In today’s fast-paced environment where work eats up time and energy, many young professionals or yuppies believe that a mix of work and play is the key to work-life balance. For some, this reward system means spending on things that bring instant gratification such as trendy gadgets and stylish outfits. While these purchases can be satisfying, an investment today is more rewarding in the long run.

One worthwhile way to enjoy your hard-earned money is to invest in a condominium that can elevate your urban lifestyle. Condominiums, especially in a convenient location, are increasingly becoming popular among young, single and independent adults. Before you start your hunt for your very own condo, here are a few reasons why young adults should start investing in real estate.

Independence
Living alone is liberating for many young adults. It gives you the chance to create a space that is truly your own – where you make your own rules and schedule. It gives you the freedom to make your own decisions and the privacy to pursue your interest. #NoJudgement

It also gives you the chance to be responsible and capable. Living alone means you are the only person you can rely upon to tend to your needs. More than the financial obligations, you have the grownup duty to deal with the housekeeping, cooking your meals, looking after your safety and security.


Convenient Location
Living in a condo near your office means you do not have to worry about traffic. Instead of commuting for hours, you can hang out with family and friends, work on a freelance job, or chill at home.

A well-located condo can also help you start a habit of walking and exploring the city. You will find that most condos are near shopping centers, restaurants, and other cool places. Who knows, maybe you will also find the one.


More Time for R&R
Housekeeping may be a tedious task, but at least cleaning up a condo is easier than cleaning an entire house! Because you need less time for upkeep, you can have more time for relaxation and recreation. Go down (or up) your condo’s amenity deck and enjoy a day by the pool or at the game room.

Moreover, you have more time to pick up new hobbies or learn new skills. Rediscover interests you have left behind, like learning photography, trying your hand at DIY projects, or developing a real workout routine.

Assume Financial Responsibility
Independence comes hand in hand with responsibility. As a young adult living alone for the first time, learning how to budget is a must. Living in a condo means there are bills to pay, so it is time to spend and save wisely. Gather your receipts and bills to study your spending patterns and discover unnecessary expenses you can cut back. Create a personal budget system that you can stick to. #ChallengeAccepted

Budgeting does not have to be rigid and unexciting. You can add a reward portion to your monthly budget. The reward portion can go towards that new shoes or dream vacation you got your eye on.


Investment Opportunities
Owning a condo unit is not only an ideal bachelor/bachelorette pad but also a wise investment. If in the future you decide to start a family in a bigger home, you can turn your unit into a rental pad to give you another source of income.

Investing early is always a good move. If you are in your 20s or 30s, you have 30 to 40 years or more to profit from your condo unit before you retire. The temporary dips in the real estate market will not hurt you much because you have years to regain your losses. So, if you can take the risk, now is the best time to invest.

Great beginnings
Purchasing a condo for yourself is like turning a new chapter of your life. There is no more rewarding way to go through adulthood and career goals than by living in a condo in the big city. Living independently in your dream condo will teach you valuable life lessons and open new doors so you can conquer the world.


Condominiums, such as Quantum Residences by Federal Land, Inc., can help yuppies achieve their dream condo lifestyle. Quantum Residences is a hip and modern condominium community equipped with the latest digital technology provisions and a full set of amenities to help motivated and hardworking young professionals in their pursuit of career, interests, and causes.

Strategically located at Sen Gil J. Puyat Avenue corner Taft Avenue, Quantum Residences offers a convenient city address with Manila’s university belt in the North, Makati Central Business District in the East, and Bay Area Central Business District in the West.

To reserve preselling condo units, email invest@federalland.ph.


Real estate can be a lucrative investment that presents opportunities to gain a steady stream of income. According to Colliers, Metro Manila is one of the most attractive real estate hotspots in Southeast Asia due to the high rental yield and strong demand for condominiums for rent.

While it is an appealing business venture, renting a condo is more than just advertising a lease and collecting rent every month. To be a successful landlord, you need to constantly learn and adapt. For first-time landlords, here are a few tips to get you started.

Know the rules
The very first thing you should consider is how freely you can rent out your condo. Some condominium communities will have no qualms about a bed and breakfast rental in their midst, while some communities can vet the lessees. Aside from the boundaries, you should also know the rules and regulations of the Homeowners’ Association (HOA) so you can lay it out to your tenants.

Target the right market
Will you be leasing your condo to families with small children, or to young professionals starting their careers? Before you decide on the price and the furnishing of your rental condo, identify your market first.

The location of your condo can help you define your target market. If your condo is within the university belt, then students and university employees are practically a captive market. If your condo is in a business district, you can offer your rental condo to young professionals, business executives, or expats working nearby.


Ask the right price
Like in any business, pricing should be on point. Ask too low, you lose money. Ask too high, you lose potential tenants. You want a price that will attract tenants and ensure a good profit.

There are several considerations to make in pricing your rental condo. First, consider the prices of similar units in your area, so you know what you will be up against. Whether you can match their rate will be based on how much you furnish your unit, your repair fund, and the fees of a property manager if you choose to hire one.

Spruce up your unit
Before you advertise your condo unit for rent, make sure it is in tiptop shape and more than livable. Check if all windows open and close properly, faucets don’t leak, and electrical wirings are safe. Then decide if you want to furnish your rental unit or offer it bare. Generally, unfurnished units are more affordable and get leased out quicker compared to more expensive furnished units. So depending on your target market, you can keep your unit sparse or fully furnished. For instance, if you are renting out to a small family, they may prefer to furnish the condo themselves. If you are renting out to students, however, you can provide bunk beds, study tables, and built-in closets to make your condo conducive to living and studying.


