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Investment and balikbayans may not often figure in the same sentence, although now more than ever is the best time for overseas Filipinos to take care of their financial health
USA. Saudi Arabia. Canada. Singapore. Dubai. Hong Kong.
Whichever the destination, Filipinos who decide to work abroad have one reason in common for doing so: To provide a good life for themselves and their families left behind in the Philippines. But more than just having a decent salary and providing a good life for their families, it is also very important for every overseas Filipino to save and take care of their financial health—and in the process, secure their future. Being unable to do so will just negate the short-term benefits of earning enough at present and will render all their sacrifices pointless—for it is the future financial well-being that every one of us must prepare for.
While there are a variety of ways overseas Filipinos can invest their hard-earned cash in, many believe that the wisest financial decision would be to put their money aside for a property purchase, either as a first home or an investment property. As property is an investment that is often deemed secure, the adage “safe as houses” could not be more apt to describe it.
1. A Property Investment Can Endure Risks
Especially if done so using the buy-and-hold strategy, a property investment has proven to be a safe option amid economic uncertainties. Demand for homes is always present, be it from expat renters; newly wed couples and starting families looking to find a good place to raise kids; or even a growing family whose kids are now starting to go to school and therefore need a place that is as accessible as it is livable. Not only that, a property is always expected to grow in value over time, as real estate is something that comes in finite quantities. This ensures that what you invested in right now will be worth more 5 or 10 years from now.
2. Your Dollar Now Is Worth More in Peso
With the peso–dollar exchange rate currently at Php49.50, an overseas Filipino who earns $5,000 will get extra Php12,500 now compared to several months ago. This amount can go a long, long way especially when spent wisely. And what better way to spend this extra cash than on a property. With some developers’ spread-out down-payment and other flexible payment schemes, overseas Filipinos can gradually build their equity on a property, even a preselling one, that will not leave a huge hole on their pocket.
3. Real Estate Is Always Useful
Whatever the reason for buying one, a piece of real estate is always useful, especially those bought as first or primary home. Imagine having a place to call one’s own, which also grows in value over time. This does not even include the monetary equivalent of the sense of security that owning a home provides, which is priceless.
But besides having a primary home, a property investment can also be utilized in a variety of ways. For instance, Metro Manila’s leasing market, especially in the central business districts, is highly buoyant thanks to the presence of expat employees of the BPO industry and multinational companies. Young Filipino professionals, too, are seeing the benefits of renting an apartment near their work place, as the metropolis’ streets are too stressful to navigate every single day. With a constant stream of renters coming into the market, a rental condo is a great way to earn passive income.
4. More Useful and Flexible Properties Are Coming into the Market
In order to set themselves apart from their competitors, Philippine real estate developers are coming up with clever ways to provide their buyers more value for their money’s worth. Aside from the usual amenities that come with a condo purchase, developers now introduce amenities that suit their buyers’ lifestyles. These newer and exciting amenities include coworking spaces for budding entrepreneurs, multipurpose spaces for socials and events, and pause and play rooms, which is more than just your normal game room. And all these and more will be available in Megaworld Corporation’s upcoming Makati condos: The Ellis, situated along L.P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village; and San Antonio Residence situated along Malugay Street, San Antonio, Makati.
The Ellis Makati: More Than Just a Condo
Having your home at The Ellis will give you a taste of what the Makati central business district is all about: convenient, walkable, and strategically located. This condo development was designed and conceptualized with the entrepreneurial and creative in mind, with features and amenities unlike those found among its peers.
Its Town Hall, an elegant and contemporary events space, can be the host of one’s most fulfilling occasions and promising business undertakings; the Pause and Play Room is where one can relish the joy of much-needed and equally important down times; the CoLAB Space is a place where a resident can pursue their entrepreneurial initiatives in shared working spaces that are as efficient as they are conducive; and Link Units, studio units adjacent to main living spaces, which can be transformed into a home office, a workshop, or even a rental property. These Link Units redefine work–life balance as they seamlessly blend a person’s home and work life without sacrificing one for the other.
San Antonio Residence: Epitome of Efficient Makati
San Antonio Residence, a 40-story condo set to rise along Malugay Street in San Antonio, Makati, epitomizes the very city it is located: dynamic, buoyant, and always providing more. Set to rise in a burgeoning Makati area that is now home to artisanal shops and restaurants, San Antonio Residence is primarily intended for starting families who want to live and work in Makati. It is now proving to be popular among millennials and young professionals, who are busy moving up the corporate ladder without compromising valuable family and personal time. It is located a short walk away from Ayala Avenue, and is also conveniently situated close to schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and corporate headquarters.
At Megaworld, there is always something to suit every property buyer’s wants and needs, making them a great investment options for those planning to build their wealth through real estate. Whether one is eyeing a home in the country’s most important city or a condo investment to earn passive income, an overseas Filipino cannot go wrong with Megaworld.
This article was sponsored by Megaworld Makati.
For more information on The Ellis and San Antonio Residence, contact +63917-887-6223; email info@megaworldmakaticbd.com or info@sanantonioresidence.com; or visit www.facebook.com/MCBD.Megaworld, www.megaworldmakaticbd.com, or www.sanantonioresidence.com.
Main image via Shutterstock
