a house or a condo unit

[RafRaf]

Folks, what are the pros and cons. Is it better to get a new house in those subd being developed around the metro or get a condo unit on those high rising buildings being constructed around? Price range are comparable, right? Some of the units are even 2 floors/2 bedrooms. What are your experiences... if any of you had bought/invested in either one.

[mikey177]

Your decision will depend on a lot of variables. Personally, I'd opt for a house in a decent subdivision because I like to have as much privacy and space as possible (growing family and all that). Plus, I see a house as a long-term investment that you can pass on to your children. Also, when your house begins to break down after 30 or 40 years and you need to rebuild it completely, there will be less hassle compared to when a condominium building needs to be rehabilitated already.

I wouldn't know if you have to pay real estate taxes for a condo, perhaps someone can chime in on that point. Also, although there are guards stationed at a condo entrance, with a house, you have absolute control over who comes in or out, unlike a condo wherein you don't even know who your neighbor is letting in. YMMV.

[badkuk]

be sure to check the other "fees" involved with a condo. mura nga sya, pero sa "maintenance fee", etc ka babawian.

wala pa naman akong pamilya and such, pero gusto ko rin house n lot...mas me privacy kasi, and mas madami kang pwedeng gawin in terms of construction/improvements (although subdivisions do have certain rules about what you can build)

[Linkk]

if you're still single mas ok ang condo pero pag pamilyado ka na dun ka na lang sa subd.

[BoyFerrari]

Nothing compares to owning a piece of "land". When you buy a house and lot in a subdivision, you become an owner of a portion of this planet. When you buy a condo, you become an owner of a portion of a building owned by someone else.

[Josh0027]

Depende sa need mo. If you're working in the metro and need quick access, get a condo. If distance is not a problem to you get a house and lot. For practicality, it's better to get a house and then get a condo afterwards for convenience.

[kimpOy]

Nothing compares to owning a piece of "land". When you buy a house and lot in a subdivision, you become an owner of a portion of this planet. When you buy a condo, you become an owner of a portion of a building owned by someone else.

hitting the nail on its head

[ILuvDetailing]

Given a choice. I'd pick the house, it may be more expensive to live in a condominium, given all the miscelleneous payments. Plus you'd have your own space and privacy. Most importantly you get the title/ownership of the land.

[Innova_Boy]

The big cons in a condo - Earthquake..

Has anyone of you here expereince staying say 25th floor then EQ of intensity 7.0 happening around??

WBR,

[bosstl]

usually, those who get themselves units in a condo usually have a house and lot already, but too far from their work location hence the condo unit for convenience. others have them as temporary residence only.

if you're thinking of long term scenario, better get a house. even if it's located far... you'll be surprised that in a matter of time, the provincial location would just be like an hour's ride and wouldn't be consider very very far by present standards. besides, you will be the absolute owner of your land and can do whatever you like with it (unlike in a condo, you always need to ask permission to change things to your likings). besides, if you have a car, you can have it parked in your garage...free of charge. and if you have two, you can always leave the other one at the street at the front of your house...again free of charge. you can have parties and worry not how many of your friends will come or where they would park their cars. hehehe.

basta ako ayoko ng condo. kahit libre pa yung condo (as a gift)... talo ka pa rin sa miscellaneous expenses. ang daming fees monthly!

[voltes_V]

With a condo, the thing I hate most is that your still tied down with rules and regulations. But with a house and lot there's almost absolute freedom. Just make sure its in a nice neighborhood and close to work, school etc whichever best suits your needs.
I for 1 was confronted with the same dilemma of choosing between a condo or a house a couple of months ago, but after weighing in the pros and cons, the advantages and disadvantages, my wife and I went for the latter. Believe me, there's nothing like being the King of your own domain. hehe.

[WeaponX]

House and lot is better than condo. You won't be bothered with different sets of rules and regulations and most importantly kung parking ang pag-uusapan. Marami ka pang magagawa sa bahay mo. My friend who has a condo unit along Katipunan Ave., sa katabing food chain na lang nagpapark pag gabi. Pano ang mahal mahal ng parking fee. Makipot pa. Hehe nag-condo sya pero wala ng pambayad sa parking space. Ayun, umalis then binebenta na yung unit.

[vinj]

House and lot... more value and safety (just shop for a good location).

On the condo, i'd only get one if i already had a house (pang rent, etc...)

[ts1n1ta]

When you buy a condo, you become an owner of a portion of a building owned by someone else.

it's more like you own a portion of "nothingness" hehehe

Like what they've said, get a house and lot. And if budget permits it get a condo good investment imo. Ipa-rent mo pa lang parking space in a condominium goes to around 25k-30k/monthly...not bad.

[badkuk]

the housing association in some condos can also be a headache

[cardo]

IMO, house n lot is better. With condos, you've got someone above you, beside you and below you. If you crank up the volume on your mofo home theater, di lang 1 or 2 neighbors complaining... At times when you buy a condo, you have to buy a parking space below just like buying a peice of land if you have a car. Most condos and subd's halos pareho na sila sa mga charges and fees like association fees for security, maintenance repair, stickers etc.

But then again, it depends on your needs. If there is a need to live in the metro esp in the business areas like Makati condos offer proximity and practicality since space is a premium within these places. no much need for a car because transpo is accessible and owning a car is also a premium because of the high cost of parking fees and the busy streets and traffic.

what I don't like about house and lots, usually they're far from the place of work hehehe. But there's nothing like a lawn where you're children can play and a garage for your baby car hehehe

[chieffy]

you could build a bigger house for the same price as a studio type condo in The Fort or Rockwell...

mas praktikal sa house and lot sa mga exclusive subdivisions...imho better environment din for your future kids...there's flexiblity in designing your house...

mas okay lang ang condo kung second home mo ito...
...or if you dont want to go through all the hassles of planning/building your new house and lot...bad trip mag transfer TCT kapag walang broker!!!!

[oldblue]

rent a condo first, to experience the pros and cons.

buy or build a house while renting.

then buy a condo, if the budget/fate permits.

[66bunny]

I live in a condo and it's not advisable to buy and raise a family there.

It's weird seeing kids running around in a hallway than in a garden you've built. It gets even weirder seeing a great dane in a small condo.

Only reason why I love condos is I can afford to rent it and I'm near the office and I'm single. I can't have someone look over it when I'm gone. May bantay naman 24 hours. So that's a peace of mind for me.

Granted I wanna start a family, the house and lot is the better choice. Just pick a good subdivision and neighborhood. You'll be ok.

And don't forget the house' history too.

[glntVR]

The big cons in a condo - Earthquake..

Has anyone of you here expereince staying say 25th floor then EQ of intensity 7.0 happening around??

WBR,

I have experienced several earthquakes na while in a condo since i have been living in a condo all my life. Una sa 4th floor lang sa binondo condo namin dati. Medyo wala lang. Yung second was sa 20th floor naman sa may ermita condo. Scary pero exciting! haha... iba kasi yung feeling. Wala lang. Alam ko naman matibay yun. Last ay sa 22nd floor here sa fort. Ok naman. Newer buildings have been built to withstand all elements. Kaya no worries naman ako.