Q&A: Should I invest in a condotel? - MyProperty.ph (2024)

Q&A: Should I invest in a condotel? - MyProperty.ph (1)

Q: Should I invest in a condotel?

A:One of the possibilities that people look into when exploring business opportunities is real estate. After all, the Philippine property sector is booming and potential real estate investors are seeing this as the right time to enter the business to make money. While some have delved into the world of buy and sell or condo long-term leasing, a certain investment trend has been growing for a while now, especially with the rise of hospitality service websites like Airbnb: condotels.

What is a condotel?

The term “condotel” is a portmanteau of the terms “condo” and “hotel.” In the most basic definition, a condotel is a condo that is managed and much like a hotel. A condotel has units that are owned individually and are placed in its property management program, in which it will be rented out like a hotel room. Condotels have features that give one the feeling of staying at a hotel, such as a registration desk, swimming pools, fitness areas and cleaning services.

What are the benefits of investing in a condotel unit?

The main advantage of owning a condotel unit is its ability to generate passive income. Depending on its location and season of the year, it can potentially earn a lot of money.

With visitor arrivals surpassing the 600,000 mark in January 2017 compared to just over 540,000 during the same period in 2016, tourism could be a very good income driver for condotels. This is especially true during summer and the Christmas season, when there is a spike in tourism due to either foreign travelers visiting the country’s best holiday destinations at the peak of summer or Filipinos coming home for the holidays. For instance, condos close to the airport will likely be rented by local and foreign travelers who want to make their flights on time. Business might do even better for owners whose condotel units are located close to the Philippines’ most popular tourist hotspots.

Foreign investors who have business dealings in the country would benefit from staying in condotels close to the country’s top business districts: Makati, BGC and Ortigas. In most cases, these business districts are also thriving with malls, restaurants and nightlife establishments, making transient accommodations in these areas popular among foreign visitors, who are in the country for business and leisure.

In condotels, unit owners are also earning from a source other than the rental of their unit: gross sales. Since a condotel operates as a joint venture between the unit owner and the condotel operator, part of the gross sales after taxes will be divided among unit owners, which guarantees that you will get a certain amount regularly (some property management groups pay out monthly or quarterly) even when your unit is currently unoccupied. And the larger the condotel unit, the bigger the amount the owner will receive.

For overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), having a condotel means getting to stay for free in a stylish unit that is ideally close to everything whenever they are in the country. It also gives their family here at home the chance to “check in” whenever they are in the mood for a staycation without having to pay for a hotel. During the rest of the year, it can be rented out, which earns you money even when you are not around.

And as far as property investments go, a condotel is very low-maintenance. Once you sign for property management, you do not have to worry about marketing the unit and maintaining its good condition even when you are out of the country, as the management group will be taking charge of these.

Are there any downsides?

As in any other business, condotels also have their disadvantages, the biggest of which being stagnancy of income during idle seasons. A condotel located near a beach or any summer destination may stay unoccupied for months at a time during the monsoon season, when tourism tends to taper off. Also, condotels have lock-in contracts for transients, unlike leasing condos for a minimum stay of 6 months to a year.

Condotels also tend to be more expensive than condos, which could be an issue, especially if you plan on buying a unit in a prime real estate area where property prices are already high. There is also no guarantee of how quickly you will be able to sell your unit later on should you decide to do so.

Moreover, since you will not be managing the unit yourself, a certain part of your income will go to property management fees, which can be as low as 30 percent or as high as 60 percent.

Is a condotel a worthy investment?

All business transactions have a certain amount of risk, and condotels are no exception. If you have the finances and are willing to take the risk, feel free to take the plunge. But to be safe, it is absolutely necessary to consult a professional, who can give you advice through the process of buying and owning a condotel unit. Also, when selecting a condotel, go for a reputable developer that is transparent when it comes to reporting sales earnings and will be able to maintain the property’s good condition when you are not around.

Main photo via Shutterstock

Q&A: Should I invest in a condotel? - MyProperty.ph (2024)

FAQs

Is it good to invest in a condotel in the Philippines? ›

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.

How good it is to invest in a condo? ›

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 the average price of a condo in the Philippines? ›

As of the second quarter of 2022, the average selling price per square meter of condominiums in Metro Manila amounted to 225.29 thousand Philippine pesos, reflecting an increase from the previous quarter.

What to consider when buying a condo unit in the Philippines? ›

Contents
  • Price, Budget and Payment options.
  • Unit Structure.
  • Amenities.
  • Security.
  • Location and Accessibility.
  • Neighborhood.
  • Developer's Reputation.
  • Long-Term Plans.

What are the disadvantages of 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.

How much should my salary be to buy a condo in the Philippines? ›

Ideally, your monthly mortgage should not exceed 30% (if your loan is above PhP 1,250,000) and 35% (if loan is below PhP 1,250,000) of your monthly income. That means, metro-wide, a prospective condo buyer needs to have a salary of at least Php 100,444 to PhP 150,000 per month in order to afford a 60-sqm condo.