Advertise online
An eye-catching listing will attract the right client and help you stand out from other rental properties online. Post photos that highlight the best features of your unit and the amenities. Write an informative description that includes the unit features, list of amenities, and the nearby establishments.

Screen tenants
As a landlord, you take the risk of a tenant messing up your unit, disregarding HOA rules, and missing monthly payments. To avoid stress, choose a tenant that is responsible and tidy. Create a checklist of all the qualities you want in a tenant and use it as a guide when meeting with potential renters.

Ideally, conduct a thorough background check on all potential tenants. Ask for IDs and call the previous landlord to probe how he/she is as a tenant.

Write the contract
Before you rent out your unit, you will need to prepare an official lease agreement. Your lease agreement should clearly define the duration of the lease, the terms of the monthly rent and initial deposit, and the responsibilities of both landlord and lessee. The contract should also plainly state all your house rules and reasons for eviction or pre-termination.

Depending on your condominium administrators, you might need to secure a permit prior to renting out your condo. Attach the leasing permit to your contract, together with the Proof of Ownership, the Official Receipt and Tax Registration, and a list of inclusions as an annex.


Build a network
When your tenant calls you about a leaky faucet or burnt-out light bulb, you should have a handyman lined up to do repairs. Unless you are willing and capable to handle the maintenance yourself, it helps to have a network of trusty plumbers, electricians, and repairmen you can turn to when the need arises.

Manage the finances
You might want to open a bank account solely for your rental business. This will help you see how the cash flow is going, especially the income and the expenses. For instance, the two- month advance and security deposit you required may cover the unpaid rent and the repair damage. Once the tenant vacates your condo, you will have to return the deposit less damages incurred.

Nurture a healthy landlord-tenant relationship
Since you are practically letting a stranger into your property, establishing trust is important. As a landlord, you must reach out to build a healthy landlord-tenant relationship. Respect each other’s time and learn to compromise every now and then. Mutual respect and professionalism are the keys to smooth tenant relations.

Undoubtedly, renting a condo is a great additional source of additional income. With the rising demand for condominiums for rent in the Philippines, anyone can be a landlord. Like any business endeavor, however, leasing out your property requires a whole lot of planning and commitment. Take precautions when starting as a landlord. Over time, your condo rental will prove to be a rewarding investment.

Want to invest in a condo for rent? Check out Federal Land condos in the Bay Area and in Ortigas.

Photo from Colliers

In recent years, the Philippines has become one of the hotspots for real estate investors in Southeast Asia. The growing economy and increasing middle class have made the country very attractive to both local and foreign investors.

This 2020, Colliers International Philippines is seeing a sustained property market over the next two years, but advises investors to recalibrate plans to adapt to the constantly evolving property landscape in the country.

“Overall, we see the Philippine economy’s upward growth trajectory being sustained by massive public infrastructure spending. The government spending-backed economic growth should further stoke the property sector,“  the real estate consultancy firm said in its report Outlook for 2020: Landlords and tenants recalibrate amid a constantly evolving property landscape.

OFFICE PROPERTY MARKET

Colliers believes that the office property market demand drivers will remain diverse in 2020. Colliers has observed that the demand base started to diversify in the fourth quarter of 2016 and is expected to continue over the next twelve months. Traditional firms, business process outsourcing (BPO), knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) firms and POGOs are likely to dominate Metro Manila office space take-up in 2020.

Photo from Colliers

Meanwhile, Colliers sees several headwinds that might limit the office property market growth in the next three years. These include the lingering concerns on the sustainability of POGO firms, the uncertainty of the government’s tax reforms, and a lower Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth projection. Multilateral lending firms such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are now projecting a 6.0% growth versus 6.2% of last year. A slower economy may slow down the expansion of traditional and non-outsourcing businesses. While the delayed approval of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program which intends to reduce tax perks for foreign investors has compelled several outsourcing firms to take a wait-and-see stance.

 

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET

Co-living residential projects within and on the fringe areas of central business districts will remain popular among young professionals who want to live near their workplace but cannot afford to buy or lease out condominium units within major CBDs. In 2020, Colliers sees developers continuously exploring opportunities in co-living projects, cashing in on the demand brought by the worsening traffic crisis in Metro Manila.

In terms of pre-selling condominium projects, Colliers sees sustained demand from investors and local and foreign employees. Colliers projects the delivery of about 15,610 units, outpacing the 10,700 units delivered from 2016 to 2018, a period that benefited from the trickle-down impact of offshore gaming demand.

Colliers also sees more joint venture projects between local real estate developers and their ASEAN counterparts in 2020. Joint venture projects with foreign firms are among the more expensive in the market, but take-up is strong. Colliers sees these partnerships thriving as foreign companies are enticed by sustained yields.

Photo from Colliers

“Metro Manila’s condominium stock should expand to 152,000 units by the end of 2021, a 28% rise from about 118,900 in 2018. Colliers sees Fort Bonifacio and the Bay Area covering more than 80% of new supply from 2019 to 2021. In our opinion, the pace of residential completion continues to move in step with the expansion of business activities in these business districts,” the property consultancy firm explained.

