Prospective homeowners and investors alike are always searching for the best investment in real estate. In the Philppines, condos are a natural choice because the pre-selling price is undoubtedly going to increase as construction progresses. With the current real estate boom in the country, and with so many choices of condominiums in the metropolis, how does one know if a condo is right for his needs and lifestyle? This is a guide on helping one skim through the choices there are in the market and to find the best possible and most suitable one for one's tastes, budget and unique criteria.
If one were on the lookout for a condo with a great location, good value, proximity to many dining, entertainment and leisure choices, a laidback and easygoing lifestyle and a culture that offers the best of the old and the new, a Malate condo would be a logical and ideal choice.
Malate Crown Plaza
Strategically located at the heart of Malate, MALATE CROWN PLAZA gives prospective homeowners and investors the best value in a Malate condo, with its fantastic location and quite reasonable prices. A 17-storey Residential and Commercial condominium, it is along Adriatico corner San Andres Street, Malate, at the center of major landmarks including Remedios Circle--just a block away, Malate Church, Malate Catholic school, San Andres market, Puregold supermarket, Aristocrat Restaurant, Rajah Sulayman Park, Roxas Boulevard and its Bay Walk. Just a few minutes’ walking distance is Robinsons Place Manila, the largest shopping mall in Manila. Aside from its ideal location, one can enjoy the spectacular view of the Manila Bay scenery from its units and roofdeck.
Studio, 1-bedroom to 3-bedroom units are available as well as bi-level units to accommodate bigger families or host lavish yet intimate parties. Residential units are finished with ceramic tiles, fitted with modular kitchen and bedroom cabinets, and has a tall floor-to-ceiling height of 3.2 meters. Commercial units at the ground floor, mezzanine and basement level include PSBank, a foot spa and a Japanese restaurant.
Best of all, prices are affordable, starting at Php1.7M only and easy to pay, with bank financing of as long as 15 years for the balance, or as low as Php8,000/sq.m. For a completed Manila condo with a great location, and with above-standard features and amenities, Malate Crown Plaza’s value is hard to surpass.
Adriatico Grand Residences
Located right across the biggest shopping mall in Manila, ADRIATICO GRAND RESIDENCES combines the most convenient location--just across Robinsons Place Manila, and the most spectacular Manila Bay views from its units’ balconies. This 27-storey residential and commercial Manila condo is at the center of Ermita and Malate’s pulsating landscape.
Strategically located along Adriatico Street, between Pedro Gil and Padre Faura, it is easily accessible to major entertainment, dining and recreation spots in Malate. Step outside one’s unit and one instantly enjoys the multitude of shopping choices in Robinsons Place Manila. After work hours, unwinding has never been more convenient, with popular restaurants and recreations within a few minutes away on foot. It is also near esteemed colleges and universities like University of the Philippines-Manila and St. Paul’s College, and elementary and high school educational institutions like Malate Catholic School. On top of the great location, Adriatico Grand Residences also has the enviable front-seat view of the spectacular Manila Bay view from its units.
Its loft-type units consist of tall floor-to-ceiling heights of 4 meters each. Bi-level units, with equal lower-level and upper-level ceiling elevations of 2.7 meters each, are also available. All residential units are finished with ceramic and granite tiles, modular kitchen and bedroom cabinets and closets, and imported toilet fixtures. Its amenities include Swimming Pool for adults, Children’s pool, Gym and Sauna, Children's Play Area, Function Rooms and Game Room. A bar & lounge exclusively for unit owners will be at the Roofdeck
Prices start at PHP 2M only, less than Php60,000 per square meter. It will increase quarterly as construction progresses. It is estimated to appreciate by at least 20% in 2 years, thus giving investors a secure and guaranteed return on their investment. Payment terms can be as long as 10 years to pay, as low as P18,000 per month. Construction is in full swing and units will be ready for occupancy by 2008.
Ivy Hill
Directly across De La Salle University, Ivy Hill is the perfect condo where you can live right across the street from where you study. Ideal for students from DLSU-Main and College of St. Benilde, St. Scholastica’s and other premier educational institutions close by. Now you or your son/daughter don’t need to rush in the early morning and go through the rush-hour traffic just to catch up with your first class. No more commuting to and from school! Having group studies is made more convenient with a designated Study Lounge in the Roofdeck, perfect for brainstorming with classmates. Ivy Hill is very convenient and accessible to what you need, where a good meal can easily be found from dozens of restaurants, coffee shops and fast food joints along Taft Avenue and where culture blends with education and leisure in nearby Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Mayfair Tower
Mayfair Tower is a 33-storey residential condo conveniently located at the bustling corner of U.N. Avenue and Mabini Street, just 2 blocks from Roxas Boulevard and its spectacular bay view, less than 5 minutes on foot to the US Embassy and a few minutes’ walk to other historic landmarks such as the Rizal Park. It is also close to the seat of arts and culture with Philam Theatre and the National Museum just nearby. Truly, a Philippine condo close to one's roots and heritage while being accessible to plenty of dining and entertainment options along U.N. Avenue and Mabini Street.
This Manila condo has residential units that are Zen-inspired but luxuriously sized than typical condo units, with the smallest 1-Bedroom unit at 52.91 sqm. It is also the only Manila condo that offers five-bedroom units, ideal for larger-sized families. Its three penthouse units comes with its own landscaped garden and a swimming pool or jacuzzi. Designed by Albert S. Yu and Associates Development Partner (Asya Development Partner), Mayfair Tower has first-class and unique amenities not usually found in other condos, including a 30-m 3-lane lap pool, a hydro-massage pool, a Sky Terrace, a Vista Deck, sunken bar lounge and tranquility garden, an oval-shaped upper deck profile, a waterfall feature and pocket gardens, among others.
Glenda Joyce T. Wong is a realtor who specializes in condominiums in the Philippines. Visit: http://www.philcondos.com.
