Many people have misconceptions of what upscale living is. Most of it stem from the fact that upscale living only means luxury living. This means spending lots and lots of money on high-end products without weighing whether or not it is worth the investment. However, many real estate inventors have come to terms that while upscale living can be associated with luxury living, there is actually more to it that most first-time home inventors do not know. Read on to learn more about what upscale living means and why you should consider experiencing the upscale living at Portofino Alabang.

Furthermore, with the global pandemic changing the course of the world and the way everybody is living and managing their lives, take for example, the way some schools and companies are settling on studying and working from home or mixed-use, many families are starting to look for communities that have close proximity to urban conveniences such as retail shops, commercial establishments, banks, markets, and eateries. For many potential homebuyers, this also means upgrading their way of life by settling in a community that has the luxury and the promise of upscale living at a competitive price.

Why you should strive to experience upscale living?

We’ve listed down a few reasons on why you should strive to experience upscale living for you and your family.

1. Upscale living is all about comfort and comfort means affluence

   If you are to splurge a large of money to a certain service or product, make sure that it gives and prioritizes your comfort above all. Now, if it’s a house to settle in, you have to assure that it is the kind of investment that will let you have an upscale lifestyle. This means being able to live in a home that offers you the comfort of a real home. Bear in mind that not all houses give off the comfort you are wanting to go home for. And while it is true that it is the people inside the house that makes a house a home, it is undeniably true that a great factor comes from ensuring that you get to purchase a house from a real estate developer that specializes in giving its clients an upscale living through the houses they sell.

2. Upscale living comes with security and peace with mind

   What makes exclusive or luxury residential developments stand out from among other communities out there is the security that they offer because of the world-class amenities they have such as a CCTV security system, outdoor sensors, security fences, and a group of patrolling guards. In such a time as this, it is important to ensure that your upscale lifestyle includes living in a secured real estate property situated in a prime location where home intrusion is less likely to happen. With increasing cases of home robbery or home intrusion, you have to invest in a property that gives the highest priority to you and your family’s safety. After all, living in a safe and secured property means never having to worry about any form of intrusion or crime. Hence, the peace of mind.

3. Upscale living guarantees clean living for you and your family

   Upscale living upholds one’s well-being and health that’s why many people look at it as a great wealth or treasure of life. After all, how are you going to enjoy the luxury lifestyle ahead of you if your health is deteriorating? This is why upscale living is the trend, especially now that the global pandemic is still scaring everybody. A healthy lifestyle always starts with living in a surrounding or neighborhood that is clean and tidy. And this means having a nature reserve-like surrounding with fresh air and sprawling trees. Besides, if your home is situated in a clean, green environment, it will also inspire you to maintain your home as well as the surrounding of it clean and tidy. And if everything around you is clean, germs that cause diseases will less likely infest you and your family.

4. Upscale living means great aesthetics and picturesque neighborhood

   A distinguishing characteristic of houses that inspire upscale living is that they are created with great architecture design. Both the interior and the exterior are marked with beautiful aesthetic that reflects the overall ambiance of the house or at times, the theme of the real estate development. Moreover, houses that inspire upscale living also radiates a nice view of the neighborhood where they are situated. Most of the times, upscale living is leaning towards enhancement of new developments in the community that will improve the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood.

5. Upscale living values modern convenience

   Upscale living also has to keep up with the modernity of the times. This means guaranteeing all the modern conveniences that the homebuyers are looking for in the community they want to settle in. Communities that inspire upscale living shall be situated in a prime location where commercial establishments, markets, restaurants, schools, hospitals, banks, and mass transportations shall be available at all times.

Vista Alabang: one of Brittany properties that lets you experience upscale living at Portofino

Perhaps, after learning the perks and what encompasses an upscale living, you are desiring for a community that will give you exactly just like that. Good thing, through Brittany Corporation, the premier name in luxury real estate development in the Philippines as well as the subsidiary of Vista Land & Lifescapes, which happens to be the largest homebuilder in the country, offers you master planned communities just like the one that is located in Vista Alabang to make your upscale living come true. Because of this, Brittany Corporation is known for being the luxury residential arm of Vista Land & Lifescapes.

If you are thinking of settling in the South, look no more because Brittany offers you Portofino Alabang which is a reimagined luxury living in the Philippines as it is inspired by the Old World Italy. The said thematic luxury community houses the most beautiful houses in the Philippines which are perfect for a family who wants to experience a high quality of life.

Currently, Vista Alabang, a 1,500 hectare Italian-inspired community, has three enclaves. These enclaves have their luxury homes with details that make a comfortable residential area as well as amenities and features that will give you and your family a modern convenience at a competitive price. Having said that, Vista Alabang enclaves are as follow: Portofino South, Portofino Heights, and Amore at Portofino. All of these enclaves are known for their Old Italian charm and contemporary chic of modern Europe: cupolas, cobblestone pathways, gabled roofs, and pocket gardens. Aside from this, they do have features which you do not normally see on a residential community.

At Portofino Alabang, features such as clubhouse, swimming pool, sun deck with lounge chairs, multi-purpose hall, fitness gym, activity area, meeting room, and basketball court await you. Other enclaves have badminton court, grand ballroom, tennis court, kiddie park, and gazebo. All of these enclaves are also equipped with high-level security and 24/7 roving patrols, CCTV system at all entry and exit points, electric fence on main perimeter areas, and underground utilities for power, cable, and communication.

All of these features, amenities, and details truly testify to the fact that Portofino is a carefully planned luxury community that reflects any family’s dream for an upscale living at Portofino. Not to mention that Portofino Alabang is an award-winning Housing Development in both Philippine Awards and Southeast Asian Awards for 2015.

Furthermore, all of these enclaves give you the modern convenience that come alongside the experience of upscale living at Portofino. Take for example, the Evia Lifestyle Center, a commercial establishment where you can do all the shopping you want as well as take the relaxation you need by strolling around the mall and eating all you favorite food from your most-loved restaurants.

Final Thoughts

It is undeniable true that many prospective homebuyers are leaning towards investing in luxury homes in luxury gated communities like Portofino Alabang. And this is not just a trend in order flaunt a home in a posh neighborhood, but has something to do with a sense of upscale living that offers security, safety, convenience, and luxury altogether. Furthermore, at any given point in time, and regardless of the global pandemic and economic conditions, this is the dream for many families. Hence, the demand for settling in a luxury home may rise and fall, but it never goes away. This is why you have to secure the best partner in giving you that. With Brittany Corporation as well as its Brittany homes, the promise is sure to be delivered. After all, Brittany builds more than just Brittany properties. These are communities that strive to let families experience upscale living at Portofino as its rich in sophistication and thematic appeal. Consider contacting Brittany now to seal the deal!

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The influence brought about by the American colonization of the Philippines has never died down since 1898. If anything, it has only continued to grow and evolve. From religion, government, and education; down to music, entertainment, food, and fashion; even to the way houses are dressed, the imprint of America has become an indelible mark in the blood of the Filipinos.

Nowadays, whether it is to land a well-paying job, own the latest iPhone 13 Pro Max, be a millionaire, or indulge in the American lifestyle; everything around us exudes the American image. Who can be blamed? The United States is such a flourishing country with almost everything to offer. And getting a taste of American-inspired life is a luxury for the few.

Brittany is committed to offering as many of the most stellar and luxurious lifestyle experiences to its homeowners as possible. Its themed luxury houses and land developments across the Philippines provide the answer to every Filipino’s dream of a luxury home with the utmost comfort and indulgence. So if you are a home seeker who desires to relish American home living, there is no better place to be than in one of Brittany’s trademarks: the grand Old-American style luxury homes in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The Beginning of American Architecture

American architecture has formally begun in the 17th century with the first settlers of North America using the traditionally called Colonial architecture. This early architecture was as diverse as the settlers from various European countries, which included Spain, England, North Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Sweden. Each group of these settlers brought with them the building styles and practices as well as the prevailing forms of their respective homelands and adapted them to the conditions of their new homeland.

Altogether, there were about seven basic colonial designs, including Spanish colonial architecture, New England colonial architecture, Dutch colonial architecture, Swedish colonial, Pennsylvania colonial, French colonial architecture, and Southern colonial. The construction of buildings during this time was dependent on available resources.

When Europeans migrated to the United States, wood and brick were the materials mostly used in the construction of English buildings in New England, and some other parts of the coasts in the south. This brought conquest and destruction of the existing buildings of the native people, devaluing their dwellings and settlement construction techniques as compared to the colonial standards.

The colonizers seized these territories and sites and transformed them into new dwellings, forts, missions, churches, and agricultural developments. The English settlements were separated into the large plantations in the South, and the small towns in the North. Towards the end of the colonial period, a more precise study of ancient Greek and Roman buildings began to appear in the architectural styles of Europe.

Queen Anne style architecture is one of the Victorian architectural styles that emerged in the United States during the late 18th to early 19th century, although the style bears almost no connection to the original Queen Anne style architecture in Britain. The term “Queen Anne” is an alternative both to the French version of the Second Empire style that preceded the Richardson Romanesque and Shingle styles and the less “domestic” Beaux-Arts style. It was broadly applied to furniture, decorative art, and architecture from 1880 to 1910. One of the distinguishing features of some Queen Anne architectural elements is the wrap-around front porch of the house.

The War of Independence

The insurrection of Great Britain’s 13 North American colonies that won political independence and went on to form the United States of America triggered the American Revolutionary War. The conflict was caused by Great Britain’s attempt to impose greater control over her North American colonies and make them compensate the crown for its defense during the French and Indian War (1754-63). Fighting began with the clashes between American provincials and British regulars at Lexington. The Americans fought the war on land with basically two types of organizations: the state militias and the Continental (national) army. The war followed growing estrangement between the British crown and a large and influential segment of its North American colonies for more than a decade.

In the spring of 1774, the First Continental Congress was convened in response to the Intolerable (Coercive) Acts of the British Parliament. It was attended by fifty-six deputies who represented all the colonies except Georgia. The Continental Congress is the body of delegates who collectively spoke and acted for the people of the colony-states that later became the United States of America. In 1777, the American flag was adopted as a sign of freedom, and its design encompasses both the nation’s history and patriotic ideals. Its 50 stars represent the 50 states of the Union, and the 13 alternating stripes of red and white symbolize the 13 original colonies.

According to the Department of State of the United States, the official colors of the American flag are “Old Glory Red”, “Old Glory Blue”, and basic “White”. These colors were exactly specified in the 10th edition of the Standard Color Reference of America.

