Housing developments continue to up their game in terms of concept, design, and amenities. These are the standouts for the year:
Luzon continues to strengthen its reputation as having the most dynamic real estate industry of the three island groups. While condominiums are gaining bigger support from mostly foreign corporate lessors in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, the housing side does not fall short of expectations, as houses are still the traditionally preferred choice of big and mature families.
The good thing is that all the interest and demand is being reciprocated by developers that are setting up various projects in the provinces. These developments, in turn, up the investment value of the area.
Other regions, especially those south of Manila, are seeing growing demand from families and property buyers that have been disillusioned from the harshness of the never-ending Metro Manila traffic. To them, the longer travel distance is a fair trade-off.
Laguna, in particular, has evolved into a full-fledged metropolis set in the beauty of nature. Developers tap into this advantage to offer prospective residents the perfect balance of urban and rural living. Residents of the area are able to enjoy the same conveniences as Metro Manila dwellers do.
Farther down, in Bicolandia, the region is rapidly adapting to the changing times. BPO companies have made the move to Naga, Camarines Sur while the biggest SM mall in the Bicol Region opened in Legazpi, Albay.
On the opposite direction, north of Metro Manila, Central Luzon is also poised to become a hotspot. Developers have already taken advantage of the modernization and the infrastructure improvements taking place.
With the world-class Clark International Airport already serving as the country’s gateway to the north and the promise of easier access between Bulacan and the capital through the upcoming MRT-7 line, business in the region is booming, which means more people are willing to relocate.
Such is the reason why a myriad of mixed-use developments has started cropping up in Pampanga. These projects put business, commercial, residential, and leisure features all in one community.
Indeed, all these prove that the real estate industry in Luzon has become more competitive over the years as a saturated market in Metro Manila takes a backseat. Developers offer housing solutions that cater to a wide spectrum of buyers and investors.
The Outlook: Philippine Buyer’s Choice Property Awards recognized the best in the market in an awards gala held last November 15, 2018 at Makati Shangri-la. The results were determined by an independent and reputable panel of judges and a survey conducted to 10,000 property seekers. The awards night, meanwhile, is an annual gathering of the real estate industry’s most influential personalities. Besides the awards, several keynote speakers also shared insights on the industry, giving the event attendees much to learn and ponder on.
The awards for Luzon – House are as follows:
Best Affordable House of the Year 2018
An award presented in recognition of the affordable housing project—with an average unit price of up to Php 50,000 per square meter—in Luzon that best matches moderate pricing with excellence in concept, design, amenities, and facilities.
Best Premium House of the Year 2018
An award presented in recognition of the premium housing project—with an average unit price above Php 50,000 per square meter—in Luzon with superior value that matches its high-end concept and design.
And here are the winners for the Top House Developments in Luzon for 2018:
Best Affordable House of the Year 2018: Claremont by Filinvest Land, Inc.
Claremont (“claro” for clear, “mont” for mountain) in Mabalacat Pampanga has the majestic view of Mt. Arayat at the core of its offering. It may fall under the affordable housing category, but the development offers Kapampangans access to an upgraded lifestyle with its design and features.
The modern Asian aesthetics gives the whole community a clean and manicured look that cuts across age and gender. The design perfectly parallels with its promise to provide a comfortable metropolitan lifestyle without the traffic, noise, and pollution because it is situated so close to nature.
The floor area of the houses ranges from 94 to 169 square meters, with lots going from 120 to 320 square meters. Models come in two-storey single detached and one-storey single attached, with two to three bedrooms and one to two toilet and baths. Amenities combine style and function all for value for money. These include swimming pools, clubhouse, function halls, parks, and jogging trails, basketball court, and picnic grounds.
Best Premium House of the Year 2018: Portofino Alabang by Brittany Corporation
Portofino Alabang is also a themed master planned estate that channels the charms of old world Italy—where life is celebrated in every way—and the contemporary chic of modern Europe. It aims to be a place that is both inspiring and inspired.
Elegance comes in the form of classic Italian architectural flourishes such as cupolas, gabled roofs, and pocket gardens. On the other hand, upscale urban elements of exclusivity, luxury, and proximity complete the Portofino offering. It is located at the heart New Alabang, where peace and quiet co-exist with access to premium locales and experiences.
Within the community, enclaves make up the masterplan: Portofino Heights take inspiration from cosmopolitan Italy; Courtyards of Portofino channels the Old World with sun-drenched colors; Portofino South takes the cue from urban Italian architecture; the WideLots allow for bigger outdoor space and an even more generous home size; finally, Amore at Portofino brings the same level of excellence and quality to a slightly more accessible price range.
The sprawling development houses a wide range of amenities that enable active lifestyles. At Portofino Heights’ Monte di Portofino is the Roman lap pool, a fully equipped gym, a badminton court, a basketball court, a tennis court, and a landscaped jogging trail. It is also the site of the clubhouse, grand ballroom, function rooms, and an outdoor amphitheater. Meanwhile, Portofino South’s Parco di Portofino has an interactive play pool and a basketball court. A clubhouse, badminton court, and fitness center are in the pipeline.
To know more about The Outlook 2018, visit the official website.
