The Philippine economy is one that is on the rise. Recently, the country was named as the tenth-fastest growing economy by Forbes magazine. Thanks to aggressive infrastructure programs and foreign direct investment incentives, the Philippines is benefiting from the influx of industries such as business process outsourcing (BPO). The financial districts of Makati, Taguig and Pasig have the largest concentrations of multinational corporations, and remain to be the best places in the Philippines for expats to relocate either for work or to start a business.
To determine the best places in the Philippines for expats, ZipMatch’s Data Science team has ranked each city and rental properties according to the following criteria:
- Neighborhood score, which indicates a property’s proximity to workplaces, restaurants, retail outlets, and leisure establishments.
- Amenity score, a measure of in-building facilities; and
- Average rent per square meter, gives an exact value that allows for a quick comparison with other properties.
I. MAKATI
A. Makati by the Numbers
The city of Makati has ranks high when it comes to the neighborhood (9.8) and amenity (9.0) categories. Most of the condos listed below are surrounded by businesses, retail outlets, and high-end leisure and entertainment facilities. While traffic can be a challenge, particularly during the extended rush hours, living in the area is ideal for expats working in the Makati business district. The top real-estate developments are concentrated in the upscale neighborhoods of Salcedo and Legaspi Villages. However, because of its status as the country’s financial capital and the constant demand for living space, renting a condo there can be quite pricey (4.0 on the affordability scale).
B. Top 5 Condos in Makati for Expats
| RANK | PROJECT |
NEIGHBORHOOD SCORE |
AMENITIES SCORE |
AVE. RENT PER SQM (Php) |
AVE. SIZE 1BR (sqm) |
AVE. MONTHLY RENT 1BR {Php) |
| 1 |
Two Central
Megaworld Salcedo Village |
9.8 | 9.6 | 932 | 60 | 55,920 |
| 2 |
Signa Designer Residences
Robinsons Luxuria Salcedo Village |
9.9 | 9.1 | 1,044 | 41 | 42,800 |
| 3 |
The Eton Residences Greenbelt
Eton Legazpi Village |
9.8 | 9.1 | 1,016 | 48 | 48,800 |
| 4 |
The Shang Grand Tower
Shang Properties Legazpi Village |
9.9 | 9 | 971 | 80 | 80,000 |
| 5 |
Greenbelt Hamilton
Megaworld Legazpi Village |
9.4 | 9.2 | 1,071 | 41 | 48,000 |
Looking at the properties in the list above, it’s evident that the best condos for rent have a high price tag attached to them – between Php 40,000 and Php 80,000 for a 1BR unit. The sizes of these units also vary widely from 41 sqm to 80 sqm.
1. Two Central
This condominium is located in Salcedo Village, close to the headquarters of Smart Communications and RCBC. Two Central has the lowest average rent per square meter for a one bedroom unit at Php 932 and excellent neighborhood (9.8) and amenities scores (9.6). It is also a short walk from Gil Puyat Avenue, the “other side” of the Makati CBD. All units come fully furnished, allowing expats on the go to settle down quickly.
2. Signa Designer Residences
Also located along Valero St., Signa Designer Residences is just fifty meters away from Ayala Avenue, giving it the highest neighborhood score in the area (9.9). For what the units lack in size, they make up in tasteful design. Designed by the renowned architect duo of Budji Layug and Royal Pineda and interior designer Kenneth Cobonpue, the average rent for a 41sqm 1BR unit starts at Php 42,800, the lowest in this list.
3. The Eton Residences Greenbelt
Right across Greenbelt Mall, Eton Residences Greenbelt lies in a very desirable location (scoring 9.8 on our scale). Despite its proximity to high-end shopping malls, its average monthly rental rate of PhP 48,000 is very competitive compared to its peers in the list. Eton Properties is a pioneer in loft-type units, and this development offers some of the more spacious units of its type, averaging 48 sqm for a 1BR condo.
4. The Shang Grand Tower
Expect nothing less from a world-class hotelier. Located in Legazpi Village, the Shang Grand Tower is a few minutes’ walk from the Philippine Stock Exchange and Enterprise Center. Thus, it is tied for the best neighborhood score in this list (9.9). While the average monthly rent of PhP 80,000 might seem intimidating at first, the average size for a 1BR unit is huge at 80 sqm, making it ideal for expats who value their space and privacy.
