Philippine Real Estate Choices

Articles on Philippine Living Worth Reading

Chona Esguerra — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:21:00 GMT

There have been so much inquiries about buying a property and moving in the Philippines. But first they have to know from the experts about what area would suit them and what they should consider. Recently read two articles worth reading. Click the link below:

Criteria for Best Philippine Cities to Live In by Tessa Salazar

http://business.inquirer.net/51873/criteria-for-best-philippine-cities-to-live-in

Property Experts Name Top Philippine Cities for Yuppies

http://business.inquirer.net/53509/property-experts-name-top-philippine-cities-for-yuppies

For listings of properties:

Please check our website http://www.phil-realestate-choices.com

What is the real estate forecast for 2012?

Chona Esguerra — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 21:45:00 GMT

Year 2011 was a good year for the real estate market especially for the residential house and lots/lots in the southern part of Metro Manila. Would the Year 2012 be much better? What do the real estate experts say are in store for this year?

Check below the article from the Philippine Daily Inquirer:

Property market bul l i sh in 2012, say experts

8:12 pm | Friday, December 16th, 2011

224 14

(First in a series)

How do property analysts see 2012? What trends will emerge, what will continue, and what will we see less of? Inquirer Property picked the brains of property analysts and real estate brokers.

They have been unanimous in predicting that the property sector will continue to lead the economy, more residential developments, as well as more tourism-oriented projects, will take shape, and that green advocates in the real estate sector will intensify their presence even more. But there are also words of caution: Mid-income developers should “explore more” if they want to stay in the game in 2012.

Wish list

Competition in the mid-income segment will heat up. Enrique Soriano, professor at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business and senior adviser at Wong+Bernstein Business Advisory, estimated that in 2012 and 2013 more than 48,000 residential units would have been completed, with an additional 56,000 units due for completion end of 2015. Condo buyers will have a field day choosing from among the following value propositions:

Developer reputation and brand equity;

Location for convenience to and from schools, hospitals, workplace;

Architect and product concept;

Affordability

Soriano adds new items to the “wish list”:

Homeowner expenses and maintenance charges;

Crime levels and security;

Parking space;

Pollution levels;

Supply of water; and

Future area prospects

There would be more affordable residential units built in 2012.

“My sense is that the market would remain upbeat with residential offerings, I see more low-cost and affordable buildings outside the main CBDs and houses and lots would continue to be the bread and butter in the provincial cities. With the minimum VAT threshold for residential units being adjusted for inflation in 2011, for condominium/house and lots—from P2.5 million to P3.19 million and lots only—from P1.5 million to P1.91 million, residential units will be more affordable next year,” says Paul Vincent Chua, global real estateservices Colliers International’s associate director for valuation and advisory services and head of consultancy and research.

Enhancing beauty of PH

Chua added that the country “will see a lot more tourism-oriented developments as we strive to enhance the beauty of the Philippines on the international scene and get more tourists to visit us.”

There will also be more mixed-use developments as a key strategy for developers as this will maximize the returns on large plots of land.

“The office sector remains to be the largest growing segment of the real estate industry, and we expect this to continue next year,” Chua added.

There’ll be more informed, ethical brokers in 2012. Engineer Enrico Cruz, broker and real estate educator, said that “As we are now seriously professionalizing the real estate service (real estate brokers and salespersons) we will soon be having more educated, well informed and more ethical real estate brokers. This will result in well-guided happy buyers and small investors, resulting further to more real estatedemands and faster buying or investing decisions, resulting further to more development projects, resulting further to more employment of local construction workers and other people for related work,” he said.

Tap new markets

“A word of caution to mid-income vertical developers,” Soriano said. “Tap new markets and explore new product offerings.”

“If they want to stay in the game they must differentiate. Their products must be innovative and compelling. Their service delivery process must be exceptional. Brand equity will be a competitive advantage,” Soriano said.

He also advised developers to target specific developments with a lot of customization, pocket developments in new CBDs. Competition will shift to the homebuying experience, he added, and Internet marketing will play a major role.

A shorter route to Ayala Westgrove Heights

Chona Esguerra — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:16:00 GMT

I just read about the opening of Acacia Drive, an exclusive spine road for Ayala Westgrove residents to reach the South Luzon Expressway faster thru the Mamplasan exit. Time is saved as you don't have to pass thru the busy Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay highway.

See article below from Philippine Star last November 18, 2011:

Driving to a milestone: Ayala Westgrove Heights opens Acacia Drive
(The Philippine Star) Updated November 18, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (0)

The opening of the Acacia Gate provides residents shorter and easy drive home that cuts travel time by almost half.

| Zoom

MANILA, Philippines - Twelve years after Ayala Westgrove Heights opened its doors to share the exceptional living experience within a thriving and dynamic community, the development marked another milestone that brings to the fore its ideals of residential living.