RETAIL PROPERTY MARKET

“We expect the completion of about 310,000 sq. meters of new retail space in 2020. Due to the substantial new supply, we see vacancy rising to about 12% with lease rates rising at a slower pace of 1.0% from 1.3% in 2019. In our opinion, mall operators should continue to implement innovative leasing strategies and attract interesting tenants to fill the substantial amount of new retail space,” Colliers said.

Photo from Colliers

Vacancy should decline back to about 11% by the end of 2021 given the take-up from new tenants and a slightly muted retail space completion metro-wide. Colliers believes that retail space absorption over the next 12 to 24 months should be supported by the completion of office and residential towers near malls located within major townships across Metro Manila. Aside from sustained demand from local consumers, retail sales should also be buoyed by the continued expansion of offshore gaming firms in Metro Manila.

“Colliers believes that a major opportunity for Metro Manila mall developers is the housing of flexible workspaces. Colliers has observed that flexible workspace operators are continuously looking for space across Metro Manila. But with office vacancies hovering between 0.5% and 1.0% in prime locations such as Makati CBD and the Bay Area, these operators have been scrambling to find suitable space,” Colliers added.

HOSPITALITY PROPERTY MARKET

Colliers projects a 70% occupancy from 2020 to 2022 due to the rising number of foreign tourist arrivals.  The continued rise of foreign tourists should sustain occupancy despite the expected delivery of about 3,300 hotel rooms. A key contributor to hospitality growth in the country is the rising number of Chinese tourists. While total foreign arrivals are growing by 10% per year from 2016 to 2018, Chinese tourists increased by about 37% per year during the same period.

“Over the next twelve months, we still see Chinese tourists driving the hospitality sector and contributing to higher hotel occupancy and spending in Metro Manila and other key destinations across the country,” Colliers said.

Photo from Colliers

The Grand Midori Ortigas

This 2020, top real estate developer Federal Land, Inc. is slated to launch several condominium projects in Metro Manila.  Set in key areas such as Bay Area, Fort Bonifacio, and Manila, these condominium projects’ value is projected to surge even further in the coming years.

Federal Land also offers condominium units for sale in Quezon City and Ortigas CBD. For pre-selling reservations, email invest@federalland.ph or visit www.federalland.ph.

 

With picture-perfect beaches, a thriving economy, and a large English-speaking population, the Philippines has become a top expat destination. Legally, a foreigner can own a condominium unit provided that foreign ownership in the given condo development does not exceed 40 percent.

If you’re a foreigner thinking of moving and settling in the Philippines, here are a few things to consider before buying your condo.

Your Short and Long-term Plans
Do you plan to raise your family in the Philippines, or are you just staying for a few months? Practically, it is better to buy a condo than rent one when you plan to stay for more than a few years. And, if you are looking for an additional steady source of income; a condo unit can be a rewarding investment. Rent it out in the long term and collect monthly rent with minimal to zero effort.

Set a budget
Before you start the search, set a budget you are willing to work with. If you plan to take out a home loan, ask reputable banks about their mortgage options for foreigners.

Aside from the Total Contract Price of the condo unit, take note of the transaction fees and taxes you need to settle. Adding these to your computation will help you set a sensible budget.

Location, Location, Location
The neighborhood you choose to live in can either further or get in the way of your lifestyle. A condo within or near the central business district will mean that your work, elite schools, upscale malls, and fancy restaurants are within your reach. Plus, condos in prime locations appreciate faster.

A Support Network
If you are coming to the Philippines for the first time, it may be wise to settle in an area with a significant expat population. Filipinos will treat you like family and make you feel at home, but it is natural for expats to seek communities that they can truly identify with. Business districts like Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City have expat clubs that will show you the ropes and help you settle in.

Outside the capital, you will find the areas of Clark, Subic, Cebu City, and Davao City have a sizeable number of foreign residents.

One Wilson Square in Greenhills, San Juan City is an upscale condominium that offers spacious and well-appointed ready for occupancy units that provide full access to an enhanced level of luxury.

Track record of the developer
If you are planning to purchase a condo unit in its pre-selling phase, it is important to choose a developer with a solid track record of delivering your unit as promised. Federal Land, Inc. is a reputable developer that has handed over thousands of condo units to satisfied homebuyers.

Local help
As a foreigner, you might not be familiar with the ins and outs of real estate acquisition. To protect you and your purchase, get the right, qualified local help to guide you. A lawyer can help you verify the authenticity of the property title and make sure everything is legal. A licensed broker or a trusted property specialist will guide you through the acquisition process.

Final Check
Before you finalize the sale, do a final check on the property. Carefully check the unit’s condition, size, amenities, and electrical and water connections. Ask for the condominium house rules and make sure you are comfortable with them.

Valencia Hills Tower E in New Manila, Quezon City is an upcoming vertical residence that sits in a quietly elegant residential enclave along N. Domingo and Valencia Streets.

Like in any property purchase, gather all the facts before deciding. Do your due diligence and choose a reliable developer with a solid track record of building high-quality properties like Federal Land, Inc.

Prime real estate developer, Federal Land, Inc. has been creating properties built on the values of trust, reliability, and integrity. It is the developer of many large-scale developments: residential condominiums, office buildings, retail and commercial centers, mixed-use townships and master-planned communities.

To know more about pre-selling and RFO condos for sale, email invest@federalland.ph.

Mi Casa at Metro Park

Choosing a condo for investment is not an easy decision to make.  After all, there are several options on the market, each better than the last.  If you are interested in the Bay Area, then a Federal Land, Inc. condo is your best bet to grow your investment.  Here are five good reasons for buying and investing in Federal Land’s Metro Park.

