Can tourism-focused real estate help the Philippine property market rebound?

It feels a bit odd talking about tourism-focused real estate when most visitors are unable to travel to the Philippines at the moment. However, it can be an important driver of a Philippine property market rebound once the situation returns to normal.

Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) data showed there were 8.26 million foreign arrivals in 2019, more than a 15 percent increase from the previous year. That number is dwarfed by the country’s regional peers. In 2019, Indonesia recorded roughly 16 million international arrivals, Malaysia welcomed more than 26 million tourists, Vietnam received an estimated 19 million visitors and Thailand surpassed 40 million arrivals.

So, what gives?

It has nothing to do with a lack of interesting destinations. Tourists who visit the Philippines almost always praise the country’s warm hospitality and beautiful scenery. Arrival numbers elsewhere in Southeast Asia are buoyed by inter-region travel, something not seen in the Philippines due to its isolated location.

But this isn’t really a huge issue, especially as it relates to tourism-focused real estate. Apart from some demand from Singapore, there isn’t a lot of intra-regional property buying. The bulk of tourist arrivals to the Philippines in 2019 came from China, South Korea, USA, Japan, and Australia.

Tapping into the retirement market could also benefit the country. The Philippines has one of the best retirement visas available in Southeast Asia. This could help it attract more long-stay visitors.

On the domestic front, an additional 60 million trips are made by locals each year, an important figure to note. This means there is a large base of both international and domestic property buyers who will likely return to the country’s popular tourist destinations once the COVID-19 situation has improved.

Being ready to tap into this market and deliver tourism-focused real estate could be a catalyst in a Philippine property market rebound. Of course, it is also much easier said than done.

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Why does the Philippines need to develop tourism-focused real estate?

What’s holding the Philippines back?

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), tourism accounted for 12.7 percent of the country’s GDP in 2019, up from 5.6 percent in 2000. Both government and private sector investment in the tourism sector has grown as well.

The PSA found that private investment rose by an average of 19.3 percent annually between 2010 and 2019. Government investment in tourism infrastructure and other related fields increased by 4.6 percent on average from 2012 to 2019.

This is good, but not nearly enough. While tourism infrastructure has improved in some parts of the Philippines, such as Cebu and Puerto Princesa, more work is needed to make the country a viable destination for real estate investors.

Apart from improving infrastructure, developers must be more in tune with the needs of tourism-focused real estate buyers. There are a few companies getting it right (we will get to those a little later in the article) but too many firms aren’t being innovative when launching new projects in tourist destinations.

Looking at tourism-focused real estate success in Southeast Asia

Developers in the Philippines don’t have to look far to find tourism-focused real estate success stories. Bali has been attracting foreign property investors for decades in spite of complex laws that prevent freehold ownership. Having a first mover advantage has helped the island with homebuilders and agents now boast decades of experience in helping property buyers.

In Thailand, the rise of the condotel helped attract a new wave of property buyers who can enjoy the best of both worlds–investment returns and a holiday home. If you are unfamiliar with the condotel concept, it is a project sold similar to a pre-selling condominium but operated like a hotel.

The main difference between most condotels in the Philippines and ones in Thailand’s tourist areas is management. Thai homebuilders are partnering with well-known, 4- and 5-star hotel brands to manage their condotels. These are more attractive to buyers since they trust the brand and are more popular with guests ensuring strong rental returns. In the Philippines, many developers try to manage the property themselves which can be off-putting to potential investors.

Tourism-focused real estate in Vietnam has taken off during the past five years despite foreign buyers being unable to access this market. Driven entirely by domestic demand, developers here have been able to take advantage of the country’s rapidly growing tourism sector. Similar to Thailand, most projects are condotels or other properties that provide on-site management for investors.

If tourism-focused real estate in the Philippines is going to grow, developers need to understand what property seekers are after. Most require a hands-free investment being operated by a hotel brand they trust. They also like having the option to stay at the property for a week or two every year. This is something a handful of real estate developers in the Philippines have adapted to.

