PERIMETER LOT?

SURVEY: Are the Two Red-Colored Lots Considered “Perimeter Lots”?

In the Philippine real estate context, a perimeter lot usually refers to a property situated along the outer boundary of a subdivision. These lots often share a boundary with a street, wall, alley, or an external space not part of the internal road network.

It’s generally a simple classification—if a lot is along the edge, it’s a perimeter lot. But the site plan above presents a subtle twist.

The two lots marked in red only touch the subdivision’s perimeter at a corner—just a sliver of contact with the outer boundary. This creates a gray area: are they truly perimeter lots, or should that title be reserved for those that run along a full side or edge?

In situations like this, it’s not just about geometry—it’s about interpretation. A technical planner might say “yes,” based on literal contact with the perimeter. A developer might say “no,” if the lot doesn't enjoy the visibility, privacy, or setbacks typically associated with true perimeter lots.

So, are they perimeter lots?

Answer 1: Yes, they're perimeter lots.

Answer 2: No, they're not perimeter lots.

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Survey says: 83% believe the red-colored lots in Case 1 are perimeter lots.

Why does this even matter?

In real estate, some lots come with a certain stigma—perimeter lots, tumbok lots (those at the end of a T-junction), or lots near a fault line. These properties tend to attract fewer buyers, linger in inventory, and are often the last to sell during a developer’s launch. To move them, developers typically offer discounts—sometimes 10% below the price of regular lots.

But here’s where it gets interesting: I didn’t see the red-colored lots as true perimeter lots at all. Why? Because the stigma tied to perimeter lots is mostly about security. We’ve all heard stories of homes in even the most exclusive villages—yes, those with supposedly top-tier security—being breached simply because they back directly onto major roads like EDSA.

In this case, though, the lots only touch the perimeter at a tiny corner. A would-be intruder would still need to pass through two other properties before even reaching your home. That’s a far cry from living right up against a perimeter wall. Personally? I wouldn’t mind choosing these lots myself.

But from an investment standpoint, perception is everything.

In real estate, what people think often outweighs what’s technically true. If the market sees these lots as perimeter lots—even if a developer classifies them as “non-perimeter”—they’ll be priced and discounted accordingly. In fact, the red lots in Case 1 were sold at a 27% discount from market prices.

Here’s another example (see Case 2). The lots in red might technically be “non-perimeter” because there’s a road separating them from the village boundary (a smart move by the developer, in my opinion). But even the slightest hint that a lot borders the edge is often enough to plant doubt in a buyer’s mind—and trigger a discount.

So, if you want to avoid that perception risk? It’s usually best to steer clear of these borderline cases—at least from an investment perspective.