, Quezon City, and Taguig CBDs. Condo living in East Raya Gardens is also ideal for families, as it's near schools like the University of Asia and the Pacific, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig, and Pasig Catholic College.
3. Manila: Sta. Mesa
The breathtaking view from the roof deck of Sorrel Residences
Photo courtesy of DMCI Homes
Sta. Mesa is ideal for condo investment because of its rich cultural heritage, being one of the oldest districts in Manila. It's near commercial hubs, government offices, and the University Belt, making it a great option for employees, students, and families. The ZipMatch study notes that properties in Sta. Mesa had a significant increase in value in the first 6 months of 2016. Such growth is expected to continue.
Recommended DMCI properties for condo investment in Manila:
Sorrel Residences - The resort-like community's location offers a stress-free commute—it’s accessible to public transportation and major roads leading to Cubao, Greenhills, and Ortigas. Yet it's far from the noise and pollution of the city. This makes it perfect for couples looking for a quiet and relaxed environment for starting a family as well as young professionals who are always on the go.
Illumina Residences Manila - Offering resort-like amenities, this property in Sta. Mesa sports a modern minimalist design for a refreshing, uncluttered condo living.
4. Las Piñas
The Spanish-inspired Maricielo Villas
Photo courtesy of DMCI Homes
Las Piñas has been recognized as the cleanest and most peaceful city in Metro Manila. Known as one of the fastest-growing residential and commercial centers in the region, the city offers plenty of convenient establishments like major malls, restaurants, and banks.
Recommended DMCI properties for condo investment in Las Piñas:
Maricielo Villas - The first Spanish-themed condo community in the city, the captivating Maricielo Villas provides families, students, and young professionals easy access to major roads in Metro Manila such as C5 Extension, Alabang-Zapote Road, and Manila-Cavite Coastal Road. It's only 10 minutes away from the NAIA Terminal 1. Landscaped atriums, breezeways, cabanas, and pocket gardens complete the Spanish-inspired condo design.
Ohana Place - Accessible via Alabang-Zapote Road, this Hawaiian-themed community affords comfort and security for middle-income families who are looking to upgrade their lifestyle.
5. Quezon City: Cubao and New Manila
One of the landscaped atriums of The Amaryllis
Photo courtesy of DMCI Homes
Properties in Quezon City are very much in demand for obvious reasons: the emerging business districts in Cubao, Diliman, and Libis where many middle-class employees work and the top universities in the country such as the University of the Philippines and the Ateneo de Manila are located. It's also the ultimate food, entertainment, and tourism destination teeming with malls, restaurants, and parks. This is why a lot of families look for a condo for rent in the biggest city in Metro Manila.
Recommended DMCI properties for condo investment in Quezon City:
Accolade Place - The Asian boutique condo community is just a stone's throw away from the Araneta Center in Cubao and less than 20 minutes away from Greenhills and Ortigas. Its serene ambiance and low-maintenance design make Accolade Place great as a first home for young professionals, starting families, and newly-married couples as well as a retirement haven for empty nesters.
The Amaryllis - This high-rise modern tropical property in New Manila is a great vacation home for OFWs and balikbayans who like to live in a laid-back urban setting. It's also located near many commercial centers, schools, and hospitals.
6. Parañaque: Bicutan and Sucat
The captivating modern tropical vibe of Siena Park Residences
Photo courtesy of DMCI Homes
Parañaque City's location near the airport makes condo living in the south of Metro Manila appealing for OFWs and their families, millennials who travel frequently, and airport employees. Specifically, Bicutan and Sucat are the best areas for those looking for a condo for investment in Parañaque.
Recommended DMCI properties for condo investment in Parañaque:
Asteria Residences - The resort-style, Asian contemporary-designed mid-rise condo is in a peaceful community yet accessible to major roads in Sucat. Its close proximity to NAIA's domestic passenger terminal makes Asteria Residences perfect for small families who love going on out-of-town vacations.
Siena Park Residences - Away from the stressful and congested cities like Makati but accessible to many commercial hubs and schools, the market of this mid-rise condo community in Bicutan includes starting families who are looking to upgrade their lifestyle. It's also appealing for frequent travelers, as it's close to all four NAIA terminals.
The Philippines has one of the top condo rental yields in Asia, according to property analysts. And with the sustained real estate growth in the country, investment-savvy Filipinos can look forward to maximizing their condo investment. Investors who buy DMCI condo properties for lease or selling are assured of top-notch amenities, comfort, and convenience for tenants and buyers.
