Condo buildings have become a staple in modern Philippine society. They can house thousands of people in the same vertical space, and encourage community-building in their different amenities. But you should also consider the many pros and cons when choosing your condo unit. Condo properties by DMCI Homes, for example, offer tropical vibes that help maximize rest and relaxation in urban areas.
According to an EPA report, living spaces can impact a person’s overall health. While a condo building looks good on paper, it may actually have an increased risk of inducing asthma, cancer, reproductive diseases, or developmental issues. That’s especially true when considering that most condo buildings in the Philippines are situated in congested areas in already full cities. That means you have to be extra careful in choosing the condo building you want you and your family to live in.
DMCI Homes considers your health as one of its top priorities when developing properties. You deserve a condo building that helps you take care of your health. That being said, here’s a handy guide to help you choose the condo building for you.
Photo courtesy of DMCI Homes
Condo building, defined
Condo buildings are large property complexes composed of small living spaces, called units. These units can either be residential or commercial, depending on the type of project that is being built. Most condo buildings are high-rise ones, but you can still see some low-rise condos as well. Developers entice potential tenants by offering different amenities, such as gyms, gardens, or covered parking.
While unit owners own their respective units, they do not have complete control over the common areas. These are shared spaces for every tenant, and are supervised by a board of unit owners for better enjoyment.
Is a condo the same as an apartment?
The answer to that question is quite complicated. A condo may be considered an apartment, but there are more long-term benefits of buying a condo vs. renting an apartment.
Owners of condo units can do most anything to their own units, provided they do not violate any of the developer’s rules and regulations. You can even rent out your own condo unit, which is where the confusion comes from. These units can be referred to as apartments, but not every unit is actually put up for rent by the owner.
On the other hand, apartment complexes are living spaces put up solely for rental purposes, where the tenants don’t actually own anything. All ownership in an apartment complex is reserved to the landlord. The landlord can limit what the tenants can do to the living space, such as painting over walls or adding fixtures such as wall mounts for TVs.
There are benefits of owning a condo unit as opposed to renting in an apartment. Owning a condo also provides a sense of security that tenancy cannot provide. For one, you can customize your own condo unit as you see fit. Owning a condo unit also provides a sense of security that tenancy cannot bring. Plus, you get to live in a community with great amenities!
Photo courtesy of DMCI Homes
Pros and Cons of Low-Rise, Mid-Rise, and High-Rise Condos
There are three types of condo buildings: low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise. These classifications are based on how many floors each building has. Low-rise buildings usually have no more than three floors, while high-rise buildings have at least ten. Mid-rise buildings can have anywhere between four to nine floors.
Each one of these classifications have their own advantages and disadvantages.
For instance, low-rise condo buildings are typically completed faster and cost cheaper. The communities are smaller, meaning they are quieter and more likely to produce more intimate relations between occupants. However, you should be aware that low-rise condo buildings tend to be situated farther away from urban centers. The only tradeoff here would be less pollution and more green areas for you to enjoy.
Mid-rise condos, in comparison, have more floors, take longer to complete, are more expensive, and closer to urban areas compared to low-rise condo buildings. Open-air amenities also feature less frequently, but are not totally absent. They may be closer to city centers, but not exactly right in the middle of everything.
High-rise condos have the most floors available, and can house thousands of occupants. They are usually located in the heart of city centers and provide access to many urban conveniences. High-rise condos are also the most expensive type of condo building and take significantly longer to complete. Most, if not all amenities are located inside the building itself, and open-air green spaces are not a prominent feature.
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What should you consider before moving into a condo?
Some things, however, are non-negotiable when it comes to choosing your condo building. That means you cannot disregard certain factors before you buy a condo unit. These include location, pricing, safety and security, and amenities.
Location
Of course, your condo unit shouldn’t be too far off from key places like schools, offices, or leisure spots that you frequent. You should also be aware of certain risks such as flooding, air pollution, and other hazards that pose risks to your health.
Pricing
You literally cannot afford to buy a condo unit that doesn’t fit your budget. Find the most suitable condo unit available, both in location and affordability. The added stress of finding out how to pay for your home just isn’t worth it for most people.
Safety and security
As mentioned earlier, risks and hazards pose dangers to your health. You should also be aware of other dangers before moving into a condo unit, such as the area’s crime rate. Fortunately, DMCI Homes properties come equipped with 24/7 security personnel and security cameras to help keep you safe inside the premises.
