 Living in Makati City
Moving to the Philippinesis a big
step. Renting or buying a Manila Condo is thankfully quite simple
to do. The standard of condos in Makati City is excellent and certainly up to western standards. Nearby Fort
or Rockwell condos are also built and fitted to a high standard. In other areas appartments in Manila vary
but there are always a range of options to choose from.
Living in Makati is favoured by most as it is the
central business district of Manila. There are lots of foreign owned businesses and therefore a large expat
population. Western comforts are easy to come by, and they are complimented by eastern comforts
too.
Spa studios are everywhere and it is common to
have regular massages which cost less than $10. There are many western restaurants in Makati and all over Manila,
and also some excellent Asian cuisine too. Living in Makati allows you to live in a similar way to back home, with
the added bonus of Asian touches like massage and side trips to exotic locations.
Condos in Makati are usually just a short taxi
ride from places of work. Fort and Rockwell condos are a little further but still a reasonable distance.
Unfortunatly the traffic is terrible like all of Manila so short distances can take much longer. If you are
moving here it is wise to try and find an appartment within walking distance to your place of work, or Greenbelt (a
lovely complex of restaurants and stores set around a large Asian garden). The heat is very hot and humid, so
walking distance is less than half a mile for most people.
A Manila condo can cost as little as 12,000 pesos
per month. However this will not be good enough for most people. Expect to pay 20,000 pesos per month for a basic,
furnished studio condo in Makati. From there the sky is the limit depending on size, location and quality. Some
will come with parking spaces, and some higher end real estate agents may offer domestic help and other services in
the deal.
Foreigners are not allowed to buy houses in the Philippines, but they are allowed to buy a
condominium. It is wise to rent at first though. There are plenty of options available so newcommers are
advised to get a hotel for a week while they visit some Manila condos.
Living in Makati City is pleasant, but choosing a place that has a decent swimming pool is
essential to get a break from the busy streets. Choose a pool high up to avoid traffic noise and pollution.
If you like to go to the gym, also be sure that it has air con, it is hard to last long doing any form of
excersise in the humidity of the Philippines.
We recommend you visit The
Balcony gastropub Manila for a great place to eat and drink in the heart of Makati
City.
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.jpg "Rent a condo in Makati City, Manila.")