Is Manila Overpriced?! Foreigners Go Condo Shopping in BGC, Philippines

[@TheSavvyExpat]

✈️ NEED HELP WITH YOUR MOVE? thesavvyexpat.framer.website/

[@MichaelBuck]

I'm currently in USA, Florida and live in a 84sm (900sf) condo, 2 bed, 2 bath, and pay $1,300/month We have a shared pool and several exercise opportunities near by. I am scratching my head and trying to figure out why I would come to the Philippines and PAY MORE for a condo unit that is far more basic than what I have in the states? What are the amenities that ADD ONS to make these basic units so damn expensive? It makes no sense to me that a place like the Philippines, basically a 2nd-3rd world country would dare charge this much compared to the USA. Additionally we anticipate prices to start coming down as inflation comes under control under our new government. Again, what is the Philippines doing to lower costs? Most ex-pats on a fixed SS retirement WILL NOT look at BGC now, just way overpriced and you get nothing for the money there. Its a shame really, was thinking of BGC as a possible retirement location. Cross that off my bucket list. Back to the drawing board!

[@Mikeycambovideos]

Philippines is a joke. It’s WAY too expensive there for housing, and the country is broken and boring. Makes no sense. Consider Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and even Laos if you want to save money and experience a nice vibrant culture with diverse healthy cuisine. Stay away from the Philippines.

[@midtwnscott]

It would help if you gave us the cost that is being asked for each unit. Thanks

[@tonymccreath4540]

2nd and 3rd priced...

[@daviddarden1915]

Alex, all those units are great. I am happy and glad 😊 I only need (1) bedroom furnished, spacious is not to mandatory. After many years in the military 🪖 US AIR FORCE SECURITY POLICE and working US Department of Defense as a Civilian Police 🚔 I lived in Dormitories. A great plus is a balcony. Now just turned age 62. Saving up for return and retire in the Philippines 🇵🇭. Cebu City or Manila (Makati). Having been stationed at the old Clark Air Base Philippines 🇵🇭 back in 1991. I am still planning to utilize your help around December 2025 earliest to May 2026 at the latest. GOD SPEED and I thank you for this video.

[@ds5398]

Clark is actually a good location - international airport, well developed and no traffic. Moving to PH is easy without help btw, don't think you need any service but good luck on your journey.

[@jmfarrell5]

Great video… you’re providing an excellent service 👍🏻

[@ProvincialExpat]

Overpriced in title - Never mentions a price.

[@xrayeyes2023]

$2100 and $1900 for 2nd and 3rd units respectively were mentioned.

[@ProvincialExpat]

@@xrayeyes2023 Thank you - guess I missed it.

[@justsmy5677]

@@ProvincialExpat-If you missed the prices…consider deleting your original comment, so folks will not think prices are not mentioned in the video.

[@nrolo3356]

​@justsmy5677 you are correct. I almost didn't watch the video when I read that comment on the main screen. Glad I read the responses.

[@arabstar3564]

Can you please make a video on how to retire in cebu City on 2k a month

[@sharoky13]

In a conversation with the operations manager, she says 120,000 pesos for a unit ( 10:11) Depending on the exchange rate thats about $2000 USD. That ’s higher than I expected but certainly less than in large US cities.

[@nrolo3356]

Thailand is s much better option.

[@tonyvoo5308]

I just visited BGC about 2 weeks ago. Beautiful area! However it is very overpriced. I live in Chicago a major city and I pay $1,350 for a real one bedroom. I was shown a few studios for $1,100 and up that had a fake divider separating the sleeping area and rest of the apartment. I ask about the large price and small units and the agent just said that is how it’ll the market is. I guess they assume everyone is paying $2,000-$3,000 for rent and paying $1,500 in BGC is a bargain. I would expect to pay maybe $750 for a small unit in the Philipnes not $1,500

[@jlmarc01]

You see one unit, you seen them all.

[@x7jrreverse443]

Nice video Evan ❤❤❤❤

[@rayskillings7506]

Wow prices have gone way up over the last two years. Tiny units low floor but still 2k a month US.

[@randellt]

I chose to stay in Makati after not being able to decide where I wanted to live. Makati is comfortable, walkable etc. So, I reluctantly signed a year lease (hard to find anything less) in a12 year old or so condo up near the 30th floor. I needed 2 bdrm's and balcony. One of the first surprises was cockroaches. Many, many different kinds. Make sure you have a good agreement with the manager/agent/owner on deposit and repairs. I had the fridge fail within 1 month and a cooktop literally blow up-faulty electrical/design. Owner refused to replace either. Security at the facility was over the top. ID's held, online forms and if they brought a airline carryon you need to acquire a gate pass before it would be allowed to be taken on or off the property. Last mention, Makati is $$. Everything costs more. I spent nearly 3 times more than I expected during my first year.

