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Author: Jay Rod Danganan

Real Estate

Top 7 Reasons to Invest in Taguig Real Estate

Real estate investing is no child’s game. You can’t just buy a property because it is near where you live or because the broker is a friend of yours. Real estate investing requires a lot of research before you can arrive at an informed decision. There are a lot of factors that you need to consider, not just the price and the aesthetics of the property. Because in a city like Metro Manila, it takes more than a beautiful design to determine whether the property is a good investment.

Bonifacio Global City or BGC, a first-rate urbanized district straddling between Makati and Taguig, is one of the fastest-growing central business districts in Metro Manila. This booming financial district boasts of high-rise buildings, luxurious condos, commercial offices, posh restaurants, first-class facilities, and relaxing parks. With these residential and commercial developments popping left and right, BGC has become a honeypot to a lot of investors.

Why invest in BGC?

Here are some of the factors that make BGC worth your time and money:

  1. Best location.
    When choosing an investment property, location is a huge factor. BGC is technically in the middle of everything. It’s neighbor, the Makati business district is just a few steps away while Ortigas is 10 minutes away. Taguig also boasts of a very lively business and commercial environment, featuring:
    -16 commercial banks and 10 rural banks
    -1,126 manufacturing firms
    -243 restaurants
    -2 shopping malls
    -24 cottage industries
    -7,776 registered commercial establishments
    -53 subdivisions
    Whatever people need or want to do, they don’t have to go far because BGC has everything. This is one of the things that make BGC attractive to international corporations and businesses.
  2. Easily accessible.
    BGC has become a major landmark in Metro Manila and there are several ways to get to this master-planned city. People can travel via EDSA, C5, Kalayaan Avenue, or Makati City. A faster route would be going through the McKinley Road from the West or the Villamor Airbase from the South.
  3. 24-hour security
    In a crazy city like Metro Manila, security is often a serious problem, even in gated communities or cities. Hence, BGC invested heavily in round-the-clock security for its dwellers. Aside from the dedicated security guards in every building and establishment along Bonifacio High Street, there are also roving guards patrolling the whole community on motorcycles.
  4. Smart urban planning
    Following the 60-40 rule, BGC’s city planning incorporates sustainable factors in its design. Aside from the high-rise buildings and establishments, you’ll also find parks and greenery within the area, allowing for efficient air circulation and minimizing pollution. Traffic rules are strictly implemented and utilities, such as cables, electric posts, phone lines, and water pipelines are all designed underground to maintain orderliness.
  5. No blackouts
    Power interruption is bad for business. In fact, it’s bad for everyone. People can’t work, appliances won’t run, and your life is put on hold until the power comes back. In BGC, power interruption is almost non-existent because all buildings have backup power. In case the power goes out, the backup power supply kicks in so you can continue with your life.
  6. Higher rental yield
    In 2017, the average rental yield of properties in Taguig is 7.07%, which is the 7th highest among the cities in Metro Manila. But over the years, the average rent for commercial spaces in Taguig, particularly the BGC area, has increased so much that they are now more expensive than those in Makati. By the end of 2018, the average rent in Taguig is P1,173 per square meter/month (14% increase year-on-year), which is significantly higher than the average rent in the whole Metro, which is P899 per sq.m./mo.A high rental yield means that you’ll be able to earn more from your investment compared to the same property located elsewhere.
  7. Low tax rates.
    Taguig has one of the lowest tax rates in Metro Manila. The Taguig Revenue Code contains provisions that implement lower local taxes on banks, insurance companies, hotels, telecom, pharmaceuticals, software companies, car dealers, and manufacturing firms. This move was designed to encourage more investors to come to Bonifacio Global City and generate more income. Banks in Taguig, for example, are charged with an 8% tax compared to Quezon City’s 25% and Makati City’s 15%.

Future Developments

Property experts predict that the highest concentration of wealth will be in Bonifacio Global City. This is because this posh community is still developing, catering to the upper-mid to the richest population in the city.

