A condo where living is easy

Most advertisements for affordable residential condominiums use price points and a development’s amenities to catch the potential homeowners’ attention. To online journalist Vit Hernandez who was shopping for a studio unit, they all seemed to be offering very similar products anchored by an attractive swimming pool and entertainment area.

The bachelor who works part-time from his home was particularly attracted to the offerings of the top real estate companies in the vicinity of Makati – all of which fell within his price range of P1 million to P1.5 million. He compared financing schemes, layouts and designs, and locations – which to him were comparable to each other. He surmised that in terms of interiors, any of the studio unit from any of these seasoned developers would meet his needs for a home that could double up as a place to write.

Upon careful study of the amenities offered by the projects, however, he realized that more – in terms of bigger social hall, bigger swimming pool, larger gardens – was not better. After all, these would eventually be maintained by the homeowners through their association dues. Most residential condos are managed by an association of all the homeowners in the complex. The homeowners are charged dues pro-rated according to the size of their unit and these dues fund the upkeep of common areas like swimming pools. In fact, some of the developers were charging P75 to P100/sqm. as common area dues as against P50/sqm. on the more reasonable end.

He also realized that in terms of track record, he could more safely rely on the older more established companies to deliver the unit on time and according to specifications. Better yet, some of them would be more sensitive to maintaining their track record and brand name.

He eventually decided to purchase a studio unit at Avida Land’s Makati West Towers. Currently under construction, its first tower is slated for completion by 2010. The development is a project of Avida Land, the affordable housing arm of Ayala Land which has a reputation for delivering its projects as promised.

Like other Avida developments, Avida Towers Makati West offers 24/7 security, perimeter fences, adequate power and water supply, a swimming pool, jogging paths, landscaped gardens and a multi-purpose hall.

For more information about Avida Towers Makati West call 753-1111 or log on to www.avidaland.com.