Articles · Location Guide

Makati vs BGC: Where Should OFWs Invest?

By Romeo R. Coros Jr., Licensed Real Estate Broker (PRC Lic. No. 37297) · October 2026

Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) are the two addresses Filipinos abroad ask me about most. Both are prime, both are close to each other, and both have Ayala Land projects. The right choice depends less on which is "better" and more on what you want the property to do for you.

The short answer: choose Makati if you want an established business district with a wide range of entry prices and strong demand from working professionals. Choose BGC if you want a newer, planned, walkable city that appeals to families, expats and tenants who value lifestyle.

At a glance

	Makati	BGC (Taguig)
Character	The country's long-established central business district, with decades of history	A newer, master-planned city with wide streets, parks and a modern grid
Feel	Busy and central, with mature villages and greenery around the core	Walkable, orderly and lifestyle-led
Landmarks	Ayala Avenue, Greenbelt, Glorietta, Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati Medical Center	Bonifacio High Street, Burgos Circle, St. Luke's Medical Center Global City
Getting around	MRT-3 along EDSA, plus extensive covered walkways in the CBD	BGC Bus inside the district, and roads to C-5, EDSA and the airport
Typical tenants	Office workers, young professionals, executives	Expats, corporate staff, families, tech and BPO professionals
Entry price range	Wider: from compact studios to luxury residences	Generally higher entry point, reflecting newer, premium stock

Why choose Makati

Proven location. Makati has been the country's financial centre for generations, so demand for homes near offices has staying power.
More price points. You can find compact, ready-to-move-in units as well as high-end towers, which suits first-time investors with a set budget.
Everything nearby. Malls, hospitals, schools and offices are close together, which matters to tenants who want a short commute.
Growing new districts. Developments like Circuit Makati add newer, mixed-use living to the city.

Watch out for: traffic around the core at peak hours, and older buildings in some areas. Compare a building's age and maintenance carefully if you buy resale.

Why choose BGC

Planned from the start. Wide sidewalks, parks and a clear street grid make it one of the most walkable areas in Metro Manila.
Lifestyle appeal. Restaurants, retail, international schools and a major hospital draw families and expats who rent long-term.
Modern buildings. Most towers are relatively new, with contemporary layouts and amenities.
Corporate presence. Many regional headquarters and tech companies are based here, supporting rental demand.

Watch out for: a higher price per square metre, which means a larger down payment. Also, plenty of new supply in some segments makes choosing the right building matter.

Which fits your goal?

You want rental income

Both work. Compact units near offices in Makati often suit budget-conscious investors renting to young professionals. Well-located units in BGC can appeal to expat and corporate tenants. Either way, the building, its management and its distance to offices matter more than the city name.

You want a home for your family, or for when you retire

BGC appeals to many families for its walkability, parks and schools. Makati suits those who want to be in the middle of everything, especially near its established villages and hospitals.

You're working with a tighter budget

Makati usually offers more entry-level options, including ready-for-occupancy units you can rent out sooner. Nearby areas in Taguig outside BGC, such as Arca South, can also offer good value.

You're investing for the long term

Look at the developer's master plan and what's being built around the property. Ayala Land's planned estates, including Makati's CBD and newer estates like Circuit Makati and Arca South, are designed to grow in value as the area matures. Growth is never guaranteed, so buy something you'd be happy to hold for years.

Ayala Land options in both areas

On this site you'll find projects in and around both cities, including:

Makati: Astela by Alveo in Circuit Makati, and Avida Towers Makati Southpoint, a ready-for-occupancy option in South Makati.
BGC and Taguig: Park East Place by Alveo in Bonifacio Global City, and Gardencourt Residences by Ayala Land Premier in Arca South, Taguig.

See all featured projects →

Questions to ask before you choose

Will I live in it, rent it out, or both?
What monthly amount can I comfortably commit to, allowing for exchange-rate swings?
Do I need a ready-for-occupancy unit, or can I wait for a pre-selling one to finish?
Who will manage the unit and tenants while I'm abroad?
What are the association dues and other recurring costs?

New to buying from overseas? Read my step-by-step guide to buying Ayala Land property from abroad.

Not sure which is right for you?

Tell me your budget, timeline and goals, and I'll send you a shortlist of Makati and BGC options with the latest prices and payment terms.

Get my shortlist

This article is general information to help you compare locations, not investment, legal or tax advice. Prices, availability, rental demand and returns vary by project and over time and are not guaranteed. Please confirm current details for any specific property before deciding.