Aside from the existing residential structures, commercial spaces, and hotels, several projects are already in the pipeline to boost BGC’s property value. Several real estate developers are currently building various luxury condominium projects with high-quality architecture, world-class facilities, and top-rated amenities for the affluent locals, foreign investors, and offshore gaming companies.

Road infrastructures are also expected to be completed in a few years to ensure that BGC is well-connected. These projects include the Metro Manila Subway, which will be completed by 2025, the four-lane BGC-Ortigas Link that will be the main route for those going to or coming from Pasig, and the Makati-Taguig Skytrain.

Aside from these road projects, BGC will soon become the home of some of the most popular and luxurious hotels in the world, including the Grand Hyatt Residences, Shangri-La Hotel, Ascott Hotel, and another one from the Shimao Group.

Wrapping Up

All these developments point to one thing — BGC is in an upswing and there is no indication of it ever-changing in the near future. The latest numbers from Colliers International reveal that capital values in Bonifacio Global City have increased by an average of 6.7% in early 2019, and these prices are expected to continue to increase by an annual average of 6.3% until 2021.

Geographical advantages, rapid development, premium facilities, and first-class design all contribute to the growing appreciation value of properties in BGC. So if you’re looking for a safe, prime property investment in Manila, BGC in Taguig is probably the best place.

References:
https://propertyreport.ph/insights-on-the-property-appreciation-of-bgc/
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2006/02/05/320103/taguig-generates-p208-m-revenue-despite-low-tax-rate
https://www.taguig.gov.ph/doing-business/why-invest-in-taguig/
https://www.bworldonline.com/average-rents-in-taguig-now-higher-than-in-makati/
https://bgcmegaworld.com/why-invest-in-bonifacio-global-city/
https://lifestyle.abs-cbn.com/articles/8177/in-focus-investing-in-property-check-out-this-rising-residence-in-bgc
https://business.inquirer.net/111407/bgc-safest-place-to-invest-say-experts
https://www.zipmatch.com/blog/highest-rental-yield-metro-manila/

by Jay Rod Danganan,
bgc skyline © Jay Jallorina 2017
Real Estate

10 Reasons Why It’s Fun to Live Near BGC

Wouldn’t it be more stress-free if you can just walk to work and don’t have to suffer the hell that’s Manila traffic? And wouldn’t it be convenient being able to eat what you’re craving for (foodies agree!) or go about your activities without leaving your community? This might be the dream lifestyle for most people, but it is the reality in BGC.

bgc skyline © Jay Jallorina 2017Bonifacio Global City or BGC is an upscale community in Taguig that has been rapidly developing and growing over the years. Here you can find luxury condominiums right beside high-rise commercial offices, a wide array of restaurants for your every craving, world-class facilities, and lots of activities for you to enjoy.

Whether you enjoy the nightlife or you love some quiet coffee time with your friends, BGC is the community that fits every lifestyle. Here is some general information about BGC that you should know if you’re considering moving here.

BGC is a 240-hectare European-inspired community developed by the Bonifacio Land Development Corporation (BLDC), Ayala Corporation, and Evergreen Holdings, Inc. It used to operate as a military base, christened Fort McKinley, which was home to the Philippine Scouts, the Philippine Division of the US Army. In 2003, Ayala Land, Inc and Evergreen Holdings, Inc partnered with BCDA to develop the 240-hectare military base into the premium business and residential district that you see today.

What makes BGC in Taguig a great community to live in? We’ve listed down the top 10 reasons for you.

