Markets in Europe and the Middle East are viewing Philippine real estate as a viable investment, with the industry remains buoyant despite the global economic challenges.

Rex A. Mendoza, Ayala Land senior vice president and head of Corporate marketing and sales group, said: "With the US being a challenged market and having been burned out from bad investments, a deliberate shift was taken by Ayala Land which started exploring other markets."

Mendoza recently joined property road shows held in Vienna, Zurich, Geneva, Jeddah and Riyadh.

He said overseas Filipino workers regard Ayala Land residential products as assets that increase the value of their investments and, at the same time, respond to their dreams and lifestyle aspirations. "The company's reputation of delivering with exceptional customer satisfaction precedes it and Ayala Land's heritage has earned the trust of many Filipinos over the years" said Mendoza.

Ayala Land's brands-Ayala Land Premier, Alveo and Avida- have projects in strategic areas in Metro Manila and key cities around the country which can cater to their various needs.

These days, property value is also influenced by the way the properties and the communities address the clamor for environmental sustain-ability. "Our counterparts in Europe are now more exposed to 'green developments' and are turning out to be discerning buyers who look for properties that come close to what they have become accustomed to in Europe. They want to walk about freely and bike to nearby shops and parks. They seek lush greenery and want their activities to have as little harm on the environment" Mendoza said.

He noted that overseas Filipinos were delighted to hear about Ayala Land's forward-looking, eco-friendly and masterplanned developments, creating a future of sustainable living.

Mendoza's team also encountered foreign buyers who were attracted to investing in homes in the Philippines because of their good experience with the overseas workers. "Their pleasant encounters with Filipino friends and business associates who have great work ethics have been valuable reflections of the Philippines in general," Mendoza stated.