Apartment Locators
When you do a search on a Search Engine for "apartments" you are going to come across two types of Website resources; apartment locator sites and apartment database sites. Which is the best for you? Well, that depends on what your needs and circumstances dictate. It also has a great deal to do with your privacy comfort level.

The Apartment Locator Site:

If you are relocating to an area of the country that is totally new for you, someplace where you are unfamiliar with neighborhoods, schools, job centers, transportation, etc., then the apartment locator may be your best choice. These folks respond to your query by making telephone contact with you. You will describe your circumstances, needs, budget and other preferences. The apartment locator is usually extremely knowledgeable about the area and the local rental market. They will be quite helpful in finding you rental accommodations that suit your particular needs. In most cases, this will be a totally free service. The apartment locator is normally paid a commission or “finder’s fee” from the landlord or rental agent. With regard to your privacy, however, keep in mind that you are required to share your telephone number with the apartment locator and be open to the idea of personal contact. You need to decide if, or how much, that is acceptable to your sense of privacy.

The Apartment Database Site:

Unlike apartment locators, apartment database sites offer a broad selection of on-line apartment listings. They give you intricate descriptions of apartment complexes including, but not limited to, maps, amenities, rent ranges, contact information, etc. Pictures of the apartment units, inside and out, are usually included. An excellent amount of data helps you decide if any particular rental unit meets your needs and satisfaction. When you are moving to an apartment that is located within your present living area or when you are relocating to an area that you are totally familiar with, an apartment database site might be the one for you. Most require a simple registration process which usually asks for name and email address. You need not submit your telephone number and you will not be contacted personally by anyone. Like the apartment locator, most apartment database sites are free to you. Sometimes you are even offered a bonus of $100.00 or more if you list their site as your referring source when you sign your apartment lease.
 
So, which is better for you, the apartment locator site or the apartment database site? The answer to that question is answered by your own unique needs, desires, situation and limits of personal privacy.

Good luck on your apartment search and good luck in your new apartment.

Apartment Search
When you are apartment hunting, prepare a rental search plan. Be sure to know in advance what you want in an apartment and what you can live without. Decide in advance what areas of the city you could consider living in and make a list of apartment buildings within that perimeter.

Be sure to consider how far and how convenient it will be for you to travel to your job or your school or your family and friends. Also, how far is the apartment from stores, banks, hospitals, Church (if you attend) etc. If you have a car, make sure that there is adequate and convenient parking space 24/7. If you don't drive make sure that there is close by public transportation.

Narrow your apartment locating to the size of rental unit you need. Studio apartment or one bedroom apartment or 2 BR apartment or more. Are you considering a furnished apartment or do you possible need a short term rental. If you are renting an apartment with a cat, dog, or other pet, you need to find out which apartments allow renting with pets and which do not. And, if they do allow pets, is there an additional security deposit required and if so, how much it is. Do you need an apartment complex with an exercise room or tennis courts or a pool or a recreation room, etc. or do you simply need and desire a nice clean and quiet pad.

Be realistic about what you can afford. Most apartment renting guides suggest that your rent should not be more than 25% to 30% of your income. This can vary depending on the income bracket, but be sure to be "real world" when budgeting additional apartment expenses such as heating and air conditioning and other utilities. If you fall short of affording the apartment of your choice, you might consider sharing an apartment with a roommate or roommates. Keep in mind that living with roommates can help you afford an upscale apartment or even, in some cases, luxury apartments, but it also has extreme restrictions to your privacy.

If you are familiar with the area and its neighborhoods, that gives you a distinct advantage for your apartment search. If, however, you are relocating to a new city or are not particularly knowledgeable about the city, you may want to contact an Apartment Locator or an Apartment Finder.

Once you narrow your search for apartments down to apts which suit your needs and desires you must be well organized & well prepared for your visits to the apartment complexes. When inspecting the rental premises be on the alert for unsafe conditions, excessive noise from traffic or playgrounds or neighbors. Visit the apartment building at night as well as the daytime hours. This will give you a more comprehensive understanding of the total space you will be residing in.

When you find the apartment complex that meets your renting needs and desires, you must be ready to put your "best foot forward" when you meet the apartment's rental agent. This person may be the apartment building manager or a renting agent for the apts. You should prepare for this apartment renting interview in a professional and intelligent manner. Be advised that you are going to be asked to provide proof that you are a reliable prospective tenant. You are most likely going to need references from previous landlords. You may also be required by the apartments to show that you are gainfully employed and can afford the rent. Many landlords may require a credit report. If you are a first time renter and/or you have limited credit history you may be asked for references from family, friends, employer, professionals, etc. Likewise if you are renting with bad credit you will certainly want to come to the interview with a strong selection of references.

You are not necessarily restricted from apartment renting with less than perfect credit, but you may be required to put up an additional security deposit and possibly have a credit worthy person co-sign the apartment lease with you. Don't unprepared for by requests for any of these things. Be sure to fill out a 100% truthful apartment rental application and come to the interview with references, proof of employment, credit information and any other renting resources at the ready. If you do have a credit history or renting history that might be detrimental, going through an apartment locator or apartment finder may be the best solution. They will present your history to the landlord for you, (make sure they are 100% truthful about it) and they can also be quite helpful and save you a lot of time because they most likely will know which landlords and apartments are more lenient in these circumstances. They can also advise you as to exactly what kinds of references and documents you might need to prove that you can be a responsible tenant.