Early movers

Grand Land tourism-focused real estate
Grand Land is leading the tourism-focused real estate efforts in Cebu

While there hasn’t been a lot of activity when it comes to tourism-focused real estate in the Philippines, a few developers have recognized the potential of the sector. In Cebu, Grand Land has been at the forefront. The Grand Tower, a mixed-use project containing the Dusit Princess Cebu, was one of the region’s first condotels targeting users/investors.

The project will be operated as a hotel with unit owners sharing net room revenue. Additionally, they are entitled to stay at the property 15 days each year. Dusit Princess Cebu proved to be popular among both local and international investors which saw it quickly sell out. Construction is ongoing and the development remains on schedule.

The Chancellor Hotel from Global-Estate Resorts, Inc, a subsidiary of Megaworld, is another tourism-focused real estate project making waves in the country. Located in Boracay, this condotel is perhaps the most ambitious to date. It allows property buyers a chance to invest in one of the country’s most popular destinations.

Can tourism-focused real estate help the Philippine property market rebound?

It’s important not to get carried away about what type of impact this can have. Tourism-focused real estate can help the Philippine property market rebound, but it is only one part of a larger equation.

Ultimately, this sector serves as a link between the property and tourism industries that can elevate both. Tourism-focused real estate in the Philippines won’t single-handily turn things around. However, it could help the Philippine property market reach new heights once the current situation has passed.

Developers may think demand isn’t there, but this seems like a miscalculation. Overseas buyers are already active in places like Cebu, but there are many more on the sidelines waiting for condotel projects that provide a hands-free form of investment.

There is likely to be greater demand for tourism-focused real estate from both domestic buyers and OFWs. That is because it ticks a lot of boxes in terms of what they are looking for. The potential for returns is good, there is no need to worry about management and it doubles as a holiday property.

That being said, it is necessary to mention the risk which we are living through now. Another global pandemic would harm tourism-focused real estate more than traditional properties. Both developers and investors will be keenly aware of that.

If you look at some of Southeast Asia’s other tourism destinations, you’ll see the property markets bounced back here faster than urban locations. Both Bali and Phuket have overcome catastrophic events to maintain their upward momentum.

At the very least, it won’t hurt the property sector to consider tourism-focused real estate moving forward. As we have seen elsewhere in the world, doing so may benefit everyone.

lifted from: DOT PROPERTY

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Residential demand in Cebu is likely to pick up this year

Residential demand in Cebu is expected to increase this year with lower real estate prices and key infrastructure projects driving the market forward. The city has been the preferred investment destination outside of Metro Manila and that trend will continue in 2021.

“Colliers projects a potential rebound in residential demand in 2021 (in Cebu) and thus sees a faster pace of price increase from 2021 to 2022 to reflect a stronger residential market,” Joey Bondoc, Colliers Philippines Senior Research Manager explained to the Philippine News Agency.

He continued, “The residential sector of the area is at a discount as compared to projects located within the country’s capital. The proliferation of both local and national developers in Cebu has raised land and property values.”

Research from Colliers Philippines found that new project launches and take up both fell in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the consultancy believes both will recover this year on the back of strong residential demand in Cebu.

What’s driving residential demand in Cebu?

Two key factors have been responsible for driving residential demand in Cebu over the past ten years. Firstly, home prices are significantly less than those in Metro Manila which is appealing to buyers. Secondly, a number of infrastructure projects will improve the region’s connectivity and boost property prices in the future.

“Over the past few years, we have observed the transformation of Cebu’s skyline with large-scale residential, commercial, retail and hotel developments. The property boom in Cebu offers an alternative metropolitan-paced business lifestyle at a discount to Metro Manila,” Bondoc stated.

Several key infrastructure projects remain in the pipeline and these could support the growth of the Cebu and Davao property markets. In Cebu, the Cebu-Cordova expressway, Cebu bus rapid transit, Cebu monorail, and Metro Cebu expressway are a few of the possible improvements.

