For many expatriates, the Philippines is the best place to be for a long-term stay. This is hardly surprising, considering that most foreigners fall in love with the country’s fantastic tropical climate, terrific hospitality, and low cost of living. Expats love the Philippines so much that they are considering buying properties here or at least get a short-term condo lease.
With so many condo buildings sprouting left and right, a foreigner like you has lots of options when it comes to choosing your dream condo in the Philippines. So how can a foreign national like you make sure that you can get the best deal when looking for a condo rental? Price is not the only primary factor here; one must also consider the location when shopping for an affordable and safe short term condo for rent. Makati and Quezon City are already famous locations for world-class condominiums, but there are other places in the metro that foreigners can consider for safe, convenient, and enjoyable living.
Here’s a guide to some of the best locations in the metro and a list of excellent condos for foreigners perfect for short-term rent in the Philippines.
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Pasay City
Pasay is one of the original cities in Metro Manila and is home to premier cultural event venues, hotels, and first-class gaming facilities. Foreigners who love the theater can easily get their cultural fix at one of the shows at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, which features performances for the country’s premier groups like the Bayanihan Dance Group, Ballet Philippines, and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. If going to gigantic malls is your favorite pastime, then you can head to the SM Mall of Asia, the fourth largest mall in the world. If luxury shopping and casinos is your thing, Resorts World is just a short drive away. The huge complex houses three hotels, upscale shops, casino, and clubs.
Condos in the area: La Verti Residences in Taft Avenue is a high-rise residential condo near De La Salle University, one of the best universities in the country. It has first-rate amenities which include fitness gym, basketball court, swimming pool, gazebos, deck garden, game room, and open social hall. This is also perfect for foreigners who plan to attend university classes and those who prefer to be close to modern conveniences like malls, theatre, restaurants, and gaming centers.
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Mandaluyong City
Mandaluyong is considered as the heart of the metro’s “Golden Triangle,” which includes Manila, Makati, and Quezon City. Half of the Ortigas Center is found here, where many of the country’s leading industrial and business centers are located. If going to malls is a huge part of your life, then there’s no place better than Mandaluyong, dubbed as the shopping capital of the Philippines. The city is home to SM Megamall, the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, The Podium, St.Francis Square, and two other major malls.
Condos in the area: Tivoli Garden Residences brings high-rise living in a lush Asian tropical garden setting. This is the perfect choice for foreigners who prefer to live in abundant greenery while keeping close distance to the shopping malls and offices. Another one to consider is Flair Towers, which offers resort-like amenities to tenants. These amenities include parks, gardens, pavilions, swimming pools, and a picnic grove.
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Paranaque City
The city is close to the sea, making it one of the major business and trade spots in the country. Paranaque is also near Baclaran, one of the busiest markets in the Philippines and a major source of dry goods. It’s also close to the airport, which makes it a convenient home for those who take frequent business trips. The city is also home to the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and draws flocks of devotees every Wednesday. The newest attractions in Paranaque are the Solaire Resort & Casino Hotel and the City of Dreams, two of the biggest gaming and lifestyle complex in the country.
Condos in the area: Raya Gardens Condominiums provides a Balinese-style, resort-living environment. This is the right rental spot for foreigners looking for a tranquil experience in a condo community. Amenities include an infinity edge plunge pool with floating podium, lotus pond, Balinese garden, meditation pavilion, and bridge walkway.
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Pasig City
The other half of Ortigas Center is situated here so there are lots of high-rise office buildings, commercial establishments, and residential condos. The headquarters of the Philippine Stock Exchange can be found along ADB Avenue. Shops, restaurants, bars, and depot warehouses are abundant.
Condos in the area: Mayfield Park Residences provides convenient living in an Asian fusion setting. The property is close to shopping centers and schools. Amenities include a Wi-Fi-ready clubhouse, oriental gardens with koi pond, karaoke room/mini bar, billiards hall, multi-function hall, swimming pool, and basketball court.
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New Manila
New Manila in Quezon City is known for its old mansions and elegant gated residences courtesy of the affluent families who chose to rebuild their homes here after World War II. It has an old world charm like no other and has preserved its relaxing identity even with the real estate boom. This is the perfect spot for those who wish to escape the stress of living in the hectic capital but still remain conveniently close to restaurants, malls, and schools.
Condos in the area: The Amaryllis promotes refined living in a one-tower, resort-inspired property. It boasts top-notch outdoor amenities, magnificent skyline views, and bigger-than-usual units. Tenants will get to enjoy facilities such as roof deck garden, thematic gardens, swimming pool, fitness gym, and multi-purpose function rooms.
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Taguig City
One of the highly urbanized spots in the metro, Taguig is home to Bonifacio Global City, a central business district the likes of Makati CBD and Ortigas Center. Here you can find upscale shopping malls, hotels, offices, and international schools. It’s no surprise that many luxury condo rentals in the Philippines can be found here. This former fishing community has transformed into one of the hottest social spots in Metro Manila.
Condos in the area: Rosewood Pointe is a family condominium in a Neo-Asian setting. Privacy and natural lighting is a priority in the construction of the buildings in order to promote gentleness and calmness for its tenants. The property is just a few minutes away from Makati and Ortigas.
If living in the Philippines is one of your plans, you should take time to choose the best short-term rental or rent to own condo in the metro. Make sure to secure a condo only from reputable condo developers to get your money’s worth in terms of build quality, facilities, location, and resale value.