​​When people ask where to retire,  a lot of other people would often seek for a colorful tropical island where they can pick fruits and sail the oceans anytime they please. Well it is a good idea. But how many can really survive that? However, there is one place away from the noise of the metropolis, close to the energizing rays of sunshine, chirping birds and fresh open spaces that can be a feasible alternative. The Sonoma at Sta. Rosa City Laguna. It is a 50-hectare terrain filled with lush greenery with clean, fresh air, lower levels of pollution, traffic and noise, and a landscape that is just as vibrant as the metro, Sta. Rosa in Laguna has it all.  It’s the perfect location for retirees looking to enjoy a new chapter in their lives.

 
The Sonoma, a project of Empire East in Sta. Rosa City, offers serene living with all the pleasures of a close-knit community.  Encompassing 50 hectares, Sonoma is embraced by greenery, giving it a sense of calm rarely found in the city.  The project’s Modern Asian aesthetic complements its wide, open, nature-filled spaces.  Homebuyers can take their pick from four residential phases: The Enclave, The Pavilion, The Country Club and The Esplanade.  Here, lots ranging from 150 to 670 square meters in size, as well as house-and-lot packages are available.  Three model homes at the site named Atria, Banyan and Cassia are open for viewing at the project site—perfect for those who are wondering where to retire after several years of work well spent.
 
For retirees who crave recreation, the community features a healthy and fun environment.  Play amenities include a 25-meter-long lap pool, fitness area, tennis court and jogging paths.  Neighborly ties can be kindled at the pocket gardens and multi-purpose area.
 
With Sonoma’s location in Sta. Rosa, all kinds of activities can be enjoyed.  Retail hot spots such as Paseo de Sta. Rosa, Nuvali, Rustan’s and Solenad are just a few minutes away.  
 
First-rate health care is also accessible such Sta. Rosa City Hospital and Medical Center, South Luzon Hospital and Medical Center.
 
Truly, when people now ask where to retire, you now have you refreshing answer.

​It is good to know how much money you need to build a house to best ensure there are no delays in the project and that the property indeed serves as a worthwhile asset


While fully built homes are preferred by most buyers because they are mostly ready for occupancy and no additional construction costs, others still favor building a new home from the ground up. The common motivation behind this is the chance establish a true “dream” home, where every aspect of the property is exactly how the owner wants it.
It is, however, something that is easier said than done, and apart from the logistics of building a home from scratch, there is also the matter of financing the project. From hiring a contractor, securing the needed permits, to purchasing building materials, there are a number of things an owner has to spend on, and it is important that these are accounted for, to ensure you incur no extra or unnecessary expense.

​
Q: How Much Do I Need to Build a House?
A: According to the 2016 Construction Cost Handbook of construction consultancy services provider Langdon & Seah Philippines Inc., the cost in building a house still varies depending on the type and size. Terraced houses and average standard homes (one to two bedrooms) tend to cost between Php25,700 and Php31,000 per square meter. Detached houses and high-end residences, on the other hand, cost is between Php53,900 and Php63,150 per square meter. These values, as per Langdon & Seah, are already inclusive of the expenses for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services.
Permits and Other Paperwork Needed to Build a HouseAlong with the materials and labor needed for building a home, there are also a number of permits and paperwork which you’ll also need to produce for your project to push through. According to Eric Madrinan, a civil engineer in the business of building and selling properties, these permits include the following:

• Architectural Plan – a plan that will be used as reference in the construction of the house. This is provided by your chosen contractor.
• Barangay Permit – a permit from the barangay that has jurisdiction over the area you’ve chosen, and which you will also need your neighbors to sign.
• Building Permit – Once you’ve secured the Barangay Permit, you will present it to city hall together with the Architectural Plan to secure the Building Permit, which is needed for you to be able to start your home’s construction.
• Occupancy Permit – When construction is finished, you’ll also need to secure an Occupancy Permit, which are documents that signify that a licensed building surveyor is satisfied with the completed building work and that the new home is indeed suitable for occupation.