[@Gregory-Masovutch]

Thr restaurants aren't the great either. Went to RICO lechon and it was terrible compared to Lapu Lapu. For better places to eat at SM Auora, Robinsons Manila and Ayala Mall Manila Bay. We have taken P2P to One Ayla. Other than MRT, it's a complete waste. I'll stick with Nuvali

[@guambroker]

​@@Gregory-Masovutchinteresting... What's PSP? NUVALI? I've stayed at all places.. places to eat can be tricky in makati, seems like the best spots are around poblacion found with Google maps.

[@samquinn6427]

If you do not like cockroaches stay out of the Philippines. I was at the Radisson Blu in Cebu for 14 days which is 5 star but one of those large coaches managed to get in my bathroom but died, so must have hit bug spay on its way in. The maid never picked it up while she was cleaning so I had to flush him.

[@randellt]

@@samquinn6427 just have to bait and spray.. lessons learned.. but build I was in had a reason for so bad

[@jlmarc01]

Most restaurants are poor quality and prices. Been served cold food more times than I can count in those fancy places there in Greenbelt. But I do love transportation options in Makati

[@barryrosenblatt1282]

I sure hope that the nice couple from Hawaii find what they are looking for. My wife and I are also looking to make a move to SE Asia. Originally we were sure that we were going to settle in Makati or BGC as we had been there numerous times before, but we are now country hopping around SE Asia and found that Kuala Lumpur is far superior. The condos are luxurious, in furnishings as well, and cheaper then the mostly overpriced basic condos we saw in Makati/BGC. The building amenities are also far superior. Malaysia is an English speaking country, as is the PI and infrastructure is worlds better then the PI.

[@guambroker]

Very interesting! Please share any info

[@Scamander1417]

Yes. No doubt about that. But don't you think the Philippines will reach that level in several years, knowing it has a strong economy nowadays?

[@piacash5216]

@@Scamander1417People’s don’t have Enough time in Several years Who knows, They have to do it ASAP 😅😂😂So many Countries in Southeast Asia to Choose From , Better infrastructure, Cheaper Housing and food

[@Hagah-r3c]

Is Malaysia Muslim country

[@barryrosenblatt1282]

@@Hagah-r3cyes. Definitely. 62% Malay/Islamic; 26% Chinese/Buddhist; 12% Indian/Hindu.

[@LesserMe]

Difficult to get a feel for a flat virtually. Can't say, from what I saw, that neither of them were interesting enough to sign a lease. Next year, I'll be looking for more of the safety, ease, and comfort aspects when I relocate. Probably will be in BGC due to the infanstructure. I'm not a fan of the BGC, seemed to be too westernized and as a single guy, dating out there seemed more of the same when dealing with the women in that area. Just my experience.

[@napoleonmdusa8877]

I'll definitely be doing this with you after I have my exploratory visit to BGC in a year or so.

[@dcadventures2394]

The common mistake that potential renters or buyers make in BGC is that they assume the newer the condos are better. Not true. The older condos were built better because, at the time they were built, developers were using skilled workers. When BGC became popular, there was a rush to develop more condos. During this time, there was a shortage of skilled workers. So, developers started hiring day workers to complete the projects. There were signs outside the development projects looking for day workers to hire. As a result, many of the newer condos were built with substandard quality. I know of a few condo properties, supposedly built by a reputable developer, that has serious problems with leaks. There are a few that are overrun by pests. We live in a 17th year old property and we’ve never had any problem with leaks or pests.

[@piacash5216]

BGC is so High That’s why so many people’s or Expats Moving to Thailand They Said better infrastructure and Cheaper Housing and Transportation… They need to Stop overpricing or Else is going to be a Ghost town like Eastwood City…. People’s leaving the Area that’s why is Cheaper to Rent There

[@jlmarc01]

I think most condo blgs are empty already. Imagine what would happen if all of a sudden everyone occupies those thin boxes. Yuk

[@marianeil6630]

Go to Batangas or Cavite, but you need vehicle to go around, but you need Filipina friend or wife for communication

[@millennialinmanila5621]

BGC was built for rich people both locals and foreigners. Its overpriced and too expensive for average filipino or Average retired foreigner. i also dont understand why it is so so expensive when Metro Manila has horrendous traffic, flooding and unsightly roads.

