#ForKeeps: What makes premium property stand out?

MANILA, Philippines – Imagine yourself on the porch of your dream house, lemonade in hand, gazing at the mountain sunset and enjoying the breeze. Down a few blocks, your children run around a lush green park vast but secure, playing and giggling without a care in the world.

Imagine serenity. Imagine comfort. Imagine the best amenities your family can enjoy.

Nothing but the highest standard of living is what a premium home offers you.

Whether it’s a P25-million house or a P15-million condominium at the heart of the Makati business district, no doubt, you buy premium for prestige: it is exclusive, rare and sets you apart.

But this isn’t the only reason. You buy premium because you know it is the best you can give your loved ones.

And like your relationship with them, buying premium is a commitment. You invest in it, maintain it, and protect it to make it last.

Why settle for less?

Below are reasons why you should buy premium property:

Location

Ayala Land Head of sales and marketing for the Residential Business Group Tom Mirasol says that location is so important because it cannot change.

Developers therefore build at locations that are strategic, cater to consumers’ specific needs, and bring value to them both in terms of returns and comfort.

In the metro, real estate services firm Jones Lang LaSalle says premium properties are commonly situated within the country’s established central business districts (CBDs) such as Makati City and Bonifacio Global City.

These CBDs are, of course, well developed. In Makati, residential and commercial projects are thoroughly planned, keeping the value of properties high. Luxury properties are found at the heart of the city, with easy access to malls and lifestyle centers, restaurants and leisure areas.

Outside the metro, areas like Tagaytay, Laguna, Subic and Batangas, and provinces like Cebu and Davao are also prime locations for luxury homes. These areas are gaining more attention because of their large spaces and fresher environment.

As Ayala Land Premier Head Jose Juan Jugo simply puts it: “Premium property is not built on every corner.”

Amenities and large, open spaces

Fully automated electronics system, sky gardens, zen parks or even man-made lakes.

Premium properties are developed to suit the needs of their target market. What amenities do they need the most? What will they not use at all? What will make their day-to-day activities more convenient? What will give them pleasure?

Mirasol says premium properties boast of state-of-the-art facilities, elegant finishes, iconic architecture, breathtaking views and large, open spaces. “Properties can only achieve high values if there’s something special about them.”

More importantly, Mirasol adds you’re assured that these structures are made out of quality and sturdy materials that will last for a very long time.

Privacy and security

According to Jones Lang LaSalle, one important differentiating factor of luxury developments is overall property management.

Your neighbors most likely have the same background as you – high net worth individuals composed of businessmen, senior company executives and foreign expatriates. Thus, privacy and exclusivity are often key considerations for high-end property buyers. Premium properties are inaccessible to the general public. So naturally, there’s no crowd and noise.

The staff is also very hospitable and pleasant, and they are quick to respond to your requests.

A good investment

Premium properties are long-term investments. A brand that has been around for generations and has maintained a strong name in the industry is preferred.

In the past 4 to 5 years, premium property buys have been very good, says Jugo. As communities grow in the areas they’re located, the values of the properties increase as well.

Jugo says Ayala Land Premier products are still very much attractive even if these were built in the 40s or 50s. This is because they always make sure that they push themselves to create a product better than their last. 

Their products have been developed for the long term, maintaining a timeless design that builds over time. They are passed on from generation to generation, making them part of a family’s inheritance and even a symbol of its achievements.

Mirasol says that there’s never a bad time to invest in premium real estate and the returns can be quite rewarding. You can opt to rent them out or sell them for a higher value than what was invested. Opportunities to lease or re-sell premium properties aren’t hard to come by since the demand for these remains high, he adds.

According to another real estate services firm, CB Richard Ellis Philippines, high net-worth individuals and expatriates drive the demand for premium properties.

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have also been significant contributors to the premium market. Twenty-percent of property purchases from Ayala Land Premier come from abroad, and about two-thirds of this is accounted for by OFWs, says Mirasol. Jones Lang LaSalle and CB Richard Ellis remain optimistic about the property market in the Philippines. They say the market will continue to be supported by the growth of the economy, high liquidity and the low interest rate environment.

“For as long as the economy continues to grow, more wealth will be created and this will continue to sustain demand,” notes Mirasol. – Rappler.com

Thinking of investing in premium property? Watch out for more information here on Rappler.