Rex Ma. Mendoza, Ayala Land’s senior vice president for corporate sales and marketing, and a financial expert, flew to Singapore recently to speak to the Filipino community on how to invest their money during challenging times.

“Equipped with proper knowledge and courage, you can actually turn a crisis into an investment opportunity,” Mendoza said during the talk in partnership with Singapore Management University and Philippine National Bank.

The talk, supported by Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Minda Calaguian-Cruz is part of Alveo Land’s Wealth Management Series.

“There is always risk involved in any investment, even during good times. You just have to double the vigilance and forethought on where you put your money,” Mendoza explained.

He said investing in the so-called hard assets such as real estate, especially prime properties, is a more viable and secure option than putting one’s money in stocks of bonds. This, he added, is because of real estate’s unique value feature: economic crisis tends to stabilize real estate prices due to an increase in demand. When the situation improves, prices can rise very quickly, giving significant returns on the investment made during the crisis.

“You don’t have to wait for the recession to be over to reap the benefits of your new real estate purchase. You can enjoy a great address or earn from rentals. It’s also a good way to manage your wealth for your future. It’s just a matter of perspective and foresight,” Mendoza said.

Alveo Land has been on full swing in developing residential projects. Verdana, the company’s family oriented community in the South, launched a new phase while Treveia, a neighbourhood in Nuvali, is starting to take shape with roads and amenities already being completed. Other developments like Senta in Legazpi Village and Two Serendra’s second high rise section in the third phase The Red Oak is also making progress.

“We will deliver as promised, good times or bad so our clients don’t need to worry that their dream homes will just vanish. We stand by our company’s thrust of giving the market the life they deserve and this includes return on their investment,” said Robert Lao, Alveo Land vice president for sales and marketing. Dinna Chan Vasquez

Source: Manila Standard Today

The month of March has stepped in and, oh, the temperature has indeed dramatically risen, perhaps earlier than expected and no sign of rain within the next couple of months. Rather than fanning ourselves helpless, there are still many ways on how to turn the “oppressive” heat to our advantage, but most especially in South Forbes Golf City, the country’s largest fully-integrated and all-themed golf resort city at the heart of the Metro Sta. Rosa – Tagaytay corridor, and recipient of the Best Golf Community Development title by the CNBC International Property Awards, the world’s most prestigious property awards programme.

Beach Bums. Sun worshippers are now planning this early their ultraviolet-filled days of summer at their ultimate destination — the beach. But summer vacation and long weekends are not reason enough to wait for trips to the beach.

“Miami, South Forbes’ newest tropical resort-themed village is intended for those who adore soaking in the sun and enjoy a nightlife that never sleeps, more perfect in the Philippines in that we share similar climate in an environment of cultural diversity like the Sunshine State,” said Cathay Land president Jeffrey Ng. “And we are taking the thrill of Florida’s famous South Beach to give character to the enclave’s main clubhouse.”

It’s all beach at the village clubhouse where residents feel like celebrities, spending a day of tanning or catching up on their reading on sunning beds all around the beach-inspired free-form pool and a pool deck with a white sandy beach feel. On special weekends, one can grab a bite at the clubhouse outdoor café for delectable barbecues with family and friends — a popular American tradition. At night, the pool deck will surely transform to a party destination of lights and sounds.

The Color of Cool. Green is the most relaxing color in the palette. Not only is green the dominant color in nature, using more of it through natural elements can significantly lower indoor temperatures by as much as 40 percent. And such principles are made real in Châteaux de Paris, South Forbes’ French quarter, where six themed gardens are the main feature of the whole enclave.

Homeowners are even encouraged to cultivate their own home gardens. Less built areas, according to the concept of heat islands, or areas that are hotter than their surroundings, result in creating a cooler climate within the whole city.

South Forbes is planned predominantly pedestrian, opening avenues to a more environmental and sustainable community with a reduction of automobile dependence. Less cars mean a huge decrease in pollution levels; hence, a cooler climate. Landscaped promenades, bike paths, and special features like themed pocket parks will encourage residents and visitors to take to the feet rather than the wheel.

Totally Green Golf. The present drought affecting the country has caused an alarming concern over the levels of the remaining water supply. With the wall-to-wall use of the Sea Isle Supreme paspalum that adjusts to any type of water, even salt water or graywater, South Forbes’ fresh water supply is reserved for the exclusive use of residents.

At the onset, South Forbes’ green zones, those areas mapped out to remain protected from built infrastructure, were identified and even enhanced by the world-class 18-hole South Forbes Golf and Leisure Club. The whole course was designed to take advantage of the site’s mountainous terrain and lush forests, with minimal earth movement, resulting in breathtaking views from any point in the course, especially the peaks.

