It can be overwhelming to compare property options for your homebuying needs. From pricing to location, and even developer reputation, there can be tons of details involved in the comparison process, which is why a structured and organized framework can be incredibly useful for your personal Property List.
Compare units side by side based on four key dimensions: Pricing, developer reputation, amenities and features, and location and future value. Check out this guide by Condo Arena to better understand your options and make confident decisions while buying a condo in the Philippines today.
The Philippine condo market: Key trends and what they mean for you
It’s important to understand the context of the Philippine market to set better goals and expectations for your upcoming real estate investment. Learn about key trends in the industry and what they mean for your homebuying dreams.
The latest real estate investment dynamics
Here’s a quick rundown of the latest dynamics in the industry so that you can better understand prices and supply for Philippine real estate:
- Nationwide residential property prices – At the start of 2025, NCR experienced a 13.9% year-on-year increase in residential prices, with areas outside of the metro growing at 3.0%.
- The luxury condo segment in Metro Manila – The first quarter of 2025 reflected an average price of Php 203,360 per sqm in the luxury segment of Metro Manila. This was a decline in price per sqm, however, with a 0.7% year-on-year decline in the first quarter of 2025.
- Oversupply concern in Metro Manila – The metro has been experiencing an oversupply of units over the last few years, with as many as 67,600 units unsold in 510 active buildings as of late 2024. This implies that condo price correction has been necessary in Metro Manila for a while now, given the nearly 34‑month inventory for the industry to clear out.
Things to consider when buying a condo
What do these data points mean for prospective homebuyers like you? Here’s a further breakdown of these trends and dynamics for you to consider when buying a unit of your own in the Philippines.
- Better promos, flexible payment terms - Even with high supply and slower growth, the Metro Manila market remains resilient and attractive to buyers since the oversupply means you may be able to negotiate better promos and more flexible payment terms for your purchase.
- Higher risks, greater value - Because the risk of oversupply and lower rental yield is higher now for sellers and lessors, there’s greater value attributed to developer reputation, location, and long‑term value, allowing buyers to be more selective with their choice of property.
- Regional cities showing stronger growth - Based on the latest property market reports for the Philippines, regional cities are showing greater growth than their oversaturated Metro Manila luxury counterparts, implying better value for buyers interested in investing in the provinces.
Why homebuyers struggle with condo comparison
There are tons of great opportunities for real estate investment in the Philippines today, which means that it can be harder for homebuyers to compare and contrast their options. Check out this section to learn more about expert ways you can compare properties for the best buying experience possible.
Pain points when buying a condo in the Philippines
Here are some of the most common pain points that homebuyers experience when looking for the right property for sale in the Philippines:
- Too many units - It can be overwhelming to look through multiple developments, towers, floor plans, and promos to find the right property for you. If you find it hard to keep track of your options, then you might find it helpful to narrow down your options with the right condo buying tips.
- Mixed measurement units - You might also be looking at mixed-measurement units, which can complicate your comparison process. Mixed measurements may include size variations, changes in price per sqm based on usable versus gross floor area, floor premiums, and even unit orientation.
- Payment and promo complexity - Payments and promos for affordable units in Metro Manila might also get a little confusing if you’re comparing a wide variety of financing options. You might have to compare pre-selling versus ready-for-occupancy (RFO) units alongside their respective developer incentives, prices for early bird purchases versus launch purchases, and even their depreciating resale value.
- Amenities and features availability - You’ll also have to take a look at the availability of a development’s amenities and features. For example, two choices may both list gym and pool amenities, but one may be superior in size, finish, hours or exclusivity. You’ll need to double-check these little details first before committing to any purchase.
- Developer reputation and risk - Another pain point is the developer’s own reputation; if you’re not familiar or confident with their work, you risk running into delivery delays, high cancellation rates, and other issues that can affect your overall investment experience.
- Location and future value - Thinking of reselling or renting out your unit in the future? Then you’ll also have to take your property’s location and possible future value in mind. You’ll need to look at the development’s current proximity to key transport hubs and essential infrastructure to anticipate its potential resale or rental market viability.
If you have to take all these complex points into consideration for a purchase, you might experience a sense of analysis paralysis, or even make potential mistakes in the homebuying process. You might end up overpaying, picking the wrong developer, or underestimating your unit’s resale or rental risk.
Given these uncertainties, it’s important that you consult with a property lawyer, experienced real estate agent, or expert financial adviser to gain insights before investing. It’s also crucial to have a structured Real Estate Comparison framework to give you clarity and help you avoid mistakes in the long run.
The comparison framework: Four key dimensions to consider your condo investment
Whether you’re evaluating multiple listings or comparing a few standout units, this framework helps you keep the variables clear and comparable. With these in mind as you search for the condo of your dreams, you’ll be able to assess each unit side-by-side with confidence, rather than relying solely on marketing claims.