You Have Located Your "Dream Apartment"

Once you have located your "dream apartment", or as close to your perfect apartment as possible, now it is necessary to pay extremely close attention to the particulars of the rental agreement. An Apartment Lease is a contract between you and the landlord. Once agreed upon and signed by the tenant and the landlord, the rental lease creates obligations and restrictions for both parties. The most obvious covenants of the apartment lease are the length of the rental, (Six month lease, one year lease, two year lease, etc.) The amount of the security deposit, when the rent is due, who is responsible for what utilities. Also in that apartment lease, however, are stipulations, (sometimes in small print) that can cover a great variety of landlord and tenant obligations and restrictions.

They can include, but are not limited to, the following:

* Maintenance of the apartment
* Care of the premises
* Cleanliness
* Insurance
* Governmental regulations
* Eminent Domain
* Nuisance and noise clauses
* Stipulations as to the circumstances whereby the landlord can enter the premises
* Use of Common Areas
* Keys and locks
* Loss or damage
* Parking
* Pets
* Plumbing
* What the landlord may do if the rent is in arrears
* What the tenant can do to bring the rent current before any kind of action might be started
* Non performance or breach of the contract by the renter
* Renter's penalties in the event of early termination
* Circumstances which might cause the tenant or the landlord to break the lease prior to the end of the term
* Heat and other utilities
* Removal of goods
* Surrender or Non-Surrender of the premises
* Waivers of various obligations
* Prohibited reprisals
* Garbage disposal
* Recyclables
* And the list goes on and on and on.

Prospective tenants should read an Apartment lease thoroughly. Prospective apartment renters should understand everything that is contained in that lease and make an informed decision to be 100% accepting of all the provisions for both the tenant and the landlord, that you are positive that you can live up to your end of the bargain and that you are comfortable with the provisions on the landlord's end.

If you do not understand every single clause of that apartment lease then do not sign it until you do understand it. If necessary and if possible, request assistance in interpreting the lease from a trusted source such as a knowledgeable friend or family member or employer or professional, or anyone else who can understand it and explain it to you. If necessary get legal advice. It can cost additional funds if you do not qualify for free legal assistance, but that additional cost might save you a ton of money and save you a ton of heartache and aggravation down the road.

If you do not agree with any of the provisions of that apartment lease and/or you feel that you can't live up to the tenant's obligations, or if you are not in agreement with any of the landlord's rights under the agreement, then do not sign the lease until/or unless it can be changed to your satisfaction. If the apartment rental agreement cannot be amended to meet your needs and desires and comfort level then do not sign the lease and do not rent that apartment. The Apartment Rental agreement that you sign as a prospective tenant will not change once you become the actual tenant of that apartment.

Good luck in your apartment search and good luck in your new apartment.

Philippine Apart-Hotel or Condotel Properties being snap up by lively UK investment funds as rents soar

"Rents which we thought we would get in two years we're getting now," said Beth Collingz, a managing director in Metro Manila of the Condotel Marketing arm of PLC Global Pinoy, the International marketing partner of Pacific Concord Properties’ Lancaster Brand of Condo Hotels in the Philippines.

Collingz expects rental income to rise 15 percent in the coming 12 months after gains of as much as 30 percent since January 2006, when Pacific Concord Properties Inc are set to launch Condo Hotel operations of their flagship Lancaster Suites located in the Ortigas business district in Metro Manila.

UK Private equity units of banks and investment clubs, driven in part by the current strength of the Pound Sterling in international trading, are being attracted by returns in the Philippines as much as double those in the United States and Europe, are purchasing significant blocks of real estate for investment trusts for Asian commercial property.

"There are large amounts of capital now chasing increasingly limited investment-grade real-estate opportunities in Asia," said Collingz. "We are currently in the closing stages of packaging the investment of some $20M in private-equity real estate funds for new Lancaster Brand Apart-Hotel or Condotel developments in Metro Manila and Cebu, on the strength of expected rental returns which will continue to grow at a rapid pace."

With funds raised for commercial property deals in Asia having doubled in each of the past five years, Collingz see the market value of Condotel investments in the Philippines reaching new heights in 2007/8 as more developments come on line.

Rising demand for homes, hotels, short and medium term rental accommodation, offices and shopping malls in the Philippines, home to a population of almost 80 million and with a significant number of the more than 10 million returning overseas Filipino ‘Baby Boomers’, is fueling rents.

Residential rents in Metro Manila rose 26 percent in the three months to March 2007, their highest quarter-on-quarter increase in more than a decade, as more and more IT companies set up shop in the Philippines. Companies like Texas Instruments are investing $1B in expanded operations in the Philippines. High-end rents rose some 13 percent from a year earlier, said Collingz.

Collingz projects that Rents in the region are set to effectively jump up by at least 8.7 percent per annum over the next five years, compared with 3.3 percent in the United States and 3.7 percent in Europe. Yields from 8 percent to as high as 14-16 percent ROI on rental income property contrast with the 4 percent to 5 percent that private equity firms get in the United States and Europe.

"People are in general looking to shift fund flows relatively towards Asia," Collingz said. "It already has had a profound impact in markets where there's a lot of this money chasing the same assets." In Singapore, the region's second- biggest market after Japan, investments by private real estate funds accounted for seven of the 19 office blocks, worth 6.7 billion dollars, sold since September 2005. REITs bought six. A Goldman Sachs fund paid 690 million dollars for two buildings last November that house the headquarters of DBS Group Holdings. In Hong Kong, property funds of Morgan Stanley and Macquarie Bank paid a total of 7.9 billion Hong Kong dollars, or $1.02 billion, for four office blocks from March to May, according a recent article published by CB Richard Ellis.