Using the Building Plan to Establish a BudgetFor a more specific idea of how much building a house will cost, you can look to the final plan and designs you establish for the project. This is due to the costs also depending on the following variables, on top of the previously mentioned price range per total floor area:

• Type of finish – Standard to elegant. According to Mr. Madrinan, a standard finish can cost about Php14,000 or more, while an elegant finish costs upward of Php30,000.
• Timetable – Construction done in a rush would typically require more manpower than what is commonly needed to meet the shortened construction timetable
• Lot location – If the location of your lot is lower than the road and would require the land being filled, then this would expectedly be an additional to the cost.​

It is good to know how much money you need to build a house to best ensure there are no delays in the project and that the property indeed serves as a worthwhile asset


While fully built homes are preferred by most buyers because they are mostly ready for occupancy and no additional construction costs, others still favor building a new home from the ground up. The common motivation behind this is the chance establish a true “dream” home, where every aspect of the property is exactly how the owner wants it.
It is, however, something that is easier said than done, and apart from the logistics of building a home from scratch, there is also the matter of financing the project. From hiring a contractor, securing the needed permits, to purchasing building materials, there are a number of things an owner has to spend on, and it is important that these are accounted for, to ensure you incur no extra or unnecessary expense.

​
Q: How Much Do I Need to Build a House?
A: According to the 2016 Construction Cost Handbook of construction consultancy services provider Langdon & Seah Philippines Inc., the cost in building a house still varies depending on the type and size. Terraced houses and average standard homes (one to two bedrooms) tend to cost between Php25,700 and Php31,000 per square meter. Detached houses and high-end residences, on the other hand, cost is between Php53,900 and Php63,150 per square meter. These values, as per Langdon & Seah, are already inclusive of the expenses for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services.
Permits and Other Paperwork Needed to Build a HouseAlong with the materials and labor needed for building a home, there are also a number of permits and paperwork which you’ll also need to produce for your project to push through. According to Eric Madrinan, a civil engineer in the business of building and selling properties, these permits include the following:

• Architectural Plan – a plan that will be used as reference in the construction of the house. This is provided by your chosen contractor.
• Barangay Permit – a permit from the barangay that has jurisdiction over the area you’ve chosen, and which you will also need your neighbors to sign.
• Building Permit – Once you’ve secured the Barangay Permit, you will present it to city hall together with the Architectural Plan to secure the Building Permit, which is needed for you to be able to start your home’s construction.
• Occupancy Permit – When construction is finished, you’ll also need to secure an Occupancy Permit, which are documents that signify that a licensed building surveyor is satisfied with the completed building work and that the new home is indeed suitable for occupation.

Using the Building Plan to Establish a BudgetFor a more specific idea of how much building a house will cost, you can look to the final plan and designs you establish for the project. This is due to the costs also depending on the following variables, on top of the previously mentioned price range per total floor area:

• Type of finish – Standard to elegant. According to Mr. Madrinan, a standard finish can cost about Php14,000 or more, while an elegant finish costs upward of Php30,000.
• Timetable – Construction done in a rush would typically require more manpower than what is commonly needed to meet the shortened construction timetable
• Lot location – If the location of your lot is lower than the road and would require the land being filled, then this would expectedly be an additional to the cost.​

Using the Budget to Make a Plan, Which Results in a More Specific BudgetIn the instance, however, that you already have money set aside and know exactly how much you can spend on building a new house, it may be better to provide your budget outright to your contractor or architect. Just make sure that the one you select is duly licensed, and has a commendable track record of building homes that are of quality and within the specifications of the Philippines’ Building Code.
With what you can spend in mind, your house plans are designed and drawn, the technical specifications and bill of materials are prepared, and the final project cost is reached. When all parties are in agreement regarding every detail, a construction contract is executed and the previously mentioned building permits are secured, and the construction phase begins shortly thereafter.

​Credits to:
http://www.lamudi.com.ph/journal/qa-how-much-money-do-i-need-to-build-house/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=crm&utm_campaign=2406327-20170710_ph_nl_customer_cw28&utm_content=read-more_cta

