2022 auspicious time to invest in real estate

Contrary to popular belief, investing in real estate isn’t just for the rich and affluent. Several factors have, in time, leveled the playing field when it comes to property ownership. More than just affordable rates and flexible payment terms, what makes real estate investment sustainable and attainable, above all else, is its ability to stand the test of time.

If you’re looking to diversify your investments, the year 2022 might be an excellent time for you. To help you come off the fence is a recent Colliers International Philippines report that shows the real estate industry is expected to regain strength this year, alongside the recovery of overall economic growth, as foreseen by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

After having withstood headwinds brought by the pandemic, Colliers sees the rebound in outsourcing demand, continuous remittances from overseas Filipino workers, and the comeback of foreign professionals to push take-off in the residential market.

With eased quarantine restrictions under Alert Level 1, increasing confidence is all the more seen in both business and consumer sectors, fueling the already optimistic position the property sector is in.

The opening of the economy is bound to serve as a conduit to maximum investment returns mainly because of the attractive rental rates it posits for real estate investors.

In Metro Manila alone, the residential rate is projected to have an uptick of 1.7 percent this year, and even higher in 2026 by 2.3 percent, the Colliers report said. As more and more companies are starting to reinstate office work setups — or hybrid arrangements, at the least — people will start looking for residential units closer to workplaces, thus helping prop up residential property demands.

In fact, Bacolod City has grown to become a renowned business hub, thanks to its fast-growing business process outsourcing (BPO) industry. The Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-ICTO) gave the city the distinction of being among the “Top 10 Next Wave Cities in BPO,” as well as a “Center of Excellence for Business Processing Management.” With more job opportunities, the greater demand for homes in the area is inevitable.

There’s a wealth of possibilities to reap this year as well, especially in prime locations, because of improved connectivity and accessibility across the country. Much of this is attributed to the government’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program, which plays a critical role in growing property values.

Among the most interesting aftermaths of the pandemic is the shift in priorities it brought for real estate investors. According to an Attitudes Survey by real estate consultancy firm, Santos Knight Frank, property seekers in Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines prefer developments that cater to both the pandemic and post-pandemic setups.

Integrated residential developments with open areas and green spaces become more desirable, as convenience, safety, and health and wellness have become top-of-mind for buyers. Leechiu Property

Consultants, for instance, says that the novelty of living close to nature is gaining attention—remarkably even if situated within commercial complexes.

When it comes to these criteria, the superior option is SM Development Corporation (SMDC)’s Smile Residences. Located in the Visayas Region’s emerging economic powerhouse, Bacolod City, nothing embodies “iconic bayside lifestyle” more than Smile Residences. It offers a “home beside a mall,” making it a future-ready development.

The premiere waterfront development lies within the SM City Bacolod Complex, providing access to a slew of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. With SMX Convention Center, Park-Inn by Radisson Hotel Bacolod, the new government center, and Pope John Paul II Tower just a stone’s throw away, you’ll never miss a beat.

Gateways to and from the City of Smiles also ensure you get unmatched accessibility, with the Bacolod International Airport and Seaport close by.

Like all SMDC master-planned developments, Smile Residences puts well-being front and center, as it features amenities for sports and recreation that promote mental and emotional well-being, on top of camaraderie and a healthy lifestyle.

Resort-style swimming pools, outdoor lounges, and elaborate gardens are conducive to stimulating bonding activities with the family.

Real estate investment is beyond compare, not only because it can generate a steady source of passive income, but also because it increases in value over time. The key to this, therefore, is to invest in developments that go above and beyond just multifaceted lifestyle and location offerings. You’ll get the most of your hard-earned money, after all, if it’s an investment that’s here to last.