5. Greenbelt Hamilton
This development is located in the middle of Legazpi Village and is a few minutes’ walk from either Ayala Avenue or Paseo de Roxas, giving it a decent neighborhood score of 9.4. The Greenbelt Hamilton is also down the road from Makati Medical Center. It promises “New York Style Living” featuring convenience, accessibility, and excellent amenities (9.2 on our scale). With a 41-sqm 1BR unit going for PhP 48,000 a month, the Greenbelt Hamilton’s price range is in the middle of our list.
II. TAGUIG
A. Taguig by the Numbers
While the business district of Taguig is relatively young compared to Makati and Ortigas, it is already a top destination for expats attracted to its startups and established companies. The central district, known as Fort Bonifacio Global City (BGC), was built on a former military reservation. It’s a masterpiece of urban planning, with wide, open parks scattered throughout. It is also relatively less congested compared to its counterparts, and expats with children can choose from the many international schools that have opened campuses in the area such as the British School Manila, the International School Manila, and the Manila Japanese School to name a few. It is also a center for health care, being home to St. Luke’s Medical Center, one of the best in the country.
B. Top 5 Condos in Taguig for Expats
| RANK | PROJECT |
NEIGHBORHOOD SCORE |
AMENITIES SCORE |
AVE. RENT PER SQM (Php) |
AVE. SIZE 1BR (sqm) |
AVE. MONTHLY RENT 1BR {Php) |
| 1 |
Fort Palm Spring
First Global BYO Corporation Fort Bonifacio Global City |
9.4 | 9.1 | 750 | 37.5 | 28,000 |
| 2 |
The Grand Hamptons
G & W Architects Fort Bonifacio Global City |
9.5 | 9.0 | 833 | 46 | 38,000 |
| 3 |
Bellagio Three
Megaworld Fort Bonifacio Global City |
9.2 | 9.0 | 905 | 60 | 54,000 |
| 4 |
One Serendra
Ayala Land Premier Fort Bonifacio Global City |
8.6 | 9 | 1,047 | 85 | 89,000 |
| 5 |
Seibu Tower
Golden Forum Land Inc. Fort Bonifacio Global City |
8.2 | 9.0 | 833 | 42 | 35,000 |
The best properties for rent in Taguig have sizes ranging from 38 sqm to 85 sqm. They are also priced slightly lower than their Makati counterparts, with monthly rental rates going from PhP 28,000 to PhP 85,000.
1. Fort Palm Spring
Located at the western side of BGC, the Fort Palm Spring is the most affordable on the list, with 1BR units going at an average of PhP 28,000 a month. Despite the relatively small unit size (37.5 sqm), all units, including studio-type ones, have a balcony, a rarity for condominiums in the area. It is also placed in the quiet part of BGC, conveniently near the S&R Membership Shopping outlet and St. Luke’s Medical Center, making it a top choice especially for expat families or retirees.
2. The Grand Hamptons
Also lying at the western side of BGC, The Grand Hamptons is a short walk from the bustling Burgos Circle shopping and entertainment area while maintaining a decent distance from the busier parts of the district. This gives the development the highest neighborhood score on the list (9.5). The monthly rental is also reasonable, with 46 sqm one bedroom units available for an average rate of PhP 38,000.
3. Bellagio Three
Also located in the Burgos Circle area, Bellagio Three is right next to a supermarket and at the doorstep of gourmet restaurants and bars. As an added benefit to pet lovers, this community and most of the restaurants are pet-friendly. There is also a neighborhood daycare for dogs. Units located at the west wing of the development enjoy a great view of the Manila Golf Club and the Makati skyline. While the average rent is a bit high for its location (PhP 54,000), 1BR units at Bellagio Three are relatively large (60 sqm).
4. One Serendra
While the average monthly rental for a 1BR unit is relatively high (PhP 89,000), the units themselves are some of the largest in the area (85 sqm). One Serendra is located across the upscale Bonifacio High Street dining and shopping area, and is a short stroll from Market! Market! and SM Aura Premier. The development itself is home to restaurants that offer fine and casual dining and beauty and fitness facilities such as Brow Lounge, Curves, Ride Revolution and Beyond Yoga.
5. Seibu Tower
Located along McKinley Parkway, Seibu Tower is at the outskirts of BGC. While its location makes it relatively isolated from business establishments and restaurants, its best selling point is the average monthly rent, which goes at PhP 35,000 for a 42-sqm 1BR unit. The neighborhood (with a score of 8.2) is also quiet and hosts a park with jogging path. In addition, Seibu Tower has unobstructed views of Laguna de Bay and the ever-changing BGC skyline, and is a short walk from the Singaporean embassy.
