Whether you’re a single adult looking for a place to call their own, a young couple searching for a home to establish their roots, or a large family looking for a house to grow in, you’ll find plenty of real estate listings in Metro Manila. But with 12 million inhabitants and 16 cities to choose from, looking for the perfect home can be a daunting task.
Given the average cost of a home in Metro Manila and your long-term goals, finding the best property in the market needs to be an investment worth your time. So, make sure to do your research on each property you’re considering and follow our tips to choose the best home.
Consider Your Budget and Location
If we have to name some of the best neighborhoods in Metro Manila, these would include places like Fort Bonifacio and McKinley Hill in Taguig, Legazpi Village and Forbes Park in Makati, and Ayala Alabang in Muntinlupa. Unfortunately, we know that these places are out of the question for many people whose property budget doesn’t come close to the starting price for properties in these areas. So, it’s best to limit your search to certain areas to find places within your budget.
Also, consider the location of the home you’re buying. Places that are closer to business districts in every city are usually more expensive, which is why a condo in Fort Bonifacio – a stone’s throw away from the bustling business district of BGC – is more expensive than Ususan even if they’re both in Taguig. A home in Las Pinas may be cheaper than a house in Makati, but consider the time and convenience if you work in Ortigas or Quezon City.
Think Long-Term
It’s important to consider the amenities and perks of a home for your lifestyle, but it also helps to think long-term. You and your spouse may want to buy a house, but if you want to have children in the foreseeable future, you might find that the house isn’t close to any schools, parks, or malls that can help you provide for your child’s needs.
Or, if you’re looking at a property as your forever home, do you think that the location will increase, decrease, or retain its value in the near future? For example, properties near the Ortigas area in Pasig can range from mid-range to upscale prices. But once the BGC flyover project is completed and open, the easy access to the business district can drive up prices because more people will want to live closer to the business district.
House or Condo?
You can find plenty of houses and condominiums for sale in Metro Manila. Choosing either, however, can be challenging. It’s best to weigh in the pros and cons of both options and see which best fits your needs.
A house is yours forever and, as long as you aren’t breaking any rules from your homeowners’ association, you can build, renovate, and design your house any way you want. However, houses generally cost more than condos. Condominiums, on the other hand, provide affordable housing in the heart of the city. However, they’re generally smaller compared to houses, you’re not allowed to expand your condo unless you buy the one next door, and you might have to deal with noisy neighbors that are separated with just one wall apart.
Overall, the house you choose to buy and live in should be one you can see yourself or your future family living in for at least the next 10 years. Otherwise the investment on the property wouldn’t really be worth it and you’re better off buying another property. And with thousands of listings in Metro Manila, you’re bound to find one that suits all your needs.
