A post-pandemic world may be a world of uncertainty, but experts are optimistic about the economy’s financial forecast, and its gradual, but continuous recovery.
A year and a half since the onset of the pandemic, most countries, including the Philippines, are on the road to recovery. Some are opening their borders now for leisure travel, but with additional requirements like a vaccination pass and mandatory quarantine. Governments are now focusing on public infrastructure and other projects that boost their economies. People who have been confined to their homes are now regaining the confidence to step out and head to malls, parks, tourist spots that they have sorely missed, and even go on vacation. The workplace is now starting to receive office workers, albeit in a limited capacity and with social distancing and health protocols in place, which is great news for companies and organizations who had to scale down before. And for many who have been in the market for a luxury house and lot or properties for sale, now is the time to resume the homebuying journey.
The homebuying journey is an exciting yet time and money-consuming process. And if you are dreaming to own one of the most expensive houses in the Philippines, resuming the dream feels exhilarating. Continuing the search among the many properties for sale can certainly bring back the feeling of being able to regain financial freedom after putting it on hold because of the uncertainty. Going on trippings and exploring your choices among the luxury homes can definitely regain economic confidence back.
But of course, there is always that question of whether you should continue your home buying journey now since the pandemic is still here. What will the economic future of this country be post-pandemic, even for at least the next two years? And with the unpredictable nature of the coronavirus, will we expect another decline again? Will the country need to shut down and enter into the longest lockdown again?
Not exactly, at least according to a financial forecast by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The financial institution said the Philippines can sustain its economic growth throughout 2022 as long as it is supported by sustained growth in the country’s national vaccination program, public infrastructure spending, and consumer confidence. The bank also said that the gross domestic product (GDP) growth of the country is at 4.5 percent for the year 2021 and 5.5 percent in the year 2022.
GDP, by definition, is a monetary measure of the market value of all the final goods and services produced in a country in a specific time period. This means if the country’s GDP is rising, it simply means that the country is in solid shape and on track in its economic growth moving forward.
Real estate analysts at Colliers International Philippines also echoed a similar forecast, adding that the real estate industry is looking brighter for 2022. There is a demand for mid-income and luxury homes among homebuyers, and the industry experts are projecting that developers will be shifting their focus on these business segments to fill in the demand. They noted that the “subsequent reabsorption of office space” and the continuous vaccination rollout will help prop up the demand for these luxury homes in the Philippines.
And the banking sector is expected to help out too. Colliers said that the two-percent interest rate put in place by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) plus developer discounts and other concessions will encourage more homebuyers to start or resume their homebuying journey because of such attractive payment terms.
The pandemic has also influenced the current requirements of homebuyers in a living space. While prime location is still the most coveted requirement, properties with larger square footage and innovative facilities and amenities are now treated as non-negotiables, at least until the end of this year. Colliers said that the take-up of mid-income to luxury projects accounted for 98 percent.
But this does not resolve the unpredictable nature of the virus. ADB said the main risk to the country’s post-pandemic financial forecast is the spread of newer, more contagious variants. The entire world had to shut down economic activities and impose strict containment measures. A single variant could certainly spell the return of the lockdowns and the implementation of these very limiting measures.
And if it happens while you are in the process of buying a home, how will you protect yourself once that post-pandemic forecast happens?
Choosing the Right Investment
Choosing an investment-grade property will help ease the financial worry of keeping a home, regardless of the economic uncertainty.
But beyond the attractive prices, ease of payment, and the allure of innovative facilities and amenities in luxury homes, it is important that you choose the right one – an investment-grade property.
But what makes a property “investment-grade”? We list down the things you should look out for in an investment-grade property:
Competitive Edge on the Financial Forecast
A luxury property has a “competitive edge” when it offers something that cuts above the rest. This means that the luxury house and lot you should invest in should be able to offer what no other property in the market can.
For example, how unique is it to own a property at the only pine estate South of Metro Manila? Crosswinds Tagaytay is a massive mountain development that houses over 35,000 lofty pine trees. The only pine estate not only in Southern Manila, but in the entire country, owning a luxury house and lot already gives your real estate investment that competitive edge because there is nothing like it, at least in the Philippines.
Crosswinds Tagaytay offers breathtaking vistas and vantage points. Featuring lush, rolling terrains that draw vision towards the aerial views of the rest of Tagaytay City and Metro Manila, Crosswinds Tagaytay is not just an idyllic place to call home, but a tourist attraction in itself. Who does not want to drive, bike, or even just walk and take in the rolling terrains of the resort development? You’ll immediately feel a sense of ease, comfort, and relaxation brought by the natural surroundings plus the cool, pine-scented air of the refreshing Tagaytay.
Tagaytay is a world-class property that provides a refreshing escape for anyone who wants to take a break from the pressure and drudgery of everyday urban life, more so for people who have to stay in place during these extraordinary times.
