New Normal Real Estate Investment Tips for Beginners

It is undeniable that amid the Covid-19 pandemic, life has changed in the Philippines and throughout the world. For one, our homes have become more than just living spaces, and now also serve as make-shift offices, classrooms, and gyms, among others. After almost a year of sheltering in place and interacting with our spaces in new ways, it suffices to say that we’ve redefined what a home ought to be and now look at investing in property during this time a little differently.

Location

Now, while life after Covid has begun to take shape with the development of potential vaccines, going back to exactly the ways things were pre-pandemic is unlikely. Working from home, for example, has proven viable in many industries and professions, and is likely here to stay. With that said, owning a home in the big cities or within distance of major business districts won’t be as popular as it once was.

Since making a living can indeed be fulfilled from home, properties outside Metro Manila, Cebu, and other major thoroughfares are now worth our consideration-not only for their competitive prices, but also-because there won’t be that much of a need to live in or constantly commute to the big business cities for many of us.

Open Spaces

Speaking of living outside the Philippines’ major metropolises, an advantage to opting for property in rural and suburban locations is that it also affords more living and yard space. Condos are the more typical option in densely populated cities, while houses and lots are more available in areas even just immediately outside of them.

At a time when social distancing has been necessary, living in areas with comparatively more land houses and lots available while at the same time are less populated will be the optimum choice for those of us who want to keep a reasonable distance from other people while at the same extent want a home which we can freely move in. Greater amounts of living space means being able to accommodate the work-from-home or remote-learning needs of yourself and those you live with.

Accessibility

Understandably, not everything about the pandemic can be addressed by living in more open spaces with fewer people around. Another aspect of the situation the world currently faces is how the virus spreads, which is not helped by the need to travel or commute. With that, other property seekers, especially those without the luxury of private vehicles, will conversely want to live in the city-particularly residential developments or communities with needed facilities nearby.

Being able to walk and limit the need to ride public transportation with other people for extended periods of time is a consideration many have also made. If what is most important is to be able to live in a place that is within distance of the workplace, as well as need-to-go areas like the supermarket or the hospital; a condo for sale remains the best choice given how these types of properties are centrally located and (for now) closest to basic necessities.

Sustainability

The need to stay at home as a means to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus has also affected household expenses, where having to work, eat, and basically do almost everything else at home has increased the electric and water consumption of most. This has raised the appeal of homes for sale that are eco-efficient, or at the very least are kept up-to-date in terms of utilities running efficiently with little waste.

Proper garbage disposal and efficient supply of water is a common feature in new residential developments, and are better maintained in these exclusive communities that have their own property management team. Granted, an eco-friendly set-up can also be established in older homes but can prove to be a little more challenging to do for homeowners who have to act on their own.

Self-sufficiency

In-line with wanting the home to be more sustainable, self-sufficiency has emerged as an important consideration for buying a new home as a result of the pandemic. Sudden, government-mandated community lockdowns led to a shortage of supply in supermarkets and convenience stores, and many have realized the importance of being able to grow one’s own food.

Several have already turned to planting their own food during the pandemic, and to be able to do so in a property with enough space to garden (or for those who can afford bigger properties, farm) is important when wanting to do this for the long-term or way after the pandemic is over.

These are but a few considerations that have changed, if not been emphasized, as a result of the ongoing pandemic. Current challenges will surely have a lasting effect on everyone, including rethinking the kind of life we’ll want to live post-pandemic and the role our homes will play in this.

Need some help buying a new home? Connect with an Ohmyhome agent and receive professional assistance throughout the entire real estate process?

To see the latest and greatest in Philippines properties for sale or rent, visit the Ohmyhome investments page, or download the Ohmyhome app to conveniently view what’s new in the market from almost anywhere.

Ohmyhome was launched in the Philippines in September 2020, following the company’s establishment of a tech team in the country in 2017. Ohmyhome was originally founded in 2016, and subsequently rose in Singapore as a leading PropTech solution and licensed real estate agency.

Ohmyhome expanded into the Philippines so that Filipino home seekers can have a real estate partner that they can trust to have their best interests at heart and can be relied upon to provide exceptional services throughout the entire property journey.

Featuring thousands of properties across many of the Philippines’ major real estate brands, Ohmyhome differs from other local platforms by going the extra mile and extensively helping buyers narrow down the choices and find the property that best suits their budgets, home needs, and lifestyle preferences.

The company’s Real Estate Agents not only help in the shortlisting of options but also provide professional services through the entire purchasing process. These include assistance in property inspections, negotiations, the finalization of the Conditions of Sale, deposit collection, the submission of property documents, as well as providing buyers regular updates. 

Ohmyhome helps Filipinos find their dream homes, all while making sure each real estate transaction is complete and is an efficient and enjoyable experience.