With a vision of ensuring that their residents continue to enjoy only the best that the neighborhood has to offer, Ayala Westgrove Heights opens Acacia Drive—an exclusive spine road that will make coming home even more enjoyable.

Acacia Drive, aptly named because of its tree-lined streets and scenic roads, gives residents a more leisurely drive going home. What used to be a 20-minute drive from Alabang is now shorter given that residents who will be issued an exclusive pass to go through the spine road leading to Ayala Westgrove Heights can now take the Mamplasan exit.

“The opening of Ayala Westgrove Heights Acacia Drive means residents are able to cut their travel time by almost half. This makes living in Ayala Westgrove Heights easier, ideal and more accessible,” said Gel La’o, Project Development Manager, Ayala Land Premier.

“Ayala Westgrove Heights nurturing environment allows our residents and even their guests to experience a dynamic community that encourages shared passions. Plus, the property is just less than an hour’s drive from the Makati Central Business District and five minutes away from Nuvali,” adds Mayi Rodriguez, Division Manager, Ayala Land Premier.

Educational institutions, health facilities, business and commercial centers, and recreational zones, such as St. Scholastica’s College, De La Salle University-Canlubang, Brent International School, Asia Hospital, Alabang Town Center, Solenad in NUVALI, and Paseo de Santa Rosa are also within reach from the property.

All things considered, it’s no wonder that residents of Ayala Westgrove Heights enjoy living within this panoramic enclave with a scenic drive home—made even better with the opening of Acacia Drive.

For listings in Ayala Westgrove, please check my website: http://www.phil-realestate-choices.com

When is a good time to buy real estate?

Chona Esguerra — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:30:00 GMT

Good question. There are several factors to consider before you know that it is a good time to buy property. One, what is your purpose for buying? Is this for personal use or for investment?

If it is for personal use and your need is immediate, then you have to buy a property right away. If it is for investment, then you have to buy only if it is a good deal.

I recommend you read this article that I come across with in Yahoo online. See http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Is-It-a-Good-Time-to-Buy-Real-usnews-325083932.html?x=0 See questions you should ask yourself before you buy. Go check it out!

For listings, please check out my website: http://www.phil-realestate-choices.com

Apartment For Sale in The Residences At Greenbelt

Chona Esguerra — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 19:30:00 GMT

Developed by Ayala Land

• 131 sq. m., 2 bath, 2 bdrm apartment - $16,000,000 PHP

The Residences At Greenbelt, Makati - The Residences at Greenbelt condo for sale - P22 MILLION OR $520,094.57 (8/27/2011)
With income- renting for P113,000/month. Furnished.

RESIDENTIAL UNIT FEATURES
- Complete kitchen with cabinets for all units
- Two telephone lines per unit and telephone outlets at all bedrooms, kitchen, living/dining
- Audio-video guest annunciator
- CATV for all bedrooms & for living room
- Provision for storage type water heater
- Ducted exhaust system for all bathrooms and kitchens
- Provision for washer/dryer connections for all units
- Individual metering for water and electricity\

For viewing pleasure, please click the virtual tour on the left side.

For tripping, please call +639175201055.

For more listings, please check website: http://www.phil-realestate-choices.com

ABOUT THE RESIDENCES AT GREENBELT (TRAG)

The Residences at Greenbelt complex is located along Antonio Arnaiz Avenue (formerly known as Pasay Road), and the entire complex block is bounded by Paseo de Roxas Avenue, Greenbelt Drive and Esperanza Street. Being inside the Makati Central Business District, it is strategically located near malls, hotels, offices, schools, and entertainment areas. As with its name, it is part of the Greenbelt Complex which includes the Greenbelt Mall. Just right across Greenbelt Drive is the Rennaissance Makati City Hotel.

Property information

2 Story For Sale in Bf Homes Paranaque

Chona Esguerra — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:54:00 GMT

• 221 sq. m., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story "Modern Comtemporary" - $7,400,000 PHP - $174,899.55 (9/21/2011)

Bf Homes Paranaque, Paranaque - BF HOMES PARANAQUE HOUSE FOR SALE P7.4M OR $174,899.55 (9/22/2011)

This new 2 story modern contemporary house is located in a quiet and secured area not far from Pure Gold ( supermarket) in BF Homes Paranaque. it has a big floor area for its lot size. Rooms are spacious and bright. Owner-built type. A pocket garden on the garage and atrium in the second floor adds green to the house

For viewing pleasure, please click the virtual tour on the left menu.