Red represents the hardiness, valor, and sometimes the blood shed by those who have fought for the freedom of the country. Blue stands for justice for all, as well as vigilance and perseverance, urging Americans to remain watchful and strong.

And white signifies purity and innocence. As these are cloth color standards, there is no best method to convert them to RGB or CMYK for digital viewing and printing. However, the Department of State prescribed the Pantone Matching System colors in its style guide.

Pantone Matching System

The Pantone matching system is the most important color-matching system in the world. This originated in 1963 to solve the problem of color matching in the printing industry. Hues were given a specific number to classify them. Not long after, the Pantone matching system became the simplest way to communicate, classify, and create a color palette with the use of a color catalog in a fan format.

What Distinguishes American Home Living?

There is no denying that the tastes and considerations of Americans towards home decor, structural designs, and architectural styles have changed drastically over the centuries. Reputedly, American interior design embodies independence in your home. It represents a melting pot of architectural elements and is a mix of styles from across the world that transcends time and place.

Designers of American-style homes can pull designs freely from all periods, incorporating the old and the new, creating hues from the colors red and blue, and blending the lowbrows and highbrows to reflect something distinctively unique and of greater significance.

Americans are inclined to be inward-looking and prefer to live in gated communities. One of the aspects that sets American homes apart from other homes is their size. Its interiors lean toward isolated living, which can be visibly perceived in the sizes of its abodes and free spaces in the yards. American interior designs are closely connected to the English style, which features expansive spaces, usually kitchen-dining-living spaces, and high-end furniture pieces smartly arranged so the interior will not look cramped.

Other than being an epitome of freedom, the colors of America is also a symbol of elegance in simplicity with their more or less neutral tone wall finishes, exuding the stately mansion vibe of the royal blood in the history of America.

Brittany Sta. Rosa Properties: The Philippines’ American Luxury Homes

Brittany has been a top luxury home provider in the Philippines for many years. Its 20-year track record of pioneering luxury-themed brand developments in the country has proven Brittany’s expertise in developing residential communities spawned from the inspiration of the world’s most distinguished destinations.

One of its proudest land developments is the famed Brittany Sta. Rosa Properties in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. It takes pride in its four distinct enclaves known for their classic American architectural styles, namely: the quaint English country manor of Promenade, the Southern American vibe of the Georgia Club, the idyllic life within a charming and picturesque landscape of Augusta, and lastly, the Belle Reve with its French-Mediterranean ambiance.

Stepping inside the luxury house and lot in Sta. Rosa grants its homeowners the privilege of traveling back in time to the timeless grandeur of the Southern American home style of the 1800s. Home seekers of American homes who want to explore the historical design points of the classic period and experience the old-fashioned vibe and nostalgia of neoclassical home traits, plus the nature-inspired sustainable designs – choose to invest in the Sta. Rosa Laguna house and lot for sale in Brittany.

Luxury Palettes: Colors of Old America

You may want to choose this design if you’re a history buff and enjoy discovering and experiencing the classic period’s design elements. Brittany’s luxury mansions in Sta. Rosa is a renowned residential property that exudes an air of antiquity and nostalgia associated with neoclassical architecture.

Read this article to check out other colors of Brittany: The Color Palette of Luxury

American Homes Interior Design

Of course, owning your own house and lot near Nuvali with a classic American architectural design is not enough. You have to match your home’s style with your interior design. After investing in a luxury house and lot in Sta. Rosa, you will want to design your interiors like that of an American to get the best experience of the classic American home. Let’s talk about some of the features of American-styled spaces inside the home.

The Living Room

The American living room does not have any particular color. Typically, walls are finished with wallpaper, while buttressed wooden panels are at the bottom of the wall. Since the American interior does not usually use partitions or dividers between rooms, the living room connects with the kitchen. Hence, it is necessary to enlarge the view of space with the help of two types of light.

To get that welcoming vibe, place a couple of chairs, a sofa, and a coffee table as the central pieces of your living room. All the main furniture is in the center, while books, book flower shelves, and other accessories are on the sides.

The Kitchen

The interior of an American-style kitchen does not need to be too costly since you can simply use artificial materials for decoration. A good choice of imitation can also look fancy, as with expensive materials. The interior design of an American-style kitchen usually includes the help of arches, bar counters, partitions, and multi-level ceilings for the division of space.

The color palette of this kitchen style leans towards a range of neutral tones. While bright shades are somewhat rare, the color white is painted on the exteriors of kitchen cabinets. Kitchen sets are placed against the wall, although you can also place an island (work) area in the center of the room if space is enough.

The Dining Area

The dining area is typically in a separate space from that of the kitchen. As for lighting, a central chandelier, as well as spotlights above the work surface, adorn the kitchen-living room. You can also add accessories like curtains, paintings in wooden frames, flowerpots with flowers, and textile decoration elements.

The Bedroom

The Carolyn house model in Brittany Santa Rosa uses blue in its attic bedroom.

The bedrooms with an American interior design can be dressed up with an assortment of modern and antique items. The bed is usually in a traditional style. A couple of nightstands, a dresser, and a spacious cabinet adorn the side. As for the color palette, two primary tones are typically used. The dark colors are for furniture, and the light tones highlight wall decorations, accessories, and textiles.

The Bathroom

Most materials in American bathrooms use tiles for floors, while occasionally, hardwood or laminate are used. The walls can be laid with tiles in the form of a mosaic or painted with textured plaster to welcome simplicity, so the tub itself should be in classic white. The cabinet is placed under the sink, while on the wall is a rectangular or oval mirror.

The Kids Room

The kids’ room is the only room in an American interior design that can ignore the unspoken rule of “only calm and natural paint colors”. You can partition the room into spaces for relaxation, playing, and studying. The bed and other furniture should also be made of wood, and a soft mat should be placed on the floor. The entire space is filled with bright shades, and posters and vinyl stickers are hung on the wall.

The Entry

The entry area of an American-style home has no specific features. It is usually connected with the rest of the rooms and forms a kind of “hallway space” that welcomes visitors. For comfort, you can also place the hanger at the entrance.

The Merit of Interior Design in Luxury Homes

Whether it’s modern or classic or both, your choice of interior design will bring about your own personality into your home. It does not only make your home more beautiful. It also ensures that your home is a space where you feel most comfortable and secure. Always trust in a brand that is not only reputed but can also provide you with the best quality of services and a variety of ideas that you can choose from.

Remember, your luxury home is your future, and the atmosphere within the four corners of your house can affect you in many ways.

Read Next: How To Design Your Home: Colors of Italy

Incredible cuisines, top-rated tourist attractions, famous art cities, and unique scenery; not only that, but also known for its artists, opera, football, fashion, and luxury brands, who would not want to be in Italy? The Italian Republic is famous for many reasons. And its extremely friendly people, passionate about almost everything in life and other disciplines, make the country an all-time favorite go-to destination.

Many foreigners fall in love with the country just after visiting it for the first time. A fascinating country with a prosperous Italian history, opulent architecture, delectable delicacies, and a lot more. So it is no surprise that many non-natives, including Filipinos, aspire to move to this stunning southern European country.

The Pietro pre-selling luxury house model is a charming two-story Italian luxury home for sale in Portofino and Amore’s Italian-inspired communities.

Although Italy is a romantic place to live in, the cost of living in the country is relatively high. Moreover, applying for a D-Visa or National Visa for a long stay there can be quite a hassle.

So if you’re a Filipino national and you’ve dreamed of moving to Italy, yet you find the process quite daunting, Brittany offers you the non-compromised luxury of Italian living without having to leave your homeland. Brittany understands the affluent better.

So if you want to know what Brittany can trot out for your dream of Italian home living, keep reading this article to find out.

The Genesis

Before diving deep into the interior design of Italian homes, let’s take a quick peek at the Italian history of architecture. From the Tower of Pisa and the Trevi Fountain in Rome; to the grand cities of Venice, Rome, Florence, Milan, and Naples, to name a few, every corner of Italy brims with architectural wonders.

Although the history of Italian Republic architecture is a little too complex for closer examination, traces of Roman architectural influences in ancient times can still be seen all over the country. The Roman Republic had captured the idea of structural design in Greece and created their own architectural style.

The 11th and 12th centuries brought a revival to the architecture of ancient Rome. Since then, the Romanesque style with rounded arches and carved portals became the country’s dominant fashion for religious structures and other important buildings throughout Europe.

Thousands of years after, Italy’s fashion remains one of the world’s ruling statements. Modern Italian homes have embraced the same sleek, clean lines as other Western interior design styles, although traces of the Roman influence have still been evident if you look closely enough. Spacious, well-lit space is one example of that. Another is the inclusion of natural elements in the interior of a home as if the inside is an extension of the outside.

A Brief History of Italian National Colours

The flags and coats of arms of Italy have undergone a rich history of iterations since at least the 1200s. The country’s national flag predates Italy’s unification in 1870, becoming the national symbol of Italian unification. Often referred to as Il Tricolore (English: The Tricolors) or the three Italian national colours, the color palette of the country’s flag features equally sized vertical pales of green, white, and red, the national colours of Italy.

These three Italian national colors made their debut in Genoa on a tricolor cockade in August 1789, becoming the first green, white, and red Italian military banner of the Italian armed forces in Milan. The Italian national colours appeared on the Italian flag during its first adoption by the sovereign Italian state. The Cispadane Republic, a Napoleonic sister republic of Revolutionary France, is commemorated in a celebration of the Italian Flag Day called Tricolour Day, held every 7th of January annually.

Splashed across Italian restaurant signs around the world and printed on T-shirts in tourist kiosks across the country, the colors of the Italian national flag are an icon of Italian history and culture.

The Interiors of an Italian Home

Art and Craft, such a creative name for a sophisticated color. | Photo from Dunn-Edwards Paints

Ask any visitor in Italy what word best describes Italian life and you will probably be told somewhere along the lines: La Dolce Vita or La Bella Figura. Italian living is the epitome of the sweet life, a life of pleasure and luxury. This appears to be no different when it comes to Italian homes.

The blend of natural color in earthy tones, ornamental details, and splendid textures are elements that make the color palette of the Italian interior such a prominent home decor theme. Although Italian interiors appear effortlessly stylish and personal, there are still certain things that Italian homes usually follow.

