by Ernest Ian Jagorin 
One of the most frequently asked questions about condominiums is: “Do condominiums only last for 50 years?”
Well, the short answer is a resounding NO. A condo can last as long as it is safe and livable, and the majority of incorporators (owners) decide that it should function as intended.
In other words, as long as it is in good condition, there is no reason to condemn a condominium. This means your grandchildren can use it. The 50-year condo lifespan is a myth!
THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING
It is noteworthy that a few condominium developments have surpassed this 50-year mark and continue to be occupied and functional without significant issues. Remarkably, some units within these older condominiums remain actively traded in the real estate market, indicating their sustained desirability and value despite their age.
A developer’s reputation for quality, maintenance, and running a condominium project is essential when choosing a condo to invest in.
Here are some of the oldest condominiums in the Philippines still operating today:
1. Urdaneta Apartments (51 years old)
Urdaneta Apartments, built in 1973, is the oldest high-rise residential building in the Philippines. Located in Makati’s business district, it is part of the exclusive Urdaneta Village, known for its proximity to commercial hubs and upscale residential setting. The spacious, often furnished units feature amenities like wide windows, large kitchens, living/dining areas, and parking, making it popular with expatriates and affluent families seeking convenience and luxury.
2. Crown Tower (50 years old)
Built in the 1970s, this 23-story mixed-use condominium in Makati City still operates as a residential complex today. It offers amenities like a swimming pool, lounge, function rooms, 24/7 security with CCTV, sprinkler system, backup generator, and parking.
3. Legaspi Towers 300 (45 years old)
Legaspi Towers 300, originally named “Legaspi Towers on the Boulevard,” is a 22-story commercial and condominium tower located in Malate, Manila. It was built in the late 1970s and designed as part of an “urban landmark triad” with the National Theater of CCP and the Central Bank, and was the first condominium to have three glass elevators with views of Manila Bay.
4. The Alexandra (34 years old)
The Alexandra is a prominent residential condominium in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. It features 11 mid-rise towers across a 5-hectare gated community, catering to families and professionals. Amenities include a fitness gym, Olympic-sized pool, tennis courts, and 24/7 security. Located along Meralco Avenue, it is near key commercial establishments. Completed in the early 1990s, The Alexandra is one of the more established residential complexes in Ortigas.
5. One Roxas Triangle (25 years old)
This high-end Makati condominium, built in the late 1990s, is a prestigious residential address known for its luxury amenities and prime location. One Roxas Triangle, a luxury Rockwell Land development, offers upscale living with top-notch amenities and services for high-end clientele seeking a premium experience in Makati.
These condominium towers show no signs of slowing down or even a hint that they will stop operations. In fact, the condo units are still appreciating in real estate value.
It should be noted that a unit should be acquired as a freehold property (as opposed to leasehold) for an individual to have perpetual ownership. Megaworld Iloilo Business Park residential units are examples of freehold properties, where investors own the property and the land it’s built on for as long as they desire.
