From Bacolod… Canada… back to the home country.

If retirees are choosing Makati because of affordable comfort and world class healthcare, our 32nd testimonial, wants it because of the total experience.

When Ms. Maricon and her husband left Bacolod to build a life in the cold shores of Vancouver, Canada, they sought something that would keep them connected to home. In 2012, they found the answer in Belton Place—a property that stood in Bgy. San Antonio, Makati City. Just a short cab or jeepney ride away from Greenbelt and Glorietta, two of Makati’s most vibrant districts. Drawn by its amenities, swimming pool for adults and kids, fitness gym, and proximity to banks and restaurants, they knew they made the right choice.

Back then, the area was quiet—no strip malls, no bustling cafés, just the promise of growth. A decade later, Belton Place’s neighborhood transformed, with The Rise, Air Mall, and other developments making the location even more desirable.

However, for a time, their investment faced challenges. An unverified agent mismanaged their property, leaving it vacant for more than a year. Worse, some furnishings, including a water dispenser and a television, went missing. Disheartened but determined, Ms. Maricon turned to Abba 98 Realty to get things back on track.

The result? Within three weeks of showings, the unit narrowed to two strong prospects. In just one month, it was leased to a qualified, reliable tenant—crafted by Abba 98’s team. Ms. Maricon was “elated” by the speed and professionalism, a stark contrast to her previous nightmare.

Below, we expand on the observations relayed by Ms. Maricon shared after her successful deal—lessons every overseas investor should embody.

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1. Location is Everything

Ms. Maricon didn’t just buy a unit; she bought access. Belton Place’s prime Pasong Tamo address puts tenants within minutes of Makati’s most prestigious business districts ( Ayala Ave corner Gil Puyat Ave. ), and upcoming locales ( Circuit Makati ), and world-class dining. Even as new commercial nodes pop up, the core allure remains: walkability to strip malls ( Air, The Rise, Asten and West End Mall )  is a non-negotiable for high-quality tenants.

2. Buy with Your Own Heart, Not Just ROI

“It’s easy to get swayed by flashy spreadsheets,” Ms. Maricon noted. But the couple’s 2012 purchase was rooted in personal resonance.

— they loved the pool’s design, the availability and functionality of the gym, and the feeling of hospitality it evoked from the staff and the property management office despite being abroad. This emotional connection paid off: properties bought with genuine passion often have better care, better presentation, and better storytelling  to tenants, which drives higher demand and rental premiums. In fact, her unit has been the go to place of her friends from Canada whenever they plan to vacation in the Philippines. Let data inform you, but let your gut decide.

3. Amenities Are Important to Maintain Demand with Tenants

The very features that enchanted Ms. Maricon in 2012—the swimming pool and functional gym — are now the top selling points her tenants care about. In a competitive rental market, amenities aren’t luxuries; they’re retention tools.

A beautiful pool area attracts young professionals; a functional gym is perfect for weekenders, while a 24-hour fitness gym ( Anytime Fitness ) beside the project is an alternative for paying professionals renting in the area. When your unit is part of a development that consistently maintains these spaces, you command higher rents and shorter vacancy periods.

4. 24/7 Security Is a Must

After experiencing missing appliances and a hollowed-out unit, Ms. Maricon can’t stress this enough: security is the foundation of trust.

Belton Place’s 24/7 manned gates, and CCTV within the premises,—are the first thing serious tenants ask about. In the eyes of overseas landlords and quality tenants alike, a development without round-the-clock security is a risk. This single factor often separates a 1-month lease from a 1-year nightmare.

5. On-Time Payments with the Landlord

“A tenant who pays late is a tenant who will cause problems later,” the Abba 98 broker explained during the June 2025 consultation.

Our process includes vetting the background of our tenant, making sure that he will pay on time, every time. Enforceable terms attract responsible renters. It’s all about predictability and sanity across borders.

6. Honesty Is the Best Policy

From full disclosure of the unit’s history to transparent communication about fees and contract terms, honesty accelerated the deal.

We know how busy our landlords with their affairs internationally, and for us, it is imperative that we supply her with peace of mind by delivering the payments from her tenant on the dot and on time. Just check out all the experiences of our clients for yourself.

—and it’s why Ms. Maricon’s unit went from “vacant” to “leased” in under 30 days.

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The Takeaway

Ms. Maricon’s story isn’t unique—it’s a blueprint. Overseas investors often think distance makes management impossible. But with the right partner (Abba 98 Realty), the right location(Belton Place), and the right mindset (heart-driven, security-first, honest), even a unit that sat empty for 12+ months can become a steady, hassle free income stream in just 30 days.

“I was elated,” Ms. Maricon said. “I didn’t think it would be this fast.”

And neither will you—once you apply these six lessons.

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Contact Abba 98 Realty today for a free landlord consultation and see how a legitimate, contract-savvy broker can change your property story in two months or less.

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