The flurry of construction activities and brisk sales kept the Philippine property sector on its toes last year, owing to the huge backlog on housing requirements and a surging demand for office space.
Most analysts have fearlessly remained bullish that the growth surge enjoyed last year will only continue and spill over to 2012. Even feng shui experts think so too.
The year of the water dragon is, in fact, expected to bring more good fortune to developers as according to geomancers, the dragon is a symbol of strength and power, wealth and wisdom. It heralds good fortune, wealth, prosperity and longevity.
Safe bet
Feng shui guru and renowned geomancer Charlie Chao, for one, believes that real estate is a safe bet for investment in 2012 and thus, encourages prospective buyers to invest in condominiums.
“While the economic climate may be tough for other countries, this year will not be a bad year for the Philippines. It will be a lucky one, especially for those who want to invest in land or property,” Chao said.
He however explained that families should not rush in doing this and reminds them to make sure that they choose the right developer.
According to Chao, there are two crucial factors that make for good feng shui when it comes to selecting prospective properties: location and the reputation of the developer.
“Choose condominiums that offer accessibility and are near schools and shopping areas. There are many good projects out there, but many of them are poorly situated so people don’t invest in them. They should also consider projects from a trusted developer, one that has a proven history,” he explained.
Topnotch residential condo
One development that combines all these elements of outstanding feng shui is Green Residences, according to Chao.
Located on Taft Avenue in Manila, Green Residences is one of the numerous topnotch residential condominiums from SM Development Corp., the country’s fastest-growing real estate developer.
This 50-story tower is perfect for students given its proximity to top universities such as De La Salle University, De La Salle College of St. Benilde and St. Scholastica’s College. Green Residences also affords future tenants easy transport with the nearby Vito Cruz and Quirino stations of the LRT.
“The location of Green Residences makes it a great investment because it is very near schools, especially for students who come from the provinces. It is also accessible to other leisure areas like shopping centers and Roxas Boulevard where they can always take a jog after school,” Chao further noted.
And since it is backed by the SM brand, Chao is confident about the quality and the amenities of the residential project.
Amenities
Green Residences, SMDC claimed, provides amenities that student-tenants can use to make school life more comfortable and exciting.
The amenities of Green Residences include a library with Wi-Fi hotspots, gym, game room, function room and swimming pool. Meanwhile, the ground floor will house different retail shops such as SaveMore Market for the tenants’ convenience.
Chao also commends the inclusion of feng shui design elements in Green Residences’ condo units.
SMDC explained that the units have been designed to deliver a good amount of natural lighting and efficient spaces—two core principles of proper feng shui. The sleek layout of every unit also ensures a space for furnishings and allows positive energy called chi to flow freely.
“There is nothing that residents need to change or improve when they start occupying the units. The architectural design and the layout of the units are topnotch, especially with the amount of morning sunlight that enters the living spaces,” Chao concluded.