Also, you will never find a similar development like Crosswinds Tagaytay, for it itself is a world on its own. The commanding Swiss-inspired homes and residential buildings, which are all situated along the natural slopes of the exclusive community, will make you feel that you are indeed no longer in the Philippines anymore. The lush flora calls to mind an exotic holiday getaway you’d always want to come back to.
Proximity and Access
Property value is made up of two components; land value and building value. The financial forecast for physical buildings and houses tend to depreciate over time, but not land. Tenants will typically be attracted to properties with more building value (accommodation) whereas investors should be attracted to properties with more land value. That’s why newer properties or luxury properties that are located in prime locations tend to achieve a higher amount of rental income and lower capital growth.
If your luxury home is located, say, amongst opulent mansions in the Philippines or the most expensive homes in the Philippines, it doesn’t mean that for this very reason your property value will appreciate. Your luxury property should be located where land values are projected to appreciate well.
But what does “prime location” mean? Usually, “prime location” means that it is centrally located. For example, Tagaytay is also a popular real estate hotspot for people looking for houses and lots, condominiums, and other residential properties. And for those who can afford it, luxury homes in Tagaytay are quite popular. Search for a luxury house and lot in Tagaytay or luxury lots in Tagaytay are also driven by real estate enthusiasts who see the tourism potential of the real estate in the city.
Tagaytay is only 90 minutes away from Metro Manila, the domestic and international airports, it offers a mountainous respite for people who want a quick getaway from city life. The awe-inspiring sights from certain vantage points, the amazing luxury homes, the plethora of restaurants and cafes, and several attractions in the area never fail to satisfy locals and tourists who want to unwind, relax, and enjoy away from the metro.
Luxury properties in Tagaytay are even considered by retirees or foreigners who are looking to settle down in the future. And buyers (or even dreamers) who are seeking the right property that is nestled in an exclusive neighborhood designed and developed for ultimate privacy, comfort, and convenience need not look further than Tagaytay.
Product Lines and Interior Finish Options
This luxury house and lot at Lausanne, Crosswinds features Swiss architectural lines and European furnishings, high-quality attributes that can stand the test of time, and even real estate trends.
Property values tend to be objective and static. Or if they do change, it takes many decades to change. Therefore, the characteristics of an investment-grade property should be able to drive up value over a long period of time. While modern-looking properties are favorable, the classics will always be a more sensible option.
One can expect the quality of the real estate choices you will have at Lausanne, a new residential enclave in Crosswinds Tagaytay. The enclave houses Swiss-style luxury homes with three-floor levels, including an attic. Inspired by European chalets, each luxury house and lot is built with high-quality materials, including asphalt shingles with roofing insulation, synthetic stones, cement clapboard in the paint finish, wood and metal works in stain or paint finish. Windows are of powder-coated aluminum with a clear glass finish.
Expense is also not spared for interiors. The doors are solid panel doors with a standard lockset, casing, and stopper. All closets and cabinets are modular with cabinet pulls. Each room in the luxury home is furnished with the finest fixtures and tiling.
Proven High Return On Investment (ROI)
When choosing a luxury property, it is important to check the past sales history of its developer to assess investment performance.
Brittany Corporation by Vista Land is a high-end property developer in the Philippines that seeks to address the demand for such definitions of investment-grade, luxurious properties. From lush, premium house and lot residential communities to high-end condominium enclaves, Brittany Corporation aims to offer the most sought-after bespoke lifestyle that allows an extravagant, effortless quality of life, both indoors and outdoors.
Moreover, Brittany has a solid reputation not only in luxury home developments but also has a 20-year track record in estate building. As a subsidiary of Vista Land & Lifescapes, the Philippines’ largest homebuilder, Brittany has proven its expertise in developing award-winning residential communities that are inspired by the world’s greatest destinations, such as Crosswinds Tagaytay.
Real Estate Financial Forecast: Investing in the Pandemic
As we face the reality of the pandemic, so is the need of making the right investment, especially if you are investing using your hard-earned money. And when it comes to buying a luxury property, your attention should be laser-focused on choosing the one that is investment-grade. We recommend that you choose properties that have the competitive edge, has the proximity and access to that can drive long-term investment value, with high-quality exteriors and interiors, and is from a developer that has a proven record of building properties with high return on investment.
If you are still in the property search stage, finding an investment-grade property should also warrant some expert advice – or at the very minimum a second opinion. You need a trusted real estate expert to not only help you select the right luxury home, but also help you with the homebuying process every step of the way.
When you seek professional advice you benefit from the working knowledge of the current real estate market and the experience of buying and selling real estate properties in the pandemic. Working with a real estate broker or agent will give you the advantage of banking on the professional expertise in investing luxury real estate in these uncertain times.