When you look at the list of wealthiest men in the country, you will notice that most of them made their fortune, or have interests, in real estate. Passive income, value appreciation, great returns, tax benefits – these are just a few of the reasons why investing in real estate is a good choice. Now the question is, “How do I get into this?”

Like in any other investment, it is best to exercise due diligence before cutting a check in the millions of pesos. Here are a few things you should know before you start spending your hard earned money on real estate.

The Right Location
When it comes to properties, the reason why you hear everyone talk about “location, location, location” is because it is a tried and tested rule. Location, more often than not, determines how much rent you can charge, what kind of renters you will have, and if the rent agreements in the location is seasonal, short-term or long-term.

If you are on the hunt for a profitable rental condo, look for a neighborhood near business hubs, good schools, public transportation, shopping centers, and other establishments. Condominiums with plenty of amenities also make your rental condo appealing to prospective tenants.

The Potential to Appreciate
Most properties appreciate a little bit over time. As an investor, you should be looking for a property that increases in value more than the rest. Choose the areas with high property value appreciation rate such as Makati, Bonifacio Global City, Ortigas Center, and Bay Area in Pasay. Industry experts also recommend investing in the fringe areas of established business districts.

Another thing to consider is the appreciation potential you can get from dressing up your condo. How much more can you charge for rent after repainting the walls, versus leasing it out as-is? How much will your condo be worth once you add a furniture or even another bedroom? You stand to earn more on your initial investment if you’re willing to upgrade your condo after you buy it.

A Safe Margin
A sound financial strategy on your real estate investment is a must prior to purchase. You will need to factor in the cost to maintain the property versus expected profits. Maintenance costs will include your monthly amortization, association dues, property taxes, insurance, and general upkeep.

While working on the numbers, consider setting aside at least 1% of the property value annually for maintenance costs and at least 2% for annual real estate tax. Set a goal of at least 10% return on investment.

Low Maintenance
Go for low maintenance investments. With several home flipping shows on TV, it is tempting to just buy a fixer-upper unit and go the DIY route. Unless you are an expert at large-scale home improvements though, this journey might cause you to spend too much on renovation and put your cash flow in the red. It would be better to purchase a condo that has a competitive price tag and needs only a paint job and few decors.

Similarly, short-term rentals, such as student dormitories and vacation rentals, may not be as attractive an investment. Because of the high turnover of short term rentals, you will need to spend more on maintenance to keep the rental usable and profitable. If you prefer a steady occupancy, low- maintenance condos in good locations are the ones that attract stable long-term renters.

Taking inspiration from the beauty of the islands of Hawaii, Mi Casa is your tropical-inspired residence in Bay Area, Pasay with amenities that will make your day vibrant and relaxing at the same time.

With the rising demand for condominiums for rent in the Philippines, renting out a condo is a good source of additional income. As with any other investment, a rental condo will not give you immediate big returns. Keep your expectations realistic and stick to the basics when starting out. Over time, your rental condo will prove to be a rewarding investment.

Looking for your next investment? Check out Federal Land, Inc. condominiums in the Bay Area and Ortigas.

Set within the boundaries of Quezon City, Mandaluyong, and Pasig, Ortigas Center is one of the most important business districts in the country. The 100-hectare urban development is home to multinational and homegrown companies such as San Miguel Corporation, Jollibee Foods Corporation, HSBC, Banco de Oro, JG Summit Holdings, Meralco, Aventis Pharma, Teleperformance, Convergys, and Sykes Enterprises.

With prestigious schools, shopping malls, restaurants, bars, and exclusive neighborhoods dotting the area, Ortigas Center is an ideal spot to work, live, and play.  Let’s explore the ins and outs of Ortigas with this quick neighborhood guide.

 

MALLS

SM Megamall

Photo from smsupermalls.com

With over 474,225 square meters in floor area, SM Megamall is the second largest shopping complex in the country. It features a thousand retail stores, restaurants, supermarkets, movie theaters, and an ice skating rink.

