Why Now is the Best Time To Invest in Metro Manila (NCR) Properties

Have you ever heard the saying that it is the best time to invest during a crisis? No? Well now you know. 😀

I'm sure you are aware of the current world situation right now. COVID-19 has wrecked havoc on our lives and future plans. Oh my, you don't need to imagine how devastating this pandemic is for everyone. It may be slightly irritating to the really affluent people but it is a very hard situation for the poor and underprivileged folks. How about those in the middle? Well, it's just so-so at this point.


TL:DR
- Buying/investing in NCR properties increases your money's value faster than in other areas of the country.
- The pandemic caused crisis created the current buyer's market so high-end properties from top developers are easier to afford now.
- Preselling upscale/luxury condos in mixed use developments are more valuable and provide a higher and faster return rate than other condominiums in MM.






The Philippine Real Estate Status During the COVID-19 Crisis


As a developing country, there are no shortage of city folks who complain of heavy traffic all the time. Experts say this is a sign of development so who am I to argue?

In mid-March of this year though, the Enhanced Community Quarantine was enforced in areas like the National Capital Region (NCR), a.k.a. Metro Manila (MM). Finally the roads were almost empty. Everyone was told to stay home. People lost jobs or could not go to work while others were told to work from home.

Slowly but surely the government planned safer and better health protocols. Eventually the Modified Community Quarantines were enforced. Construction of various projects also resumed including public and private infrastructure. Bicycles started to fill the roads along with more private vehicles. This prompted the move to open up businesses so we do not end up in a terrible economic crisis.

Back in May, GCQ areas allowed various businesses like those in the real estate industry to start again. This meant people could finally sell houses or condos and invest their hard-earned money in properties again.





As a real estate agent, I was surprised to learn people were indeed purchasing properties during GCQ. It's quite unbelievable to most people really. In September I witnessed people buying left and right! Everyday people were reserving condo units from various real estate agents/brokers. Whoa! 😱

The funny thing is, there were and still are individuals who ask me how people can buy properties now when most businesses closed down and some are unemployed, etc., etc. Well the answer is those people saved for rainy days like these and/or have plenty of money from I-dunno-where, ready to put into investments. Other than that, they are most likely in the infotech, medical, health product or manufacturing industry that's why they acquired enough money to invest now. The top reason is the quarantine promotions the developers implemented.

Unfortunately the road congestion is slowly getting back to the non-pandemic days level while we are still in General Community Quarantine (GCQ). People are becoming complacent, going out and about. Why not when it's been months of staying at home most of the time? On top of that, the holiday spirit started in September so hey we're likely to go out more often, right?

Yes, you might have heard that several small businesses have closed and has remained so over the course of several months. Commercial and residential properties have lost tenants but opportunity is always right around the corner if you have the guts and the means.




Why Should You Invest in Real Estate in NCR While We Are Still in Crisis?


Timing the buy is everything. The closer you are to the center of all things, the greater the profitability of properties too. Right now it feels like we are at the tail-end of the pandemic but who knows when it will really end, right? That's why NOW is always the best time to invest, especially during a crisis when everyone is afraid to take a risk.


1. NCR is where everything happens.


Here in our country, most of the businesses are developed and concentrated in MM. All the infrastructures, technology and city conveniences are here. This is why people in the provinces think NCR is the land of milk and honey.

Much like other people move to America, Filipinos outside of MM move here for greener pastures. Brave and hopeful individuals come here from their farming or fishing provincial life in the hopes of better opportunities. This is why it is the most populous region in the country.

And of course, being the center of commerce and trade, big infrastructures are not far behind. The Duterte administration began planning and building various bridges and public transportation to help decongest the metro and improve travel time.




Aside from that, expats mostly flock to main areas of trade and commerce. They aren't likely to go to the boondocks to negotiate deals and build businesses. This means assured or more rental income soon for the savvy property investor, especially once a COVID-19 vaccine is available.



2. High returns in Real Estate are Within Metro Manila.


If you only have a million or two of extra cash then get properties outside or at the fringe of MM. It will take time before your money doubles but at least you can still preserve your capital safely. This is a move that's best for the conservative investor.