(c) https://www.dotproperty.com.ph/blog/residential-demand-in-cebu-likely-pick-year

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Cebu Landmasters’ Mandtra Residences sold at 60% in 3 weeks

LEADING Visayas-Mindanao developer Cebu Landmasters, through joint venture firm Cebu Homegrown Developers, Inc., launched its latest condominium project with premium amenities in Mandaue City, Cebu aimed at meeting the housing needs of a surging segment of upwardly mobile professionals and entrepreneurs in the region.

The P3-billion development Mandtra Residences is managed and developed by CLI and offers condo units from 21 sqm. to 41 sqm. ranging from P2.35 million to P4.17 million. It began pre-selling its first tower in March and was close to 60 percent sold after three weeks.

Jose Soberano III, president, and CEO of CLI, remarked: “We want to strengthen our leadership in our home base and this joint venture enables us to have access to high-value locations that allow us to offer a new generation of Cebuano entrepreneurs and professionals seeking upgraded living spaces. Our exceptional sales velocity indicates we are indeed meeting a highly felt need.”

With construction already underway, Mandtra Residences is a three-tower development on a landscaped 12,405 sqm property with a lush tropical theme. A retail podium, a sky garden, clubhouse with adult and kiddie pools, jogging paths, fitness gym, and chapel have been designed to provide homeowners a multi-faceted urban sanctuary. According to CLI executives, planning for this project took place at the height of the 2020 pandemic, so the design placed a premium on healthy living and balanced well-being with its generous array of amenities and lush open spaces.

The first tower with a lobby and three passenger elevators has 26 floors with 595 units ranging from studios to one-bedroom units with selected units of both sizes offering balconies. Moreover, several units have been designed so partitions and walls can easily be knocked down and spaces combined. The first tower is set for completion in 2025.

Mandtra Residences will be the first in a planned series of projects from Cebu Homegrown Developers Inc. Soberano concluded: “Our partnership believes in the innate dynamism and abilities of Cebuano entrepreneurs and professionals and hope to meet their aspirations beginning with well-planned residential communities.” (PR)

Lifted from SunStar and all credits are theirs alone: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1890003?fbclid=IwAR0MYHsU83g_oy-zRQUaTsahN1f7v0PA2eFnZ9c5KL7JbczEALWSla2_Yjs

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Why Living in Cebu is a Smart Choice for Your Family

May 20, 2020 by 32 Sanson

32 sanson cebu by rockwell

With its thriving economy and stunning beaches, choosing to invest in a condo in Cebu is a good move.

Cebu is becoming one of the most sought-after cities in Visayas with its evident growth in the past years for both business and tourism. 

Looking for a place to raise your family is tricky. A lot of families have been opting to live in condominiums because of the perks it provides. With lots of choices available, it can get overwhelming. Some families in Metro Manila are starting to relocate to other provinces like Bacolod, Cebu, Boracay, to start their new lives in a thriving city. Factors like schools, location, and work available is a given when considering buying a property.  Luckily, Cebu, the Queen City of the South can check them off your list. 

Here are some of the reasons why condo-living in Cebu is a smart choice for your family.

A Certified Economic Hotspot

Cebu is one of the top Philippine tourist destinations to visit and to invest in (1). The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) handled 5.76 million passengers for the first half of 2018, a 12.50% increase compared to 2017. (2) Alongside the growing fraction of local and international tourists, new developments are also on the rise in Cebu. With these economic improvements, more people are starting to consider Cebu as a good place to settle down. This means that moving to this city provides growing opportunities for families who want to launch or expand their business. As tourism creates a boost in the city’s overall performance, a surge in economic growth is expected in the years to come.

Fall in Love with the Beauty of Cebu

The hospitality of Cebuanos makes living in Cebu even more enticing. They are very welcoming to tourists and are warm and friendly when interacting with newcomers and guests. It is one of the deciding factors why more people are settling down in Cebu. Aside from Cebuano hospitality, Cebu is also graced by pristine beaches like Moalboal, Malapascua Island, and Bantayan Island. Living in a place where you can just easily relax on a beach is also one of the great factors why people are actually investing in condominiums and properties in the area. The food in Cebu is also one for the books. Delicacies like the Cebu Lechon are making waves not just here but also abroad. Festivities like Sinulog also make it more exciting for interested local and foreign dwellers.