III. PASIG
A. Pasig by the Numbers
The city of Pasig has been one of the country’s financial centers for the past two or three decades. Ortigas Center, its financial district, is the location of the Asian Development Bank and the Philippine Stock Exchange. The district is surrounded by three large malls– SM Mega Mall, Shangri-La Plaza, and Robinson’s Galleria. However, the district’s narrow streets and layout make it difficult to get around, leading to relatively low neighborhood scores (from 5.7 to 8.7) compared to Makati and Taguig.
B. Top 5 Condominiums in Pasig for Expats
| RANK | PROJECT |
NEIGHBORHOOD SCORE |
AMENITIES SCORE |
AVE. RENT PER SQM (Php) |
AVE. SIZE 1BR (sqm) |
AVE. MONTHLY RENT 1BR {Php) |
| 1 |
The Sapphire Bloc
Robinsons Land Ortigas Center |
8.7 | 9.3 | 833 | 30 | 25,000 |
| 2 |
The Pearl Place
Robinsons Land Ortigas Center |
8.4 | 9.0 | 792 | 25 | 19,800 |
| 3 |
Goldland Millenia Tower
Goldland Properties Ortigas Center |
8.3 | 9.0 | 729 | 34 | 25,000 |
| 4 |
One Shangri-La Place
Shang Properties Ortigas Center |
8.1 | 9 | 1,000 | 65 | 65,000 |
| 5 |
The Grove By Rockwell
Rockwell Land Ugong |
5.7 | 9.4 | 725 | 47 | 34,000 |
The best condominiums for rent in Pasig City are mostly located within Ortigas Center, and with monthly rates between PhP 20,000 to PhP 65,000, are among the cheapest options for expats wanting to relocate in a financial district. While the sizes of 1BR units (25 sqm – 65 sqm) are small compared to those located in Makati and Taguig, they make up for it by offering excellent amenities.
1. The Sapphire Bloc
This condominium development, located along Sapphire Road, is located close to Robinsons Galleria, the Asian Development Bank, and St. Pedro Poveda College, giving it the highest neighborhood score in the list. With a virtual concierge that assists with tasks such as housekeeping and laundry, The Sapphire Bloc has an excellent amenity score of 9.3. A 30 sqm 1BR unit goes for an average of PhP 25,000 monthly, making it an affordable yet accessible housing option.
2. The Pearl Place
Located close to Shangri-La Mall, the University of Asia & the Pacific,, Lourdes School, and the headquarters of San Miguel Corporation, The Pearl Place is nevertheless built for expats on a budget, with 1BR units available for rent at just below PhP 20,000. However, the units could be quite cramped as the average size is 25 sqm, making it ideal for single expats or those on a budget.
3. Goldland Millenia Tower
Lying on the outskirts of Ortigas Center, Goldland Millenia Tower is nevertheless a good option for expats working in the area. It is located close to a convenience store, and is a short ride from the Tropical Hut Supermarket along Shaw Boulevard. With 34 sqm 1BR units for rent at PhP 25,000, condos in this development are reasonably priced for the area. The building itself has excellent amenities, including a swimming pool, basketball court, and a fitness gym.
4. One Shangri-La Place
Compared to The Shang Grand Tower in Makati, One Shangri-La Place offers relatively smaller 1BR units at an average of 65 sqm. Because of this, though, monthly rent is cheaper (PhP 65,000). Located within the same complex is the Shangri-La EDSA Mall and the Shangri-La EDSA Hotel, both upscale establishments that offer a wide variety of high-end dining and shopping opportunities. SM Mega Mall is also a few steps away. Getting around Metro Manila is also easier for residents as the condominium is located at the corner of EDSA and Shaw Boulevard.
5. The Grove by Rockwell
Its low neighborhood score (5.7) could be attributed to its location outside Ortigas Center, with dining and shopping limited to within the development itself and the Tiendesitas complex across C-5 Road. However, the developers envisioned a green, quiet community, and have mostly delivered on that promise. Amenities include a park, restaurants, and a large recreational area, including a pool. At PhP 34,000 for a 47 sqm 1BR unit, rent is quite affordable, making it ideal for expat couples or starting families looking for their first home in the Philippines.