To schedule viewing, please call me at +639175201055 or email me.

For more listings, please check our website: http://www.phil-realestate-choices.com

About BF Paranaque:

BF Paranaque is a big subdivision divided into several phases located near the Sucat highway, close to Alabang and not far from the domestic and international airport. Each phase has it owns association and security. Houses here are mostly on the average 200 sqm to 400 sqm. Houses with 400 sqm to 1000 sqm available.

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Ayala Westgrove Lot for Sale - Rush

Chona Esguerra — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 14:24:00 GMT

Phase V 495 sqm at P10.5T/sqm For more info, please call me. Other lots available.

For more listings, check my website: http://www.phil-realestate-choices.com

Next Investment Destination: Philippines

Chona Esguerra — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 01:15:00 GMT

From the way the real estate is going, it seems that the title is not far fetched to achieve. From what I see and hear, there has been so many real estate movements around the country. New infrastructures are being built like big malls and factories. Lots of foreign investors coming in either they are transferring or branching out their business here. Local and foreign tourism are steadily rising.

This is great news for everybody here. If there are more money circulating then everybody is happy. There is time for work and time for pleasure.

To read about the article that tells how the real estate sector is contributing to the growth of the Philippine economy, please click this article from the Business Mirror:

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/properties/13643-philippines-as-the-next-investment-destination

For more real estate listings, check my website: http://www.phil-realestate-choices.com

Rent/Lease Reduced on Fairways Tower in Fairways Tower

Chona Esguerra — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:20:00 GMT

Fairways Tower, Fort Bonifacio - Global City - Announcing a rent/lease reduction on Fairways Tower, a 88 sq. m., 2 bath, 2 bdrm apartment. Now $75,000 PHP Monthly - .

Property information

For listings, please check my website: http://www.phil-realestate-choices.com

Business Confidence in RP - Very High

Chona Esguerra — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:04:00 GMT

The confidence in our Philippine economy is high these days. As a real estate broker, I can see the difference in the movement. This is good for everybody concerned because this means money is circulating. That means more jobs, more income, more business, and everybody happy. Read the article posed in the Inquirer last Feb. 24 by Michelle Remo. Click here: http://archive.inquirer.net/view.php?db=1&story_id=322030

All time High Business Confidence in RP (BSP)

Chona Esguerra — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 21:13:00 GMT

I was not surprised when the Central Bank of the Philippines (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas or BSP) announced that business confidence in the Philippines is in an all time high. The real estate business especially in the housing market has been moving so fast lately especially in the south area of Metro Manila. As a broker, I see so much movement around me. There are more end-users buying than speculators, which is a good sign. You see new businessed opening here and there. Money circulating. People spending. More people travelling in and out of the country. Government confidence under Aquino administration is very high. Let us hope and pray this continues for a long long time.

Read more about this business confidence in the Philippine Star 11/19/2010.

Check this site: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=631503&publicationSubCategoryId=63

Have you heard about the Real Estate Service Act law?

Chona Esguerra — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 01:35:00 GMT

Better known as RESA law, the Real Estate Service Act of the Philippines (Republic Act 9646), wasinstituted to professionalize and regulate the real estate practice in thecountry. This RESA law has been signed into lawby President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last June 29, 2009.

With so many unscrupulous persons around dealing in realestate, I think this law will provide the change that is needed to professionalizethe industry. The Professional Regulation Board (PRC) has been tasked to implementthis act. Some professionals under the PRC are the doctors, nurses, teachers, accountants, to name a few. With PRC at the helm, colorum real estate practioners will be a thing of the past hopefully.

Toelevate the standards of the practitioners in the industry, future would-be real estate brokers will have to take a Bachelor’s course in Real Estate atan accredited university in the country.

So many changes but for the good of the industry and the public. It provides them the necessary protection.

To read articles about RESA, click here : http://www.realestateseminarandreview.com/archives/resa-irr-full-text/

Rockwell Grove

Chona Esguerra — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 01:09:00 GMT

The Grove By Rockwell , Ortigas Central Business District - Announcing Rockwell Grove, a 36 sq. m., 1 bath, 1 bdrm apartment. Now P2,900,000 PHP - up to P15M.

Property information

W Tower Condo in Fort Bonifacio - Global City

Chona Esguerra — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 01:08:00 GMT

Fort Bonifacio - Global City, Taguig - For Sale - W Tower Condo, a 54 sq. m., 2 bath, 1 bdrm bi-level "Condominium". Now P6,200,000 PHP - P135,780 (6/20/2010).