Address:  Epifanio delos Santos corner Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

Shangri-La Plaza

Photo from Flickr

Shangri-La Plaza is an upscale mall that is part of the five-star EDSA Shangri-La Hotel complex. It features international high-end brands such as Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Rolex, and Tiffany & Co.

Address: Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

 

The Podium

With over 100 designer shops and gourmet dining, The Podium is a well-curated lifestyle center for the stylish. The Podium is also the home of the largest garden wall in the country with over 6500 plants.

Address: 12 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

 

Estancia

Estancia is an upscale lifestyle center of the Capitol Commons development.  It features premier global brands, top-of-the-line merchandise, and sumptuous dining experience.

Address: 1605 Meralco Ave, Ortigas Center, Pasig

 

Greenhills Shopping Center

Photo from Wikimedia

A bargain hunter’s haven, Greenhills Shopping Center has over a thousand stores selling bags, shoes, clothes, home décor, and gadgets at low prices. Greenhills is also a world-renowned pearl hub, where both local and foreign celebrities, designers, and dignitaries come to buy pearls.

Address: Ortigas Avenue, San Juan City

 

SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES

University of Asia and the Pacific

Photo from Edukasyon.ph

Established as a private think tank in 1967, the University of Asia and the Pacific transformed into a university specializing in business programs. UA&P now offers 15 undergraduate degrees, 11 graduate degrees, and two fast-track Master’s program.

Address:  Pearl Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

 

Saint Pedro Poveda College

Photo from Foursuare.com

Formerly known as Poveda Learning Centre and Institucion Teresiana, Saint Pedro Poveda College is a private Catholic school exclusively for girls. It is the preferred school for the daughters and granddaughters of politicians, industrialists, and prominent figures in the Philippine society

Address: P. Poveda Street, Ortigas Center, Quezon City

 

Lourdes School of Mandaluyong

Lourdes School of Mandaluyong (LSM) was established in 1959 after the Ortigas family offered assistance to the Capuchin Fathers in gratitude for their spiritual guidance.  Today, LSM has over 2,000 students from nursery to Grade 12.

Address:  Saint Francis Street corner Shaw Boulevard Barangay, Mandaluyong City

 

Ateneo School of Medicine

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health is the medical arm of Ateneo de Manila University and a partner school of The Medical City. Would-be doctors will be trained not only as outstanding clinicians but also as dynamic managers and social catalysts.

Address: Don Eugenio Lopez Sr. Medical Complex Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City

 

La Salle Green Hills

Photo from Wikimedia

Founded in 1959, La Salle Green Hills is a private Catholic school exclusively for boys.  Notable alumni of the school include prominent businessmen, celebrities, and politicians.  La Salle Green Hills offers preschool, elementary, and secondary education.

Address: Holy Cross, Mandaluyong City

 

CHURCHES

St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church

Photo from St. Francis of Assisi Facebook

Founded in 1958, St. Francis of Assisi Parish is a Catholic church inside the compound of the Lourdes School of Mandaluyong.  It is a large and solemn church open to anyone looking for a quiet sanctuary amidst the busy business district.

Address:  St. Francis St. corner Shaw Blvd., Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

 

Sancta Maria Stella Orientis Oratory

Photo from Stella Orientis

The Sancta Maria Stella Orientis Oratory is dedicated to Holy Mary, Star of the Orient.  Known as a haven for confessions, the church always has a compassionate priest available to those seeking solace.

Address: Escrivá Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

 

Mary, Queen of Peace Shrine

Photo from Wikimedia

Popularly known as EDSA Shrine, Mary Queen of Peace Shrine is a small church built in 1989 to commemorate the People Power Revolution.

Address: EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City

HOSPITAL

The Medical City

Photo from Medical City

With over 1,100 expert physicians in its roster, The Medical City is one of the top health-care destinations in the country. It boasts of advanced medical facilities at par with international standards of medicine.

