Top Property Picks to Spend your Christmas Bonus This 2022

Many of us would not be ashamed to admit that besides celebrating the holiday season by December, it's the issuance of 13th-month pay that we also highly anticipate. Who wouldn't, right? It's a government-mandated employee benefit and somehow serves as a reward for hardworking employees. It's a salary bonus well deserved!

Now, "well deserved" is a given, but how will you turn it into "well spent"?

If you've been thinking about making a property investment but haven't really given it much thought until recently, now may be the perfect time to give it a try. Kickstart by making some basic research about real estate and personal finance as you patiently wait for your year-end bonus. On that note, let's get into more details, shall we?

But if not fully financially ready yet, save it first

There's no pressure when it comes to investing in any financial markets. Although investing at the soonest possible time will up your chances of gaining significantly higher rewards in due time, assessing your current financial situation is also equally important before testing the waters of any financial investments.

In the case of real estate, you'd have to shell out a substantial amount of money for a downpayment, taxes, closing costs, monthly payments, and future utility costs. If you think you're still several thousand short of feeling fully confident about making this type of investment, it's okay to pause by setting up a long-term retirement account in the meantime.

Better yet, take some out of your regular checking account and allocate a small portion of your bonus to a health savings account, or as an emergency fund in case some unexpected things occur.

Top property picks for a Christmas bonus well spent 2022

Funding a property investment is one great example of "well spent." After all, property values appreciate more and more over time. Plus, there are fewer risks in real estate compared to other investment types such as the stock market. Without further ado, check our top property picks to wisely spend your bonus money before the year ends!

A home near nature in Albay

For sure you know Albay to be the provincial home of the beautiful and symmetrically cone-shaped Mayon Volcano. But Legazpi City in this Bicol province is also a wise property investment to spend your hard-earned money.

Proximity to the world-famous Mount Mayon is a stupendous bonus, but let's not lose focus on the top property picks found here. For as low as 540,000, you can own a 22-square-meter bungalow situated on a regular 36-square-meter lot. For a two-story, 42-square-meter duplex, it starts at 2 million featuring a 54-square-meter lot.

Another worthy property location pick is San Miguel in Bulacan province, yet another attraction among tourists for its historical significance and nature adventures, which is found within the Biak-na-Bato National Park. This historical site boasts majestic mountains for hiking and exquisite rock formations for spelunking.

Despite a predominantly rural environment, Lumina San Miguel takes pride in its accessibility features, such as proximity to various schools, churches, malls, hospitals, fast-food chains, and other commercial establishments for the convenience of all community residents, with most reachable in roughly 10 minutes.

House and lot in progressive Batangas

According to the latest report from the Commission on Audit, Batangas is the third richest province in the entire country after Cebu and Rizal, respectively, and it is for this reason that this amusing ala eh territory is a worthy property investment pick after receiving your annual bonus.

What makes Batangas a convenient choice for property investment is the low cost of living—not too urban but not too rural—but still plenty of amenities and perks that makes it even more worthy as a real estate investment.

In this subdivision in Tanauan City, homeowner perks include a playground, basketball court, guard house, and a jogging path. Bettina Townhouse is an excellent housing model starting at P1.5 million with a spacious 44-square-meter home situated on a 36-square-meter lot provision.

If you still have your qualms about investing in Batangas, the province is also a beach destination generously offering a host of tourist attractions. The number of shopping centers, schools, hospitals, markets, malls, and major roads and highways in this progressive province is also indicative of its impressive economic boom.

Lucrative property investment in Pampanga

The diverse province of Pampanga boasts more than one distinction attached to its name. Aside from being known to be the country's culinary capital, it also hosts the annual Giant Lantern Festival in the bustling City of San Fernando, which was once declared by CNN as 'Asia's Christmas capital.'

Pampanga is also a major hub for both investment and employment opportunities. Thus, if you plan to relocate to this Central Luzon province, your chances of immediately securing a job are not slim. What is more, there is a higher potential for bigger yields than there are financial risks.

In the City of San Fernando, a community subdivision is strategically located for prospective Pampanga homeowners and investors. Thus, if you plan to relocate to this Central Luzon province, your chances of immediately securing a job are not slim. What is more, there is a higher potential for bigger yields than there are financial risks.

For real estate investment beginners, real estate investment trusts (REITs) are a good starting investment for passive income and extra cash. You can set up retirement accounts to store your earnings through the years. Later, your retirement savings will surely make you live your best life without fear of running out of money anytime.