As the Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong markets become saturated, the Philippines will be the next real estate market to attract substantial overseas investments. Lower prices and retirees’ spending money are also directing foreign attention to residential condominium hotels in the Philippines, which in turn is driving up more construction.

A lot of this interest is being driven by the relatively cheap market prices here compared to Europe especially UK housing prices and the easy payment options available for condominium hotel developments Collingz said. The buyers gain rental incomes that on today’s purchase prices give a projected ROI of some 8 percent to 14-16 percent depending on the mode of payment for the unit she said.

Philippine Apart-Hotels or Condotels as an Investment
In the Philippines it's not just that condos are comparatively cheaper and relatively more easy to maintain than a single-family home. In recent years, they've become the prime residential real estate investment and the best may be yet to come says Beth Collingz, International Sales Director, PLC International, the lead marketing partners for Pacific Concord Properties Inc's Lancaster Brand of Condo Hotels.

Collingz said according to her research into Philippine property values, since 2000, mid market condos in Metro Manila have increased in value 120 percent, at an annual rate of 17.14 percent compared to new homes rising some 25 percent since 2000 or 3.57 percent a year and resale homes rising 20 percent since 2000 or 2.85 percent a year.

The median price for an existing studio type condo in Metro Manila is around $53,000 for 2007, up some 55 percent from $34,000 in 2005 whilst mid range housing prices in the $90,000 range for 2007 are only up some 8 percent from $84,000 in 2005.

Rising demand for condos, hotels, short and medium term rental accommodation, offices and shopping malls in the Philippines, home to a population of almost 80 million and with a significant number of the more than 10 million returning overseas Filipino ‘Baby Boomers’, is also fueling rents.

Residential rents in Metro Manila rose 26 percent in the three months to March 2007, their highest quarter-on-quarter increase in more than a decade, as more and more IT companies set up shop in the Philippines. Companies like Texas Instruments are investing $1B in expanded operations in the Philippines. High-end rents rose some 13 percent from a year earlier, said Collingz.

Collingz projects that Rents in the region are set to effectively jump up by at least 8.7 percent per annum over the next five years, compared with 3.3 percent in the United States and 3.7 percent in Europe. Yields from 8 percent to as high as 14-16 percent ROI on rental income property contrast with the 4 percent to 5 percent that private equity firms get in the United States and Europe.

These facts gives significant rise to the value of making Condotel investments in the Philippines says Collingz.

People are in general looking to shift fund flows relatively towards Asia, Collingz said. It already has had a profound impact in markets where there's a lot of this money chasing the same assets. In Singapore, the region's second- biggest market after Japan, investments by private real estate funds accounted for seven of the 19 office blocks, worth 6.7 billion dollars, sold since September 2005. REITs bought six. A Goldman Sachs fund paid 690 million dollars for two buildings last November that house the headquarters of DBS Group Holdings. In Hong Kong, property funds of Morgan Stanley and Macquarie Bank paid a total of 7.9 billion Hong Kong dollars, or $1.02 billion, for four office blocks from March to May, according a recent article published by CB Richard Ellis.

As the Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong markets become saturated, the Philippines will be the next real estate market to attract substantial overseas investments. Lower prices and retirees’ spending money are also directing foreign attention to residential condominium hotels in the Philippines, which in turn is driving up more construction.

A lot of this interest is being driven by the relatively cheap market prices here compared to Europe – especially UK housing prices – and the easy payment options available for condominium hotel developments, Collingz said. The buyers gain rental incomes that on today’s purchase prices give a projected ROI of some 8 percent to 14-16 percent depending on the mode of payment for the unit she said.

Metro Manila remains a popular choice with international buyers and institutional investors. Collingz says clients tell her that it makes more sense to buy in a year-round vacation destinations and business centers. Lancaster - The Atrium Condotel developments by Pacific Concord Properties located in Shaw Boulevard, Metro Manila - fits the bill with all it offers to International buyers.

Accessibility is also a factor. Flights from London to Manila, for example, average just 16 hours, add to that the many airline specials and it’s easy to see why this area is becoming an international community. Unlike other offshore rental properties, where the rental market is largely seasonal, in the Philippines there is a strong market for rental properties year round. This gives buyers greater flexibility in choosing when to use and when to rent their property. The strong rental/second home market also has resulted in a proliferation of professional property managers and rental agents, making property ownership and rental easy. Pacific Concord Properties Inc with it’s flagship Lancaster Condo Hotel Developments fit’s the bill

Lancaster Manila Atrium Tower A, Shaw Boulevard, Metro Manila, Philippines is a Full Service Condominium Hotel [Condotel] offering Studio, One, Two and Three Bedroom Suites for sale. To be completed and ready for turnover from December 2010, the Lancaster Suites Manila Atrium Tower II will provide unit owners with premier residential condo units with the option of enrolling their units in the Lancaster Condotel Rental Pool and earn Rental Incomes as Owner Non-Residents when not using their units through Condo Hotel Management.

Combined with rising condo prices, a general shortage of reasonable rental property and substantial increases in short and long-term rental rates, this makes Lancaster Suites Manila, one of the Hottest Investment Opportunities in the Philippines said Collingz.

Philippine Apart-Hotels Set to Outstrip Traditional Buy-to-Let Market
Beth Collingz, PLC Global Marketing Director of PLC International Marketing Networks, the lead marketing partners for Pacific Concord Properties Inc Lancaster Brand of Condo Hotels in the Philippines says Apart-hotels or Condotels as they are know locally are really growing in popularity among British and European investors. In the last two months alone we have sold a significant number of apart-hotel units both in the UK and Europe.

