Property for rent in Manila, Metro Manila

The capital of the Philippines, Manila, is one of the busiest cities in the country and it is one of the oldest cities in the world that has its own rich history and colorful multicultural heritage. It is also a planned city, meaning it was carefully planned from its inception. In 1905, American Architect and Urban Planner Daniel Burnham was commissioned by the United States government to design the capital and he designed the city based on the City Beautiful movement.

Filled with government offices, corporations, universities, and modern facilities, Manila is consistently one of the best places to live and to do business. Other than being the center of business, education, and transportation, the cost of living in the city is relatively affordable while still providing a high quality of life. Throughout the years, Manila has had a continuously thriving real estate market. Demand for rental properties is at an all-time high due to the growing population.
The high demand for property in Manila has led to an increase in property prices.

A wide range of property types are available in Manila, from villas to condominiums, the city caters to all urbanities who wish to live comfortably and surrounded by hospitals, schools, restaurants, and other modern facilities. There are compact to luxurious apartments to suit all budgets. Those on a small budget or coming to live in the city alone can find plenty of single bedrooms serviced apartments, which is one of the most popular rental types in the city. A 45 m2 furnished studio in some areas have a monthly rent of around ₱19,000, but in a more upscale area, it can cost around ₱39,000. In general, a studio or one-bedroom apartment should cost around ₱20,000 - ₱50,000 per month.

Couples can rent condominium units with one or two bedrooms. A two-bedroom condominium can cost around ₱28,000 - ₱150,000 per month depending on the area and amenities. Families can find a two-level apartment with four or more rooms. Monthly rent for 85 m2 furnished apartment in a normal budget-friendly area should be around ₱35,000. However, in some of the expensive areas, furnished apartment with the same size can cost around ₱65,000 monthly.

If you are looking for a higher standard of living you can find many luxury estate options located within gated community villages. A house with a small garden and a pool usually start at ₱300,000 a month, but more luxurious accommodation can cost from ₱500,000 a month. Condominiums and gated community villages are usually equipped with round-the-clock security guards and come with high-end amenities. Before deciding to rent accommodation, it is advised to find out if the utilities are included in the price of rent. Unless you rent a fully serviced accommodation, utilities are nearly always separated from the rent.

Popular Parts of Manila

Manila is divided into 16 territorial districts. Each district has its own history, culture, and cuisine.

Here are some of the most popular areas in Manila:

• Intramuros means “within the walls,” is the oldest district as well as the historic center of Manila. The most famous feature is a three-mile-long circuit of massive stone walls that almost completely surrounds the entire district. It is now a famous tourist hotspot due to its many historical landmarks, such as the Fort Santiago and Casa Manila. Around the area, you can find several condominiums and preserved old colonial houses.
• Ermita is one of the two Tourists Districts. It has a lively nightlife, with numerous bars, pubs, cafes, and clubs conveniently located within the area. It is also where the American Embassy and Rizal Park are located. Ermita is home of several offices, businesses, and universities. It is the best place for anyone looking for accommodation with easy access to Manila’s major roads.
• Malate used to be famous for its mansions. Today, it is known to be a low key commercial area as well as being an entertainment district. The character of each neighborhood makes this district an interesting place to live.
• Binondo is the world’s oldest Chinatown. It is the city’s original business, finance, and commercial hub. The district is particularly famous for its authentic Chinese cuisine and quaint shop-houses.

Life in Manila is vibrant and interesting. Many historical landmarks can be found here, including the Rizal Park, National Museum of the Philippines, Manila Ocean Park, and the National Art Gallery. People come to the city to do business and for pleasure. Its thriving nightlife, including clubs, bars, restaurants, and night markets, are good options to hang out after work. There are also plenty of malls around. Shopping and household supplies are easy to find, from imported items to local goods. Although the cost of living is generally affordable, it varies depending on which area you live in. Within the business district, a basic lunchtime menu can cost around ₱260. A basic dinner for two in a restaurant is around ₱1,000 and a cocktail drink in a huge club costs at least ₱300. There are also numerous gyms to choose from. A month of gym membership in the business district is around ₱2,700.

Manila is infamous for its traffic jams and aggressive drivers. However, the city boasts some modern infrastructure such as the LRT and the MRT. Although it may not seem comprehensive, these railway systems will get you to various places faster than road transport. It can be incredibly crowded, but it is one of the most effective and inexpensive ways to get around. There are single-use or stored- value cards that may be purchased at manned ticket counters or automated ticket vending machines and a train ticket usually costs around ₱12 to ₱28.

Top 3 Reasons to Rent in Manila

1. Affordability. There is a great selection of real estate choices in Manila which can fit any budget. Those who are on a tight budget can opt for studio apartments or condos. The cost of living in Manila is also one of the most affordable. The number of inexpensive street foods, public transportation, and cafes allows people to save money.
2. A global city. This means Manila is considered to be an important node in the global economic system. It is the hub of business, finance, trade, and education.
3. Hospitality and accommodating people. The people in Manila are friendly and will go out of their way to help you, which is one of the strongest reasons about living in this city.