Buying property: House vs condo - Philippines
04-28-2014
Here are things you should consider when deciding what to purchase
MANILA, Philippines – When investing in a property, your options largely depend on your budget.
But when funds are not an issue for you, your options are limitless.
These days, you can see condominiums rising everywhere in light of growing demand. In the city outskirts and suburban towns, housing projects are also flourishing.
The prices and payment terms are becoming more and more competitive, making it easier for Filipinos to acquire a home.
One of the most common questions when buying a property is the difference between a house and a condominium unit.
Here are things you should consider:
Location
Condominiums are often situated in prime locations – at city centers, near shopping malls, churches, marketplaces, restaurants, schools and major transportation hubs. The close proximity allows you to reduce commute time and costs.
Space
When you own a house, you have exclusive rights to your property. You may expand it any way you want.
On the other hand, when you own a condo unit, you have to settle with maximizing your space and you share common areas with other unit owners.
Maintenance, repairs and renovation
You always have the last say on the maintenance and renovation of your house when you own it. You have full control of your property.
For any construction, repairs or renovations in a condominium unit, you usually need to ask permission from the building’s administration office. The shared areas, though, are maintained by the building management.
Price
A house is usually more expensive than a condo. Condos have a very wide price range. Lower-range condominiums are often within the budget of first-time buyers and start-up families. You find a house with the same price in less desirable neighborhoods and suburban areas.
Privacy and security
Part of the condominium dues goes to ensuring the privacy and security of unit owners. Living in a condo promises a well-secured area where only residents can enter and visitors are screened. Houses can be considered as private and secured, but this depends on the location and the neighborhood.
Amenities
Condominiums have amenities such as a swimming pool, gym, tennis and basketball courts and reception area. Some of these amenities most of us cannot afford installing in our own homes. There are subdivisions, though, that have clubhouse areas.
Resale
Condominiums are more sensitive to resale compared to houses. The condominium sector is usually the first to be hit and the last to recover when the housing market starts to decline.
There are a lot more factors to consider when choosing between a house and a condominium unit. Ask yourself these questions to help you decide: Who will use it? Is it for investment or for residential purposes? Do you plan to rent it out or to have it as your primary residence? Will you live in it permanently or only while your kids are still studying? – Rappler.com
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