Rent vs buy in the Philippines: Why people who can buy still rent
🏠 Rent or Buy in the Philippines? Having enough money to buy does not make buying the right financial decision. Renting may preserve mobility and emergency cash, provide access to Makati, BGC or Ortigas, or cost much less than owning an equivalent home. A useful comparison starts with the same type of home in the same location, then accounts for loan risk, ownership costs, commuting and the number of years you expect to stay. Core question: Can you buy versus should you buy? Fair comparison: Use an equivalent home in the same location. Buying horizon: Estimate the years before relocation or sale. Hidden variable: Check the cash remaining after the down payment and fees. Loan risk: The rate-fixing period may be shorter than the loan term. Third options: Live with parents or rent while owning investments. Why do people who can afford property still choose to rent? Financial capacity is not a reason to buy RCBC’s Philippine rent-or-buy guidance id...