“Even our fleet of electric-powered golf carts is a testament to our environmental vision since its use has eliminated noise and air pollution all together,” Ng added. “Golfers and visitors will undoubtedly find riding through the fairways a most delightful experience.”

Membership to the club comes free with every lot or condominium unit purchase at no activation cost.

See how we’re helping our clients find their dream homes in South Forbes.

Contact Your Real Estate Broker:
Vir Santos
Mobile # (63)917-5355689
Landline # (632)8724982
Email: housesforsalephilippines@gmail.com

Source: Philstar

From March 1 to 31, BPI Direct, the country’s first and only Internet bank will offer the lowest housing loan rate of 8.75% fixed for 5 years. Applications will be facilitated online for easy convenience and fast access, according to a statement from the bank.

Other housing loan interest rates available are 8% for annual repricing; fixed interest rates of 8.50% for 2-3 years, 10.50% for 10 years and 10.75% for 15 years, it said.

“Our goal is to empower clients to finance the home they’ve always envisioned their family to live in. Applying for a housing loan is a great low-risk financing option for individuals or families, especially with these low fixed rates.” says Raul Dimayuga, BPI Direct President. “The fixed rates allow you to plan ahead without worry of incremental charges.”

Anyone who has been employed for the last two years can apply for the BPI Direct lousing loan. The loan can be used for various housing options such as purchasing a vacant lot, purchasing a house and lot, constructing a house, renovating existing home and re-financing housing loans with other financial institutions.

For those who have been dreaming of the perfect home, this is the best time to take a concrete step towards fulfilling that dream.

Interested applicants can log on to http://www.bpidirect.com/ for more details.

Source: Inquirer

Tax Base = The higher value between:

• Selling price on the deed of sale
• BIR Fair Market Value (BIR Zonal value on the lot + Value of improvements based on latest tax declarations)

Capital Gains Tax - Tax imposed on the gains presumed to have been realized by the seller from the sale, exchange, or other disposition of capital assests located in the Philippines, including pacto de retro sale and other forms of conditional sale. It is a final income tax.

Documentary Stamp Tax - tax on documents, instruments, loan agreements and papers evidencing the acceptance, assignment, sale or transfer of an obligation, rights, or property incident thereto.

Value Added Tax- business tax imposed and collected from the seller in the course of trade or business on ever sale of properties (real or personal), lease of good and properties (Real or personal) or vendors of services. It is an indirect tax, thus it can be passed on to the buyer.

Transfer Tax - is a tax on the passing of title to property from one person (or entity) to another.
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• When the purchase refers to a condominium unit not exceeding 40% interest in the project
• When a foreigner is a former natural born Filipino citizen subject to limitations

Right to Own

1. General rule – only Filipino citizens and corporations at least sixty percent of the capital of which is owned by Filipinos are entitled to acquire and own land in the Philippines.

2. Now there are exceptions to the rule – alien acquisition of Philippines’ Real Estate Properties is allowed in the following cases:

• If you acquired the property before the 1935 constitution.
• If you acquired said house or lot in the Philippines by hereditary succession (if the acquiree is a legal heir). For example, your Filipino wife/husband dies, their property in the Philippines naturally goes to you. This applies to all legal heirs (wife/husband/children).
• Purchase of not more than 40% percent interest in a condominium unit. Now in case a foreigner is interested in a Philippine Condominium project, he should verify from the management body of the project if the proposed purchase will not violate the 60-40 ratio of ownership (60 – Filipinos, 40 – foreigner)
• Purchase by former natural born Filipino citizens (but still subject to limitations)

3. A Filipina who marries an alien retains her Philippines citizenship (unless the law of her husband’s country makes her assume the citizenship of her husband because of such marriage) and can therefore acquire real estate in the Philippines.

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Take a Bow. One of the main things that impress residents and guests is how close they are treated like royalty in their own realm. Like the traditional wai, the prayer-like gesture with the hands and a bow of the head, the entrance of towering trees swaying in the breeze, vibrant flowers lining the streets, and high-pitched roofs pointing to the sky immediately welcome those who enter, recalling of the Thai island paradise that is Phuket. The guardhouse is a small glass structure with curtains made of bamboo stalks for that Asian feel. The carpet of black natural stones paves the way from the gate to the clubhouse at the end of the main avenue. The village wall of river stones hint of coming home to a tropical resort.

