Packed with office buildings and upscale residences, housing costs in Makati are well-above $4,000 per square meter.
While traffic congestion and high prices are potential drawbacks, Makati’s enduring status as Manila’s business hub and its excellent fundamentals make it a solid choice for long-term investors.
The area’s established reputation and resilient rental demand provide a measure of stability in a sometimes volatile market.
Rockwell Center
For those seeking an ultra-luxurious and private living experience, Rockwell Center in Makati is hard to top.
This exclusive gated community, built around a high-end mall and leisure complex, is home to some of Manila’s most prestigious and expensive condos.
Properties in Rockwell Center are the cream of the crop, with lavish finishes, top-of-the-line amenities, and breathtaking city views.
Prices are in the stratosphere, averaging between PHP 350,000 and 400,000 per sqm, putting them out of reach for all but the most affluent buyers.
The rental market in Rockwell Center is equally high-end, catering to C-suite executives, diplomats, and rich expats in Manila. A luxury 2-bedroom condo leases for about PHP 100,000, with yields in the 4-5% range.
The key is to offer a truly top-notch product that meets the discerning tastes of this elite clientele.
While Rockwell Center’s sky-high prices and limited inventory make it a niche market, the area’s cachet and enduring appeal to the ultra-wealthy make it a trophy investment for those who can afford it.
The main challenge is finding a unit for sale, as owners tend to hold onto these precious properties for generations.
Poblacion, Makati
For a completely different vibe, check out Poblacion, Makati’s trendy up-and-coming neighborhood.
While Poblacion is technically part of Makati, it hasv very different market dynamics when compared to the overall district.
Once a gritty red-light district, Poblacion has reinvented itself as a hip enclave of indie bars, artsy cafes, boutiques, and galleries, drawing a young and creative crowd.
Properties in Poblacion are a mix of old apartments, low-rise condos, and converted shophouses, many with a distinct industrial-chic aesthetic.
Prices are more affordable than in central Makati, averaging PHP 150,000 per sqm, making it an accessible option for younger buyers and investors.
The rental market in Poblacion is geared towards students, young professionals, and expats seeking an edgier, more authentic experience. Studio and 1-bedroom units are most popular, renting for about PHP 20,000 per month and yielding 7-9% on average.
Look for properties near Poblacion’s buzzing nightlife and dining spots for the best returns.
As Poblacion continues to gentrify and attract more mainstream attention, property prices and rent will almost certainly rise.
The main risks are the area’s still-gritty reputation and the potential for over-development to spoil its indie charm.
But for investors willing to take a chance on an emerging hotspot, Poblacion offers exciting growth potential.
Quezon City
Heading north to Quezon City, we find a more laid-back and affordable option for property investors.
This sprawling suburb, known for its universities, government offices, and media hubs, offers a mix of houses, townhomes, and mid-rise condos at prices well below the Manila average.
Properties in Quezon City cater to a diverse mix of families, students, and professionals, with prices ranging from PHP 80,000 and 120,000 per sqm depending on the specific neighborhood and property type.
The most popular choices are 2-3 bedroom condos and townhomes near major commercial and transport hubs.
The rental market in Quezon City is driven by students, young professionals, and starting families seeking affordable and accessible housing. Typical prices for a 2-bedroom condo range from PHP 15,000 per month, with yields of 6-8% common.
Look for properties near universities, IT parks, and transit stations for the most stable rental demand.