The Use of Italian Color Palette

Portofino Alabang offers ready-for-occupancy luxury houses and lots that showcase elegant exterior and interior features with contemporary simplicity

Italian architecture is famed for its use of warm tones. Although the Italian colours are very rich in chromatic tone, the favorite of these colors is white. Beige, taupe, and a combination of gray hue and light beige are also commonly seen in Italian villas. These tones bring rustic accents of a traditional style home and are very inviting.

It also gives your walls a light and warm feeling instead of a sterile appeal. Moreover, a neutral base lets you utilize many other shades to add a pop of color to your home. You can splash dark red accents, rich golden yellow, blue, deep purple, or shades of green to bring in the color of rolling green hills and foliage in Tuscany and give your home a more authentic look. Italian homes use neutral colors as base wall paint before using other colors to add flavor and life to the interior.

Affixing an Antique Wall Art or Two

One of the most notable interior designs of homes in Italy is an artistic Italian painting attached to a wall. Murals are also arresting decor ideas that give a room a focal point and bring an Italian scene closer to reality. Whether you want to curate a cohesive gallery wall or you go for larger statement pieces, adding antique wall art is a must when converting your modern home into an Italian home.

Maybe a fruit or grapevine in your kitchen, a gorgeous vineyard view or a quaint corner cafe mural over your dining area, an impressive mural of a gondola ride, or a stunning Venetian sunset in your master bedroom. Whatever it is, choose a design that will show your style, taste, and personality.

Ceramic Tile Throughout the Kitchen and Bath

Ceramic tile is an iconic Italian decor that you cannot go wrong with. Whether it be for wall decoration in your bathroom or a floor mosaic, ceramic tiles for the kitchen, bathrooms, and countertops will give a more complete look to your home. According to Tile Space, although there are many options of different tiles to choose from, Italian tiles are one of the highest quality. From vibrant blue tiles to warm orange tiles, using ceramic tiles is a game-changer and can spruce up the space without much effort.

Italian marble, as stated in Touch of Class, is a luxurious addition to your kitchen, while terracotta tiles can add a more traditional look and a nice rustic touch to the space. For Tuscan-themed homes and Italian villas, ceramic tiles provide the convenience of adding some color without removing the traditional and clean Mediterranean look.

Separate Rooms with Elegant Columns

Home Building Products states that columns are great at dividing space and separating rooms, in addition to promoting the size and status of your home. Although it is only doable in larger homes with wider spaces, adding columns is a great way to enrapture your guests with the Italian home vibe. White or ivory columns match the walls surrounding them, while marble ones can elevate them.

The standard of luxury now comes with the added value of a convenient internet experience in the comforts of your own luxury home.

Also, these architectural icons can be used for functional and superficial purposes. Using columns in between your living room and dining room, for instance, can help easily distinguish these two rooms, especially if you use different color schemes in each space.

The Dining Room as a Place of Emphasis

“In Italy, dining is at the heart of family living,” says interior designer Maurizio Pellizzoni in an interview with Stylist. While the kitchen has its own appeal and significance, the dining area is where everyone gets together not only to eat but to also spend time talking over family matters, making it worthy of extra attention. Include a state-of-the-art dining table that is big enough and chairs ample for everyone to gather around. You can add a folding or collapsible table if you want to.

Lighting is also an essential element to set the perfect scene for your dining room. Italians like well-lit meals and fancies overhead lights on at the dining table. If you have a bucolic dining table with warm, dark tones, a nice pendant or chandelier hanging over the center of the table is a perfect choice. Candles also do excellent work in setting the mood for everyone to gather.

A Blend of Rustic and Luxurious Furniture

While antique couches and mirrors are mostly associated with French interiors, the Italian style requires arresting details and luxurious materials. Italian interior is a balance of both vintage and contemporary design.

Although rustic furniture is a good choice to bring the Italian vibe into your home, it is also best to add pieces of statement furniture. Italians like to combine aesthetics and function in the furniture, so you can also look for multipurpose fixtures like chairs or sofa beds with concealed storage compartments in its base.

Traditionally, one distinctive characteristic of Italian furniture is its solid frame made of dark wood. Wood-finished furniture looks very earthy and timeless. From your kitchen to dining tables and barstools, wooden-finished pieces epitomizes Italian style. When matching wood with other materials, try stone or ceramic options to create an earthy combination.

A Balance Between Interiors and Exteriors

According to The Spruce, Tuscany homes and villas are inspired by nature which can be seen in earthy tones and the use of wood and stone as primary materials. Bring a balance between your interiors and your outdoor spaces to complete the Italian home vibe of your luxury home.

You can create an Italian-inspired outdoor space that keeps things simple and still evoke a sense of luxury. You can also add a pot of lemon tree to add some more Italian flair or a Bougainvillea to inspire a Mediterranean look to your exteriors.

Luxury Palettes: Colors of Italy

Homes in Italy, such as those seen in Portofino Alabang, frequently make use of the brand colors of intense orange, dark green, lime, and occasionally pale blue. You might use the colors cream and white on fabrics or interior walls to give off an air of refinement. In addition, you could use neutral and earthy tones to give off the impression of a welcoming ambiance.

You may learn more about Brittany’s other luxurious color schemes by reading this post – The Color Palette of Luxury

Vista Alabang: The Little Italy of Brittany

There is a luxury house and lot in Metro Manila that is a favorite choice for the home living of home seekers who dream of experiencing the air of Italian life. Vista Alabang is a private community in Daanghari subdivisions that offers Italian-inspired residential lots for sale and luxury houses and lots for sale to accommodate the affluent who find the process of immigration to Italy daunting.

A view of Brittany’s classic Italian-inspired luxury house and lot development in Alabang

Amenities, neighboring establishments, locations, and landscapes meet in this community in a detail-oriented master plan. The Vista Alabang properties of Brittany are a redefined Italian luxury in the Philippines that is a blend of sophistication, rustic charm, and distinct elegance and offers innumerable possibilities to the affluent. This house and lot in Daanghari embody the spirit of the Italian Renaissance, which will surely titillate your imagination.

Pre-selling luxury house and lot models and lots only for sale include three land developments of Brittany in Daanghari, namely: Portofino Heights, Portofino South, and Amore at Portofino.

Next Read: What Defines Italian Home Interior Design?
Next Read: 10 Best Colors For Your Bathroom Walls

“Avoiding inflation is not an absolute imperative but rather is one of a number of conflicting goals that we must pursue and that we may often have to compromise.” ~ Paul Samuelson, American Economist

What is inflation?

According to Investopedia, inflation is the gradual loss of buying power of a given currency. Yes, it happens in many countries.

The rise in an economy’s overall average price level for a selected group of products and services over time can be used to derive a quantitative estimate of the pace at which an individual’s purchasing power decreases over the course of a certain period of time. The increase in prices, which is often calculated as a percentage, implies that a unit of currency purchases less than it did previously.

Inflation is usually related to economic activity, stock market, economic cycle, economic analysis, and international monetary fund. The global economy can be deeply influenced by inflation expectations.

Inflation is distinguished from deflation, which occurs once the purchasing power of money rises while prices fall.

What are the Causes of Inflation?

Inflation is caused by the excess in the quantity of money, which can occur through various mechanisms in the economy. Monetary authorities can increase a country’s money supply by:

– Printing and distributing more money to citizens
– Devaluing (lowering the value of) legal tender currency
– The most typical approach is using the banking system to generate new money in the form of reserve account credits. This is accomplished by purchasing government bonds on the secondary market from banks.

In every one of these scenarios, the money loses purchasing power. There are three types of mechanisms that drive inflation: demand-pull inflation, cost-push inflation, and built-in inflation.

Inflation can pose a significant threat to a country’s financial stability. When prices start to rise at an accelerated pace, it can lead to a decrease in purchasing power and economic activity. This, in turn, can lead to a decrease in tax revenue and an increase in government debt.

In addition, high inflation can lead to higher interest rates and a loss of confidence in the currency. As a direct consequence of this, a number of nations adopt measures to bring inflation under control in the hopes of avoiding a financial crisis.

When inflation erodes, a lot of things are affected, such as food and fuel, energy prices, supply chains, consumer goods, and other precious metals. For many countries, higher inflation can lead to a financial crisis.

For an average family, high inflation means consumer price inflation. They will need to organize their household budget well in order to control their consumer spending. Because for sure, there will be increased spending since the prices rise. Consumer prices will be rising. As might be expected, real estate is affected by high inflation as well.

The Impact of Inflation Rate on Real Estate Investments

Investors in real estate should not be concerned about rising inflation. People who are not going to be in a position that is advantageous are likely going to be on the lower segment of the economic spectrum. These people include those who do not have their money invested in the game, those who are wallowing in debt, and those who have a primary residence with a low equity position.

To set the record straight, property owners and real estate investors are not the same thing. Real estate investors don’t necessarily have to be property owners.

For the sake of this discussion, a residential property that does not produce any cash flow is referred to as a “lazy equity property.” If you possess such a home, you should consider selling it.

1. Real Estate has Higher Prices

When you put money in legitimate real estate property investment, you get property appreciation and cash flow—genuine in the manner that your property (asset) is working for you.

Actually, this is excellent news for investors because real estate outperforms other asset classes. But be wary of putting your funds in lazy equity. You would like to have your property work for you rather than against you. Real estate is a reliable asset that can withstand a downturn.

2. High Inflation means High Rent

Real estate would turn into an asset when it generates cash flow (via rents). Investors hedge or leverage the fact that inflation will benefit them for the reason that inflation is just what drives up rents.

Several studies have shown that when inflation is high, rent will go up. Because of this, cash flow goes up.

It’s possible that rent is more expensive than things like food and gas. Keep in mind that, in general, rent prices haven’t gone down much in a long time.

3. When Inflation rises, your debt lessens.

When there is an increase in inflation, the value of the currency will, of course, drop. As a result, as inflation rises, your existing deficit will become less expensive.

Take note that the rate of inflation has a significant impact on the value of the money you are holding. One of the serious inflation impacts is the currency of many countries.

The inflation rate would always have an impact on your household budget and consumer spending. On the other hand, there is also a negative impact of higher inflation on real estate.

4. Construction costs rise because inflation increases.

Since the price increases as inflation increases, materials have become more expensive. With core inflation,  the cost of building materials will start rising as well. There is a lot that goes into real estate development, and all of those prices will increase overall as creeping inflation happens.

It is generally known that when inflation increases,  wages, machinery costs, and building materials increase as well. The rising prices can be a hindrance to your development. Always keep in mind the consumer price index and the possibility of the prices going high, and always take note of the inflation rate.

