Are Condo Hotels a Good Investment? - Vista Land International Marketing Inc. (2024)

Investing in condominiums is extremely popular among real estate investors due to various reasons. They are significantly cheaper than single-family homes and have lesser maintenance duties but can still yield a higher return of investments. Plus, property owners can enjoy luxurious amenities like swimming pools, fitness and gym areas, pet parks, and refreshing open spaces.

But as the decade closes, there’s a new trend that rises that redefines multi-purpose properties as well as high-rise developments in the country.

What are condo hotels?

Are Condo Hotels a Good Investment? - Vista Land International Marketing Inc. (1)

Condotels, short for condo hotels, are a mix between a condominium unit and a hotel. It has the common functions of a hotel, like a reception desk and a hotel operator.

Property unit owners share ownership, just like your typical residential condominium units. But the thing that sets apart condo hotels from a typical condominium is that there is a rental agency in charge of the maintenance and upkeep of the property as well as bookkeeping and marketing, which saves a lot of headache on the property owner’s part.

You might be wondering how you will split the profit. Well, the condotel unit owners and rental agency split revenue depending on the amount of work of the involved parties. Usually, the ones who have more responsibilities get a larger share.

Even in this scenario, a lot of real estate investors are hopping on to the trend of owning a condo hotel unit. Some real estate developers are slowly converting their existing condominium buildings into a more of a condotel type, or are planning to build such in the future. This type of investment is perfect for those who have enough capital to purchase condo hotel units but can’t squeeze it into their schedule to oversee and maintain the property.

With the existence of the rental agency, you don’t have to worry about your unit being vacant all the time as the agency will find renters for you. They’ll also be the ones who’ll foresee the maintenance and upkeep of the property. All you have to do is focus on your craft and earn while your investment earns as well!

Perks of investing in condo hotels

Are Condo Hotels a Good Investment? - Vista Land International Marketing Inc. (2)

High-quality properties

Since condo hotels cater to tourists and visitors, they are usually built with class and style to attract more renters, especially during peak season. They can be classified as four or five-star offering luxurious amenities such as spas, fitness centers, gourmet restaurants, swimming pools, and nearby business centers. Added to that, they also have top-notch security services as well as valet and concierge.

Ideal and highly-desirable locations

Most of the condo hotels wee found in prime locations near beaches, resorts, and other tourist hotspots to entice tourists and visitors alike. Here in the Philippines, you can find a lot of condo hotels in Cebu and Davao City. But, surprisingly enough, there are also various condo hotels situated within the busy districts of the Metro and other urban areas, ready to accommodate and pamper returning overseas Filipino workers or transient visitors for their short stay in the city.

Passive income

Passive income is said to be earning money even when you sleep. When you invest in a condo hotel unit, you can expect a steady flow of income that will compensate for your monthly mortgages. Since there are no limits when it comes to ownership, you can purchase as many units as you can and earn larger revenue. Investing in condo hotels can become a lucrative investment when done right.

Doubles as your own vacation home

Another perk of condo hotels is that they can double up as your vacation home the moment you decided to relax and destress. You can skip the long lines and expenses of trying to book a hotel unit in one of the top tourist destinations in the country, especially during peak season.

Condominium investors can easily do a quick city escape and relax in the various amenities in offered inside their condominium building.

Lesser responsibilities when it comes to the upkeep of the property

Condo hotel is deem to be a smart investment option as you are earning from a rentable unit stripped from its usual challenges like maintaining the upkeep of the property. Since it’s the task of the rental agency unit, it saves you a lot of hassle, from property inspection up to finding repair companies who will solve the problem.

Potential drawbacks

Just like other investment options, there are also potential drawbacks when it comes to investing in condo hotels. Here are some of the few you might encounter:

Poor Management

Since there’s an agency that manages the property on your behalf, you don’t have direct operational control over the units. If the management isn’t competent enough or mismanages the funds allocated for the maintenance and upkeep of the property, then your investment could suffer.

The construction was halted or didn’t push through

Most of the condotel investments are still in their pre-selling or construction stage. One setback of investing in them is that the construction of the property was halted or didn’t come forward due to construction issues. Disasters and calamities may also affect the progress of the construction.

While you can still get your money back, you could have put it into other investment options. What’s worse is that you may lose your investing appetite and won’t want to invest at all.

The real estate market dips

Another drawback when it comes to investing in pre-selling condotel projects is that the real estate market can take a huge dip the moment the construction was finished, therefore, lowering the value of your property. This is totally out of your control and is part of the investment cycle, however, this can be really frustrating on your end.

You can still lease out your unit, but it’s not guaranteed that you’ll reap large profits than you first expected. You’ll have to wait until the market booms again to get a higher return of investment.