Apart-hotels are an opportunity for investors to purchase into a new asset class with much higher yields than traditional buy-to-let properties.

The rental opportunity is achieved through a need for hotel accommodation, rather than residential letting markets. There are three key reasons why buyers are keen to invest in Apart-hotels or Condotels in the Philippines" Collingz continues, Firstly, it's a completely hands-off investment: the developer builds the hotel, and the management company runs it. Their job is to operate the hotel, maintain it and ensure maximum room occupancy and, as they receive a percentage of the nightly room rate, they are motivated to do so.

Secondly, because investors income is a percentage of the nightly, weekly or monthly room rate of the rental operations pool of all the units in the development rather than a monthly income from a single rented property, they are not exposed to substantial monthly deficits.

From a financial perspective, the income level compares favorably with traditional buy-to-let. Generally, expected income levels are sizeable 12-16% ROI per annum would not be unusual in a well-selected apart-hotel. If suggested income levels on a development are much below 10%, we would not consider promoting it as it would not represent a good investment opportunity for our clients said Collingz.

In the Philippines this form of investment seems set to outstrip the traditional buy-to-let rental market. At present, Metro Manila and regional towns such as Cebu, lack hotel rooms meaning that occupancy levels in any developments are likely to be high.

Most new investors in the Lancaster Suites Manila are established UK property investors who are looking for a UK product with a higher yield and no operating deficits. However, Apart-hotels are also attracting first time buyers looking to establish themselves on the property ladder whilst making yearly income as well.

Demand for apart-hotels is increasing as investors become more aware and better informed about the opportunities on offer. And whilst finding financing for overseas property has been difficult in the past, PCPI offers all buyers a no prequalification In-House 12 year payment plan with zero down payment, making the entry level open to may first time investors.

Lancaster - The Atrium, located in Shaw Boulevard, Metro Manila, is a "Full Service" Apart-Hotel ["Condotel"] offering Studio, One, Two and Three Bedroom Suites for sale. To be completed and ready for turnover from December 2010, Lancaster will provide unit owners with premier residential condo units with the option of enrolling their units in the Lancaster Rental Pool and earn Rental Incomes as Owner Non-Residents when not using their units. This makes Lancaster Manila, one of the Hottest Investment Opportunities in the Philippines said Collingz.

All units at the Lancaster Suites have kitchen facilities. The standard unit price provides for the suite to be semi-finished but not fully furnished. Included in the current price are the interior finishing’s such as tiled & semi-fitted bathrooms, bedrooms with simulated wood plank flooring, semi-fitted living and dining area with simulated wood plank floorings and lower kitchen cabinets/work tops installed. Walls and ceilings are painted cement finish. A complete optional extra interior fit-out package including unit fittings and fixtures, furniture’s, furnishings, air-conditioning, lighting fixtures and appliances will be available towards the time the units are closer to being completed continued Collingz

Philippine Condotels ?Open The Door To Lifestyle Real Estate"
Condotels, Studio Flats, Apartments, Buy to Let Properties, “How This Little-Known Real Estate Investment Opportunity Could Be Your Secret Weapon To Building Wealth”

The big picture about Philippine Condo-Hotels or “Condotels” one of the hottest products in today’s Real Estate market. Imagine Hotel Style Living 365 Days a Year!

Condo-Hotels provide the resident unit owner with more facilities than regular Condominium buildings. Unit Owners in a Condotel enjoy the benefits and privileges of full Hotel Services in a Residential environment. Condo-Hotels are also the newest trend in vacation home ownership. Live in it when you’re there, and rent it out when you are not. These types of projects are becoming more and more attractive for businessmen, vacation homebuyers and individual investors not only because of the superior facilities and amenities but more importantly the attention to maintenance of the buildings through the 24-Hour Condotel operations

Philippine Condotels open the door to luxury or “Life Style” Real Estate

Many new real estate investors hesitate to jump into the luxury real estate market. They either don’t know how to jump in or where to begin, or they think luxury real estate is too far out of their reach. While it’s true that the price tags on luxury properties can be staggering, especially for individuals new to real estate investing, the only way to get used to dealing with luxury properties is to get started. Condotels offer an excellent way for real estate investors to become quickly acclimated to luxury real estate

The luxury real estate market is not going away. It’s growing steadily, driven by strong demand. Much of this demand comes from a young demographic, which means in the long run, the demand for luxury real estate is likely to increase significantly. As a real estate investor, this is the time for you to become involved in the luxury market, before prices rise further. Your appreciation potential can be tremendous, and the right condotel properties in the right locations can play a significant part in your luxury real estate portfolio

If you’re going to become involved in luxury real estate, including condotels, act confidently. Even if you’re new to the luxury “Life Style” market, act as if you’re familiar with it already. Too often, newcomers fail to do well in luxury real estate because they become overwhelmed. They go to see luxury properties and they act as if they’re overly impressed, as if they’re not used to being around luxury real estate

This is a problem when buying and selling. If you act too impressed or overwhelmed when you buy luxury real estate, including condotels, you won’t get the best deal. If you act too desperate to unload the luxury property when you sell, as if you’re afraid to hold onto it because it’s out of your league, you won’t get the best deal either. In order to succeed in luxury real estate, in order to gain the most profit out of your luxury condotel properties, you have to act comfortable with luxury, even if you’re not

Condotels can help you open the door to dealing in luxury real estate. While to best condotel properties are pricey, they still cost less than some luxury homes you might want to become involved in down the road. Financing is increasingly available for condotel properties. Condotels are located in all the best real estate markets, the places that draw tourists, businessmen, luxury buyers and investors. And condotels are a hassle-free investment, a great way to diversify your portfolio while getting started in luxury real estate

When you select the right condotel property, backed by a reputable builder, in a hotel that offers great service, you won’t have to worry about attracting the right renters and buyers. A professional hotel management will keep your condotel unit occupied with renters, with some condotel properties, one week’s rental can cover a monthly mortgage payment, and they will practically bring potential buyers to your door when you wish to sell the property. When you stay in the condotel yourself, you will become increasingly acclimated to luxury living and understand what your buyers are looking for..