Inflation rates also position developers and investors in a situation where cost overruns are far more likely. If you intend to build numerous years ago in an inflationary environment, your cost estimation will have to account for the monetary policy of all the building labor and materials.

Make sure to take note of all the crucial inflation expectations. Even though it’s only moderate inflation, prices rise too.

What are the positive impacts of high inflation on the real estate industry?

All in all, the positive impacts of high inflation on the real estate industry outweigh the negative impact. So why not invest in real estate? Why not invest in a wonderful house that you may profit from?

With everything happening around us, especially the pandemic that came last 2020, many people are looking for stable and profitable investment opportunities.

Among the most common ways to invest is in real estate

Investing in real estate means buying and taking care of real estate in order to make money. It could happen when a property goes up in value, is rented out, or is sold. The correct method to get the most out of your real estate investment is to look for new opportunities like sales, discounts, and business intelligence, put money into them, and take advantage of them.

Invest in real estate today, invest in Vista Alabang

Alabang Vista is a skillfully planned residential development that lies within the premier city of Las Piñas, which is located in the country’s capital region. Daang Hari is only about an hour’s drive from the country’s capital, Manila City, and around just a twenty-minute drive from Las Piñas City.

If you need medical attention, the Medical Center Parañaque is only a half-hour drive away. Vista Alabang is only a short drive from several malls and luxury shopping centers, including the famous Vista Malls, such as the Evia Lifestyle Center.

There are numerous walkways and roads in Vista Alabang. They exist not only to connect one location to another but also to create the unique experience of the daily commute. Prepare to stroll down the tree-lined and cobblestoned streets which direct you to tucked-away social areas where you would socialize while experiencing the thrill of discovery.

When the moon rises, delightful street lamps bring to light these well-kept pathways. Furthermore, the strong security guarantees that you will never feel unsafe in the neighborhood’s streets.

For some people, inflation denotes a negative view right away, since interest rates rise, the exchange rate increases. As a whole, there is lower economic growth; the economy suffers. There is indeed a slow economic growth since labor statistics are affected as well. But for real estate investors, can maximize their investment returns, for the borrowing costs increase. The central bankers are raising interest rates as well.

Luxury homes and luxury condominiums are some of the best options for you to invest in real estate. Even if inflation stimulates economic activity, your real estate investment will not be drastically affected, compared to other goods.

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Guidelines for Effective Use of Social Media

In the early days of social media, the “Think Before You Click” slogan became a popular internet safety campaign pushing for the effective use of social media platforms in terms of communication, information dissemination, and more. The main goal of the campaign was to encourage more people to use social media sites like Facebook and Twitter responsibly by carefully evaluating everything they plan to share online. And now that almost everyone is using social media for almost everything — from building connections to buying luxury real estate — the campaign’s reminder remains relevant.

Every post you share publicly can directly or indirectly affect your privacy, career, and overall life. But how is this message relevant to businesses and sales professionals?  No more than ever, many brands use social media as part of their digital marketing strategy. You’ll see corporate accounts promoting their content, interacting with their target audience, and attracting potential customers. Some even recruit employees by sharing job postings through their social media channels. When done right, effective use of social media marketing can increase brand awareness, boost sales, and strengthen brand image.

But just like any other marketing strategies, social media campaigns and activities must be carefully laid out in order to be effective. One wrong post can lead to a PR crisis, or worse, bring the whole business down. And even when your company is not on any social media platforms, its employees’ social media activities can represent the brand in a good way or a bad way. Needless to say, maintaining a solid social media presence is challenging—and this is where social media guidelines help.

So what are Social Media Guidelines?

Social media guidelines are the foundations of effective use of any social media platform. These are the general rules of conduct that lays down how employees must behave on the company’s social media channels and interact with users online. How should you respond to irate clients or negative comments on your page? What company information can be and cannot be shared online? As a professional, do the personal opinions (about subjects like politics, religion, or your co-workers) you share on your personal social media channels reflect the company you are working for? These are just some of the questions social media guidelines can help you with.

For the most part, social media guidelines include: social media etiquettes or do’s and don’ts on social channels, access to shared social media tools and other online resources, anti-online harassment guidelines, cybersecurity tips, and more, which will be discussed as you read through this blog.

Why Do You Need Social Media Guidelines for Effective Use of Social Media in Business?

Protecting your company’s reputation online is one of the main purposes of social media guidelines. By maintaining a social-media friendly voice, alongside positive company values, and ethics on everything you do and post online, you are minimizing the risk of negative feedback or potential legal issues for your brand.

Social media guidelines also help employees become great brand ambassadors. Guiding employees to correctly promote the brand on their own network instead of  restricting their social media activities is a cost-efficient way to increase brand visibility online. If your valuable content is consistently reaching new audiences online, the chances of Remember, people will likely trust testimonials from real people more than paid ads.

Doing it Right: What to Include in Your Corporate Social Media Guidelines

Now that you know what social media guidelines are and how they contribute to a brand’s success, the next big question is: what should you include in it? The answer will always depend on what will fit your company’s interests, goals, and needs. It’s best to assess your current social media guidelines first and listen to employee feedback so you will know if there are any adjustments or questions to address. Every company is different, but there are core sections that you should not skip.

Here are the guidelines for effective social media use for luxury real estate businesses:

A. OFFICIAL COMPANY ACCOUNTS & THEIR PURPOSE 

First, social media guidelines should include links of the company’s official social media accounts including their purpose. Most brands make multiple corporate accounts for different objectives and interests, like recruitment, networking, and content promotion or sales. For example: Brittany Corporation runs its main Facebook account to promote its luxury real estate masterpieces like luxury condo, luxury house and lot in metro manila, and luxury lot for sale. Meanwhile, all milestones, achievements, and job postings relevant to Brittany’s sales professionals are featured on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram under the Brittany Salesforce. This section will guide the social media team to be consistent with their posts.

It’s also best to encourage employees to follow all official corporate accounts so they can mirror how the brand talks and engages in social media. For example, to best represent Brittany Corporation or the Brittany Salesforce on social media, employees should:

• Follow the company’s official social media accounts and share company posts, online campaigns, hashtags, stories, and events.
• Understand that only authorized members of the team can create and access social media accounts on behalf of the Brittany Corporation and the Brittany Salesforce.
• Engage with followers, clients, and competitors with respect and professionality.
• Don’t share confidential information about the brand. This includes any sensitive information like upcoming marketing campaigns, future product launch, financial information, or private life of your co-workers.
• Avoid mentioning competitors when posting or sharing any official content.

B. TRANSPARENCY ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY

As an employee, you must always be transparent about your relation to a brand whenever you talk about any company-related topics in social media. Always disclose your relation or affiliation with the brand whenever you are promoting its product or services. Specifying the company you are working for in your personal social media bio is also encouraged.

Being honest is a critical factor in earning consumer trust. For instance, many potential investors are embracing the convenience of buying luxury real estate online. But purchasing major properties online — like a luxury condo in Crosswinds Tagaytay, the grand luxury homes in the thriving community of Promenade, or luxury lots inside Lausanne at Crosswinds Tagaytay — requires more diligence and assistance from credible real estate professionals. That being said, establishing yourself as a trustworthy member of the Brittany Salesforce to your social networks is a good way to connect with existing leads and find new customers.

C. CLARITY THAT YOUR PERSONAL OPINION DOES NOT REPRESENT YOUR COMPANY

Social media is a platform for communication and discussion. That means you are free to express your views and opinions on your private social media account, so long as you do not violate the platform’s policies. But keep in mind that if you mention your employer in your social media profile, your personal posts regarding matters like politics, religion, economy, and others can reflect your company. In this case, adding an opinion disclaimer on your posts should be encouraged. Make it clear that your views are your own by writing: “All opinions expressed on this account are mine” or something similar.

D. ACCESS TO STYLE GUIDES AND SHARED RESOURCES

Social media guidelines should also familiarize employees to their company’s brand voice and visual style online. The goal is to help the whole team present the brand correctly. Therefore, guidelines should include preferred graphic styles, colors, and logo usage, down to correct spellings, punctuations, and hashtags that employees should use whenever they post or share contents related to the brand. All these guidelines are necessary to create a solid brand identity. Having a distinct style across all platforms will make the company stand out on the field and become a top choice for existing and future customers.

For example, Brittany Corporation’s sophisticated branding coupled with high-quality media makes the brand a top choice for affluent buyers of luxury house and lot in Metro Manila or luxury homes outside the big city. The brand also uses branded hashtags: #BrittanyLiving, #BrittanySalesforce, and others, when writing captions for its social media content. Using these hashtags whenever you share Brittany’s content your network is recommended to boost organic reach and allow your audience to easily track posts related to your brand. For instance, clicking on the #BrittanyLiving hashtag will redirect potential leads to contents about Brittany’s thematic real estate properties: Crosswinds Tagaytay, Brittany Sta. Rosa, Vista Alabang, and the Lakefront Sucat.

Employees are also encouraged to always check the Brittany Seller’s Portal or e-Suite to access shared images, virtual house tour videos, FAQ’s, and other branded tools for their networking or sales activities.

Keeping all of these resources in a central platform like the e-suite will ensure that employees will stay on brand on all their professional endeavors online.

Wrapping Up: Behind a Strong Social Media Presence are Equally Strong Social Media Guidelines

In this digital age, corporate social media accounts are no longer just a “nice to have” but a “must-have” for brands. But in a fast-paced platform where every post can potentially go viral, having great social media guidelines are essential to safeguard the company’s brand image and online presence. Brittany Corporation recognized this need and created guidelines and digital marketing strategies that directs its constituents to the right direction.

After all, social media guidelines are not implemented to police what you do on your social channels. Think of it as a comprehensive manual or a handy guide of best social media practices for your team. It outlines how to use social media effectively — in a way that is best for the company, employees, brand advocates, and clients.

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In this digital age, almost everything is available and can be available through a simple click. Technology makes lives easier, more convenient, and accessible.

You can browse through the internet and know the latest gadgets, news, artists, and many more. While sipping your coffee on the balcony of your Ghiberti luxury house and lot, you can scroll through whatever the latest release or collection of clothes is and have them all delivered right to your doorstep. Though this may have its disadvantages and risks, we can’t deny how the internet made our lives better.

As we talk through the internet and technology, we should keep in mind that this doesn’t benefit just the sellers and the company or brand but also the end-users and consumers. The most popular marketing campaign in today’s age is through the use of social media and social media influencers.

