I get inundated with flyers for the latest subdivision houses every time I visit the malls. I’m sure everyone does, but they seem particularly interested in me because being white, that obviously makes me an American, and that of course means I’m rich. The logic (OK that’s not fair, logic doesn’t really exist here) that if I were rich and living here, I’d likely already have a nice place, doesn’t enter into the equation. I think they get paid by the number of flyers handed out, as opposed to houses sold, so they don’t really care.
I’ve gotten to the point, when I have time, that I often sit down with them and explain that I can not own land here. They immediately ask if I have a spouse and recommend that I put it in her name. Hmmm, never thought of that! Well, of course I have, to which I explain to them that there is a distinct possibility that I could outlive my wife, and then where does that leave me? I realize that my attempt at explanation is futile, but it pleases me some to some extent.
So anyway, today I decided to grab a bunch of those flyers, make them happy, and report on the current cost of some of these fine units.
Since the kiosks are all lined up together, I was able to grab a selection from low income to high end quite easily. I’m not going to guarantee that what I got is the lowest out there (but I think there’s a good chance it is) or that the high end are the best/most expensive you can get. I just want to give a basic idea of what you can expect. I would think that someone with a lot more energy than me could write a lengthy, detailed article to that effect, that of course would be out of date the minute it was published. I hope that is useful as a guideline for this point in time.
Please note that some, maybe all, include open areas in the floor square meters. That means carport, porch etc. are included. So yes, they may be even smaller than it appears. Some don’t have porches or carports, so best to research.
I’ve given the low and the high, with as much information as I had. There are selections in-between these two prices, having to do with lot size, floors plans and other factors.
Deca Homes Resort Residences
Tacunan, Mintal, Davao
This is the lowest I could find. I was told their flyer pricing is out of date (read you are not Filipino, therefor we are going to charge the skin tax), so I was only able to get the current price of the cheapest one.
Please note this is 40-60 minutes outside of city proper, going northwest towards Calinan. The furthest away from the city and/or reasonable shopping of all of them.
Regular Bungalow – 2 bedroom, 1 bath
Floor area – 35.10 sq.m.
Lot area – 80 sq.m.
P823,000 (less 3% cash)
Prime Loft Type – 2 bedroom, 2 bath
Floor area – 60.6 sq.m.
Lot area – 100 sq. m.
P1,370,000 (this is not the current price but reflects the flyer price)
Chula Vista
Cabantian, Buhangin
This is also out of town, but the other direction towards the airport. Would be closer to malls, etc. but still require a trip.
Calma Model – doesn’t list rooms
Floor area – 32 sq.m.
Lot area – 108 sq.m.
P1,859,550
Biza Monte Model
Floor area – 92 sq.m.
Lot area – 108 sq.m.
P 4,023,096
Camella Davao
Communal, Davao
Close to the airport off P. Garcia Highway. Closest mall would be SM Lanang.
Reana – 2 storey, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Floor area – 40 sq.m.
Lot area – 42 sq.m.
P1,191,455
Elaisa Model – 2 storey, 4 bedrooms, 3 bath
Floor area – 97 sq.m.
Lot area – 110 sq.m.
P4,035,415
Villa Conchita
Bago Gallera, Davao
Libbey road, past Amiya and the Apo Golf and Country Club. From Kisan Lu Lands Inc.
Nina Model – 2 bedroom, 1 bath
Floor area – 60.64 sq.m. (39.43 enclosed)
Lot area – 132 sq.m.
P2,100,000
Selene Model – 3 bedroom, 2 bath
Floor area – 115.67 sq.m. (don’t have details on enclosed)
Lot area – 180 sq.m.
P6,048,000
Amiya Resort Residences
Libby Road Puan, Davao
Also form Kisan Lu Lands Inc. Very near Apo Golf and Country Club. Still out of town, but an easy commute to the west side amenities.
By far the nicest on my list. It’s got a swimming pool, fitness gym, restaurants, coffee shop, sports complex, jogging track, and much more. My flyer didn’t list the prices of the total package, only the lots. They started at P1,900,000 and went up to P3,529,120.
I found these prices online, which include the lot:
Ariza A Model – 2 bedroom, 2 bath
Floor area – 107.35 sq.m.
Lot area – 200 sq.m.
P4,450,000
Rosea Model – 3 bedroom & 3-T&B, 1 Guest Room w/T&B, Maid’s Quarter w/T&B
Floor area – 286.10 sq.m.
Lot area- 500 sq.m.
P15,800,000
So there you have a quick and dirty summary of what’s available here. There are many, many more but my intent was just to give you an idea of size, area, and price. If you are serious, I’m sure you’ve been researching already or have an agent doing so for you. If not, you just got started.
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Jun 12, 2013 @ 19:32:38
I’m not sure if this is the case with your flyers, but I’ve noticed that the number of rooms listed do not include the “helper’s room.”
They tend to be much smaller in size compared to the listed bedrooms, but given that the lot/house sizes are already tight, the space makes a difference. It’s merely assumed that there’s that extra room space for the “katabang.”
The unlisted room would be a good option for a small office space or as a living room/kitchen extension for those who prefer not to have househelp.
Also, spacious backyards: Like snow and a good taco truck, they don’t exist here.