If you can appreciate the long-term growth potential of the luxury market, if you’re willing to jump in and not be overwhelmed or intimidated by luxury properties, you can expand to a new level of real estate investing and develop a lucrative portfolio. The right condotel properties in the right locations can be a great way for you to become involved in luxury real estate

To get started, lean more about the demographic that is driving the luxury real estate market; visit and become familiar with luxury properties, including staying in hotels in the area, for example the Waterfront Airport Hotel in Mactan; and follow the big builders to the best condotel properties in the hottest markets, like Mactan, Cebu and Metro Manila

If you’re willing to become involved in “Life-Style” real estate, via condotel investments in the Philippines, you will have a distinct advantage over other investors that hesitate to enter the high-in-demand realm of lifestyle properties and you need look no further than investments in the Lancaster Cebu Resort Residences in Mactan, Cebu or the Lancaster Suites, Shaw Boulevard, Metro Manila

For those planning to reside in Condotels in Cebu or Manila, Pacific Concord Properties Inc Lancaster Suites owners & residents can utilize the services provided by the Condotel, such as the swimming pool and other recreational facilities, restaurant & bar, concierge, 24-Hour housekeeping and room service.

Philippine Condotel Investments US Road Show Sales Hit $8.9 Million
Beth Collingz, International Marketing Director for PLC Global based in Manila, lead Marketing Partners for the Lancaster Brand of Condotels in the Philippines, announced the companies recent US Road Show was another major success bringing in some $8.9 Million Dollars worth of sales for Lancaster The Atrium Condo Hotel as investors look at to solve problems of real estate retirement investing as an alternative to social security systems that are on the verge of going bankrupt and Pension Plans that are failing left and right and will continue to fail as many are glorified ‘Pyramid Schemes’ or rely solely upon the ‘never ending chain’ principal.

Overseas Filipinos and Offshore Property Investors looking to start saving for retirement, the Philippines with its comparative low cost of real estate yet high rates of Hotel Accommodations, make the Condotel investment an extremely attractive investment proposition. Clients are now looking at the preconstruction investment in a Lancaster Atrium Semi Fitted Studio Suite that may be Purchased on 12 Year Payment Plan Options that provides for Executive Studio [Semi Fitted] Suites to be purchased with a Reservation of only -Pph-25,000.00 for a 32.50sqm [350sqft] Studio then 48 consecutive monthly payments of only -Pph-17,801.58 [No Interest for the first 4 years]. During the first 4 years there is an Annual Lump Sum payable on the anniversary of the reservation date of -Pph-91,551.00 and thereafter continue the 96 consecutive monthly payments of -Pph-24,075.73 to complete the balance of the purchase price Collingz said.

Collingz said Having paid 50 percent of the purchase price within 4 years the Studio Condotel will be ready for occupancy and thereafter income positive with a projected ROI through rentals of at least 500 dollars per month makes the remaining 96 monthly payments on the unit balance self liquidating said Collingz, and with preconstruction property appreciating at some 20-30% per annum not only does the Real Estate Appreciation look good but after paying for the unit, the rental income is in excess of what many Pension Plans offer for the same or similar investment of only 50 percent of the purchase price for the unit.

The potential high rates of rental returns from Condo Hotel Investments, currently from 8% up to 16% per annum, opens up a huge market not traditionally looked at by Real Estate Agents and Brokers whom all so often run around like headless chickens looking for normal residential profile buyers without looking at the by far bigger picture of investments, investing and retirement. We look at Condotels as pure investments. Not primarily as Real Estate. If you look at the Condo Hotel market as investing for future income, and think outside of the box, it is plain to see that Hotel Condominiums are not only real estate investments but more importantly income generating property. Think of Condotels as a Managed Pension Plan. After all, Condotel units are fully managed property. The owner of the property does not have the hassle of renting out the unit and contend with all the normal pit falls of being an amateur land lord. This is taken care of by the Condo Hotel Management said Collingz.

One of my clients from Chicago, just purchased 4 Studio Condotel Suites at Lancaster The Atrium Manila which is currently in preconstruction sales with a plan to retire in 2012. His outlay for the purchase is only around 70 Dollars a day for 6 years by opting to purchase with a 30% down payment on a 6 year no prequalification, no down payment, no interest payment plan. Even before completing payment for the units, he will be receiving more than $2,000 a month in rental income in additional to any Government or Private Company Pension Plan. Apply that to the 12 year payment plan and during the first 4 years prior to completion, where you would only be paying something like 20 Dollars a day, and after the units are already earning rental income, 45 Dollars a day, he would have a cash positive income on 20 Dollars a day or some 600 Dollars a month. Better yet, the rental income is in tune with inflation and buying on preconstruction terms gives real estate appreciation of some 60-80% over 4 years enthused Collingz.