What are Influencers?

Imagine yourself buying a new set of clothes. When you buy them, you don’t just choose a color and a size. You also consider the design, the make, the proportions, if it flatters your body shape, the material used, and such. You also consider the current trend and look for styles that you want. In order to decide what to buy, we sometimes look for ideas from famous artists, models, or idols. They most likely influence your style and the vibe you want to portray through the videos they upload in their youtube channels.

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The same goes for the real estate world. When we say real estate influencers, these are people who have their way of convincing someone and getting their attention to a certain property. They are motivational speakers, advisers with expert advice, strategy coach, industry experts, and serial entrepreneur. They share the latest trends, real estate news, what comes off of a real estate investor, and how to sell luxury real estate. Some have a broad audience, while others have people with a loyal following. These are industry leaders that have a target audience that they do content for. If real estate agents sell the properties, real estate influencers promote them.

Ever wonder who to get ideas for real estate from? We’ve listed down the most famous and effective real estate influencers you can follow to give you enlightenment and knowledge:

1. Tom Ferry

   “You’ve got the ambition. We’ve got your road map.” This is what Tom Ferry’s tagline is. Tom Ferry is one of the most famous real estate educators who made a team to provide services for sales agents and brokers who have goals in the real estate industry. His services includes training sessions, coaching, workshops, blogs, and even podcasts. He also have a youtube channel with nearly 1,000 videos and more than 275,000 subscribers.

   He gives ideas on how to market yourself and sell real estate by providing scripts, plans, and marketing campaigns that has worked all over the world. They have summits and 3-5 days training where you can gain both knowledge and network since attendees are also aspirants and professionals.

   

2. Tracy Tutor

   Based in Los Angeles, California, Tracy Tutor is an American actress, author, real estate agent and reality television personality. She is one of the main hosts in the real estate reality television program, Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles. As a daughter of a civil and building contractor, Tracy Tutor was introduced to real estate in an early age. She is the top agent in the real estate firm, Douglas Elliman Beverly Hills. Her being a public figure has gained her respect and credibility in the industry. Many brokers and sales agents look up to her with hundreds of thousands social media followers and also has connections with the most brands that is known together with famous architects and engineers.

   

   She also has built a team together with Gina Dickerson, Rob Moravsky who specializes as a buyer specialist and Shelby Bay as the marketing strategist.

   

3. Tony Giordano

   Tony Giordano is the President and CEO of Giordano Industries which is a consulting firm that conducts various services such as real estate consulting, training, education, marketing, advertising, finance, construction and development firms, that helps many business professionals, companies, and organizations across many industries. Tony Giordano also offers coaching and trainings that helps brokers and sales agents as well as end users and real estate investor.

   He also appeared in Bravo TV’s ‘Million Dollar Listing’ and HGTV as a celebrity real estate agent. He is also the author of the best selling book “The Social Agent. the new era of social networking” which tackles marketing in social media platforms. Many adores Tony for his way with words that really makes a person rethink and reconsider to purchase or if it really is a good buy.

   

   “Stop saying the same things sales people have been saying for 30 years. Clients are craving something new…” – Tony GIORDANO

4. Barbara Corcoran

   Barbara Ann Corcoran is an American businesswoman, real estate agent, real estate investor, speaker, consultant, syndicated columnist, author, and television personality. She is being looked up to by tens of thousands of viewers who actively engage with her shows and events. She is a high profile realtor and deals with many brands. She is the Executive Producer of ABC’s “Shark Tank”. Aside from this, she’s also the author of the best seller “Shark Tales: How I Turned $1,000 into a Billion Dollar Business!” and does podcasts too. One of the unique things about her is that she has invested already in multiple start ups and gives inputs on where to improve and what to remove. She gives feedbacks on self improvement, expert tips, and is a motivational speaker. She speaks in the point of view of a real estate investor and also as a realtor.

   

What role do these influencers have in someone purchasing a real estate property?

Social media users have a greater advantage when it comes to knowledge of the current market since most businesses already use this platform to promote theirs. These influencers were all famous for a reason and the most reason is that they are more knowledgeable and can share wisdom with the rest. Marketing can already be done through social media campaigns and influencers.

When you buy a medicine, you are more comfortable when it was prescripted by the doctor right? That is also why people check youtube first and seek first-hand experiences to help them decide with if not the best, then the better choice.

With regard to real estate, influencers help you decide on the best properties to buy. They will give you advice and share the past experiences that worked and didn’t work for them. With these, you can be able to filter out all circumstances and make a better move from what you have already planned. They make you see something in a different light and make you realize things that you missed.

Speaking or listening to experts will let you see it from a different point of view. They can point out things that need to be highlighted, prioritized, and considered that you didn’t even think were important.

Lookouts we’ve learned in purchasing a property through influencers:

Knowing where, what kind, how much, and from whom you’ll purchase a property are the most crucial lookouts when you are planning on buying a house. It is always best to do your own research on the simple dos and don’ts, which items should be considered, and what is beneficial for you. After all, almost everything can already be researched through the internet. There are people like the abovementioned influencers who can help you make up your mind and decide.

Purchasing a property doesn’t just dwell primarily on its design and size. There are numerous things left to consider before writing that check. Your home should be the best fit for your needs and wants. This will be where your children will grow up, where you’ll hold your family life events, the house you’ll come home to every day, and the proof of your hard work. It is only normal to do quick research on options and considerations.

The Real Estate Industry now:

When we are talking about Top tier real estate companies and most influential brands in the Real Estate industry, Vista Land belongs at the top portion of the list. Vista Land is known nationwide as a company and brand that caters all classes, kinds of families, and all needs, with its high-quality and world-class luxury houses in the Philippines.

One of its offers is Brittany, a real estate community that was designed primarily for your luxurious needs. It offers luxury homes that you deserve. From its model houses, luxury house design, facilities, amenities, security, and proximity, all are well planned to give you the most convenient and comfortable environment to live in.

Wealth can’t just be seen through the numbers in your bank account and in the million dollar you have, it is also in the real estate properties that you invest in. One of the best investments especially now that we’re in a phase where all consumer goods prices are well affected by the world crisis, is none other than real estate properties.

Land almost never depreciates and Brittany Alabang is located in a very beneficial location. It is near malls, expressways, schools, hospitals, leisure areas, and many more. Just five minutes away from Evia Lifestyle Center along Daang Hari and is also near MCX which is the nearest exit to enter the South Luzon Expressway.

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As we reach the halfway mark of the year, society continues to make advances in various industries. The real estate business is not an exemption from this trend of persistent expansion. With this, real estate innovations has been around since then.

What is PropTech?

Property technology, more commonly referred to as simply PropTech, deals with the advancement of science and technology as applied to the real estate industry, or more specifically, the processes involved in it.

Due to the high number of documents needed in the real estate market, PropTech companies have been making various real estate innovations in order to make the tedious process done by real estate agents and property managers more bearable.

PropTech greatly determines the competitive advantage of real estate companies in their ability to attract prospective clients. The easier process does not affect only the

Innovations in PropTech

The fast and ever-growing advancement of science and technology, in general, has made its way to the real estate industry. Listed below are some of the most awaited real estate innovations in property technology by both real estate companies and real estate professionals based on the current wave.

1.) The Internet of Things (IoT)

The modern world is all about two things: speed and efficiency. Especially during this pandemic, the virtual world has taken over a huge portion of our daily lives.

The real estate industry was previously heavily reliant on face-to-face practices due to its nature of dealing with commercial buildings and other structures.

New technologies have been developed to provide services usually done face-to-face fully online. Smart real estate has been getting more and more popular with property buyers.

Commercial real estate has started to incorporate smart devices in different aspects, making it easier and much more efficient than previous practical ways.

Predictive maintenance has been a huge leap for the real estate industry.

2.) Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been booming in the current society as a whole.

Ideals and thoughts on AI have been around even before the last decade, and they continue to be as fascinating as ever to mankind.

Property technologies have started to incorporate AI in their homes and other structures. Naturally, those working behind the scenes have also adapted to these advancements.

The benefit of artificial intelligence, which remains undefeated, is the great convenience it offers without the need for human intervention.

With the growing population comes the growing need for commercial real estate. As this percentage gets larger, the harder it is for property managers in the real estate sector.

Artificial intelligence is able to provide insight with speed and significant accuracy. Although not on the same level as real estate professionals (or at least, not yet), the information generated by AI with regards to these matters is no small thing.

Residential real estate technology has been proven to cut down a significant amount of time in dealing with these matters. Real estate tech like smart sensors is able to identify potential risks without the need for any complex machine learning.

The convenience of AI wherein one could simply open up mobile applications on mobile devices, without any delay, is the proptech solution nearly all property owners look for.

3.) Utilization of Big Data Analytics

In line with the growing population and assets, the amount of demographic data is getting significantly larger as well.

The fast changes in trends all over the world are caused by several industry leaders. Each business has its own data from the market to deal with, and all these companies lumped together result in a huge amount of data.

The total amount of data to be processed can no longer be computed by mere manpower. With the addition of historical data, operational efficiency would plummet without the use of big data analytics.

Big Data Analytics refers to the process of analyzing large amounts of raw data and giving useful output, such as trends, patterns, and correlations.

The information uncovered by these is extremely useful for real estate agents. The manner in which property management is performed is heavily reliant on these trends.

Commercial real estate’s approach to the rest of its deliverables all stems from what real estate investors want to see, which is exactly what data analysis is all about.

With an audience as huge as the real estate market, this certain proptech is simply a necessity. This method of analysis cuts down the working time of agents and professionals, reducing paperwork by a significant amount.

This gives them more time to allow for other matters which cannot be processed yet with our current advances in artificial intelligence.

4.) Incorporation of Virtual Reality (VR)

Immersive technology is a staple in every industry. Those with the most advanced and most attractive features tend to get the most clients. Attention-taking marketing strategies open the pathways for future clients and property owners to access services. Especially in the real estate industry, where we deal with office buildings and several other large infrastructures, it can be hard to attract buyers.

Most people would find it a hassle to perform ocular viewing of a site, which is one of the main problems that the market has. Unless someone approaches the business with being a property owner already in mind, getting clients and transactions is a challenge.

Prior to today’s advancements, most in the industry resorted to dioramas and replicas of their respective businesses and assets. While some may still prefer this method, new technologies that have recently emerged have recently taken the top spot.