Real estate in Tarlac City

Another top location to invest in real estate is Central Luzon's Melting Pot, Tarlac province. It was nicknamed as such for its diversity of cultures, mother tongues, peoples, dishes, and tourist attractions. It neighbors Pangasinan to the north, Nueva Ecija to the east, Pampanga to the south, and Zambales to the west. When it comes to accessibility, Tarlac is doubtless a major contender.

While situated in Tarlac's lone city, it is strategically located in a generally relaxed neighborhood and not overwhelmingly boisterous. Lumina Tarlac residences are a 10-hectare property project with more than 1,300 housing units. It is just one tricycle or jeepney ride away from malls such as SM Tarlac, hospitals such as the Tarlac Provincial Hospital, academic institutions such as Tarlac State University, and several supermarkets near the subdivision.

If you plan a vacation or a weekend adventure but don't want to travel too far, neighboring municipalities and towns are home to Tarlac's historical spots and natural wonders. There's the majestic ANZAP Twin Falls in Mayantoc, Ubod Falls and Mount Damas in San Clemente, the breathtaking Mount Telakawa with a jumpoff point in Capas, and Monasterio de Tarlac in San Jose, perfect for the Holy Week and other religious activities.

On top of these perks, house and lot units are affordable and start at 577,000 for the bungalow house type, whereas the two-storey Angelique Townhouse, a certified bestseller, begins at 1,520,000.

Neighborhood with 'eSpacio' in Bacolod

Very popular for its moniker as the City of Smiles, Bacolod represents the Visayas island for its living amenities and perks in an accessible, laid-back neighborhood. Lumina Bacolod is just a 20-minute drive from the central business district of the busy city, and a few minutes away from key establishments like government facilities, dry and wet markets, schools, hospitals, and shopping centers.

Lumina Bacolod is also one of the first to feature 'eSpacio' for homeowners — an added amenity exclusive for recreational, entertainment, and livelihood-promoting activities. Homeowners could host sports tournaments here, take their kids to the mini-gardens and playgrounds, and exercise along its jogging paths to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

Finally, there's Tambayan ni Juan, the hangout area for homeowners with dining areas. Tambayan ni Juan is the equivalent of a night market with various kiosks displayed to promote buying and selling items among the homeowners themselves.

Lumina Negros Occidental currently has housing communities in the cities of Bacolod, Sagay, and Silay. Besides Negros Occidental, it's also a worthwhile real estate investment for its fellow Visayas province Iloilo, which takes pride in its wide selection of sumptuous Ilonggo dishes, tourism-promoting beaches, and for annually hosting the world-class Dinagyang Festival.

Affordable homes made in Mindanao

Mindanao is the second largest island group after Luzon. It is also a massive destination of tourist attractions such as beaches and historical sites. And yes, a vital hub for residency too, and catering to those living or who wants to live in a suburban life in Mindanao.

Misamis Occidental. Standing in the northern part of the island is Misamis Occidental of mostly Cebuano residents. The province is an ideal residential area for people who want to escape the bustling metropolis. In Ozamis City lies a subdivision for present and prospective homeowners, who enjoy proximity to restaurants, malls, and other establishments for weekend leisure.

Zamboanga del Sur. In the southern part of the stunning island is the province of Zamboanga del Sur, where the Great Santa Cruz Island is located and famous for its pink-hued sand beach. In Pagadian City, the province's capital, is a flourishing spot for residency. The development site boasts proximity to a variety of commercial establishments for future residents' convenience. The Pagadian City Airport is also accessible for domestic flights.

Davao del Norte. With agriculture as its main source of livelihood for the people, this Mindanao province earned the distinction of the 'Banana Capital of the Philippines.' In Tagum City, which also has more than one moniker attached to its name, like being the New Tourism Capital of the South, is where Lumina Tagum takes place, a subdivision in the city boasting accessibility and proximity to various establishments such as medical facilities, recreational and tourist spots, places of worship, and major thoroughfares.

For the full list of the best investment spots in Mindanao, read more here: Where to Find Home Properties in Mindanao

Invest in properties with your holiday bonus through Lumina Homes

Real estate is a competitive industry that gives investors a hedge against the effects of inflation. Real estate also offers property investments with significantly fewer risks yet higher income potential even after you retire, thus increasing your retirement income. You can spend your extra money to further fund your real estate investment prospects on an affordable house and lot for sale through Lumina Homes.

For real estate investment beginners, real estate investment trusts (REITs) are a good starting investment for passive income and extra cash. You can set up retirement accounts to store your earnings through the years. Later, your retirement savings will surely make you live your best life without fear of running out of money anytime.

For homeownership and other investment inquiries, visit Lumina Homes website for our selection of affordable house and lot and their amenities and perks. All Lumina communities are strategically located and accessible for residents to ensure a convenient and laid-back life living in a house and lot in the Philippines.