Real estate seen as top investment option this year

MANILA, Philippines — Property investment in the country remains a top-of-mind option as reforms in the business environment and works on massive infrastructure projects continue, leading property consultants said.

In a report, global real estate services firm Cushman and Wakefield said despite an expected slow economic recovery from the pandemic, business developments combined with the resumption of national infrastructure projects this year would encourage a flurry of real estate activities from buyers and sellers.

Likewise, property advisory firm Colliers International predicts that the progression of big-ticket projects in 2021 will boost the market for real estate investment trust (REIT). For instance, projects such as the LRT-2 East Extension, Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), Skyway SLEX Extension, MRT Line-7, BGC-Ortigas Link Bridge and the NLEX-SLEX connector road are set to be completed between 2021 and 2022.

Data from Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) also reveal that many individuals and families have deemed it wise to invest in a ‘second home’ away from the metro, as suburban property allows more flexibility during crises like the pandemic.

With such positive real estate findings and predictions, leading property solutions platform Ohmyhome is optimistic bullish Filipinos will be encouraged to invest in properties this year.

Launched in the country in September 2020, Ohmyhome aims to make the housing experience practical, quick, and enjoyable for prospective Filipino property investors. With a DIY platform and agent services accessible through its user-friendly application and website, Ohmyhome has received exceptionally good feedback from its initial users.

“Many Filipino customers are still accustomed to speaking with agents on social media, possibly referred to them by someone they know,” Ohmyhome co-founders Race and Rhonda Wong said. “Thus, we want to exert more efforts in introducing the property audience to the convenience of our application and website. We want Filipino home-buyers to see how Ohmyhome technology can make their 2021 property investments a seamless and easy process.”