The incorporation of virtual reality into the industry is a game-changer. With no longer any need to physically visit or compensate themselves with a diorama, the number of future clients has greatly increased. Virtual tours are prepared by commercial real estate businesses and are presented to investors and the public alike. The new opportunities presented by virtual reality cause an increase in transactions made.

The new platform in this marketing strategy offers property owners a new customer experience unlike any before in the industry. The continuous interest of society in VR keeps a steady flow of people in the market. This interest grows into transactions over the long run, defining the importance of this property technology in the industry.

With VR, businesses are able to offer virtual tours that showcase various designs as close to reality as possible without the need to make the actual thing.

In the real estate industry, this is a huge advantage, as model houses fully furnished and complete with interior design are extremely costly. VR enables us to give these ideas life without the high costs and risks.

While the best way to canvass is still a personal ocular inspection, virtual tours provide a more time-saving and efficient way. This opens up more choices for future clients both near and far from the site as it can be accessed by anyone all over the world.

5.) Start of Blockchain

The real estate industry deals with large amounts of money, making finance one of the biggest concerns in the real estate sector.

The high price dictates the need for many different documents as the lump sum is passed around through various agents and banks. The security of the services cannot be guaranteed as more and more third parties are involved.

Blockchain technology is able to alleviate this concern with its nature of dealing with information through a network of computers.

The manner in which blockchain records and distributes this information makes it highly difficult to perform any hacks, edits, or alterations.

It serves as a digital ledger that is less prone to being destroyed or deleted as compared to traditional ones. A blockchain is decentralized and public across the computer systems it involves.

Blockchain also deals in cryptocurrency, the trend that has been making waves, especially since the pandemic started.

Cryptocurrency has been getting popular lately with both youth and adults. With this new addition, the contribution of blockchain to opening new opportunities in the industry is humongous.

With the rise in property purchase prices, it also gets harder for clients to make transactions, especially if their options are limited. Blockchain is able to fill in these gaps with ease and no additional personnel is needed.

6.) Creation of Property Management Software

Even with BDA, property management is still a tedious process. Every business has its own manner of how to go along with managing its company, but at its very core, the fundamentals are similar to each other.

As mentioned earlier, there is a lot of documentation involved in the process of the real estate market. In line with this, many proptech companies have started to create different platforms for this purpose.

With features made specifically for the management of the real estate, using property management software gives even more ease in dealing with commercial real estate.

7.) Maintenance and Improvement of Data Security

With all the new proptech emerging, real estate tech startups are also getting harder and harder to secure.

As we tread new waters, great rewards come with great risks. While it may be better to look optimistically on the bright side of things, it’s always important to take the cons into consideration.

Especially in the real estate sector, where we deal in big data and large amounts of finance, security must always be present.

The modern digital world does not make it any easier to protect information simply because it is not in person. Cyber security exists because all information, whether in hard or soft copy, must always be protected.

Proptech companies must always ensure that all real estate innovations they create have the corresponding safety precautions. Even the best creations out there will be all for naught if they cannot be protected.

PropTech is a fast and always evolving field.

It involves the handling of big data, cyber security, and all other business-related documentation in real estate.

Smart real estate creates smart cities, creating remote access and augmented reality alike. Proptech companies are always on standby to watch the latest trends that will capture the attention of future clients.

The market is unpredictable, but real estate technology is constantly sending proptech solutions to adapt to every circumstance.

However, it is always important to always take into consideration the potential risks of whatever real estate nnovations come to light. Good property management involves accounting for both pros and cons of all matters.

Modern Luxury Houses fit the Modern World

While property technology is more focused on what happens behind the scenes, it is also important to see advances in technology applied to the properties themselves.

Luxury Homes by Brittany

Made up of only the most beautiful houses in the Philippines, Brittany has luxury homes equipped with only the best technology in both their homes and amenities alike.

With luxury homes in Tagaytay, luxury homes in Laguna, and much more, there is always a home fit for your ideal preferences.

Brittany also utilizes various PropTech tools in dealing with its own business-related matters. The efficiency of using these technologies is clearly evident in the flawless, world-class quality of services.

There are virtual tours of the luxury house and lot for sale available at the tip of your fingertips. The Brittany website contains all information on our different luxury homes and luxury condos.

Should you have any unanswered inquiries, customer service support is always available to support and assist you in your luxury home needs.

Luxury homes by Brittany offer complete comfort without sacrificing security. All homeowners of our luxury house and lot in the Philippines are well-protected.

Brittany makes sure that all homeowners of our luxury homes are more than satisfied in all aspects.

Getting a mortgage is perhaps the most important financial decision many of us will ever make, for a lot of us depend on home loans. With this said, it is indeed essential to comprehend what you are getting into when you borrow money in order to buy a house.

What is a mortgage?

A mortgage is essentially a loan that is given out by a financial organization (often a bank) to a borrower in order to aid them in the process of purchasing a home.

The actual residence is used as security for the mortgage on the property. That is, if the borrower fails to pay their monthly dues to the lender and defaults on the loan, the lender has the option to sell the home to recoup its investment.

Let us dive deeper into what a mortgage is.

As was mentioned above, a mortgage refers to the loan that one takes out in order to acquire a home. In order to secure a mortgage, you will conduct business with a bank or another lender.

To begin with, you will usually undergo pre-approval to determine the maximum amount the lender is available to lend and the interest rate you will need to pay. This kind of process, allows you to calculate the estimated cost of your loan and begin your home search.

Furthermore, a mortgage loan is a long-term debt that is typically taken out for fifteen, twenty, or thirty years. During this time frame, also referred to as the “term” of the loan, you will be responsible for making payments toward not just the principal amount of the loan but also the interest that has been accrued on it.

With this said, don’t you think it is much better to borrow from mortgage lenders with a low interest rate?

For sure, monthly mortgage payments with a low interest rate will save us some money. Having an adjustable-rate mortgage is good as well.

But keep in mind that it is significant to have a good credit score when applying for a home loan. You can get the trust of the mortgage lender if you have a good credit score.

With low mortgage rates, comes lower mortgage payment.

Most remarkably, low mortgage rates can result in a much cheaper monthly payment than you would normally see when buying a property.

For an instance, a 200,000 pesos mortgage loan at a 2.87 percent interest rate would cost you approximately only 829 pesos per month, in the absence of the property taxes, as well as the homeowner’s insurance.

Upon getting to know multiple lenders, mortgage lenders, pick the one who has the best mortgage interest rate.

By best, it means the lowest mortgage interest rate of course. Always compare rates.

It is important to take note as well of how much your monthly mortgage payment will be. Take into consideration your debt to income ratio.

Some people may ask, why are mortgage interest rates being offered at such low levels?

In any case, the following is a list of some of the reasons why monthly mortgage payments are so low:

Low monthly mortgage payments help boost the country’s economy.

For many Filipinos, their home is considered their most valuable asset and the largest component of their wealth.

The average Filipino household can lose a lot of money during a financial crisis.

With that said, it can harm the rest of the economy by making people less inclined to spend or invest because they are momentarily much poorer.

According to one reasonable theory, turning citizens into wealthier people can greatly help the country’s economy regain its footing.

And the simplest way of making people richer is to increase the value of their homes.  Furthermore, the simplest way to do so is to make it easier for the public to pay large amounts of money to purchase the property.

And, yes, the relatively simple way to accomplish this is to make mortgage monthly payments more affordable for the citizens, even the average ones.

Lower mortgage interest rates encourage consumer and business spending and investment.

Not looking for a home loan? Then why not invest instead?

With such a low-interest rate being offered, it would be a shame to just waste the opportunity. So why not put up a business? From the multiple lenders, you are sure to find one mortgage lender that will agree to your terms.

You may even seek out the nation’s largest mortgage lenders if you want. But again, make sure that you have a good credit score.

Going back, if business establishments are put up, money will definitely flow in our country, for there will be consumer spending. In this way, it does not only help our economy but our country as a whole.

Who knows? Maybe that property you only bought because of the lower interest rate may be the next top tourist destination of the city, or better yet, the country!

The Benefits of Lower Mortgage Interest Rates

There are many advantages when you obtain a lower mortgage interest rate. Here are some of the   most common advantages listed below:
– Low mortgage rates can help you save money on your monthly payments, including the mortgage payment.
– A low interest rate means you will pay less interest over time.
– If and when mortgage rates fall, you may very well be able to afford a larger home than you would in a higher-rate market.

As a country, the major advantage of low interest rates, according to most economists, is that it stimulates economic activity.

The Federal Reserve can boost companies’ spending on durable products, which is beneficial to the long-term growth of the economy, by lowering interest rates and making loans more affordable.

Furthermore, it can aid household spending on homes or durable goods such as automobiles.

For instance, home sales are generally higher when mortgage rates are 5% rather than 10%. Make sure to compare rates.

How to Get a Lower Interest Rate

Larger Down Payment

A large down payment at closing will result in a lower interest rate for home buyers. A lender’s relative risk is reduced when a substantial portion of the purchase price is put down.

The lower your loan-to-value ratio (LTV), the much more appealing you are as an investment. The greater your down payment, the less a lender must give you in order for you to be able to afford the home.

Also, do not forget that there are closing costs you need to pay.

Purchase Mortgage Points

You can reduce your interest rate by paying in advance interest at closing. This prepaid interest is expressed as mortgage points or discount points.

For example, one mortgage point is equal to one percent of the loan amount (for example, 1,000 pesos on a 100,000 pesos loan).

Points can be purchased in 0.125 mortgage point increments. Many of the advertised interest rates have a certain specific number of points tied to them.

Make sure to get those discount points!

With all this talk about low mortgage rates, you would definitely want to get one. So what’s stopping you; unsure of where to invest your home loan? Well, why not head over to Vista Alabang?

Vista Alabang is the perfect place to purchase with your home loan and low mortgage rate.

Vista Alabang is the perfect place to purchase with your home loan and low mortgage rate

Bathing in the elegance of Italy has been reimagined in Vista Alabang’s very own community.

Known as one of the luxury homes in the Philippines, Vista Alabang has many luxury properties you can invest in. The wonderful Vista Alabang has a distinct sophistication, which no other community can match.

Passing through the entryways of these exclusive residential areas is like being carried to the periphery of Italy, where the air appears to be fresher than that of the town merely a few miles away.

Furthermore, Vista Alabang is located within easy reach of Alabang, Las Pinas, Cavite, and the rest of the city’s business districts and renowned schools. Important establishments such as hospitals are nearby as well.

Some people may think mortgage loans are just debts, and they should not get one. But you know, it all depends on how you look at it.