Jun 12, 2013 @ 20:53:46
Some of the flyers are pretty detailed and spell out the rooms well, others don’t even bother to list the number of rooms or storeys (floors).
It regards to mga katabang, it seems to me that is become less common each passing year. The biggest problem seems to be finding the helpers, and then keeping them. But you are correct in that most plans still account for one.
What I see in my subdivision is that they buy two lots if they want any kind of yard at all. One lot is surely not going to have much unused territory.
Jun 24, 2013 @ 07:09:31
I have lived in several houses with nice big yards. However, the key seems to be to look for an older house, and a larger one. Many of those types of houses have nice yards.
Jun 24, 2013 @ 08:31:21
Multiple lots seems the alternative if you want to be in the new subdivisions.
I’m sure there are quite a few nice older homes, and that’s certainly another route to go.
Jun 13, 2013 @ 00:33:41
Thanks Randy for the information. Have you ever had a tour of any subdivision housing in Davao or on Samal? If so what was your impression.
Jun 13, 2013 @ 06:54:30
Hi Edwin,
No, I’ve never done the tour, but my impression from the houses I’ve been in is that you get what you pay for. The low-end houses will be very basic and very small.
The known builders produce decent quality, but I’m no expert in that area. Amiya better be nice, for the prices they are getting
Jun 13, 2013 @ 01:28:55
how did you find the place you are in now, is it a real filipino neighborhood or geared towards foreigners? would you choose another area to live in if you were single?
Jun 13, 2013 @ 06:52:33
Hi Maria,
The house we live in now is my wife’s from her previous marriage. It is a low-end subdivision geared towards Filipinos. Some of the houses are nicer as the have been upgraded, and some have bought more than one lot to build larger to start with. Since it’s an older subdivision it no longer has the look of all houses being the same.
If I were single, I would choose to live in another area, as this is too far out of town for my liking. At least now, maybe someday I’ll like being further out.
Though it is very small, since this house is paid for, it serves us well right now
Jun 21, 2013 @ 15:52:51
good job on putting things together. the prices are lower than manila rates but still quite expensive….. i am also looking for another investment….. i have relatives in davao and now thinking hmmmmnnnn???? something to consider…..
it is already horribly expensive to buy land in metro manila….. anything that has soil is expensive running in the millions.
personally, for those looking …. go for known developers like:
Ayala land = they have high end (Ayala premier), upwardly mobile(Alveo), mid range(Avida) and low end (Amaia) brands that cater to specific segments.
DMCI Homes – have consistently delivered on their housing vision here in manila although their locations at times leave much to be desired but still the actual units and gated portions are well managed
Camella Homes = is known for their house and lot properties but has not established a reputation for condo building yet.
Rockwell = has very good condo building reputation and history
Megaworld = frankly is hit and miss
Empire East = a subsidiary of megaworld was not a good buy for me. got it for investment twas so hard to sell it, they dont do good maintenance after turn over.
Cityland = low end but consistent service and maintenance history. they are one of the oldest condominium builders and operators in manila. the formula is simple, build simply, sell reasonably….the units are also easy re-sell compared to other developers.
SM is a duh??? for me they built several condos here and have developed malls but residences are entirely different ball game. the newest property they have SM AURA is now the focus of a lot of issued rainfall cascades in the movie house, and parking area gets flooded (tsk tsk)
Any development that has GREEN certification is a good buy and future investment. I have not seen any ARYA developments yet but it has received consistent green certifications.
Jun 22, 2013 @ 19:15:15
Thanks, Maybelle. Prices are increasing here, too. If you are willing to go out far enough it gets better though. It is starting to get pretty congested here though.
Bit of a late reply but I took a little trip up North.
Jun 26, 2013 @ 09:30:32
Have they even gotten around to finishing Amiya yet? I lived nearby last year and there didn’t seem to be much there except a wall and a few guarded entrances.
I liked what you said about the flyer pushes. I’ve never taken the time to engage them, as I always feel annoyed by their special effort to target the “rich white”.
Jun 26, 2013 @ 10:14:32
I’ve haven’t visited Amiya personally but I did speak with a fellow that had bought a lot there. He made it sound like they would move in this year or early next. I’ll see if I can find out more.
Jul 07, 2013 @ 16:56:33
Randy,
If I will have to buy a house in Davao City, I will buy in an old subdivision and renovate it for a few thousand pesos. Make sure you’ll not buy in flood prone areas. I might have mentioned to you before, I bought a piece of land in Del Monte, Samal. We have a bahay kubo built with 2 small rooms, a concrete out house, a dirty kitchen attached to the house for a little over $1k. We use this house for our vacation house. It does not require airconditioning, it cools off during night time. We also have a big vegetable garden on our lot. The place is so quiet and free of pollution, good for asthmatics. As for me, I really don’t care buying in a subdivision due to their outrageous prices. Samal to me is a perfect place to stay away from the noise in the city. Anyway you can always be in Davao City anytime you want to shop or go to a movie. The ferry is always available…I think 24/7????
Jul 07, 2013 @ 21:45:06
Yes, many people do the remodeling/renovating but I think it will be more than a few thousand pesos in most cases. My sister-in-law had one done and it was in the millions of pesos.
I love Samal, but it would be difficult for me to live there full time right now. Maybe when I’m less active, but getting to Davao from Samal is pretty good trip, and not that cheap anymore.