Knightsbridge Residences: Is this Century City Condo Worth the Hype?

Knightsbridge Residences sits in the middle of Century City, a cluster of high-rise towers in Makati, and it is the second residential building to rise in that enclave. With 64 condos currently listed for sale and prices ranging from ₱3.2 million to ₱25 million, the range alone tells you this is not a one-size-fits-all building. That spread — from a relatively accessible entry point to a figure that rivals luxury addresses — raises an immediate question about what exactly you are getting at each price level.

For a buyer or renter, those numbers mean the building accommodates very different budgets and expectations. A ₱3.2-million unit is likely a studio or a compact one-bedroom, while the upper end points toward larger three-bedroom layouts. The rental spread — ₱17,999 to ₱70,000 per month — similarly suggests that some units are positioned as affordable mid-range options while others compete with the premium segment. That kind of internal variety is unusual for a single tower and worth examining closely before making a decision.

What Makes Knightsbridge Residences Different from Other Century City Towers

The building’s place in the Century City timeline matters. It was not the first tower — that distinction belongs to Century Diamond Tower — but it arrived early enough to benefit from the area’s growing infrastructure. The location at Salamat Street corner Kalayaan Avenue in Barangay Poblacion puts it at the edge of Makati’s central business district, which means office workers can walk to work, but it also sits near the nightlife and dining options of Poblacion. That dual character — professional by day, lively by night — is not something every Makati condo offers.

If you are comparing this to other projects in the area, the nearby options include Trump Tower Manila and other luxury addresses, but Knightsbridge sits at a noticeably different price point. That gap is worth understanding because it affects both your living experience and your investment outlook.

Location, Layouts, and What the Price Tag Actually Covers

The building offers four main unit types. Studios measure around 30 square meters, one-bedroom units around 55 square meters, two-bedroom units range from 59 to 63 square meters, and three-bedroom units go up to roughly 81 square meters. That is a meaningful spread. A 30-sqm studio works for a single professional who spends most of the day outside the unit, while an 81-sqm three-bedroom can accommodate a small family or a couple who wants separate home-office space.

The two-bedroom units are the most commonly listed for sale, with a starting price around ₱14.3 million. At that figure, you are paying for location and developer reputation more than for raw square footage. Century Properties is a known name in the mid-to-high-end segment, and the building’s amenities — swimming pool, gym, security, car park, elevator — are standard for a project in this bracket but not exceptional. What you are really buying is the address: Century City, Kalayaan Avenue, Makati.

One thing that often gets overlooked is the building’s position relative to other Century City towers. Spaces Century Diamond Tower is within 72 meters, Antel Spa and Serenity Suites within 183 meters, and A. Venue Residences within 187 meters. That proximity means you are not isolated — you have neighboring buildings with their own amenities and commercial spaces — but it also means views and noise levels vary significantly by floor and orientation. A unit facing Kalayaan Avenue will have a different experience from one facing the inner courtyard.

What Gets Missed in the Brochure: Noise, Age, and Unit Variability

Most marketing materials highlight the amenities and the address, but they rarely discuss the trade-offs that come with a building that has been standing for over a decade. Knightsbridge Residences is not a new project, and that matters for several reasons.

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Noise from Kalayaan Avenue and Poblacion

The building sits at the corner of Salamat Street and Kalayaan Avenue, which is a main thoroughfare. During peak hours, traffic noise is noticeable, especially on lower floors. On weekends, the Poblacion nightlife scene — bars, restaurants, and events — generates ambient sound that carries. Units on higher floors or facing away from the avenue fare better, but this is not a building where you can assume silence. If you are sensitive to noise, a high-floor unit on the inner side is worth the premium.

Building Age and Unit Condition Variability

Because the building has been occupied for years, unit conditions vary widely. Some original owners have maintained their units well; others have not. The ₱3.2-million entry price likely reflects a unit that needs renovation or is on a low floor with limited views. The ₱25-million top end probably represents a fully renovated three-bedroom on a high floor. Between those extremes, you need to inspect each unit individually — the building’s age means no two units are in the same condition.

