After my 1st week here in California, the project that has generated the most interest is our studio units in Asten. The project is located along Yakal St. and it has a big potential based on different factors.

ROI is above 10% on an 8 year time frame.

The comparison for this, is a project within the 250 meter radius, Belton Place. Belton Place is 5 lots away from the project. It started pre-selling at P 1.6 M pesos for a studio unit size of 21 sqm last 2009. It was ready by the First quarter of 2012, and rentals started at P 14 K / month for unfurnished units and P 15500/ month for furnished studio units. It has a yearly escalation of 8 to 10% every year, that current rental rates today is P 18 K / month for unfurnished and P 20K a month for furnished units.

Last 2009, studio units are priced at P 1.6 M. For the same project and size, you can get a studio unit at P 2.6 M pesos. An average appreciation of above 10% a year. The area is being  redeveloped as the ” Noma ” District or North of Makati District. There will be a Shangrila and an SM Mall in the area as well as the West End Tower, a 20 storey BPO office. There are 3 more new offices being built in the area that would only contribute to more rental incomes targeting the future employees for these offices.

There are new and desirable places to live in, such as BGC, Nuvali and the future districts of Ayala in the suburbs. But, Makati is still the most feasible location for investors and future landlords looking for a higher rental income because this is the center of finance in the Philippines.

For the past few months, professionals working in Makati has considered getting a property in this area because of the traffic situation. This has increased demand for more investments not only with our foreign investors but our local professionals who are able to purchase a unit because of their higher salary compared with professionals working from other areas in Manila. Not to mention, the flexible payment terms offered today.

As a unit owner and a leasing broker in Belton Place, I share with you the advantages of getting a property in Asten. The studio units are sized bigger at 25 sqm. and an average price of $ 55 K dollars for the unit with monthly payments of $ 303 / month, and it becomes $ 320 a month once it is financed through our partner banks. By the time it is ready for occupancy, given the current rental rates of $ 400/ month in Belton Place, there is a big potential for your unit to be self sustaining in terms on your return on investment.

As of the 1st week of April, these are my suggested units for the purpose of rental income. We also have 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom units available. But with this project, the studio units will be more formidable for our balikbayans looking for an alternative investment.