At the end of 12 years, having only put out 50% of the original purchase price of the units, the owner would have earned something like 4,800 Dollars and condo units are now in fee simple, owned free and clear, then earning more than 2,000 Dollars a month. Better yet, as Hotel Rates increase yearly, so does the rental income Collingz said.

Philippine Property Agent says the Brits are coming!
Beth Collingz, Overseas Sales Director, PLC International Marketing Networks, whom are the lead marketing partners for the Lancaster Brand of Condotels in the Philippines, said the number of people buying abroad rises by as much as 30 per cent in the autumn months.

We have this trend of seasonal activity in the overseas property market over the last few years especially from UK market. Statistics from UK Estate Agents showed that from 2004 and 2006 the number of British people who owned a second home abroad soared from 550,000 to 800,000. With a further 5.5 million Brits estimated to be wanting to live abroad, UK buyers are increasingly being tempted by the different cultures, lifestyles and often improved standard of living that other countries, including the Philippines, can offer said Collingz

Collingz said historical sales figures show that the number of people buying property in the Philippines has a significant peak in the early autumn as many people use their summer holidays to hunt for their ideal second home. Interest in buying abroad can quickly strengthen after a few weeks back in Europe as the days shorten and the weather takes a turn for the worse. PLC has been anticipating the arrival of the British overseas property buyer in the Philippines and sees the UK market, rather than the US, as the place to sell their Condotel units over the next 6 months. Our PLC Global property portal has already seen increased traffic for September from UK buyers and estate agents who want to buy or market our Lancaster Brand of Condo Hotel suites to a UK audience.

UK Tax Payers are also taking advantage of tax incentives and Investing their Self-Invested Pension Plan [SIPP] In Philippine Condotel Investment Real Estate for Rental Income and Retirement. Collingz explained that the Self Invested Pension Plan [SIPP] is a personal pension plan but with one very significant difference: administration is separate from investment content, giving the plan holder freedom to choose for himself and change the investments within it. The long-awaited rules on what savers can include in their personal pension plans were unveiled in April 2006 by HM Revenue & Customs. The Guidance Notes confirm that the Self Invested Pension Plan [SIPP] allows holders to invest in hotels such as the Lancaster Brand of Condo Hotels in the Philippines. The only stipulation is that SIPP holders may not stay in their rooms. With more nights available for paying guests, this not surprisingly increases the room owners' returns. It is estimated there are now more than 70,000 plans holding over £14bn.

A year or so ago, few people in the UK realized that they could manage their Pension Plan portfolios themselves, and even fewer knew that they could invest their SIPP retirement money in homes in the sun which now prove to be among the most popular potential investments to include in a SIPP

If you’re considering using your SIPP to invest in real estate, there are some excellent reasons that you should choose Philippine Condotel Investment real estate to drive your retirement portfolio into high profit margins. The Philippines is ideal for this type of investment because a SIPP can establish title to a property in a country whose legal framework recognizes trusts and a SIPP is simply another form of trust.

Investing in foreign real estate is neither as risky nor as tricky as a lot of people would have you believe. While land and housing prices in the U.K. have soared astronomically in the past decade, the world real estate market is a far different story. It’s still possible to buy a preconstruction Condotel suite at Lancaster The Atrium located in Metro Manila, Philippines, for less than GBP £25,000.00

Lancaster - The Atrium is a "Full Service" Condominium Hotel offering Studio, One, Two and Three Bedroom Suites for sale. To be completed and ready for turnover from December 2010, and will provide unit owners with premier residential condo units with the option of enrolling their units in the Lancaster Condotel Rental Pool and earn Rental Incomes [at current purchase levels] of some 8-14% ROI per annum as Owner Non-Residents when not using their units through Condotel Management. This makes Lancaster Suites one of the Hottest Investment Opportunities in the Philippines.

The beauty of holding property in the Philippines is the low cost of property taxes and maintenance. A GBP £25,000 Condotel suite may set you back GBP £100 in property taxes per year, and maintenance costs are similarly low. When you add in the tax-protected status of investments made in your IRA, and the 12-16% returns through rental income through the Condotel advantage, you have an incredible ROI on a purchase of Philippine Condotel investment real estate enthused Collingz.

What’s the downside about owning Philippine Condotel Investment real estate as an SIPP investment? You cannot reside at your investment property as long as the SIPP is titled as the owner of the property. The self directed pension plan rules about benefiting personally from your investments are strict - you are not allowed to make use of any property owned by your SIPP, or you risk losing its tax-protected status and worse yet you could face penalties from HM Customs & Excise. You can, however, rent out your SIPP investment for steady income - putting the profits and cash flow into your SIPP, or sell your Philippine Real Estate Investment for immediate profit, as long as those profits remain inside the SIPP.

If you’re looking for an unusual and high earning investment for your SIPP, then take a serious look at owning Philippine Condotel investment real estate. It can help kick your SIPP earnings into high gear. With an impending slowdown of the UK. housing market and failing pension plans, many investors are turning to using their SIPP’s to invest in overseas properties and earn tax-free or tax-deferred income. This creates an outstanding opportunity for by offering self-directed pension plan vehicle to invest in the Lancaster Suites Atrium Tower preconstruction units.

With preconstruction property appreciating at some 20-30% per annum not only does the Real Estate Appreciation look good but the rental income is in excess of what many Pension Plans offer for the same or similar investment.