  1. Food, food, and food!
    We all love to eat, that’s why this one is at the top of our list. Whether you’re a foodie or not, you’ll definitely appreciate the delicious range of food choices available in BGC. Restaurant choices vary from fast food to family-friendly to fine dining. Some of the popular dining establishments in the area include The Wholesome Table on Bonifacio High Street, Niu by Vikings, Sunnies Cafe, Borough, Tomatito, Malongo Atelier Barista, Botejyu, La Picara, and a lot more.
  2. Shopping galore
    Aside from food, people also love shopping, especially the ladies. In BGC, you can buy whatever you need or want from the several shops, malls, and shopping centers scattered throughout the city. Popular shopping centers include the Venice Grand Canal, SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio High Street, Uptown Mall, and the Ayala Malls Market! Market! Aside from these big shopping malls, there are also several shops where you can splurge your dime.
  3. Efficient transportation
    You won’t see the traditional mode of transportation within BGC. Instead, you’ll find shuttle buses, electric tricycles, e-jeeps, and lots of taxis. If you’re driving though, make sure to familiarize yourself with which avenues are implementing the one-way scheme to avoid trouble. However, walking is also a great option because the roads are pedestrian-friendly and you’ll get to enjoy the scenery.
  4. Premium residences
    BGC has a lot of word-class residential buildings and condominiums that people are happy to call their home. Whether you’re alone or with your family, residential developments like Serendra, Bonifacio Ridge, Luxe Residences, Pacific Plaza, and South of Market are designed for the lifestyle that you want. Plus, you don’t have to suffer Manila’s traffic just to get to your office or to other establishments.
  5. Very accessible.
    BGC is very accessible because of the major roads that surround it. You can take the bus and drop off at the BGC Bus Terminal or McKinley. If you prefer the train, you can take the MRT line and get off at Ayala station. There are also several UV Express vans that can take you directly to BGC. You can also take a cab or book a Grab ride for more convenient travel.
  6. Advanced facilities
    BGC provides safe and uninterrupted utilities, such as gas, electricity, and cable using advanced technology. BGC is equipped with an underground piping system that distributes gas to homes. All cables, including electric wires, telephone lines, and internet cables are run underground to avoid service interruption and to keep the skyline view clear of obstructions.
  7. Rich nightlife
    BGC is teeming with life 24/7. The days are usually spent working, meeting with friends, and going about the day to day activities. The nights, on the other hand, are equally lively with several clubs operating in the area. The festive bars in BGC are popular among employees, bar-hoppers, and even business owners who want to enjoy some relaxation after a hard day’s work. Popular bars in BGC include The Craft Rock & Grill, The Keg, Scarlet Bar, Status Lounge, and Draft Gastropub Manila.
    thecraft
  8. Flood free
    While most cities in Metro Manila are located on or below sea level (one of the reasons behind the frequent flooding), BGC is situated a lot higher. BGC is located 111 feet above sea level, significantly higher than the average 50 feet elevation of other cities. Aside from this, BGC is equipped with an underground drainage system that is capable of storing more than 22 million liters of water.
  9. World-class education
    green burgos circleWhether you plan to pursue another course or you have kids that go to school, BGC has several world-class schools you can choose from. British School Manila, International School Manila (ISM), Manila Japanese School, Everest Academy Inc, STI College Academy, Treston International College, Global City Innovative College, and UP BGC are some of the top schools in BGC you can choose from.
  10. Green environment
    If you’re tired of the suffocating and polluted environment in Metro Manila, you’ll definitely enjoy the fresh and green environment around BGC. You can take a walk or jog on well-lit streets and enjoy the parks around the area. You can also freshen your eyes by looking at the green trees and grasses around the community.

Summary

BGC is a first-class community that has everything you need — excellent restaurants, good schools, big shopping malls, fun nightlife, accessible transportation, safe environment, advanced facilities, and top-tier amenities. Whether you’re living solo or you have a family, you’ll be at home in BGC.

by Jay Rod Danganan,
Real Estate

Moving Stressing You Out? Self care tips for stress free moving out

Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate, glamorous or expensive–sometimes it simply means brushing your teeth, eating nutritious food, calling a friend, or planning in advance, in order to care for your future self. To make this process easier, follow our guide for self-care tips during moving, including a less-stress moving checklist, and aftercare tips to address relocation depression.
The psychology of moving is well documented. Moving house is considered one of the most stressful life events by researchers. Even cats and dogs experience moving stress, but unlike humans, we can’t explain to them why it’s happening. No matter how much you love your new home, you might still experience moving anxiety and relocation depression. It is important to practice self-care throughout this transition, so you’ll stress less during your move.