Pad Thai. The Ayutthaya bungalow remains faithful to the true Thai tropical resort setting with a pavilion-type layout surrounded by reflecting pools and lush flora. The living room pavilion takes center stage upon entry. The pavilion to the right houses the dining room and kitchen facilities, while to the left are the bedrooms where the master bedroom occupies the ground level attached to a private garden and its own jacuzzi. Retirees, for one, will surely spend their twilight years here in the lap of luxury.

With reflecting pools surrounding each pavilion and a swimming pool at the back, every part of the house becomes the perfect place to spend lazy afternoons and serene nights.

The King and I. The contemporary Chakri mansion, named after Thailand’s current monarchy, is the biggest house to accommodate the needs of a more matured family, especially those with teenagers. The Chakri has more space for each family member to grow and move in — in tune to the demands of the modern world.

See how we’re helping our clients find their dream homes in South Forbes.

Contact Your Real Estate Broker:
Vir Santos
Mobile # (63)917-5355689
Landline # (632)8724982
Email: housesforsalephilippines@gmail.com

Source: Philstar

1001-A is a 3 bedroom bi-level unit designed to give you a picturesque views of the developments at your leisure.

Unit READY FOR OCCUPANCY!

Distinct Features:
-Lantern unit with high ceiling
-East Facing
-A view of the One Serendra Pools, gardens and putting green
-With balcony

Total area is approx 203 sqm
Selling price: P25M
Cash schemes (Cash 30/60)
Bank Financing available for Cash 60
New Scheme: 20-10 (6 months)-70
DP – 20%
MA – 10%
LS-70%
Zero-interest

For inquiries, contact:
Vir Santos
Mobile # (63)917-5355689
Landline # (632)8724982
Email: housesforsalephilippines@gmail.com

*availability of unit is subject to change without prior notice

“We envision Montecito to be a place that promotes the values of friendship and family within a relaxed, refined setting of generous green spaces, a lake, Mediterranean architecture and exceptional community facilities,” says Jose Juan Z. Jugo, head of the land and houses group of Ayala Land Premier.

As such one of Montecito’s most unique features is the greenways – common grounds shared by two rows of homes – that link houses together, encouraging interaction among neighbors. “Having a good relationship with your neighbor doesn’t happen overnight,” says Jugo. “The greenways serve as a venue for shared activities like neighborhood cookouts wherein you can meet the people in your neighborhood.”

And who wouldn’t want to go out at the greenways for a block party if your neighborhood is set against the scenic hills of the charming town of Canlubang? Montecito– located at the heart of Nuvali – is a majestic 60-hectare village heralding Nuvali’s thrust for socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable living.

Within its lush paradise, one is welcomed by idyllic surroundings boasting of natural lakes and vast greenery. Amenities which will be housed in the village clubhouse Pasa Tiempo – the swimming pool, library, game rooms, function areas, activity center, village kitchen and spa – also provide a relaxing place to mingle and socialize with fellow residents, complementary to the pocket gardens that encourage community interaction.

Enjoy the cool breeze of Montecito today!

Contact Your Real Estate Broker:
Vir Santos
Mobile # (63)917-5355689
Landline # (632)8724982
Email: housesforsalephilippines@gmail.com

Source: Philstar

1. Absolute ownership of his unit and co-ownership of common areas
2. Right to Sell, lease or mortgage his exclusive unit
3. Right to participate and vote in meetings of condominium corporation
4. Right to repair, paint, decorate the interior portion of his unit
5. Exclusive easement of the space of his unit and non-exclusive easement of common areas

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A condominium, or condo, is the form of housing tenure and other real property where a specified part of a piece of real estate (usually of an apartment house) is individually owned while use of and access to common facilities in the piece such as hallways, heating system, elevators, exterior areas is executed under legal rights associated with the individual ownership and controlled by the association of owners that jointly represent ownership of the whole piece.

In the Philippines, a study has shown that most Filipinos now prefer to live in condominiums or midrise homes after the recent storms to have hit the country. From studios to penthouse units, a variety of condominium units are available for your purchase.

Condominium developers have also created more flexible payment schemes and have enhanced their amenities to differentiate the project from the next developer down the block. Condominiums are also the only real estate property in the Philippines that a foreigner can truly own (provided that 60% of the occupants are locals, while the rest are foreigners).

Here are the obligations of Condominium Unit Owners in the Philippines:

• Pay realty tax of his unit.
• Share realty tax on land and common areas.
• Pay condominium dues and other assessments.
• Share in the insurance of common areas.
• Comply with the restrictions of the condominium project.
• Give right of first refusal to the condominium corporation or unit owners in case of sale (if it is required in the master deed).

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