 

Residences are resort-inspired communities

Mi Casa at Metro Park

The condominium communities of Metro Park redefine high-end living with a relaxing vacation atmosphere.  Residents will get the feeling of not just being at home, but also being like at a resort at the same time with its club-like amenities and tropical aesthetics against the backdrop of the world-famous Manila Bay sunset, only for the select few.

Prospective homebuyers and investors can choose from several deluxe resort communities.  There is the exclusive Bay Garden Club and Residences, the first community to rise in the Metro Park enclave.  There is the Six Senses Residences, distinctive for its lucky number eight shape. There is also the sunny Palm Beach Villas and Palm Beach West.

Federal Land’s latest offering by the bay is Mi Casa, a vibrant vertical residence reminiscent of Hawaii’s reinvigorating aesthetic of open sea and air.  Mi Casa will have four towers: Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, and Honolulu that will bring in the modern tropical paradise streamlined for Filipino contemporary living.

Each of the condominium communities offer thoughtfully designed and well-spaced units for comfortable living.  There are also intimate gathering spaces in the amenity deck to foster a close communal relationship.  Residents can host barbeque parties, movie nights and play dates all within a neighborhood that embraces the sun, wind, and sea.

 

Federal Land is one of the top developers in the country

Six Senses Residences at Metro Park

As a homebuyer and investor, acquiring property from a reputable developer with a solid track record is a must.  It guarantees that the condominium project is delivered on time, has topnotch quality and set in a strategic location – three factors that will ensure your condo can fetch a good price in the secondary and rental market.

Founded in 1972, Federal Land has since developed over 55 large-scale projects that redefined the key areas of Metro Manila, Cavite and Cebu.  Federal Land is best known for its many iconic developments GT Tower International in Makati, Marco Polo Residences in Cebu, Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, and the upcoming Norman Foster luxury condo The Estate Makati.

Metro Park is a master-planned community

Blue Bay Walk at Metro Park

The Metro Park community is a sprawling 36-hectare master-planned community in the business district of Bay Area, Pasay. Metro Park is a modern and vibrant community home to deluxe resort residences of Bay Garden Club and Residences, Six Senses Residences, Palm Beach Villas, Palm Beach West, and Mi Casa; stylish shopping centers of Blue Bay Walk, and Met Live; PEZA-accredited office towers iMet BPO; spacious event centers of Le Pavillon and Le Parc; elite Nursing school Manila Tytana Colleges; and a pet-friendly park – all set within the emerging Entertainment City.

With a workplace, mall, school, and park just a stone’s throw away, a balanced live-work-play lifestyle awaits residents looking to live the good life.

 

Bay Area is near business districts, university belt

The South Luzon Expressway and The Metro Manila Skyway

Though located on the western coast, the Bay Area can easily access the important places of the Metro Manila.  Bay Area is near the central business districts of Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City.  The universities along Taft and España Avenues are also just a short drive away; while the theaters at Cultural Center of the Philippines and amusement rides of Star City are within Pasay City.

Travel to and fro Bay Area is also convenient with numerous roads and skyways connecting the area to the rest of Metro Manila.  There is the Metro Manila Skyway System, Manila–Cavite Expressway or Coastal Road, C5 South Link Expressway, NAIA Expressway, Macapagal Boulevard, and more.  Bay Area is also near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Port of Manila, providing more convenient transportation between the other destinations in the country.

 

Investment has high returns

Mi Casa at Metro Park

Colliers International Philippines foresees that the Bay Area will be among the most in demand and expensive condominiums for sale that will go beyond PHP300,000 (USD 5,700) per sq. meter.  The high demand and the soaring price are due to the influx of Chinese expatriates working in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO).  Another reason is the rise of Bay Area as the entertainment capital of the country that houses four major casino resorts: Solaire Resort and Casino; City of Dreams Manila; Okada Manila; and Resorts World Bayshore.

Looking at some of the residences in Metro Park such Bay Garden Club and Residences and Palm Beach West, the prices per square meter has risen exponentially over the years.  In 2017, Palm Beach West is worth around Php 212,000 per square meters; which rose to Php 312,000 per square meter in 2019.  That is a 47% increase in just two years.

“The best thing about investing in a Federal Land condo is its quality.  I know I can resell or lease at high market value because its value is justified.  The community is in a great location, the amenities are well-planned, and the unit itself spacious and wonderful,” shares one of the Federal Land condo investors.

Mi Casa at Metro Park

To learn more about Metro Park, visit the website at www.federalland.ph or visit the Mi Casa Showroom and Palm Beach West Showroom located at Metro Park, Bay Area, Pasay City.

 

Choosing a condo for investment is not an easy decision to make. After all, there are several options on the market, each better than the last. If you are interested in the Bay Area, then a Mi Casa condo is your best bet to grow your investment. Here are five benefits of buying and investing in Mi Casa at Metro Park.

The Luxury of Resort Living

Mi Casa brings in the modern tropical paradise of Hawaii into Filipino contemporary living. With its sparkling water features, lush greenery, resort-like amenities, island aesthetics, and the Manila Bay sunset, Mi Casa takes you to experience Hawaii’s reinvigorating sense of open sea and air. You will feel like you are on a 5-star vacation on an island while being at home.
For a close community life, Mi Casa has thoughtfully designed spaces that evoke Hawaii’s love for gathering. There are various swimming pools, barbeque area, kid’s playscape, fitness gyms, function rooms, library, movie room, and lounges. Residents can host barbeque parties, movie nights and play dates all within a neighborhood that embraces the sun, wind, and sea.