Does a condo appreciate or depreciate? ›

In general, condos appreciate in value at a slower rate than single-family homes. The median sales price of a condo was up nearly 10% year-over-year in October 2020, according to a report from Redfin. But the median sales price of single-family homes was up more than 15% in the same timeframe.

What is the property tax on condos in the Philippines? ›

For residential properties including condos for rent in the Philippines, the maximum percentage is 20% while the ceiling for commercial and industrial properties is at 50%. In addition to the real property tax, the LGU may levy and collect an annual tax rate of 1% on the assessed value of the property.

Is a condo a good retirement investment? ›

Regardless of the community classification, condos offer numerous benefits over detached dwellings. Not only is the purchase price lower, the lifestyle and location are often much better, and you spend less time on maintenance. In many ways, condos are the ideal choice when it comes to retirement living.

Can a US citizen buy a condo in the Philippines? ›

Foreigners are prohibited from owning land in the Philippines, but can legally own a residence. The Philippine Condominium Act allows foreigners to own condo units, as long as 60% of the building is owned by Filipinos. If you want to buy a house, consider a long-term lease agreement with a Filipino landowner.

How much is condo maintenance fee in Philippines? ›

Cond Dues vary greatly depending on the property or community. The monthly fees range starts between P1,500 to P3,000 pesos that can go up to P5,000 to P55,000 for upscale residential areas. The general and foremost rule is that the more services and amenities there are, the higher the fees.

What is the richest condo in the Philippines? ›

At its preview sale, about 40 percent of its residential units were reportedly immediately sold, including the penthouse unit called Anadem Villa One. The three-level unit was reportedly sold for Php477 million, and is said to be the highest value primary condo unit sold in the Philippines to date.

What is the best location of a condo unit? ›

Be sure to look for new condominiums for sale in an area near main routes with easy access to public transportation and roads and more than one point of entry. Ensure it has a low crime rate and includes essential amenities such as schools, hospitals, grocery stores, shops, and more.

What to do before buying a condo Philippines? ›

Things to Consider When Buying a Condo in the Philippines
  1. Options for pricing, budgeting, and payment. The most important factors to consider when purchasing a condo are price and fees, affordability, and flexible payment periods. ...
  2. Structure of Units. ...
  3. Amenities. ...
  4. Accessibility and Location. ...
  5. Neighborhood.
Apr 9, 2022

What are the advantages of condo hotels? ›

Condo hotels offer hassle-free vacation home ownership. The on-site management company takes care of all upkeep, maintenance and interaction with renters. Owners of condo hotel units have the right to resell their unit at any time. They keep any profits derived from appreciation.

Are hotels a risky investment? ›

Risk of Over-Leveraged Capital

A hotel is deemed over-leveraged if debt mounts up, so repayments, interest payments and hotel operating expenses cannot be covered. The more you borrow, the higher your interest rates are likely to be, creating an additional risk of experiencing an investment failure.

What is the difference between condotel and timeshare? ›

Individually-Owned Units

As a result, some people might confuse them with a timeshare, but they're quite different. With a timeshare, you purchase set times that allow the use of that unit. However, unlike a timeshare, if you purchase a condotel unit you own the unit every single day of the year.

What is decent salary in the Philippines? ›

The average salary in the Philippines

The average salary in Philippines as of 2020 is PHP 15,200 or USD 308 for the non-agricultural sector.

How much is the monthly payment for a condo in the Philippines? ›

The monthly rent for a one-bedroom condo in a prime location and with a trusted developer is usually around 25,000 on the average. As long as you've decided on your future home, a plan for your rent-to-own condo in the Philippines will probably be the most affordable property investment for you.

What is the rental yield for condo in Philippines? ›

The demand for property prices in the Philippines is hampered. Thus, condominium property prices dropped off. Records have shown that these prices declined due to the Covid-19 impact. Rental yield returns in Manila are good, with them ranging between 3.55% to 7.40%, with a city average of 5.40%.

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 determines the value of a condo? ›

Recent sales of similar condo units. Active for sale inventory. Other elements that will affect the price, such as the physical condition of the unit, the building amenities/fees, and the location.

What asset is most likely to appreciate rather than depreciate? ›

Here are some examples:
  1. Real estate. They usually consist of land or buildings used for residential or commercial purposes. ...
  2. Stocks. One of the most common ways to grow wealth through appreciating assets is by investing in stocks. ...
  3. Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) ...
  4. Commodities. ...
  5. Art. ...
  6. Private Equity. ...
  7. Saving Accounts. ...
  8. Bonds.

How much is capital gains tax for condo sale Philippines? ›

What is the capital gains tax rate in the Philippines? According to Section 24D, capital gains from the sale of real estate properties in the Philippines have a capital gains tax of 6 percent, which is based on the gross selling price or current fair market value–whichever one is higher of the two.

What to pay when buying a lot in the Philippines? ›

Registration Fee – 0.25% of the selling price, or zonal value or fair market value, whichever is higher. Transfer Tax – 0.5% (in the provinces) or 0.75% (in Metro Manila) of the selling price, or zonal value or fair market value, whichever is higher.