Beth Collingz says that many new investors are looking to replace failed pension plans and other future saving schemes with a solid investment in Real Estate. Clients are looking for investments that will give them an income for retirement as an alternative to traditional private pension plans that have failed. Most company pension plans are insufficient as are Government Pensions. Bank rates for Savings accounts are at record lows. Savvy investors are now looking for a more solid investment with potential for monthly income. Condotels in the Philippines fit the bill.

This potential, high rates of rental returns from Condotel Investments, currently from 8% up to 14% per annum, opens up a huge market not traditionally looked at by Real Estate Agents and Brokers whom all so often run around looking for normal residential profile buyers without looking at the by far bigger picture of investments, investing and retirement. "We’re here to help our clients, educating our clients and advising them of emerging investment opportunities. Self-Invested Pension Plans and the Lancaster Suites Atrium Condotels, fit this bill exactly; adds Collingz.

Philippine Property Forum Launched for Realtors
Government efforts through WOW Philippines promotions and the Retirement Authority's outlook is also spearheading drives to make the country one of the top tourism and investment destinations in South East Asia.

Beth Collingz, Overseas Marketing Director of PLC International, the lead brokerage firm for Pacific Concord Properties Inc's Lancaster Brand of Condotel developments in the Philippines said included in this ambitious plan is the development of infrastructure - with the construction of new highways, the increase of telecommunications, electricity, banking, insurances along with improvements in education and health care specially in progressive cities such as Cebu in central Visayas.

Unfortunately, with so much real estate development happening in the country, coverage of information and relevant news has been scant - to say the least. PLC's new Property Forum, a dedicated platform designed to bring like minded individuals with one common interest under one community banner, aims to bridge that gap said Collingz.

Launched in August 2007, PLC's Philippine Property Forum is a young community that brings investors, holiday home owners, developers, agents, and just curious browsers together to provide useful exchange of information and ideas.

The property forum has been designed and with the intention of keeping relevant topics and issues active as the primary focus. The broad categories under the forum are: Condotels in the Philippines, other High Rise Condominium properties, and Investment help and advice. The forum encourages professionals and amateurs alike to share their views and opinions on issues related to Philippine Retirement, Visa Issues, Special Investor Visa's, Investing, Legal and Real Estate Laws in the Philippines, real estate taxes, property management and others.

With a relatively good number of projects under its banner, PLC's Property Forum aims to bring on board several large scale projects to share with its members. The forum also attracts corporate membership from developers who wish to participate in the community and communicate with its buyers and investors.

Most of all, PLC's Property Forum is probably the only dedicated platform related to the Philippines which maintains an independent view and allows free exchange of ideas and opinions. Still a young community, it will not be long before PLC's Property Forum becomes an authority on issues and topics related to Philippine property investment.

Member registration is free, and PLC's Property Forum is currently offering free corporate membership to key developers for a limited time.

PLC Global is also looking to expand its Web coverage after recently launching its WEBSEO services for accredited Realtors, Estate Agents, Brokers and Agents joining the PLC Web Ring by purchasing Philippine websites. PLC’s Webseo service provides Realtors with their own individual interactive webpage, agent profile, contact information and summary details of the developments they represent.

Collingz said the firm is actively buying any Philippine websites or Filipino orientated sites on the web to expand our global presence, this coming on the back of the recently announced new services in its efforts to help all realtors, real estate brokers and agents in getting more ground in establishing their presence on-line. Called PLC Webseo, the PLC Global Pinoy Web Ring offers realtors, estate agents, real estate brokers and agents a chance to have their own professionally designed webpage indexed to the plcglobalpinoy.com website designed to individually showcase and feature projects they are offering to the public, at a very reasonable and affordable price.

Anyone who has a Philippine website or Filipino orientated site can send us their offer of purchase said Collingz. We also invite all real estate agents to join us for a one time joining fee of only [Philippine Pesos] –php-2,500.00 and a nominal yearly renewal of –Php-1,000.00. Interested parties can view a sample of the Webseo on the firms website Collingz said. PLC Web Ring members can also advertise with us, or exchange links. When you get to be a part of our web ring, you get free exposure/traffic as visitors click on the other member sites of the web ring. Members can advertise properties for sale or lease with us. And since we are constantly on-line and browsing the web, they can also exchange links for more free traffic and submit real estate articles to be posted on the site or Philippine Skyscraper Forums pages after being approved by site owners.

PLC Global's WEBSEO also offers its members cost-effective Web Design/Development and Search Engine Optimization services to business individuals as well as small business organizations and medium-sized businesses. Though our web development projects are usually built with Joomla! CMS, one the most popular content management systems today, we also offer development of brochure-like websites using cascading style sheets and HTML. Basically, we offer our search engine optimization services as an integral part of our web development packages. We also offer services to promoting new websites as well as maintaining high rankings in search engines with chosen search terms said Collingz

Philippine Property Ownership Law

In the Philippines, Foreign Nationals can only buy condominium units under Republic Act 4726, otherwise known as the Condominium Act. The law provides that no condominium unit can be sold without at the same time selling the corresponding amount of rights, shares or other interests in the condominium management body (The Condominium Corporation) , and no one can buy shares in a condominium corporation without at the same time buying a condominium unit. Now the Condominium Act of the Philippines, R.A. 4726, expressly allows foreigners to acquire condominium units and shares in condominium corporations up to not more than 40 % of the total and outstanding capital stock of a Filipino owned or controlled corporation.