Property information

East Tower @ One Serendra - Fort Bonifacio Global City

Chona Esguerra — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 01:07:00 GMT

East Tower @ One Serendra , Taguig - Announcing One Serendra - East Tower, a 87 sq. m., 1 bath, 1 bdrm apartment. Now $12,800,000 PHP - .

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West Tower at One Serendra

Chona Esguerra — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 01:05:00 GMT

West Tower at One Serendra - Announcing One Serendra - West Tower, a 66 sq. m., 1 bath, 1 bdrm apartment "condominium". Now P9,047,000 PHP - up to P69.79M w/o EVAT.

Property information Publish Publish

Rockwell Edades

Chona Esguerra — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 01:04:00 GMT

Rockwell Edades , Rockwell - Announcing Rockwell's new project- Rockwell Edades, a 62 sq. m., 1 bath, 1 bdrm apartment. Now $8,193,300 PHP - .

Property information

A Need for a Partnership between Real Estate and Tourism Sector

Chona Esguerra — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 07:57:00 GMT

Haven't you noticed? A lot of Filipinos are travelling nowadays. - not just outside the country but to the provinces as well. A good sign for our local tourism. More money circulating. More locals with work. New places discovered. No need to travel abroad just to have a relaxing vacation.

With the demand for local tourism, expect tourism-related business to increase . This is where real estate comes in. According to CREBA, (Chamber of Real Estate Builders Association) sixty (60%) percent of the real estate in the country is tourism-related. These real estate-based projects include leisure, entertainment, business and vacation facilities and aenities, such as hotels, resorts, theme parks, retirement communities conference, exhibition and convention centers, and wellness and medical centers for a growing global medical tourism market.

Still the number of tourists in the Philippines pales in comparison to other Asian countries like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. With the awareness now of how our tourism contributes to the economy of our country, it is time to build tourism related projects that are globally competitive. One cannot depend on the government to do everything. The private sector has to take the initiative to achieve this. I think we ought to make our own contribution here. How? Get into a tourism business. To start we have to find a place for that business.

For listings, check out http://www.phil-realestate-choices.com

Read this inspiring article from the Philippine Star by Roger Garcia:

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=568855&publicationSubCategoryId=76

A new Caticlan Airport for Boracay with San Miguel Corp at the helm

Chona Esguerra — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 10:20:00 GMT

Read an interesting development in Boracay yesterday. San Miguel Corp. has now a 51% stake in the Caticlan International Airport Development Corporation, which is of the consortium led by businessman George Yang. who are the people responsible in the development and operations of the Caticlan Airport, the first privatized airport in the Philippines. With this development, we will see a modern airport soon, Expect more business going on in Boracay.. See article written by Doris Dumlao of Philippine Daily Inquirer below:

SMC takes over Caticlan airport project

Acquires firm with 25-year concession deal

By Doris Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:40:00 04/12/2010

Filed Under: Economy and Business and Finance, Company Information, Mergers - Acquisitions - Takeovers, Air Transport

Business Opportunity - Boracay Boutique Hotel for Sale

Chona Esguerra — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:51:00 GMT

boutique hotel for sale

• 228 sq. m., 6 bath, 6 bdrm 3 story "2 units on each floor" - $15,000,000 PHP - $325,000 (12/17/2009)

Boracay Island, Boracay - If you are planning to retire in Boracay and want to own a good business with great income potential, then Azul Boutique Hotel is your answer. This boutique hotel has six (6) units available for lease. Daily rate is PHP 3,000 or $75 per night (Peak Season). PHP1,800 or $43 Low Season. It comprises three units with 2 twin size bed each and three units with queen size bed each. Each unit comes with aircon, refrigerator, TV, mini kitchen and toilet and bath. Great potential income, especially now that the there is a big increase in tourists arrivals in Boracay. See article: http://infocenbalita.blogspot.com/2009_10_01_archive.html

This newly opened boutique hotel is located in Station 1. This is where you can find the more isolated accommodations, offering peace and quiet to those looking for a respite from the usual action-packed Boracay night scene. These are usually for the more upscale vacationers.

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Boracay is a tropical island located approximately 315km (200 miles) south of Manila and 2km off the northwest tip of the island of Panay in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. The island comprises the barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak (3 of the 17 barangays which make up the municipality of Malay), and is under the administrative control of the Philippine Tourism Authority in coordination with the Provincial.