[@just_another_bot0110]

As weird as it sounds the biggest seller for me would always be their pool and gym and whether they have a billiards room. Solinea in cebu won me over specifically for that. Bgc is a place I'll eventually get to just so I can try the food but i really wish better high end gyms opened up. Id love something like life time fitness or something under equinox if it was at the same level

[@guambroker]

Rent/Price Ratio is much to high in BGC. Means it's better to rent, the sale prices are inflated and vulnerable to drop as supply increases or foreign buyers slow

[@guambroker]

Seems like Bob would be better to rent monthly on AIRBNB. that would avoid buying and regretting long term.. can rent different places every month until they are happy with area, building.. then BUY if they feel like it... Overall it makes more sense to Rent vs Buy at this point in BGC. Price/Rent ratio is very high.

[@nicholas6823]

I will be looking for a 6 month lease on a furnished unit in bgc when we spend more time there. Maybe we can use you as they seem hard to find. I liked the 3rd unit, so something like that hopefully.

[@Jerome-Philippines]

Try Paranaque BF homes

[@rosalynsagayap5601]

Philippines should make strict policy for foreigners especially those overstaying

[@vgwalldecals]

@@rosalynsagayap5601 just like the 300 000 overstay Filipinos in the US?

[@jlmarc01]

Silly comment

[@jackbaldwin3649]

Manila is definitely more expensive than other areas. Where else can I live in PH and still have access to similar amenities?

[@LuckyOne3749]

Evan, please post the monthly rent for the 2nd & 3rd units, thanks

[@samquinn6427]

$2000 for the one on High Street was nice and great location. Bob should have signed a contract for 24 months and hope the owner excepted it.

[@piacash5216]

2 Thousands dollars that so High … you might as well stay here in the U.S. 😅😂😂

[@tonyvoo5308]

@@piacash5216I agree I pay $1,350 for a one bedroom in Chicago. Why go overseas to pay more for housing. I thought the Philippines was a bargain?

[@piacash5216]

@@tonyvoo5308 it’s Used to be , But Now that So many Expats living There The Tend to price it High … U can Rent There For 500 to 600$ a month you just have to keep LOOKing …. A lot of them Below 6 hundred dollars a months My Friends Living there right Now ….

[@charlesetienne6037]

Next brother around July I Wii be there.

[@MoralHazard-g1e]

For the cost, seems a bit disappointing. Both overpriced and under refined. BGC is looking a whole lot less appealing, tbh.

[@Halfflip]

I have my Philippines passport and would like to invest in some real estate. Is there someone you trust or is there up and coming areas that make sense for purchase to rent out mid to long term rentals either in bgc or business districts close that would make sense?

[@Will67267]

Don’t buy condos in Makati or BGC, way overpriced. Rent is a much better option.

[@milotxh]

It's would have been more professional if u took those glasses of and also if u gave more details about the prices. But I guess about those likes and subscribers

[@Tess-hp9vv]

That is to much 2,000 dollars per month😮

[@BigMike88]

Insane price for a small ass property...

[@piacash5216]

Yes go Malaysia , Vietnam or Indonesia Thailand perhaps 🤔

[@hurleywilson7246]

This video is a pass. Where are the prices for the units??? Horrible.

[@kaf2997]

Overpriced. I would go to a different city of the Philippines and pay 35k or less a month.

[@kianakan96826]

Fix the audio please

[@seandayma]

It is definitely overpriced! Yuppie village.

[@MrNathan1575]

Nice. Love your vids. I will send email with few questions as thinking of moving possibly next year, but unsure of what there actually is to do in BGC as it looks nice and clean, but it seems kind of boring there. I have checked lots of videos on BGC and they just dont really have anything much to show about the place except for some shops and restaurants. Cheers mate

[@kathieli4844]

Poor boy😢😢😢

[@Iron2011rob]

Did he say 115,000 php?

[@piacash5216]

It’s so Damn high …. Better Visit in Another Southeast Asian Countries that is way Cheaper….

[@VamboraSingapore]

What crappy quality of interiors smh. BGC is so overrated. Social climbers’ bubble

[@bretmoleta1860]

Boring … who care how long he’s been coming 24yrs or 35?!! And I couldn’t hear one word he was saying with the background noise and his mumbling.

[@KinokoCardano]

₳LOH₳ C₳RD₳NO ₳D₳

[@georgeloveless4848]

Manila is a crap hole and yes it’s wayyyyyyyyy overpriced.

[@pektowanderlust]

BGC is overpriced. 😅😅😅 would rather live in Alabang area.

[@nicklll4477]

Alabang is now in that category as well. Try Cavite south of Alabang or Bulacan north of Quezon City and prices are competitive or lower.

[@Gregory-Masovutch]

Yes Manila and the NCR is way overpriced

[@rbx211]

@TheSavvyExpat What do you charge for your services?

[@frasan917]

YES, BGC IS OVERPRICED, IT IS A RIPPED OFF!

[@marianeil6630]

Go to Batangas or Cavite, but you need vehicle to go around, but you need Filipina friend or wife for communication