How to Invest In an Earthquake-Proof Real Property in the Philippines

What Filipinos Should Consider When Buying an Earthquake-Safe Condo Unit

When buying a property in the Philippines, one of the most important factors to consider is earthquake safety. Our country is situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, so earthquakes are a part of our reality. This is why it’s crucial to buy a house or condo that is built to withstand even the strongest quake. So in this guide, you will learn how to choose an earthquake-free condominium unit, house and lot, or other real properties to secure your investment in the future.

Why Earthquake Safety Matters in Real Estate

A strong earthquake can damage buildings, compromise structural integrity, and reduce property value. Even newly built condos may be vulnerable if they are near active fault lines or unstable soil. As a responsible buyer or homeowner, it’s essential to consider geological safety when investing in real estate.
To help with this, government agencies such as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology provide tools like the FaultFinder and HazardHunterPH to assess earthquake risk in various areas of the Philippines. Some of the earthquake-safe cities include Davao City, Iloilo City, and Puerto Princesa. However, you can find quake-proof condominiums in Baguio City where you can safely invest.

Factors to Look For in an Earthquake-Proof Property

Here are the key factors to consider when buying a condominium or house that is safe from earthquakes:

• Use of plaincrete. Unlike regular hollow blocks, plaincrete blocks are made to resist pressure of up to 2,400 PSI. This is often used in condominium buildings to create weight-bearing walls that strengthen the buildings. However, this is more expensive than using hollow blocks in building your home.
  
  
• Bored piling. The columns of a building are connected to drilled piers deep into the soil. This is what makes most condominiums and other building structures 99.9% earthquake-proof. Bored piling is only practiced by highly established and qualified contractors in the country. Bored pile is more stable because it doesn’t require huge footings, so the soil strength is maintained.
  
  
• Same developer and contractor. This means the contractor is owned and operated by the developer itself. If the developer owns the contractor, then the quality of the building is assured since they don’t put their reputation on the line. It’s like building your own house and managing all the materials, manpower, and other details.

Tips When Buying an Earthquake-Resistant Real Estate

Make sure to check proximity to active faults using the PHIVOLCS free tools. The property should also follow the National Structural Code of the Philippines. You can ask for structural audit certificates, geotechnical reports, and an occupancy permit. Most importantly, choose developers with a track record in structural safety.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a home or condo with low risk for earthquake shocks is not just about property value, but also peace of mind. You may consider the materials used, methods applied, and the developer’s reputation before purchasing a condo. If you’re looking for an earthquake-proof condominium in Baguio City, you can visit REALS.PH website for exclusive listings.