During this period of extreme financial uncertainty, largely due to a pandemic that will surely be around for a while, it is the opportune time to learn what is the best thing to do with our hard-earned money.
Real estate investment provides spaces where one can live life to the fullest.
And unlike jewelry or art that can be continuously reproduced, real estate that has good value and location is usually harder to come by. In great measure, real estate’s ability to appreciate really well in price and generate passive income through lease or rental are what sets it apart from other material purchases.
More relevant than ever, with the emergence of COVID-19, city dwellers will definitely need to take bolder and necessary steps to manage well the difficult health and socio-economic challenges that the virus presents to their lives. One of the many ways this can be done is by investing in homes away from city homes where they can provide the best transitory protection from the impact of coronavirus for the most vulnerable in families, the children and the elderly. Certainly just like the city of New York in the United States that was able to rebound following tragedies such as the terroristic September 11 attacks and even the flu pandemic of 1918, the big cities in the Philippines will also be able to bounce back, as they have done so in the past. However, with the long term unprecedented impact of the current health crisis looming over the congested cities, providing an alternative option of living outside the metropolis can serve as a temporary escape as we all wait for the return of that certain semblance of normality in our lives.
Investing in less dense and crammed communities outside of urban areas that provide access to much needed green, airy and open spaces can give back to our families some form of regular life activities as they escape the disease and the rush of the city.
Restricted to their residences all the time, seniors and young members of families end up feeling isolated and some even depressed. A regular dose of nature can definitely help them feel happier during these troubling times.
Active kids and teens, in particular, learn better by having fun outdoors. Nature is a good green exercise environment for them as well. Studies have shown that the combination of nature and physical activity can help improve children’s ability to learn and concentrate and can also give them a good mental boost. It also presents to them an opportunity to pretend play, explore, imagine and cleverly solve problems. Physical and emotional access to nature will also encourage children to stay in shape as they get older. Kids strengthen their connection with nature as they spend more time in it. They also develop a deeper love for it and have the tendency to be more inclined to care for the natural environment as grown ups. With the rise of virtual learning that keep urban kids one hundred percent of the time inside the homes, taking them to vacation homes outside of the city where they can simply take a walk in its green space, or even just have a view of nature out the bedroom window can surely relieve the anxiety and other negative emotional and mental challenges that the pandemic brings.
Outdoor spaces can be extremely beneficial for older adults as well. A beautiful change of scenery, the smell of freshly cut grass, green areas where they can freely move around or just sit and relax can surely lift up their spirits especially these days when social isolation brought about by COVID-19 has set off for them a pandemic of anxiety, hopelessness and despair. Those among them who are unable to exercise can still improve overall immunity and reduce the risk of a number of physical illness by benefitting from the extra vitamin D production that natural sunlight can provide for them. Seniors who have even just small experiences of nature feel more energized and live longer and more meaningful lives.
The cost of lockdowns and social isolation are unseen, yet, these protocols must be done to protect our families from getting seriously ill. And with urban areas being vulnerable to the virus and having a history of being hit by pandemic, a wise financial decision city dwellers can make for the people they love is to invest in properties outside of the city where they can escape for a while and enjoy the physical and mental benefits of being connected with nature.
Another important aspect to consider during the ongoing public health crisis is the great impact it has on the economy. Accordingly, the key to personal financial stability in the course of the current economic downturn is to expend our savings and hard earned money efficiently. Seniors, for instance, have to make their money last in retirement and have to ensure that they are investing wisely and safely. Take for example our Overseas Filipino workers, the country’s modern day heroes. They have made a lot of sacrifices in order to provide for their families and give them a comfortable life. It is but wise for them to put the money they have acquired over a long period of time in investments that are both solid and stable. And certainly, when they invest in real estate properties outside of the city, this can help them generate passive income or even supplement their current sources of money through lease or rental.
Indeed, the era of COVID-19 has tested the resilience of the real estate industry. Nevertheless, growth forecast shows progress is still expected for the sale of land, property and buildings with the increasing urbanization, growing population, ever-expanding middle class (BPO industry and OFW remittances) and presence in the industry of many courageous developers that are well-financed to pivot and focus on new business ventures during the pandemic. After all, history has proven time and time again that you can never go wrong with Real Estate investment because by and large it is still the safer option, its appreciation rate is fast, and its financial returns are substantial.
More notably, one thing that will never change for the hardworking Filipino is his lifelong dream to take care of his family.
Providing a good life for the ones he love includes purchasing for them their very own home, or even better, an additional one or two outside of the city. Recent studies have shown that more than 50% of the strong remittances from our migrant workers are invested in Real Estate outside of Metro Manila. It is evident, therefore, that owning definitely brings a sense of pride, a sense of accomplishment and confidence especially these days when there is so much uncertainty in the world and the emotional reasons for escaping all the chaos has become even more gripping and impactful as we long to be in a safe and secured environment that we can still call home.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a difficult time for the whole world, largely because of the health and economic impact it has on us and the people that we care for the most. Safeguarding our financial future and creating for the ones we love a safe and private family environment through smart investments will allow us to still dream and enjoy the simple things in life despite the global pandemic. Vigorously preparing physically, mentally, and even financially for the post-COVID era now will intensify more than ever before the faith and hope at the heart of the resilient and ever adaptable Filipino.
PROJECT: Club Laiya, San Juan, Batangas, Philippines
RENDERS by Envision Studio