Now if you're a more daring investor and want to grow your money faster then you should invest in properties in NCR. Don't put your money in land at faraway provinces if you want to double your money's worth in a few years.

To really grow your money, invest in places where people further develop or improve the surrounding of developed areas. Why? Because the value of the properties will increase exponentially too. You won't find any super affordable property in the central business districts in Metro Manila nowadays. Gone are the days when you can own a sizable land or quality and ample sized condo units for P2 Million pesos below. The latter is so 2014.

Let's say an NCR condo property bought in 2014 was Php 2 Million. Today it can be worth P6 to P8 Million! According to Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines) from 2010 to 2018 the condominium prices rose up to 132% in business districts! This is based on mortgage loans by banks. Amazing right?

That's 132% increase in 8 years, can you believe it? So why would you buy a property in other areas of the Philippines now when NCR is the best place to grow your money?

Choose the right location and the best developers so your money will not go to waste. Buying a condominium unit now is a high-risk but high reward and stable strategy.

For months, major developers have already been offering very flexible payment terms. Minor developers have also been offering more attractive promos. It is understandable of course since the majority of middle class people are not able to invest like before so now it is a buyer's market!

If there's a sale in malls and online stores, well now is the time to own properties because it's "on SALE!"

Imagine what a field day you will have if you're an expat or a Filipino earning $$$, GBP or EURO. Oh my now is the time for you to invest in properties so your future self will thank you later.



3. High-End Condominiums in Mixed Use Developments Within Developing and Redeveloping Business Districts are the Way to Go






This is the "in" thing to do now: invest in upscale properties within townships. Thanks to the pandemic, we now realize how important convenient housing really is. It's better if you won't need to go too far to buy food or medicine. Security is not much of a problem as well if you live in a mixed use development.

With all that in mind, why not own a condo unit or invest in one now? Your extra money won't grow in the future if you just sit on it. Put your money in preselling mixed-use developments. Why? Because it's a community where everything you will need and want is readily available.

Major developers of condominiums create enjoyable places that people make memories in. It is where convenience is the number 1 priority too. Imagine you have your own mall, supermarket and park just outside your home! Wow right?

Estancia at Capitol Commons - Upscale Mall in Pasig City




Top developers plan and make communities that are secure and yet very accessible to important places and other commercial centers. Each township are made to be resilient against disasters like earthquakes, fire hazards, flood and so forth. This makes every condo unit resalable and are also a good source of rental income. No need to worry about exterior maintenance because your monthly dues will cover it all. With condominium units, you don't need to mow the lawn, worry about landscaping or bother if there's a hole in your roof. No expensive house insurance too!

Investing in condominiums in mixed use developments is better because these provide faster property appreciation than investing in land or lots outside MM. All of the above reasons and more make condo properties the best choice for first time home buyers, retirees, business minded people and more!

Ortigas East (Formerly Frontera Verde), Pasig City






Now What?


The worry with the above investment plan though is that condos in such developments are priced higher than the average joe can buy. This is why you better act fast while it's a buyer's market. Next year I'm sure the current promotions won't be as better as those available today. The quarantine promos right now is your only opportunity to acquire upscale and luxury properties.

If you've saved enough money and invested wisely before the pandemic then you have a reason to further preserve your capital. What better way to do that than investing in real estate in Metro Manila?

Don't be content with small, low-end or affordable condos. Your return on investment won't be that much if you do. Choose upscale and luxury properties which are in great locations, are better developed and significantly more well maintained in the future.





Contact a property specialist like me now to know more about specific and currently preselling office and residential projects in the location you prefer. Preselling properties are better investments because your money's worth will increase more than if you buy a ready for occupancy one.

Investing in real estate is like regularly investing in index funds except the value always goes up and never comes down! Who wouldn't want that, right?

Now I know you have more questions so I will post a part 2 soon. I will let you know where the best places to buy/invest in properties in NCR are. 😁 Can't wait for the next article? Well then contact me now with your property requirements and preferred price range. I'll be your artsy real estate agent at your service!

Lucy Stephanie
Sun/Viber/WhatsApp: +6392 1800 937
Globe/Telegram: +63917 768 8444


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What do you think about Metro Manila so far? Feel free to share below! 😉

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