As for Philippine Visa Requirements, for those Nationals planning to stay for longer term visits to the Country, or for Non Philippine Nationals, a Retirement Visa may be applied through the Philippine Leisure Authority where proposed or "pre-existing investments may qualify the applicant for a Philippine Retirement Visa. The Philippine Leisure and Retirement Authority (PLRA) is now accepting Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) applicants with pre-existing investments in the Philippines. This policy has been in place since October 28, 2003. Pre-existing investments in the form of a previously purchased condominium unit, shares of stock in corporations, leasehold agreements and proprietary membership shares are accepted in lieu of the required US dollar time deposit.

In addition to the usual documentary requirements for SRRV application, applicants should submit specific documents depending on the type of investment they will be using in lieu of the US dollar time deposit. For condominium units or long-term leasehold agreements, applicants should submit: Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT) or Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) duly certified by the Registry of Deeds; and Deed of absolute sale as proof of the property's purchase price, which should be at least USD 50,000.00 or USD 75,000.00, whichever is applicable, based on the exchange rate at the time the property was purchased or acquired.

• Right To Own Philippine Real Property

Under the pertinent provisions of the Philippine Constitution only Filipino citizens and corporations or partnerships at least 60% Philippine owned are entitled to acquire LAND in the Philippines. As an exception to this rule, foreign acquisition of Philippine real estate is allowed in the following cases. Acquisition before the 1935 constitution. Acquisition thru hereditary succession if the foreign national is a legal heir. Purchase of not more than 40% interest as a whole in a condominium project. Purchase by a former natural born Filipino citizen subject to the limitations prescribed by law. A Filipino who is married to an alien retains their Philippine citizenship, unless by their act or omission they are deemed to have renounced their Philippine citizenship. [Please see notes on the Philippine Dual Citizenship Law].

• Foreign Ownership as a Philippine Corporation

Another way for foreign nationals to invest in Philippine real estate is for the Foreign national or foreign corporation to create a Philippine corporation to hold title. This allows the Philippine corporation of a foreign national or foreign corporation less investment risk and more control of their Philippine real estate investment, and other Philippine investment assets. Foreign nationals, and corporations may 100% own a Philippine condominium or town home.

For private land, residential home with land lot and or commercial building with land lot ownership the foreign national and or corporation forms a Philippine Corporation to take ownership of the property. On paper, a Philippine Corporation by Philippine law will be a maximum of 40% foreign owned, and a minimum of 60% Filipino owned with a minimum of five incorporators. The Philippine corporation by law shall have a main bank account tied to it before and upon incorporation. A foreign national may be the sole person on the Philippine corporation bank account once after the Philippine corporation has been created and power of attorney has been handed over to the foreign investor at the time of incorporation. Thus allowing the foreign national total control over the funds derived and paid out from the Philippine Corporation and from the income or sale of the asset or real estate property.

• New Dual Citizenship Laws Affecting Property Ownership

Dual citizenship is now newly available under Philippine Law. Dual citizenship means having two citizenships and passports from two different countries. Former Philippine citizens born in the Philippines, but that have immigrated to another country and obtained citizenship of that country. A foreign spouse married to a Philippine citizen. Dual citizenship allows the citizenship holder full rights of possession of Philippine real estate property.

* Philippine's Embraces Dual Citizenship [September 19, 2003]

In a landmark bill, the Philippine Government enacted Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act. With this act, the decades-old ban on dual Philippine citizenship was thrown away. The Philippine Congress recognized that in today's world, Filipinos have dispersed around the world and have even taken on the nationality of their new home countries while maintaining their strong ties to the Filipino community, heritage and families.

Unfortunately, prior to this act, a Filipino who naturalized in another country, such as the U.S. lost Filipino citizenship. The Philippine Congress recognized that this seriously affected the unity of Filipinos overseas with those in the Philippines. It also had drastic consequences with prior Filipinos losing interest in investing in the Philippines.

The new act allows all prior Filipinos who lost their Philippine citizenship because they became citizens of another country to regain Philippine citizenship. It also allows Filipinos who want to naturalize in another country, like the United States for example, to keep their Philippine citizenship. Reacquiring and retaining citizenship allows dual national Filipinos to vote and run for elected office.

The children of Filipinos who reacquire citizenship are also affected. Those unmarried children, under the age of 18 will also be considered to be citizens of the Philippines. This includes legitimate, adopted, and illegitimate children.

The reacquisition of Philippine citizenship is not automatic. Filipinos who lost Philippine citizenship when they became citizens of anther country must swear an oath of allegiance. The oath is found in the text of the act, and in the coming months the Philippine Department of Justice will provide rules on the administration of the oath. One can envision that former Filipinos overseas need appear at their local Consulate to take oath and apply for Philippine passport.

The new act accepts back, with open arms, Filipinos who lost their citizenship. It embraces dual citizenship and recognizes that in today's day and age dual citizenship is a desirable factor for Filipinos who maintain their allegiance to their homeland.

• Foreigner Married to a Philippine Citizen

If holding title as an individual, a typical situation would be that a foreigner married to a Philippine citizen would hold title in the Philippine spouses name. The foreign spouse name cannot be on the property Title but can be on the contract to buy the property. As a foreign investor caution should be taken upon considering taking title to real estate in this manner.

• Condominium Residential Commercial Development Ownership Law

Presidential Decree No. 957, which regulates the sale of subdivision and condominium developments. The National Housing Authority has exclusive jurisdiction to regulate real estate trade and business, a function, which is presently exercised by the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB). Certain conditions are required before a license to sell condominium development units and or subdivision development lots and homes is issued to a Filipino or Foreign owned individual or corporation. The requirements include a certificate of registration, a performance bond, and an approval of the building plans and specifications.

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you need assistance in acquiring a real estate property in the Philippines.