When you look at a condominium price list, you may notice that units with the same type and floor area can have different prices. Size and finishes are not the only factors that influence value. Floor level, orientation, view, privacy, and the unit’s actual placement within the building can also make a difference.
Through my experience working with condominium properties, I have encountered certain unit placements that buyers sometimes overlook but may later affect the unit’s desirability, marketability, or resale potential. Here are five of these situations that I believe every condo buyer should carefully consider before choosing a unit.
The Philippines is a tropical country where we experience sunny and hot weather for much of the year. During the summer months, the heat can become particularly uncomfortable, especially when direct afternoon sunlight enters your condominium unit.
I recently encountered this issue with one of my clients, who complained about how hot his condo became between 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. After looking at the unit’s orientation, the reason became clear: it was facing west and receiving direct afternoon sunlight. He even mentioned that despite turning on the air-conditioning, the unit could still feel noticeably warm during those hours.
West-facing units generally receive stronger afternoon sun, which can increase indoor heat and make the air-conditioning system work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. This may result in higher electricity consumption and, with more frequent or prolonged use, additional wear and tear on the air-conditioning unit.
This was one of the craziest experiences I had during a property viewing with my partner agents and a client. As we entered the unit, we went through every corner and highlighted its best features. Then suddenly, we heard an irritating flushing sound coming from behind the wall that lasted for around 30 seconds. It was definitely not the kind of feature we were expecting to demonstrate!
That experience taught me another important lesson: understanding the plumbing layout can be worth considering before choosing a condo unit. In some condominium buildings, units located near plumbing stacks, drainage pipes, or service areas may occasionally hear water flowing or flushing through the walls. While this can be part of normal building design, frequent unwanted noise may affect the comfort and privacy of the occupants, something worth considering whether you plan to live in the unit yourself or lease it out in the future.
Every condominium has its own property management team, but the quality of maintenance can vary depending on how the building is managed and the resources available. I have encountered condominium hallways where an unpleasant odor from the garbage room could already be smelled from the nearby common areas. In many condo buildings I have visited, garbage rooms are located along residential hallways, which means some units may be positioned very close to them.
This is something buyers should not easily overlook. What happens if the garbage room is not cleaned regularly, waste collection is delayed, or some residents do not properly follow the building’s waste disposal and segregation rules? Odor, cleanliness, and even the daily experience of passing by the area can become concerns for occupants.
I have personally encountered foreign clients looking for a condo to lease who immediately removed a unit from their choices simply because of its proximity to the garbage room. For an investor planning to lease out a unit in the future, this seemingly small detail may influence a tenant’s first impression and willingness to rent the property.
From my experience with condominium leasing, many clients are very particular about the view from their unit. I understand why. A beautiful ocean view, relaxing mountain scenery, or colorful city skyline can make a unit more desirable and may even command a premium compared with similar units with less attractive views.
However, the view you enjoy today may not always be the view you will have in the future. I have noticed that many condominium projects are developed in phases, with several towers planned but constructed one at a time. A unit that initially enjoys an open view may eventually face another tower once the succeeding phases are completed.
Before choosing a unit mainly because of its view, it is worth checking the overall development plan and future tower locations, not only within the condominium project but also on nearby properties. A future high-rise development could partially or completely obstruct the view that originally attracted you to the unit. Since a desirable view can influence buyer and tenant preference, losing it may also affect the unit’s future marketability and value.
Elevators operate throughout the day and, while the elevator itself may not necessarily create much noise, units located very close to the elevator area can experience more foot traffic and occasional hallway conversations. From people talking while waiting to guests coming and going, these everyday activities may be more noticeable to occupants whose doors are just a few steps away.
Privacy is another factor worth considering. Some tenants prefer a quieter and more private location where they can enter and leave their unit without regularly passing people waiting around the elevator lobby. If you are planning to lease out your condo in the future, being directly beside or in front of the elevator may reduce its appeal to tenants who particularly value peace and privacy.
Another consideration is elevator maintenance and performance. When elevators are poorly maintained, experience frequent delays, or have operational issues, people tend to gather and wait longer in the elevator area. For a unit located immediately nearby, this can make the hallway feel busier than in other parts of the floor.
Choosing the right unit placement is an important part of buying a condominium because it can influence not only your living experience but also your property’s future marketability, rental potential, and resale value. Looking beyond the floor area, price, and attractive finishes can help you identify small details that may become important in the long run.
The situations I shared above are only some of the unit-placement concerns I have encountered through my experience. There are many other factors that may not be immediately noticeable during a property viewing, which is why doing proper research and seeking guidance from an experienced real estate professional can give you an advantage when making your decision.
Metro Cebu already has a growing number of condominium units competing for buyers and tenants. When several similar units are available within the same price range, small differences in location, view, privacy, noise, orientation, and overall comfort can influence which property a buyer or tenant chooses. Choosing the right unit from the beginning can therefore give your investment an advantage when the time comes to lease or resell it.
