Top 10 Affordable Condo Options Near Manila CBDs for First-Time Manila Property Buyers
- bedandgoinc
- 6月23日
- 読了時間: 5分
June 23, 2025
Buying your first property in Metro Manila is an exciting milestone — but with high real estate prices in prime districts like Makati, BGC, and Ortigas, many young professionals and starting families wonder: Is it possible to own a condo near a business hub without breaking the bank?
The answer is a resounding yes. Developers have been creating mid-market condominiums close to Manila's key CBDs to cater to first-time homeowners who want both convenience and value for money. These developments strike a balance between location, comfort, and affordability, so you can enjoy a modern lifestyle while building your real estate portfolio.
Below, we highlight 10 excellent options for budget-friendly condo living near Makati CBD, Ortigas Center, and BGC — plus nearby hubs like Mandaluyong, Pasig, and Quezon City. Dive in and see which one fits your dream urban lifestyle!
1. Avida Towers Asten — Makati CBD
Avida Towers Asten is an ideal pick for first-time Manila property buyers dreaming of a Makati address. Developed by Avida, a subsidiary of Ayala Land, this project is located in the dynamic West Makati area, close to Malugay Street and a short ride to Ayala Avenue's corporate offices.
Asten's units are efficiently designed to maximize space, making even a studio feel roomy and livable. Residents enjoy amenities like a stylish clubhouse, lap pool, children's play area, and landscaped open spaces. The neighborhood itself is alive with trendy cafés, creative co-working spaces, and weekend markets, perfect for young professionals who love a vibrant community vibe.
2. Air Residences — Makati CBD
SMDC's Air Residences brings a touch of luxury at an affordable price point, located along Ayala Avenue Extension near RCBC Plaza. This means you can walk or take a short jeepney ride to many corporate offices, which translates to big savings on daily commutes.
Units here are designed to be move-in ready for young professionals. Common areas exude a hotel-like ambiance, while amenities include landscaped gardens, function rooms, swimming pools, and a breathtaking sky lounge where you can unwind with panoramic city views. For first-time buyers, owning a piece of Makati at Air Residences offers both prestige and practicality.
3. SMDC Light Residences — Mandaluyong (near Ortigas CBD)
If your workplace sits between Ortigas and Makati, SMDC Light Residences could be the sweet spot for you. Located along EDSA-Boni, directly connected to Boni MRT station, it's perfect for commuting north to Ortigas or south to Makati with ease.
What makes Light Residences popular among first-time homeowners is its built-in mall. Grocery shopping, dining out, and running errands can all happen without leaving the building. Compact units are ideal for solo living or young couples starting out. Its community vibe feels safe and energetic, with 24/7 security and round-the-clock transport access.
4. Avida Towers Centera — Mandaluyong (near Ortigas CBD)
Another standout from Avida, Avida Towers Centera is located along EDSA corner Reliance Street, a strategic point that connects Makati, Ortigas, and BGC. Residents benefit from well-planned amenities like swimming pools, sky lounge, fitness gym, and even a retail strip on the ground floor.
This development attracts first-time buyers who want a stress-free commute to Ortigas Center's corporate offices or nearby BPO hubs. With a fresh, clean design, practical unit layouts, and Ayala's trusted management, Centera offers peace of mind for your first real estate investment.
5. M Place Residences — Quezon City
Moving slightly north, M Place Residences in Quezon City is another budget-friendly option for first-time buyers who want to stay near the city center. Located along Mother Ignacia Avenue near Timog and Quezon Avenue, it's close to government offices, schools, and media networks like ABS-CBN and GMA.
Young buyers love M Place's compact yet cleverly planned units that suit solo living or newlyweds. The development features pocket gardens, jogging paths, pools, and 24/7 security. Nearby, you'll find endless food choices, nightlife, and malls like Trinoma and SM North EDSA.
6. Kasara Urban Resort Residences — Pasig (near Ortigas CBD)
Kasara Urban Resort Residences by Empire East brings a resort feel to city life, situated along C5 Road in Pasig. This location puts you minutes away from Ortigas Center, Eastwood City, and BGC, with major roads like C5 and Ortigas Avenue providing smooth connectivity.
Kasara is popular for its lush greenery and water-themed amenities. There's a lagoon pool, waterfalls, koi ponds, and landscaped gardens — offering residents a peaceful escape after work. Units are competitively priced for first-time buyers, making it a hidden gem for those who want a tropical sanctuary in the metro.
7. Fame Residences — Mandaluyong (near Ortigas CBD)
Another hot pick is SMDC's Fame Residences, strategically placed along EDSA near Shaw Boulevard. It's a short walk to Ortigas Center and close to Shangri-La Plaza and SM Megamall, so shopping, dining, and entertainment are always at your fingertips.
Units here cater well to young city dwellers with practical layouts and elegant finishes. Amenities like a swimming pool, lounge areas, and a grand lobby add a touch of luxury without the luxury price tag. Fame Residences also hosts retail shops on the ground floor, making daily life hassle-free.
8. Vista Shaw — Mandaluyong (near Ortigas CBD)
Vista Shaw by Vista Residences rises at the corner of Shaw Boulevard and Laurel Street. It's a stone's throw from EDSA, giving residents quick access to Ortigas CBD, Greenfield District, and even Makati via major thoroughfares.
This mid-rise condo features a sky garden with panoramic city views, a fitness center, and function rooms perfect for small gatherings. Its units are attractively priced for first-time buyers, especially young professionals who value convenience and an easy commute to the city's main business hubs.
9. The Olive Place — Mandaluyong (near Makati & Ortigas)
The Olive Place by DMCI Homes stands along Shaw Boulevard, providing great access to Makati, Ortigas, and Greenhills. This twin-tower residential project offers modern amenities like a lap pool, kiddie pool, sky garden, and a multi-purpose function hall.
First-time buyers appreciate The Olive Place for its affordable unit sizes and the neighborhood's strong rental demand — a great backup if you decide to rent out your unit later. Plus, Shaw Boulevard is lined with restaurants, coffee shops, and convenience stores to make everyday living easy.
10. Asteria Residences — Parañaque (near Makati CBD)
If you don't mind living slightly away from the immediate bustle of Makati, Asteria Residences in Parañaque is a peaceful yet accessible alternative. Developed by DMCI Homes, this low-density, resort-style condo provides a relaxing suburban vibe while staying connected via Skyway and SLEX.
Units are larger than typical city studios, ideal for starting families who want more space at a reasonable price. Residents enjoy themed gardens, a clubhouse, a fitness gym, and leisure pools — all in a secure community. This makes Asteria a top pick for buyers seeking a calm retreat with quick access to the CBD.
Purchasing your first Manila condo near a CBD doesn't have to mean stretching your finances too thin. These 10 affordable developments prove that with careful research and planning, first-time Manila property buyers can secure a comfortable, well-located home with room for appreciation.
As you compare options, consider not just the price but also the neighborhood vibe, daily commute, amenities, and future resale or rental value. Visit showrooms, talk to property agents, and run the numbers carefully — your first investment could be the start of a smart real estate journey in the heart of Metro Manila.
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