How to avoid being property rich but cash poor

In the Philippines, real estate is often seen as a stable and lucrative investment. The allure of owning property is strong, with many Filipinos viewing it as a symbol of success and security.

However, there’s a significant risk attached to over-investing in real estate—becoming property-rich but cash-poor. This term refers to a situation where most of an individual’s wealth is tied up in real estate, leaving little cash for other necessary expenses or investments. This imbalance can cause financial strain, especially in emergencies or retirement.

To ensure a healthy financial status while still investing in property, Filipinos can adopt several strategies.

1. Smart financial planning

The foundation of avoiding financial pitfalls is sound financial planning. For potential property buyers, it’s essential to assess one’s financial situation comprehensively. This means looking beyond the ability to make down payments to considering ongoing costs such as mortgage payments, property maintenance, taxes and insurance.

Financial planning should include both short-term and long-term objectives, ensuring that current property investments do not compromise future financial needs.

2. Maintaining liquidity

Liquidity refers to the amount of cash readily available for immediate needs. It’s crucial to have liquid assets to cover at least six months to a year of living expenses. This emergency fund can cushion unforeseen financial shocks, preventing the need to sell property hastily, which could result in losses or unfavorable terms.

Besides an emergency fund, it’s wise to allocate funds for regular property-related expenses, ensuring these do not eat into your emergency reserves.

3. Diversifying investments

While real estate can be a valuable part of an investment portfolio, diversification is key to reducing risk. Mixing different types of investments—stocks, bonds, mutual funds and real estate—can protect against market fluctuations and provide multiple income streams.

For instance, if the real estate market faces a downturn, having investments in other sectors could mitigate financial losses.

4. Understanding and managing mortgage debt

Choosing the right mortgage product is essential. Fixed-rate mortgages can offer predictability in payments, while variable rates might initially be lower but pose a risk if interest rates rise.

It’s also vital to avoid borrowing against home equity excessively. While refinancing can make sense under certain conditions, continually increasing mortgage debt to cover other expenses can lead to financial instability.

5. Generating income from property

For those owning multiple properties or large homes, generating income from these assets can significantly aid financial health. Renting out part or the entire property can provide a regular income stream, helping to cover the mortgage and maintenance costs.

This approach not only utilizes the property efficiently but also enhances cash flow, alleviating the pressure of being cash strapped.

6. Regular portfolio review

Just like any investment, real estate holdings should be reviewed regularly. This evaluation should consider the performance of the property (in terms of appreciation and income generation), its proportion in the overall portfolio, and its impact on financial liquidity.

If too much wealth is concentrated in property, it might be prudent to rebalance by investing more in liquid assets or even selling some real estate.

7. Timing the market for selling

Knowing when to sell property is as crucial as knowing when to buy. Market timing can significantly affect the returns on real estate investments.

Selling property during a market high can free up substantial cash, reducing maintenance costs and providing an opportunity to reinvest in more liquid, high-yield assets. Conversely, holding onto property during market lows can tie up capital unnecessarily.

8. Planning for life changes

Life events such as marriage, the birth of children, retirement, or health issues can significantly alter one’s financial needs and capabilities. It’s essential to adapt investment strategies in response to these changes.

For example, as retirement approaches, reducing reliance on property and increasing liquid savings can ensure more accessible funds during nonworking years.

Being property-rich but cash-poor is a common issue that many Filipinos face due to the cultural prestige associated with property ownership. However, by strategic, we can enjoy the benefits of real estate investment without compromising their financial flexibility and security. These strategies not only ensure a balanced investment portfolio but also safeguard against the financial uncertainties of life. INQ