Is Airbnb income taxable in the Philippines? ›

In general, the money you earn as a host on Airbnb is considered taxable income which may be subject to different taxes like income tax, VAT or percentage tax. Income tax returns for the Philippines are due on a quarterly and annual basis.

Should I downsize to a condo? ›

If you have more empty bedrooms than children living at home, you might consider downsizing from a house to a condo. Investing in a condo may not fight off empty nest syndrome, but there are other benefits to downsizing, such as: Less outside maintenance: Say goodbye to shoveling snow and mowing the lawn!

Is buying a beach condo a good investment? ›

A beachfront condo has the potential to be an excellent long-term investment. Over the course of many years, you could easily earn several times what you paid for your investment. Not only that, but most owners of beachside real estate enjoy the added bonus of having a vacation home for their personal use.

Is it easy to live in a condo? ›

The majority of individuals who move into condominiums do so because they want to save time and money on upkeep. Living in a condominium is much easier than living in a house and lot with a backyard and exterior to maintain. People would like to live in a place where they can always maximize their time.

Is hotel business profitable in Philippines? ›

In the Philippines, hotels generated a revenue of approximately 1.13 billion U.S. dollars in 2021. The Statista Mobility Market Outlook estimates that by 2026 revenue of this segment of the travel & tourism market will increase to roughly 2.1 billion U.S. dollars.

Why hotel chains are investing in the Philippines? ›

The Philippines' hotels and leisure sector offers an opportunity for investors to take advantage of the country's fast-paced growth and get higher yields compared to what's currently being offered by traditional markets. KMC Savills, Inc.

Is it good to invest in housing Philippines? ›

The Philippines Offers an Affordable Entry Cost to Real Estate Compared to Other Nations. Enjoy Passive Income via Rentvestment Opportunities in the Metro. Enables You to Diversify Your Investment Portfolio in a Developing Industry. The Value of Real Estate Provides Long-Term ROI.

What is the richest and most successful business in the Philippines? ›

1. Henry Sy (Shoe Mart) Shoe Mart, or SM for short, is one of the country's retail behemoths, and far more than just a mall. It is now a well-loved institution of which many Filipino families hold fond memories.

What is the most successful business in the Philippines? ›

20 Most Profitable and In-Demand Business Ideas at Home in the Philippines for 2023
  • Sari-Sari Store. Starting capital: ₱3,000 to ₱5,000. ...
  • Merienda Business. Starting capital: ₱2,000 to ₱5,000. ...
  • Online Selling. ...
  • E-loading Business. ...
  • Baking Business. ...
  • Online Tutoring. ...
  • Graphic Design Business. ...
  • Bills Payment Business.
Mar 20, 2023

What is the richest hotel in the Philippines? ›

Arena Island Resort is a luxurious resort situated in Narra, Palawan, Philippines. This exclusive island resort offers an ideal escape for travelers seeking an ultimate island paradise experience.

Why not to invest in a hotel? ›

Risk of Over-Leveraged Capital

A hotel is deemed over-leveraged if debt mounts up, so repayments, interest payments and hotel operating expenses cannot be covered. The more you borrow, the higher your interest rates are likely to be, creating an additional risk of experiencing an investment failure.

Why investors don't invest in Philippines? ›

Foreign ownership limitations in many sectors of the economy constrain investments. Poor infrastructure, high power costs, slow broadband connections, regulatory inconsistencies, and corruption are major disincentives to investment.

Who invest the most in the Philippines? ›

In 2022, the leading foreign investor in the Philippines was Singapore, with investments amounting to approximately 131 billion Philippine pesos. That year, the total value of foreign investments in the country amounted to about 242 billion Philippine pesos.

What is condotel investment? ›

Unlike a timeshare, where buyers pay for limited use of a resort, buyers of a condotel own their residence outright and can stay in it, rent it out, or sell it according to their own wishes.

What is the difference between a condo and condotel? ›

A condotel is a condo that operates more like a hotel. Individuals own each unit, although the complex shares amenities like lobby registration and a cleaning service. When owners are away from the property, they have the option to make income by renting their condo out for short-term vacation stays.

What is the No 1 investment in Philippines? ›

📈 Long-Term Bonds

These are securities that usually come with a 20 to 30-year term. They can be in the form of corporate bonds, government bonds, and even international bonds. Long-term bonds are considered one of the best investments in the Philippines because of the potentially high-interest yields.

What is the forecast for the Philippines real estate market in the next 5 years? ›

During the COVID-19 pandemic years, the real estate industry has thrived even more. Colliers Global real estate forecast shows that the Philippines' property market will continue to grow in the next five years, with a forecasted annual growth rate of 5.4%.

Where is it best to invest in property Philippines? ›

Cebu. Outside of Metro Manila, Cebu is the country's busiest and most developed metropolitan. Other than a tourist destination, it's home to a slew of industries, too, attracting major investors and professional workers. effectively raising the demand for real estate properties in the area.

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