Address: Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City

 

RECREATIONAL

City Golf Driving Range

Instead of driving an hour or two out of the city, golf enthusiasts can have a quick putting at City Golf Driving Range along Julia Vargas Avenue. City Golf is open to both amateur and professional golfers.  It also has golf trainers for newbies learning the basics.

Address: Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

Yoga+

Photo from Yoga+ Facebook

Yoga+ is a yoga studio that offers beginner and advanced classes in Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Yin. Yoga+ instructors offer different variations for every pose, so yogis and yoginis can practice at their own pace and level.

Address: Level 4 The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

 

Polecats Manila

Photo from Pole Cats Manila Facebook

Polecats Manila is a premier aerial art and pole fitness studio in Ortigas Center formed in 2009.  Aside from safe and quality lessons in pole fitness, aerial hoop, and aerial silks, Polecats also aims to break the stigma and promote a positive outlook on pole dancing as a sport and performance art.

offers a safe and engaging community where men and women can defy gravity and elevate their strength and grace on and off the pole.

Address: 22F Strata 100 Bldg., F. Ortigas Jr Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

 

RESTAURANTS

Tim Ho Wan

 

Photo from Tim Ho Wan

Hong Kong’s most famous dim sum joint Tim Ho Wan opened its first Philippine branch in SM Megamall in 2014.  The Michelin-starred restaurant serves affordable but savory dim sum variants, most popular of which is the Pork Buns.

Address: Ground Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

 

Ooma

Photo from Ooma PH Facebook

For the best maki in town, head over to Ooma in SM Megamall.  Ooma is a modern Japanese restaurant that serves a wide variety of maki and sushi to sate any appetite. Their bestsellers include Aburi Maki, Salmon Belly Maki, and Ebi Tempura.

Address:  3rd Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

 

Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina

Photo from Silantro Filipino Mexican Cantina Facebook

Silantro Fil-Mex may be a small cantina in Kapitolyo, but it sure is not modest with its offerings. Widely popular for its mouthwatering food, Silantro serves Mexican comfort food in Filipino style. Three on the must-order list are their soft tacos, paella fajita, and beef burrito.

Address:  75 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City

 

Locavore

Photo from Locavore Facebook

If you’re looking for local flavors with a twist, head over to Locavore at Kapitolyo. Locavore serves Filipino favorites with a French touch.  The twist produced bestsellers such as Sizzling Sinigang, Oyster Sisig, and Boneless Lechon Belly.

Address:  Brixton Technology Center, 10 Brixton Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City

  

Tipsy Pig Gastropub

Photo from Zomato

Known for their signature cocktails and excellent bar chow, Tipsy Pig Gastropub is a popular hangout spot at Capitol Commons. Tipsy Pig serves no-fail classics like Boneless Crispy Pata and Belly Good Sisig Tacos perfect with your favorite liquor. Open until the wee hours, count on Tipsy Pig to take care of your cravings from dusk till dawn.

Address:  Capitol Commons, Meralco Avenue Corner Shaw Boulevard, Oranbo, Pasig City

 

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Prime real estate developer Federal Land, Inc. is making its first foray into Ortigas Center with high-end condominium development, The Grand Midori Ortigas, a sequel to the award-winning The Grand Midori Makati.

The Grand Midori Ortigas is a two-tower Zen-inspired sanctuary located across the iconic Tektite Towers along Exchange Road in Ortigas Center. The upscale residential towers will feature Japanese aesthetics in architecture and design, replete with Zen-inspired amenities. The elegant yet simple concept will feature minimalist interior design and Japanese gardens that will foster relaxation and recreation amidst the busy location.

To reserve preselling condo units, visit www.midori.com.ph.

The condo that best fits a person is the one that provides their needs in and expectations of a living space and, most importantly, the one that helps them lead a meaningful and balanced life.The Grand Midori Ortigas,priced at an average of P232,ooo per sqm, is one of the most sought after vertical residences in Ortigas Center today simply because the price is right.Renowned Japanese architectural firm Tange Associates,who designed The Grand Midori Ortigas, creatively …

Read more: https://business.inquirer.net/282931/finding-best-value-in-high-rise-living