The Prestige of a Federal Land Inc. Condo


Mi Casa is Federal Land’s first Hawaiian-inspired condominium community. To capture the character and aesthetics of the popular island destination, Federal Land partnered with top design firms such as the Callision RTKL and AIDEA Inc. for the architecture’ Chat Fores Design Studio for interior design; and CREARIS for the landscape.

Founded in 1972, Federal Land has since developed over 55 large-scale projects that redefined the key areas of Metro Manila, Cavite and Cebu. Federal Land is best known for its many iconic developments GT Tower International in Makati, Marco Polo Residences in Cebu, Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, and the upcoming Norman Foster luxury condo The Estate Makati.

The Convenience of Metro Park Community


Blue Bay Walk at Metro Park

Mi Casa is part of the Metro Park community, a sprawling 36-hectare master-planned community in the business district of Bay Area, Pasay. Metro Park is a modern and vibrant community home to deluxe resort residences of Bay Garden Club and Residences, Six Senses Residences, Palm Beach Villas, and Palm Beach West; stylish shopping centers of Blue Bay Walk, and Met Live; PEZA-accredited office towers iMet BPO; spacious event centers of Le Pavillon and Le Parc; elite Nursing school Manila Tytana Colleges; and a pet-friendly park – all set within the emerging Entertainment City.

With a workplace, mall, school, and park just a stone’s throw away, a balanced live-work-play lifestyle awaits residents looking to live the good life.

The Accessibility of a Strategic Location

The South Luzon Expressway and The Metro Manila Skyway

Though it is located on the western coast of Metro Manila, Bay Area is set in a strategic location that can easily access the important places of the metropolis. Bay Area is near the central business districts: Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City. The universities along Taft and España Avenues are also just a short drive away; while the theaters at Cultural Center of the Philippines and amusement rides of Star City.

Travel to and fro Bay Area is also convenient with numerous roads and skyways connecting the area to the rest of Metro Manila. There is the Metro Manila Skyway System, Manila–Cavite Expressway or Coastal Road, C5 South Link Expressway, NAIA Expressway, Macapagal Boulevard, and more. Mi Casa is also near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Port of Manila, providing more convenient transportation between the other destinations in the country.

The High Return on Investment

Colliers International Philippines projects that the Bay Area will be among the most in demand and expensive condominiums for sale that will go beyond PHP300,000 (USD 5,700) per sqm. The high demand and the subsequent soaring price can be attributed with the influx of Chinese expatriates working in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) and the rise of Bay Area as the entertainment capital of the country that houses four major casino resorts: Solaire Resort and Casino; City of Dreams Manila; Okada Manila; and Resorts World Bayshore.

Based on the other residences in Metro Park such Bay Garden Club and Residences and Palm Beach West, the prices per square meter has risen exponentially over the years. In 2017, Palm Beach West is worth around Php 212,000 per square meters; which rose to Php 312,000 per square meter in 2019. That is a 47% increase in just two years.

“The best thing about investing in a Federal Land condo is its quality. I know I can resell or lease at high market value because its value is justified. The community is in a great location, the amenities are well-planned, and the unit itself spacious and wonderful,” shares one of the Federal Land condo investors.

—
To learn more about Mi Casa, visit the website at www.federalland.ph or visit the Mi Casa Showroom and Information Center located at Metro Park, Bay Area, Pasay City.

As the country’s economy continues to rise and its citizens continue to thrive, consumer demands change and product preferences shift.  This is especially felt in the real estate industry; wherein current developments reflect the property preferences of the majority.

The newly established families prefer to carefully consider all relevant factors before investing their hard-earned money.  A highly popular choice is a more integrated package of having everything in one place such as in a township.

Townships are master planned, integrated mixed-use developments that offer residents the convenience to live, work, and play in one place.  Unlike the typical gated subdivisions and solo condominium towers, the appeal and value of townships lie on its convenience and accessibility as townships develop residential units within walking distance to corporate offices, retail shops, lifestyle hubs, and sometimes even schools and hospitals.

Prime real estate developer Federal Land Inc. is on top of this new standard.  In 2000, Federal Land introduced Metro Park, a sprawling 36-hectare master-planned community in the business district of Bay Area, Pasay. Metro Park is a modern and vibrant community home to luxury resort residences, stylish shopping centers, thriving business hubs, exciting weekend event spaces, and an elite college – all set within the emerging Entertainment City.

Deluxe Resort Community

Six Senses Residences at Metro Park

The various condominium communities of Metro Park redefine high-end living with its promise to deliver a relaxing vacation atmosphere.  Residents will get the feeling of not just being at home, but also being like at a resort at the same time with its club-like amenities and tropical aesthetics against the backdrop of the world-famous Manila Bay sunset, only for the select few.

The first community to rise in Metro Park enclave is Bay Garden Club and Residences, an exclusive three-tower residence that carries Federal Land’s signature of developing vacation homes.

The Palm Beach Villas and Palm Beach West are both four-tower resort-inspired communities crafted to welcome warmth and relaxation.  Each unit is designed to give space to unwind and a resort-inspired amenity deck to complete the urbane and adventurous lifestyle.