My email: chonae2004@yahoo.com Cellphone: +639175201055

Property information

Lucio Tan's project - South Lake Village, Eton City @ Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Chona Esguerra — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:12:00 GMT

• lot / land "also house and lot package available" - $12,400 PHP - /sqm up to 17,000/sqm

Eton City , Sta Rosa Laguna - South Lake Village is the first phase of Eton City. It is a village with a 150-hectare residential enclave featuring a 35-hectare lake and 18 one-hectare islands. It is the first-of-its-kind residential development in the Philippines. Inspired by famous lakeside communities overseas such as the Palm Island and Jumeirah both in Dubai, Lake Las Vegas in Nevada, and Foster in California, to name a few, South Lake Village at Eton City has made cosmopolitan island living in the Philippines a reality.

Expected Project Completion: Dec 31, 2011

Total Land Area: 783,315 square meters
Island Lots: 178 lots
Lakeside Lots 104 lots
Lake Village Lots 124 Lots
Commercial Strips

Amenities:
Village Clubhouse, Swimming Pool, Picnic and Barbecue Area, Parks and Playground

Features:
35 Hectare lake, Linear parks along the river, 24 hour security, Road lined Perimeter, Water Reservoir, Underground Utilities, Internet and Cable TV Ready

Masterplanned after the known projects like Palm Island in Dubai, Jumeirah in Dubai, Lake Las Vegas in Nevada, and Foster City in California.

About Eton City:
Eton City is the flagship horizontal project of Eton Properties Philippines, Inc., Located in Sta. Rosa, Laguna and is envisioned to be the new Makati of the South. With an area of close to 1,000 hectares, it is a never-before-seen development that is carefully masterplanned to provide its residents a complete city lifestyle in a nature-rich setting. Located on the Asia Brewery (Eton City) - Greenfield Exit, This full-scale mixed-use township project will provide residential enclaves, a world-class business district, and a broad range of commercial and resort-style recreation facilities.

Property information

Year 2010...It's going to be a good good year!!!

Chona Esguerra — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 09:56:00 GMT

Happy New Year everyone!

I gotta a feeling! As a popular song goes. It's going to be a good good year! Yes! 2010 seems very promising.

In my last post, I mentioned that there has been a lot of closing in real estate transactions in the last quarter of 2009. Although no figures from the local government has been released yet regarding this, I can just say I haven't seen a tremendous amount of movement in sales for such a long long time.

Caution to the sellers though. Don't start increasing your real estate price right away. Only properties priced correctly have a faster chance of being sold. Buyers view a lot of properties so they can compare and analyze if you are overpricing your real estate. I suggest you look around the area and see how much others are selling, only then would you know the correct price for your property. Always ask the help of a real estate professional. Choose someone you can trust and who can give you a good service.

Increased demand of properties in the south of Metro Manila

Chona Esguerra — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:22:00 GMT

It seems there have been an increased demand of properties sold in the south area, especially in Alabang and Paranaque towards the end of this 2009. Brokers, who I have talked to, agrees. There have been so many closing lately. In the Ayala Alabang area, it is now hard to find lots for sale at old prices but buyers are still buying.

A profile view of the buyers will show that they are mostly end-users. Either they work here or have their own businesses. Money is circulating. A good sign. It shows that our economy has not been affected by the global crisis.

Perhaps one of the main reasons that the people are buying properties is due to the construction of the Skyway along South Luzon Expressway. It might cost traffic temporarily, but after it is done, land prices are expected to increase due to higher demand. Buyer who can't afford Makati will now look at the south area for properties to buy because costs are lesser plus you get newer houses.

Browsing the internet, I came across an article written last June 2009 - about the tollway projects being done right now. The plan is to connect South Luzon Expressway and North Expressway. That's good news! The basic needs and services reaching the people will be faster. So expect more progress for the Philippines. And with progress, a continuous growth of the economy for the Philippines. This is the article about tollways: http://services.inquirer.net/print/print.php?article_id=20090614-210418:

Modern Contemporary High Ceiling House for Sale in Ayala Alabang

Chona Esguerra — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:01:00 GMT

• 350 sq. m., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story - P22.500,000 PHP - $426,000 (Aug 9, 2009)

Ayala Alabang House for Sale - A high ceiling modern contemporary with 4 bedroom 3 toilet and bath, den and swimming pool. House is 10 years old but very well maintained.

Property information

3 Story Asian Tropical House For Sale in Ayala Alabang

Chona Esguerra — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:35:00 GMT

• 600 sq. m., 5 bath, 4 bdrm 3 story - P35,000,000

Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City - a 3 level Asian tropical house built in an elevated lot. The house gives a relaxed indoor and outdoor flow. A winding staircase serve as the main attraction of the house. Master's bathroom will take your breath away.

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