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Other condo amenities
Most developers typically include open-air gardens, pools, and gyms to their already impressive condo buildings. Don’t forget: your environment can have a huge impact on your health, so watch out for these convenient design specs in your condo building. They can be located in your own unit, or scattered throughout the common areas.
The rumored 50-year time limit on condos
The condo developer’s job doesn’t end with offering amenities and then building the structures as planned. The developer has to maintain the condo building and keep everything in tip-top shape. That’s why DMCI Homes Property Management Offices (PMOs) are located inside the condo complex, to make sure the community stays healthy. The PMO works together with a condo building’s Board of Trustees (mostly composed of unit owners) to do a better job in handling the property.
You may be aware of the Condominium Act, Republic Act No. 4726. There is a rumor that one of the provisions imply that 50-year-old condominiums are to be deemed uninhabitable and thus destroyed after their fiftieth year. This false interpretation could cause investors and condo owners alike to lose their stake in the condo corporation and subsequently force them to sell their investment. Or, at least, it would if this rumor were accurate.
The truth is that ‘The Condominium Act’ deals more with the deciding factors of when a condo corporation, not the condo developer, is allowed to sell the condo as a whole or dissolve it entirely. The condo corporation is made up of stakeholders, including individuals or businesses, who own a unit in any given condominium.
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While this may seem intimidating to the singular unit owner, they can rest assured that the age of the condo is not the only deciding factor in the equation. A condo corporation will be allowed to proceed with the sale of the condo building and its land if all three factors below are met:
- The building is more than 50 years of age
- The building is proven to be obsolete and uneconomical
- A majority of the unit owners are against the repair, restoration, or modernization of the project
Thus, it’s important to look at each project’s general state when viewing your options. Certain projects, when not cared for properly, may end up seeming older than they are without adequate building care. At the same time, well-maintained but older developments may prove more premium choices in comparison. As long as the building is not proven to be obsolete and uneconomical, the fifty-year period should not be cause for much concern. Thus, a building’s upkeep becomes that much more important.
Condo building options available with DMCI Homes
Many DMCI Homes properties are erected to allow the free circulation of air and sunlight in common and private areas. The properties also feature open spaces, greenery, and lifestyle amenities that allow residents to stay fit and relaxed. You can rest assured that these properties are well-maintained and are built to last.
Photo courtesy of DMCI Homes
The Manors at Celebrity Place
The Manors at Celebrity Place is a low-rise condo project inspired by English architecture. The Manors is conveniently located in Diliman, and is accessible to premier schools such as the University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University.
The Calathea Place
The Calathea Place is a mid-rise project located in the Paranaque City. It is a peaceful community not too far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It sports amenities such as a fitness gym and a convenience store to help you save time. The condo complex also has three different pools for you and your children to enjoy!
East Raya Gardens
Witness a glimpse of Bali with East Raya Gardens. You can live in serenity and comfort in this Pasig mid-rise, fitted with a daycare, a dance studio, and a fitness gym. The poolsides also take inspiration from Bali, and are surrounded by trees while also maximizing sunlight for that sweet Vitamin D.
Alder Residences
Alder Residences is one of the much-anticipated DMCI properties today. It is a good choice for your new residence if you’re working near the central business districts in Makati or Taguig. Maximize your down time at the gym, or meditate at the landscaped gazebo. You can find peace and relaxation in this modern artisanal-themed condo community.
The Calinea Tower
The Calinea Tower is an upcoming high-rise condominium project based in Caloocan. Not only is it surrounded by schools across all grade levels, The Calinea Tower is also situated near the LRT Station at Monumento. This makes for easy travel across the train lines in the Metro!
It has three different pool locations with a sky deck to help you enjoy the city from above. It also boasts a coworking space for when you need some quiet time while you work.
Key Takeaways
Choose the condo building that fits your needs. DMCI Homes, the country’s leading property developer, offers a myriad of options from low-rise condos to high-rise condos. Here are three takeaways to help you invest in a DMCI Homes property today:
- Invest in a condo unit rather than rent one. It is far cheaper in the long run, and can even help supplement your income.
- Prioritize the property’s location, and your budget. DMCI Homes offers affordable condos in prime locations, so you don’t have to worry too much about this!
- Ensure that your condo developer is trustworthy. Make sure that your developer has a history of maintaining its properties in top shape, and is someone capable of delivering with their promises.
For more information on DMCI Homes projects, call (632) 5324-8888. News and other updates are also posted on the company’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
