How the pandemic changed what we look for in a home
THE coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has greatly changed people’s way of life and even the way they think. Over a year ago, nobody would have imagined staying indoors for very long periods of time, longer than what is normally practiced. If anything, the pandemic caught people unawares as their usual routines have been disrupted. As a result, they adapted quickly and adjusted accordingly.
New requirements for new homes
For homebuyers, there is a shift in attitude from “nice-to-haves,” to “essentials” column. It can be gleaned that there is a demand for more space as people now tend to do everything at home for work, school, exercise, and even breathe in fresh air.
Home designs that
bring peace and comfort have become the top priority. In addition, sanitation and security have become the biggest concern with the pandemic. Cleanliness and keeping the surroundings sterile have become a habit and there still lies the need to be in a safe environment free from crime, which knows no pandemic.
In addition, one other thing that people seek is convenience. The pandemic has not changed the need for easy access to essential goods and services from one’s home. The greater chance of accessibility, the better.
This is where condominiums have become the go-to choice for future homeowners. Aside from having ample space to move about, an extensive array of amenities and facilities also becomes an important extension of the living space. Good developers see to it that projects are built in strategic locations that place residents close to everything they need.
Ready to move in
House-hunting is an exciting process, but not without complications. For those seeking a condominium unit, make sure you are choosing one built by a reliable developer to avoid doubts about its quality. To feel even more confident about your investment, opt for a ready-foroccupancy (RFO) unit, so you can personally inspect your new home before sealing the deal.
RFO units are fully-constructed properties readily available for moving in for new owners. All you need to do is file the
paperwork, settle with the bank, then you can already call it home. It also allows potential homeowners to feel how it’s like to live in the property because they can physically stand in their future homes.
“RFO properties address Filipinos’ need to move into safer, integrated homes as soon as possible, so they can start their new life immediately,” said Federal Land Sales Group Head Margarita Saenz–Resurreccion.
“In our quest to provide every Filipino with a better home, we offer these RFO units built with the same quality as every residential project we develop — safe, secure, and efficiently-designed for every Filipino,” she added.
Central location
Prior to the pandemic, people were fine with an hour-long drive to the mall or a 30-minute drive for a grocery run. After the onset of the pandemic and the quarantine measures enforced, it is no longer the case. Homebuyers are now looking for homes that are within walking distance to essential establishments like business hubs, retail malls, schools, restaurants, and hospitals.
RFO properties in central locations guarantee convenience, accessibility, and security whether there is a pandemic or not. One such example is Federal Land’s The Capital Tower in Quezon City is only a 3-minute walk to S&R New Manila, a 10-minute walk to St. Luke’s Medical Center, and a 10-minute drive to the University of Sto. Tomas.
Another example is One Wilson Square in Wilson Street corner Ortigas Avenue, San Juan City where residents can easily reach major retail establishments such as Greenhills Shopping Center, top-notch schools such as La Salle Greenhills, Xavier School, Immaculate Conception
Academy, hospitals like the Cardinal Santos Medical Center, and the exclusive Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.
Flexible payment options
Affordability is probably the greatest deal-maker for homebuyers. Investing in a home can feel daunting, especially for first-time homeowners, but some developers do offer flexible payment options to support customers. A popular scheme is a lease-to-own plan such as those available for RFO units at The Capital Towers and One Wilson Square.
A lease-to-own or rent-to-own plan is much like a tenant-torenter agreement, except that the renter can get exclusive rights to the property after a specific period. This helps buyers manage their amortization payments better or give them time to strengthen their financial position while already living in their ideal home.
Quality home experience
With the limitations of the “new normal,” better living requirements are on top of every homebuyer’s list. These days, size and
layout matter in choosing a condo as it affects the comfort and movement within one’s home. One Wilson Square offers one- to four-bedroom units ranging from 39.4 square meters to 216.5 square meters. Select units also come with a den that can be converted to a home office, children’s classroom, or even an indoor garden.
Future owners of RFO developments could also immediately make full use of the property’s amenities and facilities. Residents at The Capital Tower can let off some steam at the lap pool or jogging paths, while those living in One Wilson Square have access to amenities such as recreational pools, lawn and gazebo, fitness gyms, and recreational rooms.
“Real estate continues to evolve to keep up with the changing lifestyles of homebuyers. Even so, residents could ultimately rely on the availability of RFO properties that can immediately cater to their needs amid today’s uncertainties. RFO properties are ready to give them a better living experience, more importantly, allow them to move in at the soonest possible time and start living the good life in their new home.” Resurreccion concluded.