In recent years, it’s been common for first-time homebuyers to opt for condo living because of the advantages of staying near their workplace. However, with offices adopting a work-from-home setup this year, more people are now looking into buying a house outside of the city. And despite everything grinding to a halt due to the Covid-19 pandemic, experts advise that there’s no better time than now to invest in your own place.

Each type of housing has its own set of pros and cons, of course, but the best choice still depends entirely on your personal needs and preferences. Here are the things you should consider when trying to answer the question, “House and lot or condominium?”

Cost and Location

Condos are generally less expensive than a house and lot, but you should also consider the monthly association fees you have to pay for the maintenance of the entire condominium complex. While a condo costs less upfront, it may turn out to be more expensive overtime.

Remember that price varies on location as well. For example, condos cost a lot more in business districts like BGC and Makati CBD.

Because condos are mostly located in prime locations in the metro, living in one usually means that shopping malls, restaurants, and hospitals are just a few blocks away, so you don’t have to deal with endless traffic jams and crowded public transportation to get anywhere. Of course, homeowners in subdivisions can still enjoy access to these establishments, but only having to walk or bike to your most frequented spots is definitely a huge convenience.

Amenities and Services

Both gated subdivisions and condominium communities offer recreational facilities that give you the best living experience. You can find a swimming pool, gym, lounge area, playground, function hall, and basketball and badminton courts, among other amenities in your building or subdivision’s clubhouse.

However, condos have reception areas that provide additional services, such as accepting deliveries on your behalf, verifying guests, and assisting residents in case of emergencies. They also provide a higher level of security, as most condos are equipped with CCTV cameras and guards watching the building 24/7.

Maintenance and Restrictions

Home maintenance isn’t a problem when you’re living in a condo. You don’t need to worry about cleaning gutters or cutting grass in your yard, and when it comes to fixing broken pipes and leaky faucets, you can call the building’s in-house maintenance staff.

On the other hand, this means you have less input on… basically everything. If you ever want to add more rooms to accommodate a growing family, you’ll most likely be refused as any renovations may affect the entire building. Some condos also have strict rules and regulations, such as limitations on the use of facilities and pet ownership.

Living in a house requires more upkeep, but you don’t have to comply with anyone's rules except your own. Plus, you can have as many dogs running around in your backyard as you want!

Space and Privacy

Condominium units in the Philippines have an average of less than 50 square meters of floor area, so expect limited space. On the other hand, if you’re a house owner, you have your own outdoor space in addition to bigger interiors, and houses are far enough apart from each other so you can enjoy lots of privacy.

Whether you’re looking for a house and lot or a condominium unit, a place in the metro or an abode in the nearby provinces, Suntrust Properties has the perfect home for you. Check out Suntrust communities in Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Pampanga, and Tagum or condominium projects strategically located in Manila, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Baguio, and Davao.