Rental Yield Depends on Unit Type

The rental range of ₱17,999 to ₱70,000 per month suggests that studios and one-bedroom units rent more easily because they appeal to the largest tenant pool: single professionals working in Makati. Larger units, while commanding higher rent, take longer to lease because the pool of tenants looking for a three-bedroom in this specific building is smaller. If you are buying for investment, the rental strategy for a studio versus a three-bedroom unit is fundamentally different, and you should model both scenarios before committing.

What to Consider Before Buying or Renting at Knightsbridge Residences

If you are looking at this building, you likely fall into one of three categories: a first-time condo buyer in Makati, an investor seeking rental income, or a renter who wants the Century City address without the Trump Tower price tag. Each path requires a different approach.

For First-Time Buyers: Focus on Unit Condition and Association Dues

Before making an offer, request the building’s latest financial statements from the property management or the seller. Association dues in older buildings can rise significantly as major repairs — elevator replacements, facade work, plumbing upgrades — become necessary. Ask how much the monthly dues are for the specific unit you are considering and whether there are any pending special assessments. A low purchase price can be offset by high monthly carrying costs.

• 1
  Request the Building’s Financial Health Report

  Ask the seller or property manager for the latest annual financial statement and the amount in the reserve fund. This tells you whether major repairs are likely to trigger special assessments.

• 2
  Inspect the Unit Personally

  Do not rely on photos. Check for water stains on ceilings and walls, test all outlets and plumbing, and open and close every window and door. Older units may have hidden issues.

• 3
  Compare Per-Square-Meter Rates

  Divide the asking price by the unit’s floor area. Compare that figure with listings in nearby buildings like A. Venue Residences and Antel Spa to confirm you are not overpaying for the Century City name.

For Investors: Target Studios and One-Bedroom Units

The rental data shows 14 units currently listed for rent, with the lower end at ₱17,999 per month. Studios and one-bedroom units in this price range appeal to the largest tenant demographic in Makati: young professionals and expatriates on mid-level housing allowances. A studio bought at the lower end of the price range — around ₱3.2 million — could yield a gross rental return of roughly 6 to 7 percent annually if rented at ₱18,000 to ₱20,000 per month. That is a reasonable yield for Makati, but it depends on keeping the unit well-maintained and competitively priced against newer buildings nearby.

For Renters: Negotiate on Longer Lease Terms

If you are renting, the ₱17,999 to ₱70,000 range gives you room to negotiate, especially on units that have been listed for more than a month. Offer a 12-month lease with a slight discount on the asking price — many owners prefer guaranteed occupancy over a few thousand pesos more per month. Also, ask about parking. The building has a car park, but parking slots are often rented separately and can add ₱3,000 to ₱5,000 to your monthly cost.

An Emerging Angle: The Poblacion Transformation

Barangay Poblacion has been undergoing a gradual shift from a nightlife district to a more mixed-use area with co-working spaces, specialty coffee shops, and boutique hotels. This could increase the building’s appeal to a broader tenant base over the next few years. If the trend continues, demand for units in this part of Makati may rise, which would support both rental rates and resale values. It is not a guaranteed outcome, but it is a factor worth monitoring if you are buying for the long term.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Knightsbridge Residences occupies a specific niche in Makati’s condo market: it offers the Century City address at a lower entry price than the newer luxury towers, but it comes with the realities of an older building. The wide price range means there is likely a unit that fits your budget, but the variation in unit condition and the potential for noise mean you cannot buy sight unseen. If you do your due diligence — inspect the unit, check the building’s finances, and compare per-square-meter rates — this building can be a solid choice for both living and investment. If this was useful, you might also want to read our deep dive on whether One Shangri-La Place justifies its price tag.

Sources

One Serendra: Luxury Living or Overhyped Investment in BGC? — A comparison of another high-profile condo development that helps contextualize the value proposition at Knightsbridge Residences.

Knightsbridge Residences Condo Listings. Dot Property, 2024.

Knightsbridge Residences Project Details. PH Real Estate, 2024.

Knightsbridge Residences Official Page. Century Properties, 2024.