Distinctive for its lucky number eight shape, the Six Senses Residences is a six-tower deluxe project in the bustling Macapagal – Bay Area district.  Each tower is defined with elegant edges and refined curves of interiors reminiscent of classic sculptures. It places more units at opportune and spacious corners, immersing your home to the infinite wonders that lay just beyond the horizon of Manila Bay.

Mi Casa – Hawaii Tower at Metro Park

Federal Land’s latest offering by the bay is Mi Casa, a vibrant vertical residence reminiscent of Hawaii’s reinvigorating aesthetic of open sea and air.  Mi Casa will have four towers: Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, and Honolulu that will bring in the modern tropical paradise streamlined for Filipino contemporary living.

Mi Casa offers thoughtfully designed spaces that evoke Hawaii’s tight-knit community with intimate gathering spaces that highlight a close communal relationship.  Residents can host barbeque parties, movie nights and play dates all within a neighborhood that embraces the sun, wind, and sea.

Central Park and Commercial Centers

Blue Bay Walk at Metro Park

Nestled in between the immense community is its central park, Blue Bay Walk.  Blue Bay Walk is built to be a sanctuary for Metro Park families to play with their pets, enjoy an afternoon picnic, or simply relax while watching the weekend shows.

Blue Bay Walk is also a lifestyle hub where authenticity and relaxation fuse together to indulge the senses.  More than a strip mall, Blue Bay Walk offers signature shops and branded boutiques for the fashionable without the worries of overcrowding.

Met Live at Metro Park

Across the Macapagal Street, upscale shopping mall Met Live rises in complement to Blue Bay Walk.   Met Live offers a well-curated selection of restaurants, coffee shops, health clinics, indoor playgrounds, home décor stores, and other specialty stores.  Office floors will also be available for lease to corporate clients.  An all-encompassing retail destination for locals and visitors to indulge in leisure and experience the extraordinary.

To provide an ideal venue to celebrate life’s occasions, Metro Park has two event halls Le Parc and Le Pavillon that can make a special celebration even more magnificent. Le Parc offers two function halls that can host 250 guests each for intimate gatherings.  For grand affairs, Le Pavillon can accommodate 1500 guests. Picture a glorious event where only your imagination sets the limit.

 

Thriving Business Centers

iMet BPO at Metro Park

To complete the live-work-play components of a viable township, Metro Park has iMET BPO, a four-tower grade A office complex within the latest business district in the metropolis.  iMET BPO stands within a PEZA IT Park to ensure BPO locators can avail fiscal incentives.

Metro Park is also home to Toyota Manila Bay Corporation (TMBC), a forerunner in the automotive industry principally engaged in the sales and maintenance of Toyota vehicles.

 

Top Tier Nursing School

Manila Tytana at Metro Park

First known as the Manila Doctors Hospital School of Nursing in 1975, Manila Tytana College is one of the country’s top nursing schools with a 100% passing rate in the June 2018 Nursing Licensure Exams.  The school offers bachelors, masters, doctorate, and short Nursing courses; as well as Psychology, Nutrition, IT, Communication, Accountancy and Management courses.

Located along Macapagal Avenue, Manila Tytana College is just a stone’s throw away to the condominium communities and office towers in Metro Park. Students residing in Metro Park can also start their career within the township.

Metro Park is a gem of a township.  The high demand can be attributed to its strategic location, exclusive communities, PEZA IT Park, quaint shopping galleries, and pet-friendly park against the world breathtakingly beautiful Manila Bay sunset.  A balanced live-work-play lifestyle awaits residents looking to live the good life.

To know more about Metro Park, visit the website at www.federalland.ph or visit the Mi Casa Showroom and Palm Beach West Showroom located at Metro Park, Bay Area, Pasay City.

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About Federal Land, Inc.

A prime real estate developer, Federal Land, Inc. is a member of GT Capital Holdings. With 47 years of experience in reshaping the skyline and with its commitment to invest in the country, Federal Land, Inc. creates properties built on trust, reliability, and integrity through its masterbrands, Federal Land and Horizon Land.

The dream of owning a big house with a large lot in the quiet part of the city has shifted to living in condominiums conveniently close to business centers and main hubs. While the condo life is often associated with independence, convenience, and excitement, many would-be homebuyers are skeptical of condominiums.  Chief of their concerns is the myth of the 50-year rule of a condominium building lifespan and stakes in the condominium corporation.

Here we will answer a few important questions to allay concerns.

How long is the lifespan of a condominium building?

Though the lifespan of condominium buildings is not specified, the section 8C of Republic Act 4726 The Condominium Act provides three factors that would deem a condo uninhabitable:

“That project has been in existence in excess of 50 years; that it is obsolete and uneconomic, and that condominium owners holding in aggregate more than fifty percent interest in the common areas are opposed to repair or restoration or remodeling or modernizing of the project.”

A careful reading shows that the 50-year rule is not necessarily true to all developments.  It is on a case-by-case basis where all three provisions should be met in order to declare a condominium building uninhabitable. That the building is:

  1. over 50 years old;
  2. obsolete and uneconomic; and
  3. the unit owners holding in aggregate more than fifty percent interest do not agree to repair or modernize the building.

Hence, although a condominium building is over 50 years old, it does not automatically become obsolete and uneconomic if it passes the building inspections and certifications. Most of the new condominium projects today are designed and built with modern techniques and durable materials to endure the ordinary wear and tear of everyday use.   Modern condos will likely remain in good shape even after 50 years. Moreover, if the majority of the homeowners believe they the building structure is safe, sound, and will only need some modern renovation, demolition would be unnecessary.