Not generating your expected revenue

Your condotel investment may not generate the revenue you are expecting for. Perhaps, the tourism rate of where your property is located went down or there’s a new competitor in the market that affects the occupancy rate of your unit.

Final Takeaway

Investing in condotels in the Philippines, just like other real estate investments, can become a lucrative source of income when done right. It can easily strengthen your financial and investment portfolio with the right research and planning. Before you become a condotel investor, make sure you are equipped with the right knowledge in the industry to avoid costly mistakes.

Looking for an affordable property? Contact us today

A lot of Filipinos dream of owning their first apartment or house and lot. With today’s booming real estate opportunities, there are so many options to choose from.

Here at Vistaland International, we have a roster of affordable property listings from several locations across the country. Whether you’re looking for a place to live in Manila, Cebu, Davao and etc, we’ve got you covered. So contact our real estate agents today!

Are Condo Hotels a Good Investment? - Vista Land International Marketing Inc. (3)
Are Condo Hotels a Good Investment? - Vista Land International Marketing Inc. (4)

Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!

Are Condo Hotels a Good Investment? - Vista Land International Marketing Inc. (5)
Are Condo Hotels a Good Investment? - Vista Land International Marketing Inc. (2024)

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of buying a condotel? ›

There can be drawbacks to owning a condotel unit. The costs for maintenance and cleaning services may be high. Charges may be based on the square footage of each unit. The owner of the unit may need to take out special insurance for the property.

Are condos really a good investment? ›

While renting can be an affordable option for those who aren't ready to invest in real estate, buying a condo can be a practical and lucrative move that sets you up for future financial success. This is because purchasing a condo allows you to build equity in the home that you wouldn't with renting.

What is Condotel investment? ›

Condotels are hybrid properties that are composed of individually owned condominium units but operate like hotels, so they aren't subject to the same laws that apply to residential short-term rentals.

Is hotel apartment a good investment? ›

High return on investment — usually guaranteed.

One of it's main benefits is that once you lease your property to the operator, you will be provided with a guaranteed rental income usually every month. Moreover, investing in a hotel room means you are not just renting out your property but also owning it.

How do you build equity in a condo? ›

  1. Make a big down payment. Building equity starts the moment you fork over your down payment. ...
  2. Avoid mortgage insurance. ...
  3. Pay closing costs out of pocket. ...
  4. Increase the property value. ...
  5. Pay more on your mortgage. ...
  6. Refinance to a shorter loan term. ...
  7. Wait for your home value to rise. ...
  8. Avoid a cash-out refi.
Mar 7, 2023

What is the difference between Condotel and timeshare? ›

Condotel rooms are privately owned by one individual, while timeshares are properties that can be owned or leased by dozens of people (or more). Timeshare owners pay for the time that they stay at their property.

What is the downside of a condo? ›

Condos can be difficult to resell because of the narrow pool of buyers interested in these properties. Families with multiple kids often want yards and some people may be turned off by the idea of living by someone else's rules. The costs associated with condo living also make the buyer pool smaller.

Do condos gain equity? ›

When you buy a condo, you could potentially build equity over time. As you pay more money into the property, you are building equity in that property. Home equity is the portion of the home that a person truly owns. It can increase over time if the property value increases or the mortgage balance is paid down.

Are condos good for cash flow? ›

A condo can provide cash flow, whether you rent it out or use it for Airbnb. While receiving this cash flow, the condo also appreciates in value over time, increasing your equity.

What is the difference between a hotel and a condotel? ›

They're not a hotel, and they're not a timeshare so what exactly is a condotel? These buildings are made up of multiple, individually-owned condominium units that are run like a hotel. They make for customizable, low-maintenance vacation homes easily rented out when you're not using them.

What are the three different hotel investment types? ›

depreciation. tremendous value, which is accessible tax-free in this way. operations into a single, large-scale property. Hotel investments are comprised of three major tax categories – building, FF&E, and goodwill.

How do condo complexes make money? ›

Rental income is the primary way that an apartment building makes money. The rents collected become the biggest chunk of the gross income for that month. Then, the mortgage and expenses are paid, leaving the net operating income, or NOI.

What is the average return on a hotel investment? ›

The expected mean return for each hotel is 15%, however, the distribution of IRR's varies widely. Measures of dispersion, such as the standard deviation, indicate the spread of the distributions and the risk associated with the prospective return.

Do you make a lot of money owning a hotel? ›

The profits could range from thousands to millions of dollars annually. Independent hotel owners in the United States typically make an annual profit ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 on average. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of hotel owners' earnings.

