Should you buy a bigger house far from the city or just a smaller condo close to your workplace?
Before we tackle the answer to this question, let me congratulate you for entering your first baby step to real estate investment! Perhaps you are finally considering this kind of decision in order to weigh which property you will buy not just for yourself but also for your family.
The truth is, buying a house or a condo has their fair share of pros and cons. It will all boil down to which would fit to your budget and lifestyle. Let’s check them one by one!
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Pros of Buying a House Far from the City
A house is a building structure by itself, which means it would provide you a large space, ideal for your family, pets and even gardening. You can also have your own garage, swimming pool and more. You can also get most of them in condominiums, but they are shared between all the other tenants.
In connection to that, a house provides more privacy than a condominium unit does. You can enjoy the privacy of your own home without strangers barging in. You can also apply your interior and landscaping skills to showcase your personal taste.
Moreover, a house is actually cheaper than condos. If you buy a 150 square meter house and lot in Cavite ot Laguna, it will cost around 4-5 million, whereas the same cost will only be good for a 45 square meter condominium unit in BGC or Makati. That’s a very big difference there!
Cons of Buying a House Far from the City
A big house also means big expenses. You will pay higher bills for the utilities you consumed in and around the house. And it doesn’t just end in monthly bills. You will also spend more for renovation, repair, and maintenance in case of wear and tear or natural disasters.
More importantly, houses in Metro Manila are located far from the city. Therefore, expect longer travel time to work and even bad traffic jams, especially during rush hours, paydays and holidays.
Pros of Buying a Condo Close to your Workplace
Condominiums just need smaller land compared to houses, which is why they are often located within or near CBDs. This translates to fast access to your office and your children’s schools. You are also surrounded with endless options of shopping areas, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, gyms, parks and more.
Since you live close to your workplace, your daily commute won’t be a big much of a deal. The transport and pedestrian system in CBDs are also smoother, so you can either go to work by car, taxi or even on foot.
The location of condominiums in CBDs make them high in demand for tenants. There’s no report of capital value depreciation for them too. So if you’re not into condo living anymore, you can sell it in a higher price. Or rent it out.
Cons of Buying a Condo Close to your Workplace
A condo unit is undeniably smaller than a house, usually just a studio, one or two bedrooms. You will have to look for ways to accommodate the small space for you and your family, unless you are buying a penthouse of course.
Condominiums usually have association fees as well. This is determined according to the size of your unit, the bigger it is, the higher fee you will pay.
The said association also comes with certain policies you should abide, being part of the community in your building. This may be in the form of restriction of pets, number of guests allowed and even food delivery.
