Manila BGC Makati Condo Guide
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Complete GuideUpdated March 2026·20 min read·87 FAQs

Your Complete Guide to Buying a CondoManila · BGC · Makati · Ortigas

Pricing, areas, developers, unit sizes, financing options, and 87 expert-answered FAQs — everything you need before buying in Metro Manila.

5 Key Areas
BGC · Makati · Ortigas · Rockwell · QC
5–8% Yield
Annual Rental Return
Local + Foreign
Buyer Guides
Top Developers
Ayala · DMCI · Megaworld
Why Metro Manila

BGC & Makati: Prime Investment Locations

The Philippines real estate market has emerged as one of the most attractive investment destinations in Southeast Asia. Manila leads the charge, driven by major developments in BGC, Makati, Ortigas, and other key business districts.

When you invest in BGC or Makati, you're buying into the Philippines' economic engine — a market with strong BPO sector growth, rising expat demand, and infrastructure improvements accelerating appreciation across the metro.

World-class infrastructure
High rental yields
Strong appreciation
International business presence
Premium lifestyle facilities
40% foreign ownership allowed
Manila Condo Investment
Unit Guide

Unit Sizes & Pricing by Area

From compact studio units to luxury penthouses — here's how prices compare across the three main markets.

Unit TypeSizeBGCMakatiOrtigasBest For
Studio18–28 sqm₱3–7M₱3.5–8M₱1.5–4MSolo investor / Airbnb
1 Bedroom25–45 sqm₱5–12M₱4–10M₱2.5–5MYoung professionals
2 Bedrooms45–75 sqm₱10–22M₱9–20M₱4–10MCouples & Airbnb
3 Bedrooms80–120 sqm₱18–35M₱16–32M₱8–18MSmall families
4–5 Bedrooms150–300 sqm₱35–80M+₱30–70M+₱15–35MLuxury / penthouse
Area Breakdown

5 Key Areas — Where to Buy

Each area offers a distinct investment profile. Match your goals to the right location.

BGC (Bonifacio Global City)

BGC (Bonifacio Global City)

Highest Growth

Master-planned city with world-class infrastructure, international schools, and the highest capital appreciation in Metro Manila. Best for investors prioritising modern lifestyle and strong resale value.

Price/sqm
₱150,000–₱350,000/sqm
Gross Yield
6–8%
Annual Growth
8–12%/yr
Top zones:Central SquareHigh StreetUptown BGCFort Strip
Best for: Capital growth & expat lifestyle
Makati CBD

Makati CBD

Most Stable

The Philippines' financial capital — hosting multinational corporations and embassies. Offers the most liquid real estate market with strong, stable appreciation and an established expat community.

Price/sqm
₱150,000–₱400,000/sqm
Gross Yield
5–7%
Annual Growth
5–8%/yr
Top zones:Salcedo VillageLegazpi VillageRockwellPoblacion
Best for: Stability & liquidity
Ortigas Center

Ortigas Center

Best Value

The most affordable major business district in Metro Manila. Strong rental demand from BPO workers and corporate tenants, with excellent MRT connectivity and significantly lower entry costs.

Price/sqm
₱80,000–₱200,000/sqm
Gross Yield
6–8.5%
Annual Growth
5–8%/yr
Top zones:Eastwood CityCapitol CommonsWack-WackGreenfield
Best for: Value investing & yield
Rockwell Center

Rockwell Center

Ultra-Luxury

The most exclusive address in Metro Manila. Strictly controlled supply, premium residents, and 65% capital appreciation over five years. Lower yield but unmatched long-term appreciation and prestige.

Price/sqm
₱250,000–₱450,000/sqm
Gross Yield
4.5–6%
Annual Growth
8–15%/yr
Top zones:Power Plant MallOne RockwellThe ProsceniumEdades Tower
Best for: Prestige & capital preservation
Quezon City

Quezon City

Emerging

The most populous city in Metro Manila offering budget-friendly alternatives with solid rental demand from students and young professionals. Key corridors like Eastwood and North Triangle are growing rapidly.

Price/sqm
₱60,000–₱140,000/sqm
Gross Yield
4–7%
Annual Growth
3–7%/yr
Top zones:Eastwood CityAraneta CenterNorth TriangleTimog Corridor
Best for: Budget entry & student market
Foreigners Buying Guide Philippines
For International Buyers

Foreigners Buying Guide: The Legal Framework

What You Can Own
Individual condominium units (up to 40% of building)
Commercial property via corporation
Long-term land lease (up to 50 years)
Property via Filipino spouse
Required Documents
Valid passport + current visa
Tax Identification Number (TIN)
BSP foreign exchange registration
Proof of income / bank statements
CAR for investments over $200,000

The buying process for foreigners is largely the same as for Filipinos. The key constraint is the 40% foreign ownership quota per building — always verify quota availability before committing.