Self-Care Tips to Reduce Moving Anxiety

Try these self-care tactics before, during, and after a move:
  1. Mindfulness: Can you notice your breath? Is it shallow and quick, or deep and slow? Can you bring your awareness to your toes as you wiggle them each individually? If so, you’ve just practiced mindfulness! Mindfulness is the process of noticing the breath and bringing awareness to the present. Practice mindfulness daily for less stress.
  2. Exercise: Exercising can help get your mind off an upcoming move. Whether you like to jog, lift weights, or play basketball, exercise warms up your muscles to be ready for the physical activities involved in moving. Focus on working out your legs, arms, and core to help prevent injury if you’ll be doing any heavy lifting on moving day.
  3. Journaling: Many people enjoy journaling because it helps them think clearly. You might journal before your move, and plan out the logistics of where everything is going to go. You might also take a few minutes to list three things you’re grateful for each day. Try writing positive affirmations like, “I am capable,” “I am hard-working,” or “I’m excited about the future.” It might sound kooky at first, but it can improve your mood and help you cope with moving stress.
  4. Food and drink: You’re often advised to eat what’s left in your fridge and freezer before a move to avoid food waste. This is sound advice, but don’t feel forced to eat something you don’t enjoy just to get rid of it. Eat nourishing, healthy foods to support your digestion instead, and treat yourself to the occasional pizza or comfort dish. Your body needs energy! Enjoying a cup of coffee or tea is another great ritual. In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, you can invite yourself to be fully present.
  5. Ask for help: Moving is usually not a one-person operation. Whether it’s asking a friend to help pack in exchange for pizza, or calling your uncle to borrow his pickup truck, asking for assistance will lighten the load when moving day arrives.

Does Clutter Cause Stress?

For most people, less clutter equals less stress. If you have been in your current home for many years, you probably have lots of extra stuff such as clothes, tupperware, toys, and furniture taking up space and not necessarily “bringing you joy.” If it sounds overwhelming, try setting aside half an hour a day to go through the following item categories:
  • Clothes
  • Books
  • Papers
  • Misc. items
  • Sentimental
Every piece of extraneous stuff you offload ahead of time will help come moving day. By approaching organization mindfully, and well in advance, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. As for disregarded items, consider holding a garage sale to make some extra cash, or dropping them off at the thrift store for a tax-deductible donation.
Decluttering is a key component of the organization before a move, but it is not the only one. Use a pre-moving checklist to avoid procrastination and plan out an easier move.

Relocation Depression: How to Cope

By now, the anxiety of moving day is over, and depression might be setting in. Relocation depression is common. You’ve likely got hundreds of items to unpack, miss your friends, and are trying to establish yourself in a new city. It’s important to honor the emotions that come up during this disruptive time. If you’re in a funk after moving, try these self-care tips:
  1. Explore the city. Whether by walk, bike, bus, or car, getting out and exploring is the best way to familiarize yourself with a new place.
  2. Make new friends: Start by introducing yourself to new neighbors and coworkers, and joining them for social events like happy hours or concerts. Try to approach people with the intention of getting to know them, and ask lots of questions. Dating apps are a great way to meet new people, even if you don’t find a significant other. You may just find a friend!
  3. Call old friends: Don’t forget to stay in touch with old friends. Just because you moved and won’t see them as often, doesn’t mean you can’t keep those friendships alive until you’re reunited. With social media, there’s no excuse to let good friends slip through the cracks.
  4. Bringing familiarity into the home. Some people find it comforting to rearrange furniture in a similar way as before, or display beloved objects that remind you of “home.”
  5. Try something new. Taking up a new hobby can help bolster your identity and build a sense of community. Try signing up for a dance or yoga class; join a club, gym or adult sports league; enjoy the outdoors through hiking; embrace your nerdy side by participating in a game night, or revisit a hobby you loved as a child.
Moving is stressful for many reasons, and it’s easy to let self-care fall to the wayside, but this is truly the time you need it most. Be gentle with yourself and stick to your self-care routine, whatever that looks like. Whether you are moving into your first home, embarking on a cross-country move while changing jobs, moving into your dream house or moving into retirement, a little self-care can go a long way.
by Jay Rod Danganan,
Real Estate

