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Is investing in older Makati condos viable for rental yield?

Expert Answer

Older Makati condo investment analysis: Buildings from the 2000-2010 era (Raffles Residences, The St. Francis, similar) trade at ₱100,000-₱160,000/sqm versus new towers at ₱175,000-₱280,000/sqm. This price discount (30-40%) often more than compensates for older building condition, resulting in higher yield: a ₱6M older 1BR generating ₱45,000/month achieves 9% gross yield vs a ₱12M new 1BR at ₱72,000/month achieving 7.2%. Key check: verify building maintenance fund, recent facade and mechanical repairs, and delinquency rate in association dues before purchasing older stock.

How Philippine Condo Yields Compare Globally

BGC and Makati deliver gross yields of 7-9% — significantly above Singapore (2-3%), Hong Kong (2-4%), Tokyo (3-5%), and Bangkok (4-6%). The Philippines combines relatively low entry prices with strong expat-driven rental demand, creating exceptional yield compression opportunity. As the Philippine economy grows toward high-income status, yields are expected to compress (meaning prices rise faster than rent), rewarding early investors with capital gains on top of rental income.

Gross Yield vs Net Yield: The Real Numbers

Gross yield is simply annual rent divided by purchase price. Net yield (what you actually take home) is significantly lower: subtract association dues (₱8,000-₱25,000/month), real property tax (0.5-1% of assessed value), property management fees (8-12% of rent), vacancy periods (typically 4-8 weeks/year in prime areas), maintenance and repairs (budget 1% of property value annually). A 9% gross yield typically converts to 5.5-7% net yield — still excellent by global standards.

2026 Investment Outlook by Area

BGC: Tightest supply, strongest expat demand, best rental yield. Entry price ₱140,000-₱280,000/sqm. Recommended unit: 1BR 50-60sqm. Makati: Most liquid market, premium tenant profile, lower yield. Best for capital preservation. Rockwell: Ultra-premium, low yield (5-6.5%), extraordinary appreciation. Ortigas: Best value-to-yield ratio. ₱80,000-₱120,000/sqm with 6.5-8.5% yield. Alabang: Family market, lower yield, strong capital growth.

Important: Laws, tax rates, and market conditions change. Always verify current regulations with a licensed Philippine real estate attorney before making investment decisions. This content is for educational purposes only and was last updated April 2026.

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