On the other hand, if an older condo has monthly maintenance fees, recurring repairs and realty tax that exceeds the monthly rental of a comparable unit in another property, the homeowners can decide and declare that the building is obsolete, uneconomic, and uninhabitable.

Build in the 70s, the Soler Tower, Tytana Plaza and Mandarin Mansion of Federal Land, Inc. are still in good shape and stands near the thriving Chinatown of Binondo, Manila.

What happens when the condominium is declared uninhabitable?

The condominium corporation will convene to make a decision.  The unit owners will vote on what they could do with the building and the land. There are usually two options, they can:

  1. sell the land and divide the proceeds among themselves;
  2. strike a deal with the original developer or another to build a new condominium on their land.

What is a condominium corporation? 

Similar to a homeowner’s association in subdivisions, a condominium corporation is a legal entity that represents the interests of condominium unit owners in accordance with the Condominium Act.  Condo corporation holds the title to the land, common areas and other interests, as such it is responsible for the management and maintenance of the common areas and its other obligations. Members or shareholders of the condo corporation are the unit owners who automatically become members upon purchase of their unit.

Like other corporations, all issues in a condominium are decided through the votes of the shareholders or unit owners.  Every decision, be it a simple plan of repainting of the façade or a major agenda of selling the land, must be decided by votes. The rule of the majority, or the option with most votes, wins.

What is your stake in the condominium corporation?

As a condominium unit owner, you are automatically a member of the corporation and co-owner of the condominium, its lands, and other interests.  Your stake will be equivalent to the size and price of the unit or units you own.

For instance, you own a three-bedroom unit of 88 square meters in size.  Your stake and voting power will be higher than the owner of a studio unit of 25 square meters.  If ever the land of the condominium is sold, you will have a bigger portion of the profit.

Is a condominium unit a good investment?

Yes.

While some may argue that the definite lifespan and ownership of house and lot is a more favorable investment compared to the finite lifespan and ownership of a condominium building, there are other factors that should also be taken into consideration.   The major selling point of condominiums is their proximity to important places such as schools, business district, hospitals, malls, and major highways.  If you, as a homebuyer, wishes to cut commute time, then a condominium unit near your office will be more beneficial to you than a house and lot in the fringes of Metro Manila.   Moreover, a condominium unit is more financially attainable than a house and lot in a central location.

As an investor, buying a condominium to rent out or resell is also a sound investment.  Its strategic location will ensure you have a steady market of students, young professionals, and small families. You can make money from start to finish of the building’s lifetime.  And even if the condominium is demolished or sold after 50 years, you as a shareholder will profit from the sale of the land.

Buying a condominium for sale may seem trickier than buying a house and lot.  However, remember that condominiums are not so different from houses.  While units in a condo community are governed by a condo corporation, houses in a subdivision are governed with a homeowner’s association (HOA).  Houses are also susceptible to the damages of everyday wear and tear and natural calamities same as condominium buildings.

So if the 50-year rule is the only thing holding you back from living in your dream condominium, then rest assured that your apprehensions have a low chance of becoming real but potential returns have a high chance of becoming true!

With over 47 years of solid experience, Federal Land, Inc. builds properties anchored on the values of trust, reliability, and integrity.  In every project, Federal Land ensures to collaborate with the best architects and engineers who can best utilize sophisticated technology and reliable materials to create unique projects that stand the test of time.

Federal Land is best known for the iconic GT Tower International in Makati and the luxurious Grand Hyatt Manila in North Bonifacio Global City among others. Other projects are the Hawaiian-inspired Mi Casa and resort community Palm Beach West in Bay Area, Pasay City; the spacious One Wilson Square in Greenhills, San Juan; kid-friendly garden community Peninsula Garden Midtown Homes in Paco, Manila; feng shui-infused Four Seasons Riviera in Binondo, Manila; the quietly elegant Valencia Hills in New Manila, Quezon City; the hip and modern Quantum Residences within Manila’s university belt; luxury hotel-branded residences Marco Polo Residences in Cebu; and the Japanese-inspired The Seasons Residences in BGC, Taguig.


Park Avenue, Madison Park West, Central Park West, Times Square West, Park West, Grand Hyatt Manila, Grand Hyatt Manila Residences and The Seasons Residences are the exclusive contemporary residences rising in Grand Central Park that capture the essence and spark of New York City.

With the World Bank GDP growth projection of 6.4% and new pro-growth economic policies, the Philippines is poised to sustain its economic rise. The various infrastructure projects of the government and the private sectors hail optimism to both local and foreign investors across all segments, but especially for the real estate industry. In fact, Asia Property HQ tags the country as “one of the best locations for real estate investments in Southeast Asia”.

Zoning in on the residential landscape, Colliers International Philippines projects 15,100 new units to be introduced in 2019. While this figure is poised to increase, vacancy rates have seen a downturn at 11% for the coming period, indicating how the strong demand outweighs the supply available in the market.

This movement has influenced property prices to soar as well. Global Property Guide reported in 2017 “the average price for a 3-bedroom condominium increased by 4.3%” in Fort Bonifacio. Opportune is the word for the current scenario as property consultancies continue to report strong sales in luxury residential, and the urgency to snap up pre-sale properties as availability becomes null.


The Seasons Residences is a Federal Land Inc. project in partnership with Japan’s leading firms, Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings, Ltd. The Seasons Residences will also feature the Philippines’ first Mitsukoshi Mall at podium level.