What are the 3 main elements of a hotel investment decision? ›

Newell and Seabrook (2006) define the main factors influencing hotel investment decision making as financial (weight of 37.0%) and location (29.9%) factors followed by economic (14.5%), diversification (12.0%) and relationship (6.6%) factors. Finance factors are most important to equity investors and financiers. ...

What adds the most value to a condo? ›

Improvements to the kitchen often yield the highest return for condo owners. The kitchen holds many areas for improvement including cabinets, countertops, sinks, faucets, and lighting. Often considered the heart of the home, the kitchen can make or break the perceived value of a condo.

What is a good profit for a condo? ›

The amount will depend on your specific situation, but a good rule of thumb is to aim for at least 10% profit after all expenses and taxes. While 10% is a good target, you may be able to make more depending on the property and the rental market.

Can you take equity out of a condo? ›

Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit

If you don't need to finance the entire value of your condo, you may also consider a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit. These are similar to mortgages in that they're both secured by the equity you have in your home.

What is the largest timeshare company? ›

The CEO of the world's largest timeshare owner is picking up new customers thanks to out-of-control rental fees. Travel + Leisure is the world's largest timeshare owner, with brands like Wyndham Destinations a part of its portfolio of properties.

What are the characteristics of a condo hotel? ›

Condo hotels are typically high-rise buildings developed and operated as luxury hotels, usually in major cities and resorts. These hotels have condominium units that allow someone to own a full-service vacation home.

Is there something better than a timeshare? ›

Vacation rentals

Vacation rentals are considered preferable alternatives to timeshares because they give greater flexibility in where and when you can vacation. You're only paying for specific days, so you aren't on the hook for yearly fees on top of the purchase price of a timeshare.

Why don't condos increase in value? ›

On the other hand, when you purchase a condominium, you only own the specific unit. No land = less value. Also, it's likely that more condominium units can fit on single plot of land than single family homes, as condos are often built up instead of out. This higher supply of condos can in turn drive prices down.

Why are condos higher risk? ›

Characterizing Condo Ownership

Condos pose a higher risk to lenders because the complex is governed by a homeowners association, which oversees daily maintenance, performs major repairs and maintains the budget for the entire complex.

Do condos have a life expectancy? ›

READ: How to Earn Back Your Investment on a House and Lot Fact #2: A corporation's lifespan is 50 years, but it can be renewed. Your condominium doesn't have a lifespan, but the corporation managing it has one.

Do condos always depreciate? ›

Do condos lose value over time? Short answer: no. Long answer: Condo values appreciate at a steady rate comparable to that of traditional single-family homes. Though they also fluctuate with single-family home prices, condo values rise over time despite booms or busts.

Are condos easier to sell than houses? ›

Selling: In general, it can be easier to sell a house than a condo. Before you sell your condo, you'll need to check with your HOA to make sure you comply with any rules, including being current on your dues. The HOA might also screen prospective buyers, which can limit your offers.

Are condos worth flipping? ›

Flipping condos can be a great way for new real estate investors to get started. The property purchase price and renovation costs are often cheaper, the risk of unforeseen structural problems is far lower, and there tends to be less direct competition from other investors.

What type of property has the best cash flow? ›

Commercial Real Estate

One reason commercial properties are considered one of the best types of real estate investments is the potential for higher cash flow.

What are the pros and cons of buying a condo? ›

Pros and Cons of Buying a Condo
ProsCons
May be easier to afford than a single-family homeHOA and maintenance fees
Location, location, locationAbide by the HOA rules
Increased securityMay have limited parking
Amenities like a pool and a gymLess storage space
3 more rows
Jul 15, 2021

What is the average cash flow on an investment property? ›

Keep in mind, when it comes to real estate cash flow, calculating your expenses and rental property income will be your number one key to success. Anything around 7% or 8% is the average ROI. However, if you'd really like to succeed, you should always aim higher at around 15%.

What are the 4 different types of hotels? ›

Hotel Types by Location
  • Airport Hotels − They are located near airport. ...
  • Boatels − They are on the houseboats such as Shikara in Kashmir.
  • City Center − Located in the heart of the city near commercial area.
  • Motel − They are small hotels usually located on highways. ...
  • Suburb Hotels − They are located near urban area.

What are condominium hotels similar to? ›

Condominiums are similar to time shares, except that they have a single owner instead of multiple owners sharing the hotel. In a condominium hotel, the owner informs the management company when they would occupy the unit.

What is the average lifespan of a hotel? ›

Studies show that a hotel's economic life averages about 40 years, but the standard deviation is, believe it or not, 20 years.

