The Philippines has seen consistent and upward growth over the last decade.
Sensible political governance and economic policy along with increased foreign investment in the services sector has put the Philippines high on the list of improving countries.
The Philippines is a founder member of ASEAN (the Association of South East Asian Nations) the seventh largest economy in the world.
For the first time in Q1 of 2016 the Philippines outstripped China in terms of growth and GDP is expected to rise by 7% in 2016, a figure which all of the largest economies would be envious.
The newly elected President has already started on a drive to encourage foreign investment in markets which have traditionally been reserved for Filipinos. The most exciting of which is the opening up of foreign ownership of real estate.
Rental returns of property are, in most cases, in excess of 10% per annum. The Philippines’ Central Bank’s figures for property growth in 2015 show an increase of 10% with some areas, for example Makati and Cebu showing returns of anywhere up to 25% per annum.
Buying “off plan” with a 20% deposit with a completion in four years’ time could well see a gross return on your deposit of 700% and that is selling at below final market value. Slightly more that you would see in interest on your savings account. And that is without any increase on the currency markets. Some economists are predicting that the Philippines Peso could well double in strength by the end of the decade.
The market for resales remains strong in the Philippines. The standard of living and expendable income is increasing rapidly as the overseas investment in the country begins to see results for Filipinos. There is a burgeoning middle class benefitting from the establishment of numerous call centres across the country. This is likely to expand as the economy does.
In short, there has never been a better time at looking at Investing in the Philippines.