Prime real estate developer Federal Land Inc. is on top of this trend. In 2012, Federal Land introduced Grand Central Park, a 10-hectare master-planned community patterned after the dynamic New York City. Strategically located at North Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, Grand Central Park is home to multiple star projects such as the world-renowned Grand Hyatt Manila; two towers of luxury residences Grand Hyatt Manila Residences; the Japanese-themed community The Seasons Residences; the flagship store of Japan’s oldest surviving department store chain, Mitsukoshi Mall; and the upscale residential towers Park West, Park Avenue, Times Square West, Central Park West, and Madison Park West.

The mixed-use community is a confluence of international partnership and investment with brands well-known abroad. Grand Hyatt Manila Residences is a joint venture between Federal Land and ORIX Corporation of Japan, through North Bonifacio Landmark Realty and Development Corporation to bring in the Chicago-based Hyatt brand. To bring in Japanese ingenuity and lifestyle, Federal Land partnered with two of Japan’s leading firms, Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings, Ltd. to develop The Seasons Residences and the Philippines’ first Mitsukoshi Mall.


A Grand Hyatt Manila Residences unit is adorned with white marble finishes, timber flooring, exotic wood textures, high ceilings, and top-of-the-line fixtures.

While most properties within the city are currently of re-selling status, Grand Central Park offers increasingly scarce additions to the pre-sale condominium pool. Only November last year, it saw launches for two of its world-class high-rises: Grand Hyatt Manila Residences – South Tower, and The Seasons Residences’ first tower called Haru.

Grand Hyatt Manila Residences – South Tower will be ready by 2023, and The Seasons Residences is set to be completed by 2027. Until then, the anticipation continues to build for property hunters and aficionados.

To know more about Grand Hyatt Manila Residences and The Seasons Residences, visit the website at www.federalland.ph or visit The Seasons Residences showroom at 7th Ave. corner 34th St., Grand Central Park, North BGC Taguig City.


The Grand Hyatt Manila and the two Grand Hyatt Manila Residences are beacons that marks the transformation of the North Bonifacio Global City only a community with the Grand Hyatt mark can deliver.

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About Federal Land, Inc.
A prime real estate developer, Federal Land, Inc. is a member of GT Capital Holdings. With 47 years of experience in reshaping the skyline and with its commitment to invest in the country, Federal Land, Inc. creates properties built on trust, reliability, and integrity through its masterbrands, Federal Land and Horizon Land.

Known for its sky-high towers, luxury shopping, and a large expat community, Dubai is a thriving global city rising within the Arabian Desert. It is no wonder why Dubai is a leading destination of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). With almost 450,000 Filipinos living and working in Dubai, you will surely find “kabayan” nurses and doctors in every hospital and clinic; teachers in international and Filipino schools; architects, engineers, labors in every construction site; accountants, managers, and clerks in every company; sales personnel in every shop; chefs and waiters in restaurants; singers and chambermaids in hotels; and fashion designers, artists, web designers, animators in various freelance businesses. Hence with their diligence and competence, Filipinos in Dubai and other emirates in UAE remitted a total of $1.5 billion or (DH5.5 billion) to support their families back home.

This sunny situation makes Filipinos in Dubai more optimistic with their careers and future. In a 2018 survey of 2,000 Filipino expatriates in UAE, eight out of ten said they are ready to invest in real estate. Many OFWs plans to buy a condominium, house or villa as a retirement nest egg or as a passive supplementary income for their dependents.


A Palm Beach West condo unit can be rented out to young professionals working in the Bay Area Central Business District or resold to a family that is upgrading to condominium living.

Opportune Time for Investments

With numerous infrastructure investments from the government and the private sector, the World Bank sees the Philippines continue to be the fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia. Moreover, organizations such as US News and Asia Property HQ also named the Philippines as the best country to invest in the region.

Though the house and condominium prices in the Philippines is rising, the Philippine peso is still weak against the US dollar, boosting the Filipino expatriate’s United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) purchasing power in the Philippine market.

Properties in central business districts such as Makati, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and Bay Area command highest prices due to its high demands and subsequent high returns. In a recent report, global real estate organization Colliers International Philippines sees the capital value to continue increasing with an average price of a prime three-bedroom unit in the secondary market ranging between PHP131,000 and PHP329,000 per sq. meter, increasing between 5% to 6.5%.

Colliers also sees rental yield to grow as developers pop up new supply. At the same time, demand in the secondary market will be sustained by a mix of demand from foreign and local professionals. Thus buying a home to rent out or resell is very attractive.


A Quantum Residences condo unit can be converted into a dormitory to cater to students studying in the university belt or to young professionals working in Makati Central Business District.

Property Recommendations

For first time investors, it would be prudent to start with a moderate risk investment that has potential for high returns. Condominiums on the fringes of Makati, Pasay and Quezon City have a lower capital but relatively high demand from young professionals working on the central business district and mid-income families that are upgrading to condominium living.

Condominiums near leading universities are also good investment opportunities to rent to college students coming from various parts of the country. Condominiums in Marikina can be advantageous for its proximity to the University of the Philippines – Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University and Miriam College.

Properties in Cavite should entice families from Southern Luzon, especially with the completion of the road and train projects that will connect the south to the center.


A Florida Sun Estate house and lot property can be rented out or resold to a family who want to raise children away from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila.

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For Filipinos in the Middle East who want to know more and interested invest in various Federal Land projects, visit our property page or join us in the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition on April 26-27, 2019 at Marriott Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.