If you choose to look at it in a negative way, then that is what your home loan will be. But if you choose to view it in a positive way, then the possibilities are endless!

But keep in mind that it is crucial to know everything regarding mortgage loans before you pay your down payment. Make sure that you have read about the APR and interest rates, mortgage rate trends, mortgage insurance, and adjustable-rate mortgages.

If you are still confused or simply do not know where to begin, you always have the option of asking the assistance of a real estate agent or possibly a mortgage broker.

Next Read: The FAQs of Buying a Luxury Home
Next Read: The Importance of Domestic Interest Rates Forecast 2022

Technological innovation, which is a kind of digitalization, is continuously transforming local and international economies . The advent of numerous new products, services, digital payments, and distribution models by established market participants and new entrants like IT businesses, both large and small, has substantially impacted all sectors of financial products and services, from payments to banking and saving to insurance to investing.

Financial Consumer Protection Laws and Digital Payments | Widespread use of digital financial service provider urge the government to create laws that will protect the public in consuming these services Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels

The increase in the collection and use of data, along with significantly improved computing, processing, and analytical capabilities through the use of data analytics and machine learning (artificial intelligence), has enabled financial services firms to continuously innovate to better serve their consumer and increase their profitability.

Due to greater internet and smartphone penetration and interoperability, consumer demand for simple, appealing, and affordable digital financial regulators or financial service providers has increased. This trend is likely to keep going as Gen Z and other tech-savvy and aware generations enter the job and financial markets.

Financial consumers benefit greatly from digitization since financial technologies give them more options at cheaper prices, increased speed, convenience, personalization, and security. They may promote increased access to financial services and goods, promoting financial inclusion.

Digitalization has brought financial services companies a number of benefits. Perhaps most importantly, it has made the companies more efficient. By automating tasks and processes, financial services companies have been able to reduce their costs and improve their bottom line. In addition, digitalization has made it easier for consumers to compare financial products and switch between them. This increased competition has been good for consumers, as it has driven down prices and improved the quality of financial products.

Finally, digitalization has made it possible for more financial services companies to enter the market. This increased competition has been good for financial regulators, as it has helped to keep prices down and improve the quality of financial products.

Read More: Top 10 benefits of Digital Transformation

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced earlier this year that as of the first quarter of 2021, around 53% of adult Filipinos have digital payment accounts, a major increase from the figure of 29% recorded in 2019. Online platforms accounted for one-fifth of all financial transactions in 2020.

However, there are additional consumer dangers related to digitalization that are peculiar to the financial services industry that need to be monitored and handled. These dangers include newly discovered theft, identity theft, fraud schemes, sudden lost funds online, data privacy violations, digital security problems, excessive data profiling that results in financial exclusion, and the manipulation of users’ behavioral biases when using the internet.

Furthermore, the risk associated with digital security is very dynamic, with new threats always emerging and new vulnerabilities being discovered that cause digital irreparable injury.

Fraud and theft in online business conduct has been rampant Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels | Consumer Protection Laws

Effective financial consumer protection, particularly data protection, is more necessary than ever in an increasingly digital economy and in light of these new and evolving risks. Financial consumer protection policy makers and monitoring organizations must adapt and change their rules and procedures to reflect the changing digital world.

Republic Act No. 11765, also called the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act, and Executive Order 170 Series of 2022, also called the Adoption of Digital Payments for Government Disbursements and Collections, are two recent examples of government policies that protect consumers in response to the growing trend of digital transactions.

So, here is what you have to know about the Financial Consumer Protection Act.

What is Republic Act No. 11765 or the Financial Consumer Protection Act?

The term “financial consumer protection” refers to the system of laws, rules, and other measures that are typically intended to ensure that financial customers are treated fairly and responsibly when they buy, use, and interact with financial products.

One of the law’s sponsors, Senator Grace Poe, stated in January 2022 that as internet financial systems have expanded, they have turned into “fertile ground for numerous fraudsters, hackers, and unscrupulous individuals” who deceive the public. A law that strengthens consumer protection was therefore introduced.

What does Republic Act No. 11765 actually cover? The specifics of the statute are as follows:

Included financial services and goods

These include pre-need and health maintenance organization (HMO) goods, insurance, credit, savings, deposits, investments, payments, and remittances. Additionally, it encompasses goods and services obtained and provided via digital media.

Rights of financial consumers

The consumer protection laws defends the following financial consumers’ rights:

Right to equitable and fair treatment

This concept guarantees that all interactions between financial consumers and the BSFI (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) supervised financial institutions) are conducted in a professional, ethical, and fair manner. BSFIs must implement safeguards to protect the interests of their customers, including policies and procedures, control functions, and agreements with external contractors that include standards for ethical staff conduct, acceptable sales tactics, just and equitable terms and conditions, and the provision of goods and services that are appropriate for their capacity and risk tolerance.

Right to disclosure and transparency of financial products and services

BSFIs (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) supervised financial institutions) must make sure that customers have a complete sense of the products and services they may be purchasing or using. The crucial components that enable the consumer to make comparisons and wise financial decisions in this situation are full disclosure and maximum transparency, to the extent permitted by current laws and regulations. This is made possible by giving the customer easy access to information that accurately describes the nature and composition of the good or service, its terms and conditions, as well as its core advantages and dangers.

Right to protection of consumer assets to fraud and misuse

Initiatives for financial education provide people with the knowledge, abilities, and confidence to comprehend and assess the information they are given and to be in a position to make wise financial decisions.

Due to their close contacts with financial consumers, BSFIs (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) supervised financial institutions) are well-positioned to provide financial education that is different from and separate from information about their products. The rights and obligations of customers and the BSFI should be made clear by BSFIs.

As part of their regular consumer interactions or as separate projects, BSFIs should show that they are making an effort to promote financial literacy, which may include digital literacy for goods sold online.

Right to data privacy and protection

Consumers of financial services have a right to expect that their financial transactions and during a transaction, any important personal information you give will be kept private and safe. To do this, BSFIs must make sure that their processing of the personal information of their financial customers is done in accordance with clearly stated information security policies, well-defined protocols, a secure database, and routinely re-validated procedures.

The range of information that will be pre-identified and collected, the reason and method for gathering each piece of information, the Information Technology (IT)-security infrastructure of the BSFI, and the protocols for disclosure, both within the BSFI and especially to third parties, should all be covered in this end-to-end process.

Right to timely handling and redress of complaints.

Financial consumers should have easy access to independent, impartial, fair, responsible, prompt, and effective mechanisms of resolving disputes over their financial transactions. BSFIs should have procedures in place for handling and resolving complaints, and they may make use of a variety of modalities or technology advancements.

Consumers has the right to demand in the financial service providers Photo by Ivan Samkov from Pexels | Financial Consumer Protection Laws 

Powers of financial regulators

The following activities are permitted by law for regulators, including the BSP, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Insurance Commission (IC), and Cooperative Development Authority (CDA):

Rulemaking

Establishing standards and guidelines is necessary in order to guarantee that the provisions of the applicable laws are applied to a certain financial product or service.

Market conduct surveillance and examination

Investigate the processes that companies that provide financial services utilize to produce and disseminate their goods and services.

Market monitoring

Make the providers of financial services comply with your reporting or recordkeeping requirements.

Enforcement

Sanctions should be imposed on providers of financial services who fail to comply.

Consumer redress or complaints handling mechanism

Provide dispute resolution options to handle financial clients’ issues.

Adjudication

Make decisions about financial transactions that are strictly civil in character and in which the financial consumer’s appealing claim or relief is limited to the payment or reimbursement of an amount of money not exceeding P10 million.

Also, financial authorities are empowered by RA 11765 to create their own codes of conduct for financial organizations.

The R.A. 11765 protects both the civilians and providers against fraudulent acts in digital financing Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA from Pexels | Digital Payments 

The Financial Consumer Protection Act’s approval is a significant victory for the real estate sector. It may provide you with legal recourse against fraudulent brokers who might knowingly obtain your account details and conduct illicit fund transfers.

So when a thought comes into your mind about purchasing a luxury house and lot in Metro Manila or near the area such as in Daang Hari Subdivisions, or you bumped into a luxury lot and luxury house and lot for sale , you are protected from unforeseen increases in your mortgage payments.

What is Executive Order 170 Series of 2022 or Adoption of Digital Payments for Government Disbursements and Collections?

President Duterte’s executive order mandating the use of digital payments for disbursements and collections is another recent example of pro-consumer legislation.

The government’s goal to establish a “inclusive digital finance ecosystem” and support initiatives to enable the underserved and vulnerable sectors to access formal financial services are both in line with the digitalization of payments.

What does Executive Order 170 actually encompasses? The directive’s specific details are as follows:

Covered Government Agencies

All branches of government, including state and local governments, businesses that are owned or managed by the government, and educational institutions, are required to accept payments online.

Financial Consumer Protection Laws and Digital Payments 

Digital Financial Services

Agencies may directly release funds into recipients’ transaction accounts for government payments. They can use banks that provide services to the government, like interoperable electronic financial transfers or suggestions for debiting accounts.

For now, government agencies will employ secure payment processing systems for government collections, such as payments for taxes, fees, tolls, and other charges and impositions. They can use a reputable payment service provider who adheres completely to the National Retail Payment System Framework.

In a similar vein, the government’s adoption of electronic payments marks a significant turning point for the real estate sector by enabling more convenient transactions.

Some local government agencies had previously implemented online real estate tax payment systems prior to the executive directive. People were able to take care of their financial duties while being safe and comfortable at home despite the pandemic’s limits on transportation.

A technical working group (TWG) is established by the EO to offer recommendations, encourage cost-efficiency, and oversee the procurement of digital payment solutions.

Representatives from the following offices and agencies make up the TWG’s membership:

– Department of Finance (DOF)
– Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
– Bureau of Treasury (BTr)
– Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
– Government Procurement Policy Board (GPBB) Technical Support Office

The responsible technical working group (TWG) is entrusted with directing and overseeing covered agencies’ purchases of digital payment solutions and with considering the creation of uniform terms and conditions for payment service providers.

Conclusion

Given the increasingly digital landscape for financial services and products, which has been hastened by reactions to the COVID-19 epidemic, and the potential for digitalization to foster more financial inclusion. Effective financial consumer protection, inclusion, and growth for all are more crucial than ever. The policies and methods created and used by financial consumer protection authorities must also change and adapt to the ever-changing environment.

