Summary: Real estate is a great investment, regardless of how good or bad the economy is. We’ve listed some prime real estate spots to invest in, along with some tips for making real estate investments.
Read Time: 9 minutes
Are you considering investing in good real estate even during the pandemic? Looking out for an investment property for sale? The terms may confuse real estate investing for beginners, but that should not stop us from being involved. ●Identify your options ● Follow the golden rule: invest in something you can afford ● Connecting with a real estate broker ● Foreclosed property ● REITs As an investor, you need to determine your investment goals. To help you make that decision, here’s a quick guide on how to spot an excellent real estate investment that will work for you.
Identify your Options
Are you planning to buy a property that you would rent out for a business? Or maybe invest in a good house and lot and then later consider reselling it for more? How about buying a well-placed condominium in a bustling street to attract renters? Or maybe you are looking for a house and lot outside the metro so you have a place where people can relax? No matter what plans you have for buying that property, the bottom line is that location will be necessary. Manila still serves as the prime location for business and investment today. It ranks 9th place as one of the fastest-growing Asia-Pacific cities in the 2018-2022 growth forecast. It has continued to attract investors because of its location and opportunities. If you consider a condominium, condominium prices are average PHP 130,000 per square meter in this significant city. Makati is a well-established business district that provides convenient access to public transport systems and pedestrian-friendly streets. Residential properties are at an arm’s length away from your favorite mall as well as businesses and offices. Bonifacio Global City is another bustling business district in that you should look out for investments. It’s an advantage it doesn’t get heavily congested like the other mentioned cities. One of its key features, which may be a deal-breaker, is that it promotes a nature-friendly environment and offers a few green pocket spaces and community parks. You cannot deny that the area also boasts top-of-the-line shopping malls, an active, vibrant nightlife, and a dining experience. This is perfect for young professionals to balance work and life. How about going outside of Manila? You may consider buying property in Alabang or Tagaytay. Alabang is known to have modern shopping centers, commercial establishments, and an already established business hub. In contrast, Tagaytay has proven to be a favorite leisure destination near the metro worth checking out. Maybe you are considering investing in buying property in the provinces. Consider your options well and look at indicators that the surrounding area will surely appreciate in its time. You need to know if a new mall will rise or if a highway connection is planned in the area. Developers have changed the former rural landscape and have created centers for urban growth beyond the metro. The influx of commercial developments in provinces has created a rising appeal to migrate outside Metro Manila. Sometimes, knowing where the next Jollibee or Mcdonalds or SM is a good indicator of how investors consider the area’s potential. Foreigners may consider investing here because of the low cost of living, inviting beaches, beautiful flora and fauna, tropical climate, and very friendly and accommodating. They are prohibited from owning land in the Philippines, but they can legally own a residence. This opens up a lot of opportunities for global real estate to flourish here.
Invest in Something you can Afford
As the saying goes, don’t count the chickens until the eggs are all hatched; basically, it is the same thing with real estate investment. It would help if you determine your financing strategy. Can you afford to buy a property in cash? Or will you need financing or loans? You can always look into financing options through banks or government housing loans to finance your property investment. How about buying a property and then renting it out so you can have a “self-liquidating investment”? This is most likely the case for condominium investors, but it also happens for house and lot owners or business establishments. A steady rental income will ensure that you will manage your amortization payments for the property if you have financed it.
Connect with a trustworthy Real Estate Broker
Avoid the usual mistakes of first-time investors. Find a dependable real estate broker. You can easily find them in an open house, through a bit of research on your own using Linkedin, or maybe someone that was referred to you. You need to identify with your broker your desired town and neighborhood, the property size, and of course, your budget. It would be best if you could narrow down with your broker the choices you have in a real estate investment so that he can provide you with the best possible offers. In return, the real estate broker should discuss with you how you can manage your investment and the estimated ROI.
Investing in Foreclosed Properties The bank’s objective is the disposal of these foreclosed assets. This means that prices can be much lower than the fair market value and terms are most likely negotiable. Information regarding these assets is usually released through classified ads and bank newsletters. Do take note that banks will have their accredited brokers handle these properties for them.
Looked at REITs REITs are referred to as Real Estate Investment Trusts. These real estate investment companies own and operate real estate properties to generate income. We are talking about hotels, data centers, cell towers, hospitals, commercial areas, office spaces, shopping centers, apartments, warehouses, and other buildings. REITs make money from the rent income. These companies would simply lease a property and collect the rent, and they then pay back their investors through dividends. REITs must pay out at least 90% of their taxable income to their investors, which is quite different from other investments. Some may even go as to give back 100%. If you are interested in REIT investing, then here’s how you can invest: 1. Open a trading platform that offers REITs. Or you can invest in REIT ETFs (exchange-traded funds). These funds support the majority of their assets in equity REIT securities and related derivatives. REIT ETFs are passively diversified around an index of publicly traded real estate owners. 2. Do diligent research on REIT companies. Lean on companies with significant properties and known to have many tenants. 3. You can buy shares of REITs using an accredited online broker from the Philippine Stock Exchange. Examples will be BDO Securities, First Metro Securities, and COL Financial.
To sum this all up, before deciding on your property investment, you need to consider your financial goals. How much are you willing to earn from your property? What will be your equity in real estate? Are you going to consider renting them out to create a regular passive income? Are you going to invest further, seeing that the market is thriving? What will be your exit strategy, just in case? Real estate investment has proven to be one of the best opportunities available, and now is the best time to get involved.