Who to Build With

Top Developers in Metro Manila

Developer choice significantly impacts build quality, resale value, and your overall investment experience.

Ayala Land

Ayala Land

Premium5–7%

The gold standard of Philippine real estate. Ayala condos command premium pricing but offer unmatched build quality, prime locations, and the strongest resale values in the market.

Notable Projects
One AyalaPark TerracesThe SuitesSolaris One
Prime locations, highest resale value
DMCI Homes

DMCI Homes

Value Premium6–8%

Known for innovative resort-style designs with outstanding amenities at relatively competitive prices. DMCI's 'Sky Patio' and landscaped podiums set them apart from standard high-rises.

Notable Projects
Jazz ResidencesZinnia TowersLevina PlaceBrixton Place
Resort amenities, competitive pricing
Megaworld

Megaworld

Township6–8.5%

Pioneer of the live-work-play township concept in the Philippines. Megaworld developments integrate retail, office, and residential spaces creating self-contained communities with high rental demand.

Notable Projects
McKinley HillUptown BonifacioThe ViceroyOne Eastwood Ave
Township living, integrated amenities
SM Development (SMDC)

SM Development (SMDC)

Mass Market6–9%

The most accessible entry point into branded Philippine real estate. SMDC projects sit adjacent to SM malls creating built-in convenience and strong rental demand from young professionals.

Notable Projects
Shore 2Sea ResidencesWind ResidencesMPlace
Mall access, affordable entry point
Maximising Returns

Investment Strategy Guide

Four proven approaches to Manila condo investment — choose the strategy that matches your goals and timeline.

Rental Income Play
Target 1BR units in BGC/Makati near business districts. Furnished units at ₱50,000-80,000/month to expat corporate tenants yield the most reliable cash flow.
Airbnb Strategy
2BR units in BGC's entertainment zones earn ₱6,000-10,000/night on weekends. Choose buildings that allow short-term rentals and are near malls.
Capital Appreciation
Buy pre-selling in BGC or Rockwell for maximum price appreciation. Rockwell delivered 65% appreciation over 5 years. Plan a 5-10 year hold period.
Pre-selling Flip
Buy during pre-selling at -20 to -30% discount, then sell or rent at completion. Works best with top-tier developers like Ayala and DMCI.
How to Pay

Financing Options

Interest rates typically range 6–18% depending on the financing type. Here's your full menu of options.

Recommended
Bank Mortgage
Best for employed buyers. BPI, BDO, Security Bank most foreigner-friendly.
Rate
6–10%/yr
LTV
70–80%
Term
5–20 years
Developer In-House
Higher rates but easier approval — good for buyers without full bank documentation.
Rate
12–18%/yr
LTV
90%
Term
3–5 years
Pag-IBIG (HDMF)
Filipino citizens and permanent residents only. Best rates available.
Rate
3–11.5%/yr
LTV
Up to ₱6M
Term
Up to 30 years
Private Lending
Last resort. Use only for bridge financing or when other options unavailable.
Rate
15–30%/yr
LTV
60–70%
Term
1–5 years
Before You Buy

6 Essential Tips

What experienced investors do that first-time buyers typically miss.

Research the Developer First
Always check SEC registration, DHSUD licensing, and their track record of completed projects before paying any reservation fee.
Visit at Different Times
Inspect properties on a weekday morning AND a weekend evening. Traffic, noise, and security can vary dramatically by time of day.
Add 12-15% for All-In Cost
Transfer taxes, documentary stamps, legal fees, and initial HOA dues typically add 12-15% to the headline purchase price.
Hire a Real Estate Lawyer
A qualified Philippine real estate lawyer costs ₱30,000-80,000 but protects you from title issues, contract traps, and documentation errors.
Check HOA Financial Health
Request the last 3 years of HOA financial statements. Underfunded buildings often face sudden special assessments or deferred maintenance.
Verify Foreign Ownership Quota
Confirm with the developer's official records — not just the broker — that the 40% foreign ownership cap has not been reached in your target unit's building.

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Expert Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

88 expert answers — search or filter by category

Legal & Ownership

8 questions

Pricing & Costs

9 questions

Investment & ROI

18 questions

Buying Process

13 questions

Areas & Developers

13 questions

Living & Amenities

14 questions

Finance & Management

13 questions
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