Advantages of Real Estate Investing for Savvy Entrepreneurs

I’ve had numerous conversations with entrepreneurs lately who have come to the conclusion that they need to start diversifying their business profits into more than just a savings account. If this is you – pay close attention.
Being a real estate investor isn’t always glamorous but it is one of the best ways to build wealth over the long-haul, especially for entrepreneurial-minded. Here are the reasons why you should consider investing in rental properties.

  1. Appreciation

    2. While the loan is being paid down the value of real estate, generally, goes up. Yes, I know, recessions do happen. Values do go up and down. People buy at the wrong time of the market. I get it.
    However…
    Over time, values do climb higher and higher. That’s why I’m not in this real estate game just for a year or even a decade. I’m in this for life. I know my properties will continue to climb so that 30 years from now, everything will be worth far more than I’m paying for it today.

  2. A hedge against inflation

    3. Can you imagine paying ten dollars for a gallon of milk? Or five dollars for a candy bar? While those prices seem exorbitant to you, this is the future because of inflation. Inflation is the process by which prices increase due to the value of money decreasing.
    While most people fear inflation, as a rental property owner, I look forward to it!
    When the price of a gallon of milk hits ten bucks a gallon, guess what else is going to shoot through the roof? Everything, including rents and property values! The one thing that won’t increase, however, is my fixed-rate mortgage payment. As inflation pushes the cost of living higher and higher, my cash flow will only increase. This is why real estate is often called “a hedge against inflation.” When inflation hits – I’m ready!

  3. Control

    4. I don’t like my destiny tied to a board room on Wall Street or a nervous CEO in Silicon Valley.
    This is why I choose to invest most of my income in real estate, knowing that I am the one who is responsible for my success or failure.
    If I want a better deal, I need to hustle to find it.
    If the rental market gets more competitive, I can compensate by increasing my advertising.
    If values drop, I can choose to wait it out or improve the property to drive the value back up.
    In other words, I get to control the situation, and my financial future, with my own two hands. And that suits me just fine.
    Don’t think that just by owning some rentals you are instantly going to begin building wealth. Real estate is powerful – but only if you work it right.

  4. Cash flow

    5. Many people invest in rental properties simply because of the cash flow – the extra money that is left after all the bills have been paid. The cash flow can provide ongoing, monthly income that is mostly passive, allowing you to spend your time building a business, traveling or reinvesting in more real estate.
    Cash flow from real estate is stable and far more predictable than most other businesses. That’s great for entrepreneurs enduring the ups and downs of start-up life. The cash flow can help float you though the bad times and live well during the good times.

  5. The loan pay down

    6. When you buy a rental property using a mortgage, your tenant is actually the one paying the mortgage payment, thus increasing your net worth each month. Because of the loan pay down a rental property is essentially a savings account that grows automatically, without you depositing money each month.
    Today you might owe Php 200,000 on a rental property, but next year you might only owe Php 195,000 because the tenant is making the payment for you, making you Php 5,000 richer. Thirty years down the road, or whatever the term of your loan, it’s paid down to Php 0. You own a significant asset that you can sell or continue renting, all thanks to your tenant paying the mortgage.

by Jay Rod Danganan,