In this new decade, we all need to think smart about investing well in property or earning more passive income from our hard-earned pesos.

Granted, it’s not always easy to invest — especially if you’ve never been taught how to do so. It can also be difficult to get motivated in property investing when you are too preoccupied with surviving monthly bills and saving. Still, everyone can benefit from basic property investing knowledge. Here’s a quick guide on how to learn just that — effortlessly and without extra pressure.

BUYING A PROPERTY IN THE PHILIPPINES

The growth of the property market in the Philippines is not only felt in Metro Manila. As more developers move from other key urban centers to secondary cities, it shows an exciting landscape for first-time investors.

It is also safer and relatively less volatile compared to other investment options. However, as with any investment, there is a level of risk, and asking yourself the right questions is the best way to achieve success.

- What is your budget and income projection for the next 5 years?

- What is your purpose for buying a property? Is it for retirement, halfway or permanent house, or simply for investment?

- Are you eligible for a loan? What are your financing options?

- How and who will maintain your property if you’re away or working outside the country?

OVERVIEW OF PROPERTY TYPES

• Residential

  Properties classified as residential are residential lots and compounds, houses and lots, townhouses, duplexes, and condominiums.

• Commercial

  Buildings intended for business profit and rental income are classified as commercial. This includes malls and commercial centers, offices, hotels, retail stores, hospitals, and service centers.

• Industrial

  Buildings built and operated for manufacturing, storage, research, and distribution of goods fall under industrial classification.

• Land

  This category includes vacant or undeveloped land, farms, sprawling ranch properties, and isolated or off-grid lands.

SECURE A GOOD LOCATION

Whether you plan to use the property as a permanent home or as a business investment, it’s important to be specific when picking the location. Ultimately, your goal is to ensure that the location will yield you a high appreciation value over time. You can consult with a real estate professional to help you analyze a location’s growth potential or gauge it yourself based on its proximity to public transportation, commercial districts, public open spaces, and schools/universities.

FINDING A REAL ESTATE BROKER OR SALESPERSON

When buying a property, we highly encourage buyers to hire the services of a property broker or salesperson. Not only will they guide you all throughout the process, but they will also be helpful in doing all the dirty work in documentation and tax payments which can be dreading for first-time buyers especially if you’re overseas. Having a good and trustworthy advisor in your corner will also help you score a good deal and protect you from fraud and scams.

One way of finding a real estate broker is through a referral from family, friends or colleagues. This is the most practical way of finding a trusted person you can work with. The next best thing is by checking listings directly in online portals. It’s a plus if your broker is specializing in the location of your choice so he’s adept at local market prices and listings.

PLANNING YOUR FINANCES

Financing can be a major roadblock in property investing. Unless you’re paying full in cash, planning ahead in financing your first property purchase is a must.

1. Save up for a deposit. Ideally, you should prepare 10-20% of the total price of your target property.

2. Make sure you have a good credit history. Pay off remaining debts and other obligations.

3. Select the most ideal financing option available for you: Bank loan, PAGIBIG (HDMF) or other financing institutions.

4. Prepare the necessary documents and coordinate with your financing for approval. Acquiring a pre-approval is also smart so you know how much you can actually spend for your first investment,

5. Include taxes, stamp fees, repairs or fitting in your budget.

Are you currently looking for a potential first property purchase? Head over to OnePropertee and check out some of the top properties that match your budget using the Income Filter. Happy home hunting!