Financial customers can profit greatly from digitization, but there are new hazards as well. Positive consequences include improved speed, convenience, personalization, and security as well as greater access and choice of goods and services offered to consumers at cheaper prices. Risks include new types of online theft or fraud, data breaches, invasions of privacy, and occurrences involving digital security.

Next Read: 8 Ways to Connect with Your Neighborhood
Next Read: Philippine Real Estate Laws Guide

When it comes to real estate, there are specific rules and regulations that differ in each country. This includes the Philippines, with its real estate legal directives related to land ownership and property acquisition, the land tenure system, land redistribution, and more.

Land Ownership and Property Acquisition in the Philippines

Generally, owning or acquiring land in the Philippines is exclusive to Filipino citizens. However, as the old saying goes, there are bound to be some exceptions to every rule, and the laws governing real estate in the Philippines are no different.

Exceptions for foreigners

Again, ownership of land in the Philippines is reserved for people or entities that are legally defined as Filipino citizens. Real estate in the Philippines is highly-regulated and violating this rule can risk forfeiture of land or property.

However, this rule does not apply to the following scenarios:

• If the land was acquired before the 1935 Constitution.
• If the land is ancestral land or acquired through hereditary succession (for foreigners who are legal or natural heirs).
• For condominium projects, if the entire building has no more than 40% foreign ownership.

Foreign ownership of residential property in the Philippines is allowed legally as long as the foreigner does not intend to own the land on which it was built. Another option for foreigners is going for a condominium which Republic Act 4726, popularly known as The Condominium Act of the Philippines, allows foreigners to acquire units or shares in a condominium corporation as long as the foreign ownership won’t exceed 40% of the entire building. There are also single-detached homes or townhouses with condominium titles wherein the same law applies.

For foreigners who are open to leasing land in the Philippines on a long-term basis instead, it is another route they can take, especially for foreign corporations with more than 40% foreign ownership. A lease agreement with Filipino landowners is allowed under the Investors’ Lease Act of the Philippines, where foreigners may enter for a period of up to 50 years, which can be renewed once for up to 25 years.

Lastly, the provisions of the Philippines’ Anti-Dummy Law sets down to foreigners how to proceed in acquiring land or real property through aggressive ownership structures. The law restricts the number of foreign board members of any landholding company to a maximum of 40% foreign participation, and breaching this law is a ground for possible forfeiture of the property.

Exception for Foreigners Married to Filipino Citizens

A foreigner who is married to a Filipino citizen would typically hold a title in the Filipino spouse’s name. Technically, the foreign spouse cannot be on the property title. Instead, the foreigner can be in the contract to buy the property.

Once the Filipino spouse passes away, the foreign spouse will be given a good amount of time to collect the property’s proceeds or dispose of the property. If not, the property will be passed on to any heirs or relatives who are Filipino citizens.

Exceptions for Corporations

The term “corporation” often comes up when talking about foreign ownership of condominiums or buildings. As previously mentioned, foreign nationals are allowed to completely own a condominium in the Philippines or any real estate property listed as a condominium such as townhouses.

Setting up a local corporation in the Philippines is a way to own a residential land or a commercial building and lot as long as the foreign equity won’t exceed 40% foreign equity. It must also be formed by five to 15 incorporators of legal age as incorporators, with the majority being Philippine residents.

Exceptions for Former Natural-Born Filipino Citizens

Any natural-born Filipino person who has lost their Philippine citizenship is permitted to own a maximum of 5,000 square meters in the event of private ownership of rural land and one hectare in the case of agricultural or farm land.

These are the maximum allowable land areas for ownership. When it comes to a civil partnership, the total amount of land that either of them can buy cannot be more than the maximum amount of land listed above.

This does not apply to a Filipino citizen who is permitted to keep citizenship after being married to an alien, provided that the citizen does not renounce or abandon their Filipino citizenship.

Exceptions for those with dual citizenship

Filipino citizens who become naturalized citizens of a different country can still purchase and register any real estate property under their own name, but also with limitations in land area. However, those who have dual citizenship can buy as much as any other Filipino citizen.

Per Republic Act 9225, popularly known as the Dual Citizenship Law of 2003, former Filipinos who became naturalized citizens of foreign countries are deemed not to have lost their Philippine citizenship, thus enabling them to enjoy all the rights and privileges of a Filipino citizen regarding land ownership in the Philippines.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Land Ownership and Property Acquisition in the Philippines

Purchasing land in the Philippines opens doors for an investment in a profitable commitment. Owning land or acquiring a real estate property is a gateway to having a tangible asset that can be a residential property or a source of passive income. The value of real estate properties increases over time, so making one now can be a lucrative investment for the future.

1. Verifying the Ownership

Before proceeding to buy any real estate property, it is the buyer’s due diligence to verify who the real owner is. Once confirmed, make sure to do transactions only with the verified owners or a person authorized to do transactions on their behalf.

To do this step, request a copy of the title. and have it checked in the Register of Deeds which will show the owner’s name and other necessary information.

2. Checking the Documents

The land title has all the important information about the property, including the possible issues that may arise. If necessary, seek help from a professional to check the technical aspects of the documents like a right of way, tax declaration, and special Power of Attorney (SPA).

3. Processing of the Deed of Sale

Once everything goes well with the first two steps, then the actual sale commences. Buyers need to secure a signed and notarized deed of sale, which certifies the previous land owner or the property developer gives up the ownership to the buyer.

4. Settle Tax Dues

Once the Deed of Sale has been finalized, the next 30 days should be allotted to the payment of tax dues to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Some, but not limited to, of the tax dues that needed to be settled, are Transfer Taxes, Documentary Stamp Tax, and Capital Gains Tax.

A visit to the BIR can also be for the Certificate Authorizing Registration.

5. Securing a New Tax Declaration Copy

Contrary to common idea, the copy of the new Tax Declaration document will not come from BIR but from the Municipal or Provincial Assessor’s office. This shall be released about five days after presenting complete necessary documents.

6. Issuance of New Title

The Registry of Deeds will proceed to the cancellation of the old land title after the buyer and seller settle payments and finish signing the documents. Once the land or property is officially transferred, the new title under the name of the new owner will be issued. A copy of the updated title can be requested from the City Assessor’s office.

Land Reform in the Philippines

The Philippines has gone through a vast history of inequality when it comes to land tenure. The recorded history says it starts from 1565-1898 during the Spanish colonial period. At this time, huge private estates began dominating the rural communities. Unfortunately, it led small independent agricultural workers to cultivate land under share-cropping arrangements, but without the freedom to choose the crops, they are growing and ultimately, the option to acquire land they are working on.

Around the 1980s, the majority of the agricultural population was without land and drowning in poverty. This pushed Congress to create the agrarian reform law that was passed in 1988 to change this prevalent land tenure inequality. As part of this land reform effort, the CARP was implemented to improve the lives of small independent farmers by giving them land tenure security and other kinds of support.

Evidently, the inequality in land ownership in the Philippines and in other developing countries has been a major issue for many decades that even alerted the United Nations. The government has made several attempts to give resolution to this concern, and the latest legal directive is the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, more popularly known as CARP, which came from the Republic Act No. 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL).

“Philippines : DAR Supports Bill to Hasten Subdivision and Titling of Lands and Use of CLOA as Collateral for Loans.” MENA Report, Albawaba (London) Ltd., Mar. 2021.

CARP is all about the land redistribution of agricultural lands, both private and public, regardless of the tenurial arrangement between the landowner and the farmworker. This program mainly helps the beneficiaries to survive such as the small independent farmers working in the fields.

The objectives of CARP are the following:

– Give equality on land rights in terms of income and opportunities.
– Provide beneficiaries the opportunity for fair land claims.
– Improve the production and productivity in the agricultural sector.
– Open doors for employment to more agricultural workers.
– Stop the conflicts related to land ownership in agricultural lands.

Under CARP, there are around 750,000 beneficiaries who are expected to have enhanced land tenure security and stronger property rights. This is a project that will ease the way for the land titles of over 1.3 million hectares of land granted to the beneficiaries. The government hopes that this program will help in poverty reduction and instead, make way for rural economic growth and recovery of farmers’ resilience after the negative impacts of the global pandemic in the industry.

To assist the CARP, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) implemented the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT). It is a project with a US$370 million budget approved by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors that is designed to accelerate the subdivision of collective Certificates of Land Ownership Award and generate individual titles on lands awarded under the CARP.

Overall, the CARP has awarded 4.8 million hectares or about 16 percent of the country’s land to almost three million beneficiaries. However, only around 53 percent of these lands got their individual titles. More so in the 1990s when the government was only able to award collective ownership of the lands to accelerate the land distribution process, which gave way for the SPLIT project to divide and title these lands individually at present time.

Land Ownership and the Environment

Landowners in the Philippines, whether for residential or commercial use, must be aware of several laws related to the conservation of the environment and its natural resources. There are a few that are specific in preventing contamination on land, water, and air.

Unfortunately, the term ‘contamination’ is yet to be clearly defined by the Philippine law, but one of the rules and regulations that touch on this issue is the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990, whose goal is to avoid land contamination among other things.

This act was put in place to monitor the production, transportation, storage, use, and waste disposal of chemical substances and mixtures mainly not to harm the environment. This act further forbids the entry of hazardous wastes into the country and penalizes by imprisonment the persons responsible for it.

Another law related to the conservation of the environment and its natural resources is the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 which prohibits the disposal of waste matters in public places such as national parks, the burning of solid waste, operating a waste management facilities without legal authorization, and constructing an establishment within 200 meters of a landfill.

Failure to comply or report such activities to the appropriate government agency is illegal and punishable by either imprisonment or costly fines.

Land ownership and property acquisition in the Philippines is serious business

Homebuyers clearly need a good partner as they go through this tedious and technical process of purchasing a real estate property in the Philippines. And among all the luxury real estate developers in the Philippines, Brittany Corporation is the affluent’s best choice.

Brittany wants to make sure that homebuyers will have the best home buying experience possible. With Brittany Salesforce, a great team of luxury real estate professionals, homebuyers will have a breeze in selecting the perfect home and eventually processing the necessary documents needed to proceed.

Live in luxury in your own Brittany home! Know more about Brittany Corporation’s luxury real estate developments in the country’s prime communities at Crosswinds Tagaytay, Brittany Santa Rosa, Vista Alabang, and The Lakefront Sucat.

Next Read: Can Foreigners Buy a Condo in the Philippines?
Next Read: Can Foreigners Buy a House and Lot in the Philippines?