1. Pricing & payment terms
Price is often the starting point for any purchase decision, but to compare meaningfully, you need consistency. Look at the initial price per square metre (unit cost divided by the gross or usable floor area) to allow apples-to-apples comparison across different building types and unit sizes. Premiums for higher floors, corner units, or sea/sky views also deserve attention. They may inflate prices, but may not always deliver commensurate value.
Compare launch vs ready-for-occupancy (RFO) pricing: Preselling units may offer a lower entry cost but carry construction-delay risk, while RFO units are more predictable. Some experts even view this condo oversupply in Manila as both a crisis and an opportunity, which is a period when developers aggressively market deals that may benefit informed buyers
Incentives matter too. Developers in Metro Manila are offering beneficial promos (0 % interest, extended deferred payments, free parking/furnishings) to offset oversupply pressure. Finally, estimate monthly carrying costs (maintenance fees, association dues, taxes) and resale or rental yield potential (based on similar unit rents or recent resale transactions). Don’t forget hidden costs like loan interest, delay time-cost, or premium pricing for amenities that may add little to long-term value.
2. Developer reputation
Your choice of developer often influences build quality, on-time delivery and long-term value. Begin by checking how many projects the developer has completed, their record of on-time delivery, and their reputation for quality workmanship. High cancellation or return-unit rates in mid-market segments can be a warning sign of weaker project fundamentals and higher risk. For example, saturated markets like Metro Manila increasingly highlight the importance of developer credibility.
Assess the developer’s financial strength and brand value: A larger, well-known developer often means lower risk of abandonment, but may charge higher premiums. Investigate the developer’s after-sales service history, including responsiveness of the property manager, clarity of building permits, homeowner association (HOA) documents, and whether a large pipeline of future projects may dilute brand value or create internal competition.
3. Amenities, features & lifestyle fit
In today’s market, a condo’s features and amenities can distinguish it, but not all extras will translate into long-term value. Compare core amenities (gym, pool, co-working space, playground, BBQ terrace) across projects and test them for actual usability, size and accessibility. Unit-specific features matter too, such as floor finish, ceiling height, window orientation, balcony size, and smart-home integration. These details contribute to liveability and resale appeal. Services such as 24-hour security, valet, concierge, residents’ apps, and visitor parking may raise monthly costs, so you should check if the benefit outweighs the cost.
With sustainability trending, look for features such as green-building certification, energy-efficient lighting, EV-charger readiness, and future-proof design (e.g., work-from-home pods or flexible communal spaces). Take time to also evaluate community and neighbourhood amenities. Proximity to retail, F&B, parks, transport, and schools matters for your everyday life and resale attractiveness.
4. Location & future value potential
The location of your unit is the foundation of its future value and liquidity. Assess immediate accessibility: How near is it to MRT/LRT/bus stops, major roads, and how severe is traffic congestion? Then check the infrastructure pipeline, such as value drivers like upcoming transport lines, malls, and business districts.
Be aware of sub-market supply/demand dynamics. For example, the Metro Manila condo market is showing oversupply, with some districts facing long absorption times. Investigate rental demand and occupancy trends if you intend to rent out—what are vacancy rates, tenant demographics, and lease yields?
Look into the resale market health: recent transactions, number of listings, and popular floor plans. In the Philippines context, don’t overlook environmental/regional risks. Flood-prone zones, typhoon vulnerability, or rising sea-level effects can impact long-term value.
Finally, examine community growth and amenities around the area. New schools, hospitals, shopping centres, and integrated townships all enhance future desirability. Platforms like Condo Arena can help visualise infra-pipeline and historical price/absorption data for mapping future value drivers.
By applying this four-dimensional framework, you gain a structured lens to compare your shortlisted condos objectively. Each dimension encompasses measurable factors that gauge value, risk, and suitability for your needs. In the next section, we’ll demonstrate how to put this framework into practice step-by-step, using real-world examples of how to compare condos through Condo Arena’s features and beyond, so you can move confidently from consideration to decision-making.
Putting the framework into practice: A step-by-step guide to condo comparison
Now that you understand the four key dimensions of our comparison framework, it’s time to put these ideas into action. This section guides you on how to compare condo options step by step so you can confidently navigate listings, analyse data, and make informed decisions for your real estate investment journey. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an investor eyeing long-term appreciation, this practical process turns an overwhelming task into a clear, measurable method for buying a condo in the Philippines.
