What Makes the Home a Relaxation Destination?
October 28, 2022
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“The mantra location, location, location has never been truer [during the pandemic],” said Gelli Victor, the host of The Outlook 2022: Philippine Real Estate Conference. These words were uttered as she introduced the second panel discussion of the whole-day event, The Home as a Relaxation Destination.
After being stuck at home during the pandemic, people have started re-evaluating their home preferences, putting emphasis on relaxation. Buyers are on the lookout for developments with resort-like amenities. They also prefer convenient locations and communities to level up their residential experience.
KB Realty Group Philippines Corporate Accounts Executive and panel moderator MJ Nama-Sy opened the discussion by highlighting how developers successfully integrated in-demand relaxation features into their projects. Brian Uy, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Seanderg Realty and Development Corporation; Ed del Valle, Sales Support Operations Head of Avida Land Corp; and Earl Fernandez, Social Media Head of Picar Development Inc, shared what makes a home a relaxation destination.
Strategic Location
Uy shared that even during this time, location still matters. When investing in a property, people value accessibility, but relaxing and resort-like amenities are now included in their must-haves.
This is why developments near beaches or scenic places are attractive to buyers. Although the view can surely make them feel relaxed, it is not the only thing they look at. Commercial viability and privacy are also important. Uy added that the pandemic made people realize how crowded it is in city centers. Hence, his company is branching out to suburbs or areas that he described as being more spacious, having a better setback, and “overall more relaxing for the mind.”
For Avida Land, del Valle noticed an increase in people purchasing in suburban communities such as Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Much can be attributed to Avida Land’s three-point agenda in making this project, namely economic components, environmental sustainability, and social sustainability, which encourage buyers to invest in suburban areas. Despite being away from city centers, he added, “We made sure that there is economic activity, so there will be malls, there will be jobs around the area.”
Safe and Hotel-Like Community
People need to know the feel of the communities before they consider investing. Fernandez emphasized that it’s not just about the amenities available in a project but also the community it is built around. He mentioned that people gravitated towards purchasing houses and lots vs. condominiums during the pandemic. del Valle echoed his point, citing that leasing dropped to about 50% when the pandemic hit. But when people started coming back, the first concern that came up was safety. People in areas like Nuvali want to feel safe and comfortable in such closed communities.
During the pandemic, people began to realize the value of living around a community. From the perspective of a condo unit owner, Fernandez shared how the lockdown has led residents to feel trapped with only four walls and a window to look at. They need spaces where they can socialize with neighbors and do recreational activities that stimulate creativity and productivity.
According to del Valle, people are also looking for front desks that create a hotel-type atmosphere. Buyers are interested in resort-type amenities such as bigger pools, as seen in how projects with more pools tend to sell better amidst the pandemic. However, the project’s location must still be close to supermarkets, pharmacies, hospitals, and schools.
Mobility Features for Retirees and PWDs
In terms of accessibility and mobility, especially for retirees, developers are incorporating more walkways and transportation options, such as shuttle services that go around the community to help the elderly or PWDs explore the area easier.
According to del Valle, “Accessibility is really a huge part of the decision-making process when buying any kind of property.” Even as simple as wheelchair ramps, stairs, and lifts go a long way in strengthening accessibility and promoting mobility for seniors and PWDs. This can create a positive impact, making them feel more included in communities.
The country’s top developers agree that a home that doubles as a relaxation destination must have a strategic location, a hotel-like vibe, and amenities that truly promote peace and tranquility. Moreover, integrating mobility features into future developments would create a more inclusive and convenient environment for all. Because at the end of the day, everyone deserves to feel relaxed and take time for themselves.
