A new trend is currently sweeping Asia’s property investment scene: branded condo-hotels, where investors are paying more than the market value for the safety and marketing power of global corporation branding. DSR have not been left behind, having just added two such developments in the Philippines to their books, but with one key difference, the properties are not priced above their market value.
The Ultima Residencies Ramos Tower offers fully serviced, and fully managed studio apartments from just £15,000 – clearly not above market value given their location amid the Cebu real estate boom. In typical Condotel style, owners can choose to take the rental guarantee, in which their condo becomes part of the hotel, and part of the income pooling scheme. Participants get 30 days free use of their condo and are still expected to receive a 12% rental yield, based on 60% occupancy of the remaining 335 days.
The second Condotel development added to the DSR portfolio is on the lush tropical island of Boracay. Near the vibrant station 2, in close proximity to all the bars, nightspots and other amenities, as well as 2 beaches and the police station, the Crown Regency resort offers studio apartments from £51,000.
Liam Bailey, head of international research for DSR explained why the new Condotels are becoming so popular:
“The new wave of Condotel popularity sweeping Asia is really no surprise. Many of today’s property investors are young people making holiday home investments, branded Condotels offer the perfect hassle free holiday home investment.”
“There is also absolutely no risk with the investments,” he continued “because the size of the brand you are buying into gives security with regards that the building will definitely be completed, while the level of research that they will have done into the market before deciding to build there means that buyers can bank on them achieving high occupancy, and thus decent rental yields for them.
“There is also no danger of them losing their money, because as part of the agreement, you can sell back to the hotel after an agreed period for the price you paid, or let them put it on the open market, or do the latter yourself. So, if the property has grown in value, you sell and collect the profit, but if the resale market has dropped you can take out the money you put in and live to fight another day.”