Step 1: Create a shortlist of 3 to 5 properties
Start by building a manageable shortlist of three to five properties you genuinely want to explore. Using tools like Condo Arena, filter results based on your budget range, target a condo in Manila or nearby cities, unit size, and must-have amenities such as co-working spaces, pools, or gyms. A shorter list allows deeper, more focused evaluation, which is crucial when identifying the best condo in the Philippines for your goals.
For example, if you’re working within a budget of PHP 6 million, narrow your choices to units above 30 sqm within accessible neighbourhoods like Makati or Quezon City, both of which are well-served by transport and retail hubs. Add any specific lifestyle factors (such as pet-friendly policy or balcony access) under your “must-have” filters on the platform.
Step 2: Collect the data for each property
Once you’ve built your shortlist, gather relevant, measurable data under the four key dimensions:
- Pricing & payment terms - Record the condo price Philippines for each listing. Compute the price per sqm (unit cost ÷ floor area) for easy comparison. Note floor premiums, unit orientation, and any special promos like zero-interest payment plans, deferred financing, or furnishing packages, which are common in today’s competitive market.
- Developer reputation - List the developer’s name, completed projects, and reputation for quality. Developers with solid track records tend to maintain resale value better. Review project cancellation rates, financial health, and after-sales support.
- Amenities & features - Evaluate the available amenities — pools, fitness gyms, lounges, play areas, and sustainable features like energy-saving lighting or green-building certification.
- Location & future value - Consider accessibility to MRT/LRT, schools, hospitals, and new infrastructure projects.
You can use Condo Arena’s Real Estate Comparison tool to keep all data organised. Export the information into a comparison sheet to track, rate, and score each property.
Step 3: Score each property on the four dimensions
Give each shortlisted condo for sale a score from 1 to 10 or 1 to 5 stars for the four dimensions: Pricing, Developer, Amenities, and Location. Adjust the weight of each category depending on your priorities. For instance, investors may focus more on developer reliability and future value, while owner-occupiers might emphasise amenities and daily comfort.
Example:
- Property A (Makati CBD): Pricing 8, Developer 9, Amenities 7, Location 6
- Property B (Pasig City): Pricing 7, Developer 8, Amenities 9, Location 8
Use this weighted approach to determine which project delivers the best balance of value and livability.
Step 4: Compare side-by-side
Once scored, line up your shortlisted projects using a table view or the “Compare” function on Condo Arena. You’ll be able to see all properties side-by-side by metrics such as price per sqm, developer rating, amenity quality, maintenance fees, and estimated rental yields.
Highlight potential red flags: for example, very high monthly dues, limited parking, or poor public-transport connectivity. Consider how certain condo units in Manila sub-markets like Pasay and Parañaque face oversupply and slower absorption rates, which can affect rental returns.
Step 5: Make a confident decision
After comparing, revisit your summary sheet. Which property gives you the best value for money based on your goals and the things to consider when buying a condo, such as developer reliability, realistic pricing, amenity fit, and long-term growth potential? If you’re investing, calculate possible yields and resale margins; if you’re buying for personal use, assess lifestyle comfort and accessibility.
Use Condo Arena to schedule visits, contact developers, and review legal documents like project permits or HOA agreements. Create a decision timeline, where you don’t rush purchases out of fear of missing out, but don’t delay too long in a rising market either.
Mistakes to avoid and extra tips
- Avoid buying purely on hype or a nice view; evaluate all four dimensions first.
- Don’t assume “high-end” equals the best condo in the Philippines. Emerging cities sometimes deliver better growth.
- Verify all listed amenities; some features exist only in marketing materials.
- Account for hidden costs like maintenance or higher utility rates on top floors.
- Consider “what-if” scenarios for rental yield drops or resale delays.
- Check if the property is leasehold or freehold, and ensure your real estate investment aligns with future infrastructure improvements.
- Time your purchase strategically. Oversupply in some Manila districts gives you room to negotiate, but conditions can shift quickly.
Given the complexity of buying a condo in the Philippines, using a structured comparison framework across Pricing, Developer Reputation, Amenities, and Location allows you to make sound, evidence-based choices. For added assurance, consult a property lawyer, licensed broker, or financial adviser before finalising your purchase.
Finding the best condo in the Philippines
Worried about a great number of variables affecting your choice of property in the Philippines? Remember to take these tips into consideration before committing to your next real estate investment:
- Get the full picture first. From understanding the latest market conditions to studying your unit’s total costs, make sure to do comprehensive research into your choices first before making any major purchases.
- Consider future plans, too. If you’re considering reselling or renting out your property, take a look at the unit’s viability for these future plans too before deciding on any investments.
- Consult with experts in the field. Always consult with professional lawyers, agents, or financial advisors first before investing in real estate in the Philippines.
Think you’re ready to take the first step towards buying a home? Then check out the properties on Condo Arena and utilize our comprehensive comparison tools today.
