Purchasing memorial lots is assumed to be common knowledge because death is dealt with just as much as living, but this has been proven incorrect. It’s better to be prepared for the unexpected.
Various changes in dated traditions and beliefs have already been witnessed in our current society to fit in with the current narratives, but it is still clear that the belief that our deceased loved ones should be properly laid to rest in memorial parks or cemeteries to give them honor is a reality that many still subscribe to.
While some find it morbid or even shocking, many people have accepted that their lives will eventually end in a truth that can be deeply emotional, but one that must also be prepared for. As a result, there is already a steady increase in those who settle for a simple lifestyle, such as Japanese minimalism and Swedish death cleaning, investigate memorial plans, and invest in their own memorial lots.
Because it is similar in principle to buying land properties, the acquisition process can be time-consuming and demanding, especially if it is not planned in advance. Whether it is an investment for the inevitable future or for immediate use, keeping some key information in mind can make the process a little easier.
Philippine Memorial Parks and Cemeteries Policy Landscape
These designated areas, which can be found in various parts of the cities, have grown in capacity and total over the years to meet the increasing demand for memorial lots.
Despite this, it is stated in the general provision for Section 9. Design Standards and Guidelines in the amended Rules and Regulations for Memorial Parks/Cemeteries promulgated by the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) that “cemeteries or memorial parks shall be located at the periphery of the town center or in areas sparsely populated and where little hazard to human life or health could result.”
It is not as simple as putting up sites in available areas, however, because another important policy provision states that “the number of cemeteries/memorial parks to be allowed within each municipality/city shall be based on the needs or death rate in the municipality as well as future catchment areas.” Assessments for plans and allocations are strictly enforced.
The provisions and limits of arable land in general, as well as the growing demand for living spaces, have put a premium on memorial lots. Burial plot sizes for both ground and above-ground interment must be determined, and these must strictly adhere to HLURB guidelines. This type of real estate has progressed beyond being a necessary evil. It has become a viable real estate investment for some.
Purchasing a Memorial Lot: Price Range and Additional Expenses
Purchasing a memorial lot in the Philippines is similar to purchasing any other type of real estate, though there are some notable differences due to the nature of what memorial lots are used for and where they are located.
For starters, memorial lots do not have a land title; instead, they have lot titles that indicate where the lot is located as well as its dimensions. In the case of memorial parks, this is also documented by the developer or property manager, and in the case of public cemeteries, by the local government.
Because the size and location of memorial lots vary according to HLURB rules and regulations, so do their prices. According to one of the well-known private developers’ published rates for 2018, the base price for lawn lots is PhP300,000, while garden and estate lots can already cost millions – PhP2,000,000.00 and PhP20,000,000.00, respectively.
The contract price list for the columbarium in this park is a little more affordable, starting at PhP165,000.00 and rising to PhP250,220.00 depending on the floor and area. When you think about it, these figures are already in line with the cost of current living quarters, so planning is essential.
However, with a large purchase comes a large number of additional costs. The amount stated previously is only the base price, and one must be aware that in this world, death and taxes are two things that are inevitable, to paraphrase a famous saying.
In the Philippines, these are top private memorial parks
The developers of these memorial parks have been in the industry for a while and have incorporated the latest trends and innovations to provide a range of services, whether for pre-need or at-need memorial needs. Rest in peace does not only refer to the deceased.
Golden Haven
Golden Haven Memorial Park is a subsidiary company of publicly listed Villar-owned Golden MV Holdings Inc. Currently positioned as one of the largest real estate companies in the country. Golden Haven offers premium death care services and prime memorial lots. It is dubbed as the most lucrative real estate investment wit an average of 20% annual value appreciation. In addition to parks, Golden Haven has a columbarium, memorial chapel, and crematorium.
Memorial parks are located in Batangas, Bulacan, Bukidnon, Camarines Sur, Zamboanga City, Naga City, Liliw Laguna, Santiago City, Iloilo City, General Santos City, Bacolod City, Antipolo Rizal, Angeles Pampanga, Amadeo Cavite and Las Pinas.
Golden Haven has made it simple for immigrants and residents from other nations to purchase memorial lots thus far. They only need two valid IDs to begin the process with online services available through their official website that fast-track transactions.
Memorial Park in Manila
According to their website, Manila Memorial Park is a pioneer in the Philippine memorial park industry and is said to be the largest in terms of number of parks and development – the combined land area of all their parks totals 427 hectares (242 fully developed while 185 undergoing full-scale development), continuing to believe that “memorial parks operate on the concept of beauty plus utility.” They brag about their peaceful parks with well-kept lawns and well-paved roads, which are “covered by the country’s largest park care fund.” Memorial parks are located in Paranaque, Novaliches, Dasmarinas, Bulacan, Cebu, and Davao.
Forest Lake
Although they appear to be newcomers to the industry, Forest Lake has been in operation for over 20 years, opening its first park in Zamboanga and its second park in Iloilo in 1997. They now have over 23 memorial parks and 1 chapel in Binan, Laguna, providing “efficiently designed and family-friendly memorial parks all over Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.”
Envisioned as the country’s neighborhood memorial park, Forest Lake has the most memorial parks in the Philippines accessible in over 25 locations,” solidifying its position as “one of the most trusted memorial care brands nationwide.”
Lucrative Avenue for Investing
Their unwavering desire to care for their families has contributed greatly to the country’s economic prosperity in the form of large dollar remittances for decades.
The Philippine government recommended these OFWs to preserve their hard-earned money or, better yet, invest it in their home provinces until they are able to return and retire.
Investing in properties that exhibit strong long-term value appreciation is the most stable and beneficial option. With lower bank rates as a result of the epidemic and the expected economic recovery, finance experts recommend starting with memorial lots, especially if they are from a reputable real estate developer like Golden Haven Memorial Parks.
OFWs may also benefit from a long-term maintenance plan, in which money are used to maintain the property and the park as a whole.
