In this new decade, we all need to think smart about how to invest well in property or earn 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 pre-occupied 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 to other key urban centers to secondary cities, it is showing 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 in the next 5 years?

- What is your purpose for buying a property? Is it for retirement, half-way 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, house and lot, 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 among others.

• Industrial

Buildings that are built and operates for the purpose of 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 AGENT

When buying a property, we highly encourage buyers to hire the services of a property broker or agent. 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 of 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 ready 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 listings page and check out some of the top properties that match your location and budget. Happy home hunting!