Ease of Travel with Mactan’s New International Airport

Mactan Cebu International Airport Terminal 2 (MCIA) was inaugurated on June 7, 2018 and commenced operations the month after. (3) The world’s friendliest airport changed the ballgame for the city as it launched a new gateway that opened Cebu to the world. Since then, MCIA has been recognized globally for its stellar design, and has won the much-coveted 2019 International Architecture Awards (IAA) for its unique eco-friendly Filipino-themed design. (4) Overall, the airport has improved and has made travel more fun and convenient for everyone.

Family-Friendly Condominiums are on the Rise

ready for occupancy condominium in cebu

Living in a condo unit eliminates many logistical problems that one encounters when staying in a house. It also makes one belong to a community with thoughtfully designed spaces and allows access to a set of amenities. This gives each member of the family something to enjoy. This has been a long-standing commitment of 32 Sanson by Rockwell.

32 Sanson is a rarity in that it is surrounded by greenery and other amenities that adhere to the needs of every member of your family. In addition to its convenient location, 32 Sanson also has a playground, an expansive green lawn, a fitness gym and a swimming pool.

The master-planned development consists of residential towers, with units for sale sitting atop 3.2 hectares of artfully landscaped greenery. For potential buyers who want to immediately move into their units, its third tower, Buri, has recently been turned over for residents to enjoy.

For buyers looking at securing their units from the property; the Solihiya tower is already pre-selling. 

As a premium developer, Rockwell Land understands the needs of a growing family and caters to its community’s needs in the most serviceable manner possible. Looking for a condo for sale in Cebu is now easier with Rockwell adding its roster of prestigious residential developments in the city.

Living in Cebu is a smart choice for any family. There is so much promise in location, marvelous nature, vibrant culture, and thriving economy that condos for sale in Cebu can provide for any growing family in the long run.

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Cebu is still the best place for Real Estate Investment

For the longest time, Metro Manila has been the most prized location for real estate investments. Even a small, studio-type condo in Taguig or Makati generates huge returns. Plus, you will never have to worry about the market because there’s always a buyer or renter who’s willing to pay. But with the coronavirus crisis, things are changing. 

Based on Lamudi’s data, there’s been a strong, brewing interest in locations outside the metro for the past months, since the community quarantine started. While the capital region remains to be in demand, a lot of provinces are getting a share in the real estate market’s attention. Ultimately, this should compel investors to look beyond Metro Manila. 

To borrow what everyone has been throwing a lot lately, you need to embrace the new normal in property investment. That is, consider pursuing rental properties in these provincial hotspots, which, combined with Metro Manila, received over 80 percent of inquiries on the Lamudi platform from February to April 2020:

Cebu

The Queen Region of the South reigns in real estate opportunities, especially because its capital has maintained its status as one of the richest cities in the country. In terms of house and lot investments,  you can check out the units at Primary Homes’ Argao Royal Palms in Argao, MCJR Development Corp’s Vista de Bahia in Consolacion, and Aboitizland’s Almiya in Mandaue. For condos, there’s Megaworld’s One Manchester Place in Mactan and Taft Properties’ Taft East Gate in Cebu City.

EXISTING AND ON-GOING INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN CEBU:

mactan airport
Cebu-Mactan International Airport, World’s only resort airport
Cebu-Cordova Bridge
Cebu-Cordova Bridge, connecting the Islands of Mactan and Cebu
2nd mandaue-cebu bridge
Marcelo Fernan Bridge

SOME INFRASTRUCTURES TO RISE IN CEBU:

4th bridge
4th Mactan-Mandaue Bridge
metro cebu expressway
Metro Cebu Expressway
cebu international container port
New Cebu International Container Port
cebu BRT
Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
isla dela victoria
Isla de la Victoria Project in Cebu SRP

original story: https://www.lamudi.com.ph/journal/provinces-real-estate-investment/

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