A quick guide for first-time property investors

By Vanessa B. Hidalgo @hidalgovINQ

 

If you have some extra cash lying around and you’re thinking of a reliable investment option, you should try investing your hard-earned money in real estate.

Why real estate? First, because the real estate setting in the Philippines is still relatively young. Simply put, there is more room for growth if you invest in real estate now.

If you have a parcel of land, a house and lot, or a condominium unit, there are ways to generate wealth from it. You can either lease it out or sell it for a profit, especially since land values, particularly in strategic locations, are most likely to appreciate over time. Also, this ideal investment can help those looking to diversify their portfolios.

According to moneymax.ph, “Real estate is a good investment because your property has the potential to provide you great returns. Also, if you end up selling your property, you will have a large cash reserve in the millions.”

In addition, real estate also provides a hedge against inflation. This means that while the cost of living continues to rise, so does the value of your property. This is why investing in real estate is a more stable investment compared to bonds or stocks.

Another point to consider is that real estate offers a long-term return on investment (ROI). If done correctly, having an investment in real estate can provide a consistent stream of income that can last for decades. Of course, everything comes with a caveat. It’s important to remember that ROI is not always guaranteed. But with the right kind of property and a streak of luck, then you might see some astounding results on your investment.

But deciding to go into real estate has its own risk. You must think long and hard before you dip your toes into real estate. The first thing you should ask yourself is “why are you doing this?” You have to set a goal. Are you doing this because you want to avail of an early retirement? Whatever your goal is, below are some of the key points to consider if you are a first-time real estate investor:

1. Do your research. Investment in real estate will always sound better as long as you invest with the right company and the right people. In fact, there is a preference shift for emerging markets such as the Philippines due to substantially cheaper prices compared to developed countries. More investors are turning to real estate to be able to set up shops and residential areas in the Philippines.

2. Go for a real estate with a solid track record. You will, however, need to consider a property developer who is reliable and trustworthy, and who has a solid track record of putting up quality developments that have appreciated over time. Study your options well and weigh all the pros and cons before investing. Don’t let your savings go down the drain.

Sta. Lucia Land Inc. is one such experienced and trusted developer that has proven to be reliable for more than four decades now. Over that span of time, it has built over 250 pioneering, innovative projects spanning across 10,400 ha in 15 provinces.

The property developer has been built on solid foundation and sound practices. Its early beginnings in 1972 as a developer of subdivisions in Pasig, Taytay, Morong, and Rizal have paved the way to even bigger creations for the real estate company.

Now, Sta. Lucia Inc. is expanding its footprint in the Visayas through its thriving communities in Bacolod, Cebu and Iloilo. Part of its ever growing family lies in Mindanao: Davao and Cagayan de Oro. With Sta. Lucia, each development is handpicked with well-thought of designs around human and natural elements. Sta. Lucia Realty believes that growth can only be achieved if it is pursued through sustainable means.

More importantly, Sta. Lucia Land was able to transform idle lands into thriving premium residential and commercial communities, while helping improve lives of many Filipinos and spurring progress in the areas where it is present.