With rising property prices in Pasig, many buyers hesitate, assuming it is automatically more expensive than nearby areas. But when you compare usable space, location efficiency, flood exposure, and long-term value, the answer becomes more nuanced. Here is a practical way to evaluate your options objectively.

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The Common Concern: “Pasig Is Already Too Pricey”

Prime areas in Pasig—especially near Ortigas Center and major commercial corridors—often command higher prices per square meter compared to parts of Cainta or Marikina.

On paper, that can feel intimidating.

For example, a unit priced at PHP 7,000,000 for 28 sqm translates to PHP 250,000 per sqm. Meanwhile, a larger suburban property might appear cheaper per square meter.

But price per sqm alone does not tell the full story.

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What Smart Buyers Actually Compare

Instead of focusing only on price, rational buyers compare properties using practical criteria:

1. Commute Time
How long does it take to reach business districts like Ortigas Center, Quezon City, or nearby commercial hubs during rush hour?

Two extra hours daily in traffic equals around 40 hours monthly—nearly a full workweek lost.

2. Flood Exposure
Certain low-lying areas in Cainta and Marikina have documented flood concerns. Properties in more resilient zones may appreciate more consistently over time.

3. Density and Congestion
Older subdivisions sometimes struggle with parking limitations and narrow internal roads. High-density commercial zones can also create congestion if poorly planned.

4. Access to Essentials
Proximity to malls, groceries, schools, hospitals, and public transport reduces dependence on daily driving.

5. Developer and Construction Quality
Who built the property? Structural integrity and long-term maintenance standards directly affect resale value.

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Price Per Square Meter vs. Price Per Usable Space

Here is where many buyers overlook an important detail: usable area.

A traditional 24 sqm studio offers exactly 24 sqm of function.

But a 23.56 sqm unit engineered with an additional 9.37 sqm loft provides 32.93 sqm of usable space.

If priced within a competitive range in Pasig, the effective cost per usable square meter becomes significantly lower than it appears at first glance.

This is where design innovation changes the value equation.

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A Practical Example in Pasig

Lykke Kondo is located 120 meters from Ayala Malls Feliz, within an established commercial corridor.

Instead of relying purely on location prestige, it integrates PH1 Add-Loft technology across unit types:

• Studio: 23.56 sqm + 9.37 sqm loft = 32.93 sqm usable
• 1BR: 38.19 sqm + 14.20 sqm loft = 52.39 sqm usable
• 2BR: 60.94 sqm + 21.51 sqm loft = 82.45 sqm usable

This vertical expansion increases functional space without proportionally increasing the base floor footprint.

When comparing against nearby alternatives, buyers should consider not only price per sqm—but price per usable sqm, proximity to essentials, and long-term resilience.

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Where Other Areas May Still Compete

To be objective, suburban locations may offer:

• Larger lot sizes
• Lower initial price per sqm
• Quieter neighborhood environments

However, they may also require heavier car dependence, longer commute times, and higher transport costs.

The better choice depends on your lifestyle priorities.

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The Smarter Question to Ask

Instead of asking, “Is Pasig expensive?”
Ask, “What am I paying for?”

If higher pricing includes:

• Reduced commute time
• Walkable commercial access
• Better infrastructure
• Engineered space efficiency
• Strong developer backing

Then the premium may represent long-term value rather than short-term cost.

In real estate, the goal is not to buy the cheapest option.
It is to buy the one that performs best over time.

And sometimes, when you measure all the variables, the numbers tell a different story than first impressions.