Best Studio Units in Makati

Studio units are the most affordable entry point into Makati real estate, and they offer some of the best gross yields in the market. Because studio units are priced lower than 1BR and 2BR units, but rental rates are not proportionally lower, the rent-to-price ratio is often more favorable for studios.

However, studio units in Makati attract a more transient tenant base than larger units — young professionals, short-term expat assignees, and budget-conscious corporate employees. This means higher turnover, higher vacancy risk, and higher management intensity than 1BR or 2BR units.

This guide ranks the best Makati studio units for investors who want to maximize yield while managing the inherent risks of the studio market.

Studio Score: 95/100 Size: 32-42 sqm Price Range: ₱8.5M – ₱12.5M Price/sqm: ₱255,000 – ₱295,000 Achievable Rent: ₱58,000 – ₱78,000/month Gross Yield: 6.7% – 7.3%

One Ayala studios are the most coveted studio units in Makati. Their MRT integration, Ayala brand premium, and central Makati location create captive demand from young executives who want a Makati address at the most affordable price point.

Why It Ranks #1: • MRT integration — the most valuable location feature in Makati • Ayala brand premium attracts quality tenants willing to pay above-market rents • Near-zero vacancy (1.4% building-wide) • Strong secondary market liquidity • Metro Manila Subway station planned within 400m

Ideal Tenant Profile: Young multinational executives (25-35 years old) on corporate housing allowances of ₱58,000-78,000/month

Studio Score: 91/100 Size: 35-45 sqm Price Range: ₱9M – ₱13M Price/sqm: ₱255,000 – ₱290,000 Achievable Rent: ₱60,000 – ₱80,000/month Gross Yield: 6.5% – 7.2%

The Residences at Greenbelt studios offer a unique lifestyle premium — direct access to Greenbelt 5's luxury retail and dining strip. This lifestyle convenience commands rents 15-20% above comparable Makati studios.

Why It Ranks #2: • Greenbelt lifestyle premium attracts quality tenants willing to pay above-market rents • Direct connection to Greenbelt 5 luxury retail and dining • Ayala brand premium at a competitive price point • Strong demand from lifestyle-focused young professionals

Ideal Tenant Profile: Young lifestyle-focused professionals (25-38 years old) on personal budgets of ₱60,000-80,000/month

Studio Score: 88/100 Size: 30-40 sqm Price Range: ₱7.5M – ₱11M Price/sqm: ₱240,000 – ₱275,000 Achievable Rent: ₱55,000 – ₱72,000/month Gross Yield: 7.0% – 7.6%

Shang Salcedo Place studios are particularly popular with Chinese and Taiwanese corporate expats who want a Makati address at the most affordable price point. The building's reputation for exceptional build quality and management creates a unique demand advantage.

Why It Ranks #3: • Highest gross yield among premium Makati studios (7.0-7.6%) • Unique Chinese and Taiwanese tenant demand advantage • Shang Properties' quality standards at a competitive price point • Prime Salcedo Village location

Ideal Tenant Profile: Chinese and Taiwanese corporate expats (25-40 years old) on corporate housing allowances of ₱55,000-72,000/month

Studio Score: 84/100 Size: 22-30 sqm Price Range: ₱4.5M – ₱7M Price/sqm: ₱140,000 – ₱175,000 Achievable Rent: ₱30,000 – ₱44,000/month Gross Yield: 7.5% – 8.5%

Avida Towers Makati studios offer the best gross yield of any genuine Makati studio, driven by the lower entry price relative to achievable rents. The Ayala brand premium attracts quality tenants even at the affordable price point.

Why It Ranks #4: • Best gross yield of any genuine Makati studio (7.5-8.5%) • Ayala brand premium at the most affordable Makati price point • Genuine Makati address • Strong demand from young local professionals and budget-conscious expats

Ideal Tenant Profile: Young local professionals and budget-conscious expats (22-32 years old) on personal budgets of ₱30,000-44,000/month

1. Furnish to a Premium Standard: Makati studio tenants expect modern, minimalist luxury. A quality fit-out (₱250,000-550,000) will reduce vacancy from 5-10% to 1-3% and allow you to charge 15-25% above-market rents.

2. Price Competitively: Makati studios are a competitive market. Price your unit at or slightly below market to minimize vacancy.

3. Target Corporate Tenants: Corporate housing allowances are the most reliable source of studio rental income in Makati. Market your unit to HR departments of multinational companies in Makati.

4. Use a Professional Property Manager: Studio units have higher turnover than larger units. A professional property manager (5-8% of gross rent) will handle tenant sourcing, screening, and management.

5. Prioritize MRT Proximity: In Makati's traffic environment, MRT access is the single most important value driver for studio units. Studios within 5 minutes' walk of an MRT station lease 2-3x faster than comparable studios without MRT access.

Q: Are studio units good investments in Makati? A: Yes, if you choose the right building and manage the unit professionally. Studio units offer higher gross yields than larger units but require more active management.

Q: What is the minimum budget for a Makati studio? A: Avida Towers Makati studios start at approximately ₱4.5M. Premium building studios (One Ayala, The Residences at Greenbelt) start at approximately ₱8.5-9M.

Q: How long does it take to find a tenant for a Makati studio? A: Well-priced, well-furnished studios in premium Makati buildings typically lease within 10-18 days. Overpriced or poorly furnished studios can sit vacant for 60+ days.

Q: What is the best size for a Makati studio? A: Studios of 30-42 sqm offer the best balance of affordability and livability. Units below 26 sqm can feel cramped and may deter quality tenants.

Q: Do Makati studios appreciate as fast as larger units? A: Yes, Makati studios appreciate at approximately the same rate as larger units (7-11% annually) because the price per sqm is similar across unit types in the same building.