MANILA, Philippines – Hailed as the “Tiger City of the Philippines” and the “Shopping Mall Capital of the Philippines”, Mandaluyong City was once a sleepy town that eventually transformed into a booming business district and residential area. This place has never failed to impress as one of the most fast developing economic center in the country.
Living here is like having your own empire. Complete with monuments, memorials, government institutions, modern commercial centers, and prestigious companies you can work for. Still unconvinced? Here are some reasons why moving to Mandaluyong City can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make in your life.
1. A business and shopping districtLiving in Mandaluyong City can bring you right at the heart of business opportunities. The Ortigas Center is one of the major centers in the country for business and commerce. With the number of large and reputable corporations like Asian Development Bank and San Miguel Corporation nestled in the city, you can definitely keep a job here and enjoy the proximity of your home.
Shopping centers also abound in Ortigas. Don’t miss out the major ones namely, Shangri-la Plaza, SM Megamall, Star Mall and The Podium.
2. Supports healthy livingThe local government in Mandaluyong City encourages its residents to keep a healthy lifestyle. For the past four years the Mandaluyong government has organized fitness events with regular exercise programs held on weekends.
Early this year, 12,975 participants in yellow shirts filled the streets of Mandaluyong as they Zumba their way for 30 minutes on a high-tempo music to break the Guinness World record for the largest Zumba class held in a single venue. Who would have thought the exercise can be so much fun?
Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:
3. Cradle of world-class accommodationsRegardless if you are a traveler or a local resident, Mandaluyong City will still be your go-to place in the metro when looking for luxurious and high-end hotels. Grand Hotels such as EDSA Shangri-La, BSA Twin Towers, and New Horizon Hotel are just some of the most elegant hotels to stay in.
Envision yourself living in the city where you can have the option to take a break for a night at one of the luxurious hotels on the country.
4. Exceptional schoolsSurrounded with outstanding schools like Don Bosco Technical College, Rizal Technological University, and Jose Rizal University, which all belong to the top 100 colleges and universities in the Philippines, Mandaluyong City is also the ideal place to live in for starting families and parents who want to ensure their children’s bright future.
These schools are ensured with high-quality learning and their academic reputation can prepare your children for success, not just in school but in the far future.
5. Policarpio StreetChristmas is never a simple holiday to the residents of Policarpio Street. As early as mid-November, this quiet neighborhood transforms itself to a Christmas Village where all houses are mostly covered with Christmas lights and exceptional decorations.
One of the most prominent is the “House of Light” and the “House of Santa Claus” which became the most popular attraction on the street as well as having the largest Santa Claus collection in Metro Manila.
6. Condo livingCondo lifestyle is also prominent in Mandaluyong, especially for young professionals who are working in nearby offices. They find convenience in living in condominiums where they can easily access both business and commercial areas and at the same time relax with the condos’ hotel-like amenities.
One of the most popular condominiums, especially among the working professionals in Mandaluyong, is the Pioneer Woodlands. Pioneer Woodlands is a transit-oriented development by Empire East that’s strategically set at the junction of Pioneer Avenue and EDSA, right in front of Robinsons Forum.
This commuter-friendly condominium is physically connected to MRT3 Boni Avenue station which gives you equal access to north and south destinations. This home is ideal for both young professionals and those who are interested in real estate investment.
Pioneer Woodlands offers a package of tranquility and accessibility all at the same time. You won’t regret living here.
For more information, contact real estate senior specialist in 0906-411-0688 or email empire.east123@gmail.com. 
​

​http://www.philstar.com/modern-living/2016/01/15/1539496/6-reasons-why-life-more-fun-mandaluyong

DUBAI: Asian investors are buying condos in the Philippines by the floors to sell them at a higher price when it has appreciated in value, which is happening at an annual rate of up to 20 percent, Manuel U. Arbues II, Ayala Land executive, told The Filipino Times.
In an interview following his presentation at the recently held financial management event dubbed, “Money Talks UAE 2016,” Arbues, Ayala Land regional head for North America and the Middle East, said Singaporeans, Japanese and Malaysians are making procurements by the bulk “because they know the Philippine economy is growing and they are banking on it.”
“There is a demand among Asian investors. They are buying by the floors. Sometime in November 2015, a group of Malaysians bought four floors of Ayala Land property. There were also Singaporeans buying three floors,” Arbues said.
“They want to capitalize on the fact that there is economic growth in the Philippines. They are investing now and so when they decide to sell it, they could do so at a higher price,” he added.
Arbues said Ayala Land properties appreciate “anywhere from 10 percent to 20 percent annually.”
​
We have brands like Avida that have a price increase at almost every quarter,” he said.
HSBC projects the Philippine economy to become the 16th largest in the world, 5th largest in Asia and the largest in the South East Asian region by 2050, according to Multiplan International, a human resource company.
Multiplan also noted that Goldman Sachs estimates the Philippine economy to be the 14th largest in the world also by 2050.
Meantime, Arbues said the demand for real estate in the Philippines has been increasing for the past three to five years because of the economic growth spawned by remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), which stood at US$2.7 billion in December 2015 – a 4.9 percent growth year-on-year, according to latest figures from the Philippine Central Bank; Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs); tourism; and foreign investments.
According to Trading Economics, a global business statistics portal, annual growth rate in the Philippines averaged 5.13 percent from 2001 to 2015.
Arbues said the growth has also been enticing OFWs to invest in Philippine real property for holidays and retirement.
“There is now a desire by overseas Filipinos to reconnect with the Philippines. Filipino buyers from the US and the European countries, they want to go back to the Philippines for retirement,” he said.

by:
http://filipinotimes.ae/news/2016/03/06/asians-buying-phl-condos-by-the-floors/