Investor’s guide to a ‘wise buy’

Rick M. Santos

Investments are usually made for the benefit of future generations.

Among the popular investments are those made in the property sector, as more Filipinos realize the value and benefit of investing their hard-earned money in homes and structures that they can pass on to their heirs and kin.

Industry stakeholders have since claimed that property investments remained one of the more practical and intelligent options, as the value rarely decreases and more often than not, the return it brings to its owners is more than what is expected.

But how would you really know which among the “sea” of new and existing residential developments being offered in the market is the best and wisest option for you?

Rick M. Santos, chair and chief executive officer of CBRE Philippines, shared essential tips which first-time homebuyers and even the seasoned investors should keep in mind in choosing a property to invest in.

1 Keeping with the market trend.

According to Santos, it is necessary to get a grip on the property market by researching on trends, comparing new and existing developments and price points. “This will help you avoid costly repairs and improvements and ensure a good return on your investment. This will also guide you when it is the best time to invest,” Santos explained.

2 Property investors need to identify target market.

“For investors—Don’t mess emotions with business. If you are purchasing a property for investment purposes, treat it as business,” Santos said. It is necessary for a property investor to “know who their market is and what their future and present tenants want,” so that they will be sure that whatever they acquire can be purchased by their target market.

In general, buyers/investors should identify the type of property/purpose of purchase, be it a residential condo, house and lot, apartment. While in choosing a location, buyers should take into consideration purpose for purchase—business, residential, or for lease, he added.

3 Conduct due diligence.

Santos stressed the necessity of a due diligence, in which buyers and investors should “gather, inspect and study the necessary documents: title (should be clean, with no liens or attachments), contracts, licenses, policies, financial statements, agreements, rental history (if applicable), signatories required.” One should likewise dig into other info such as the applicable service agreements of the property (i.e. property management, amenities/facilities maintenance).

It would also be wise for the buyer to conduct inspections before acquiring a certain property.

“Conduct interior inspection of the property to learn about the place, residents and future repairs you’ll have to make. [Also] conduct an exterior inspection of the property (i.e. structural soundness, roof condition, age and problems, electrical and plumbing, ventilation, paint and trim condition, driveways and parking areas, landscaping),” he further noted.

“See if the property is in compliance with government rules/regulations (i.e. zoning, fire code compliance, environmental compliance, ask for permit problems) and for preowned properties, make sure that the property is still in an acceptable condition. Check applicable taxes (i.e. VAT) and processing fees,” Santos added.

4 Do a background check of the property.

“Do a background check/feedback of the property from your neighborhood, property consultants. Even better is to talk to officemates, friends, or acquaintances who have similar experiences,” Santos said.

5 Try not to put too much faith in a seller/agent without verifying the facts.

According to Santos, first-time buyers must be vigilant of promises made by unscrupulous property specialists and ask questions. “Verify if these promises are based on facts by conducting your own research of the property,” Santos said.

CBRE Philippines is the leading real estate service provider through its comprehensive portfolio of offerings: global corporate services, commercial office leasing, BPO/call center solutions, residential sales and leasing, research and consultancy, valuation and advisory, capital markets and asset services.