INFOGRAPHIC: House Vs. Condo Vs. Rental In The Philippines
3 min readWhich one is right for you and your budget?
Choosing a place to retire and wake up in every day can be taxing. Besides your lifestyle, you have to take into consideration the location, space, and most especially your budget.
What are your options? A standard bungalow or a two-story townhouse provides a homey feel, normally a great choice for nesters. A condominium provides an urban setting for people with busy, active lifestyles. Rentals such as apartments and bedspaces are a typical option for early achievers and those who are on a budget.
eComparemo breaks down the different types of living spaces so that you can conveniently weigh things out and see which one suits you best.
A few things to consider before making the decision
Location. It is ideal to choose a location that is situated near your workplace or school and accessible by public transport. Also, it’s better to live near a hospital, church, malls, and marketplaces for your convenience.
Number of persons. Are you alone? Or are you moving in with your family or a friend? Considering the number of people coming on board with you is also a deciding factor of what kind of living space should you get.
Livability. Do you want some peace and quiet? Or do you want to be in a lively neighborhood? Don’t forget the to consider the population density of the vicinity. If you have a family, make sure the environment is conducive for the growth and wellbeing of your children.
Citizenship. Are you a citizen or a foreigner? Foreigners cannot acquire land in the Philippines, so they are limited to renting or buying a condominium.
Budget and payment terms. Do you want a three-bedroom space or a dormitory? What’s the kind of lifestyle you wish to attain? You should always check what your money can afford and how you can keep up with a given payment term.
| Land/floor area | Payment terms | Association dues | Utilities | |
| House |
Bungalow (without parking) Floor area: 35-40 square meters Lot area: 70-100 sq. m. Cost: P400,000 to P1.2 million Bungalow (with parking) Floor area: 90-130 square meters Lot area: 150-250 square meters Cost: P1 million to P1.8 million |
95% downpayment, 5% upon turnover 20% downpayment, 80% bank financing 50% downpayment, 50% deferred* up to 60 months or turnover 30% downpayment, 70% deferred up to 60 months or turnover 20% down payment, 80% deferred up to 60 months or turnover 10% down payment, 90% deferred up to 60 months or turnover 10% down payment, 40 over 48 months or turnover, 50% balance or bank financing |
P100 to P400 Average per annum: P1,200 to P4,800 |
Water bill:Â P400 to P1,500 Average per annum:Â P4,800 to P18,000 Electric bill:Â P2,000 to P5,000 Average per annum:Â P24,000 to P60,000 |
| Condominium |
P50,000 to P100,000 per square meter Studio: 18 to 30 sq. m. Average cost: P1.8Â million One-bedroom: 40-60 square meters Average cost: P3.75 million 2 Bedrooms: 45-70 square meters Average cost: P4.3 million Penthouse: 80-150 square meters Average cost: P8.6 million |
95% down payment, 5% upon turnover 20% down payment, 80% bank financing 50% down payment, 50% deferred up to 60 months or upon turnover 30% down payment, 70% deferred up to 60 months or upon turnover 20% down payment, 80% deferred up to 60 months or upon turnover 10% downpayment, 90% deferred up to 60 months or turnover 10% downpayment, 40& over 48 months or upon turnover, 50% balance or bank financing |
P50 to P100 per sq. m. (plus taxes) |
Water bill: P500 to P2,000 Average per annum: P6,000 to P24,000 Electric bill: P2,000 to P8,000 Average per annum: P24,000 to P96,000 |
| Rental |
Studio apartment: P7,000 to P10,000 per month Dormitory: P3,000 to P5,000 per month Shared apartment: P4,000 to P7,000 per month |
2-months advance, 1-month deposit | N/A | Water bill P500 to P1,200Average per annum:Â P6,000 to P14,400Electric bill:Â P1,000 to P4,000Average per annum:Â P12,000 to P48,000 |
*A deferred is a loan that allows borrower to pay at a certain period in the future
Total estimated cost**
| Unit Cost | Estimated association dues per annum | Estimated water bill per annum | Estimated electric bill Per annum | Total estimated expenses in 20 years | |
| House | P1.5 million | P3,000 | P11,400 | P42,000 | P2,628,000 (House & lot owned) |
| Condominium | P4.3 million | P75 + 12% VAT | P15,000 | P60,000 | P5,896,600 (building share-owned) |
| Apartment rental | P18,750/ month | N/A | P10,000 | P30,000 | P1,175,000 |
**Figures are based on a two-bedroom-unit benchmark
–Diana Lyn Balbalosa
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