What is the market risk of hotels? ›

Market Risk: One of the significant risks associated with investing in the hotel industry is market risk. Hotel revenue is directly related to the demand for accommodation in the market. Therefore, fluctuations in market demand can significantly affect hotel revenue and profitability.

Is it a good time to buy a hotel? ›

The hospitality market has made a comeback following the pandemic. Leisure and business travel demands have increased exponentially since 2020, and as such, booking rates have multiplied. This growth pattern makes it a great time to invest in the hospitality industry.

What makes a condo luxury? ›

Luxury condominiums display exquisite designs and high-end finishes with modern appliances. The owners manage condos while professional companies run apartments. Living in a luxury condo means you depend on the owner's availability for maintenance activities.

Is owning an apartment complex profitable? ›

Investing in an apartment complex is one of the most time-tested ways to build wealth. In fact, multifamily investing has an incredible array of benefits, including cash flow, the ability to finance properties with a limited amount of money down, and incredible tax benefits — just to name a few.

What is the average profit margin for an apartment building? ›

Over the past 10 years of operating results, the average profit margin is as follows: Retail (28.7%) Apartment (23.7%)c.

What are the pros and cons of high rise condos? ›

While luxury, peace, and amazing views are some of the benefits of living on a raised floor, there are some disadvantages to it, such as pet issues, the difficulty of repairs and maintenance, and inconvenience in shifting.

What is a disadvantage of condominium office ownership? ›

Perhaps the biggest disadvantage, and the most common misconception, of condo ownership, are the monthly fees that you're subjected to. Known as condo fees or maintenance fees, these costs are payable each and every month to the condo board.

What are the cons of buying an apartment complex? ›

Owning an apartment complex has a number of potential downsides, including time investment, local market factors, vacancies and tenant issues, liability, maintenance expenses, and low liquidity.

What condo improvements add the most value? ›

Improvements to the kitchen often yield the highest return for condo owners. The kitchen holds many areas for improvement including cabinets, countertops, sinks, faucets, and lighting. Often considered the heart of the home, the kitchen can make or break the perceived value of a condo. Our pro tip?

Are higher floors better in condos? ›

On a higher floor, you won't have to have to deal with street noise. In addition to this, you can enjoy a great view. You'll also have a financial benefit because a condo unit on the higher floors usually has a higher resale value because of the amazing views.

Why are condos harder to buy? ›

Loans can be harder to get for a condo because some lenders have strict requirements regarding owner occupancy and loan-to-value ratios. Condo owners will have to abide by the covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) of the complex or risk being fined, forced to comply, or sued.

What is the point of owning a condo? ›

Condos offer residents the opportunity to embrace homeownership without the hassle of yard work, snow shoveling, or home repairs. Building hallways, entryways, and community spaces are also taken care of by a cleaning or maintenance staff, so you only have to worry about your living space.

Why living in a condo is better? ›

Condo pros

Less maintenance – If you own a house, all of the upkeep of the property falls on you. If you don't want to worry about maintenance as much, a condo might be a better fit. More perks – Unlike a house, many condo communities come with amenities like a pool or playground, and features like security systems.

What is the most common form of condominium ownership? ›

The most common form of condominium is the residential, multi-unit high-rise apartment style building, but the condominium concept is not limited to this form. Condominiums exist in commercial real estate settings, such as office condominiums, and in other residential forms, such as condominium townhouses.

What is one advantage to living in a condominium as opposed to a house? ›

A condo is usually less expensive than a free-standing house. Condos are much smaller in square footage, and maintenance is typically cheaper because you're only responsible for the interior of your home. You don't have to worry about landscaping, the roof or the exterior walls. The condo board or HOA covers those.

What is the primary advantage of owning a condominium as an investment property? ›

What is the primary advantage/s of owning a condominium as an investment property? Condos are easy to rent and condo's association provides exterior and ground maintenance. Which of the following is an advantage of investing in a two-to-four unit dwelling? Tenants often pay for their own utilities and repairs.

Is it smarter to rent or buy an apartment? ›

Buying a house gives you ownership, privacy and home equity, but the expensive repairs, taxes, interest and insurance can really get you. Renting a home or apartment is lower maintenance and gives you more flexibility to move. But you may have to deal with rent increases, loud neighbors or a grumpy landlord.

Why buying an apartment is better than a house? ›

When considering the pros and cons of an apartment vs house, safety should always be a top priority. Living in a multi-unit dwelling gives added security you can't find in a home. Many apartment complexes have gated communities, controlled access, security cameras, and extra fire protection.

Why buying an apartment is better than renting? ›

Buying an Apartment

When you own a property, it gives you a sense of security and stability. You can do whatever you want with the apartment; there are no lease agreements, no hassle of rents, and no disturbance of a roommate.

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