Residential or housing products come in different styles and have varied attributes, including location, building layout, home atmosphere, etc. Similarly, housing units with better dwelling features encourage and intensify housing buyers to buy properties because these features will be the basis of choices of preferences for housing consumers when choosing, selecting, or purchasing a residential property ( Rahadi et al., 2015 ). Hence, the supply of housing in the market should be diverse enough to provide or meet the different preferences and needs of the house buyers and accommodate households with varying levels of income ( Flambard, 2017 ).

Regarding Filipinos who worked abroad, one preference for residential property is the geographical location. Hei and Dastane (2017) pointed out that location is an essential part of a property for home seekers when buying a housing unit. When the housing structure is near “social amenities,” consumers’ willingness to purchase the property improves. Chia et al. (2016) and Mohd Thas Thaker and Sakaran (2016) added that the site of the house is somewhat connected to the accessibility of amenities. Also, the location has been acknowledged as the value or worth of a residential property ( Coffee et al., 2013 ; Abidoye & Chan, 2016 ; De & Vupru, 2017 ).

It showed that nearness to the school is the most influential locational factor. Residential location choice refers not only to accessibility but also to the kind of neighborhood and dwelling attributes, including household features. These attributes, such as accessibility, city quality, and social locality features, will pass a thorough evaluation on the part of the consumer to decide ( Popoola et al., 2016 ), with proper family consultation as well. Furthermore, residential property location is an attribute that encompasses not just the degree of utility of accessibility to the center of commercial business but also to social and economic facilities ( Abidoye & Chan, 2016 ). Also, population density has an impact on choosing a location.

In addition, access to quality healthcare services can determine many’s choices of where to live. Hence, a residential location near or with easy access to the hospital can improve the community’s welfare ( de Freitas et al., 2024 ). Similarly, a house near a workplace is convenient because it eliminates the need for lengthy bus rides and makes it simple to walk to work ( Rothwell, 2023 ). Also, Skora et al. (2024) stress that those living far away take longer to commute and go to work daily and are more likely to have a higher possibility of moving to a place or migrating.

However, if migration would incur higher costs, preferably commuting every week would be an option. Lastly, a dwelling near a central business district is another significant residential factor that enormously affects land price value ( Pareek & Kumar, 2024 ). Also, according to Jie et al. (2023) , the central business district area is where different types of service groups are visible, including a well-developed transportation system that draws people.

Property price is another preference among OFWs when seeking or looking for residential property, and it is regarded as the second factor in buying a house. In the studies of Dziauddin et al. (2015) and Dziauddin and Idris (2017) , it has been revealed that the worth or value of a residential property is based mainly on its physical design qualities and slightly on the closeness to locational characteristics. Also, Glumac and Wissink (2018) pointed out that property age significantly influences house prices. Peng & Chen (2016) added that the cash outlay invested for the alterations and additions to the house would cause a change in the house price. It has been highlighted that the upsurge in house prices is partly accredited to the developments made to the house.

However, real estate products are unique ( Rahadi et al., 2015 ), and because of their exceptional qualities, it is hard to place a specific price label for the product. The price of real estate products largely depends on the real estate developer’s previous knowledge and experience. Also, Kavarnou and Nanda (2014) state that house prices in neighborhoods with more attractive features are higher than in neighborhoods with less remarkable attributes. In many cases, the price is equivalent to its market value. Joshua Adegoke (2014) described market value as the amount of money the buyer agrees to pay the seller in exchange for a property. However, Mohd Thas Thaker and Sakaran (2016) explain that residential property prices, akin to any other goods and services available in the market, are also affected by the rule of demand and supply.

Lastly, in the real estate market, the initial price information of a property serves as the price anchor for prospective homebuyers. Many others consider the anchor price to be the previous purchase price. At some point, buyers and sellers think about the property’s value. Hence, someone authorized to estimate the price or worth of the property will establish an anchor at that cost. The initial or asking price is also used to evaluate the property value ( Singh et al., 2023 ). However, according to Han and Feng (2024) , when land prices increase, the cost of building homes will increase as well, which leads to a reduction of housing supply in the market and cannot meet potential demand. Safaralizadeh et al. (2024) added that housing supply and demand are two factors that significantly affect housing price variations or fluctuations.

Another factor that is being considered by OFWs when choosing or buying a residential property is the environment where the residential property is located. Homebuyers look for an improved place where they can happily and safely live together with their family. Hence, a better residential neighborhood or environment is highly preferred. A good neighborhood is described as a place where people can interact with one another and act as part of society. However, whether the residential environment is good or bad depends on a person’s perspective ( Demir, 2016 ). Whatever the case, the effects of residential neighborhood features on the resident’s quality of life have always been relevant to homeowners because this could affect the well-being of the people ( Moore et al., 2013 ). A neighborhood is an area outside the house where the residents or occupants can travel on foot or stride for about 10 to 15 minutes ( Adams et al., 2013 ).

Due to the worldwide development of industries where agricultural lands are transformed into industrial zones, many people have moved from rural to urban areas, causing significantly high demands for housing or dwelling in urban places. Real estate developers introduced several housing projects in suburban areas to address this internal or domestic migration ( Kurvinen & Vihola, 2016 ), and the population has grown where people use cars and public transportation ( Kim et al., 2023 ). Nevertheless, these suburban areas have served the need of the homebuyers to be closer to their workplaces. Also, one popular characteristic of an excellent residential environment is a walkable neighborhood. In an earlier study conducted by Nakamura et al. (2018) , they pointed out an immediate connection between the advantages of the walkable neighborhood and those of “mixed-use” improvement. This idea is supported by Demir (2016) , stating that residents prefer a residential neighborhood where the distance to the workplace and other essential services and facilities is pretty close.

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) also see the floor size or area of the dwelling as vital when looking for a perfect home. Floor size refers to the total area size of a constructed floor measured in square meters ( Lee, 2016 ; Dziauddin & Idris, 2017 ). Meanwhile, the site area, also in square meters, refers to the whole size of the lot where the house is built ( Peng & Chen, 2016 ). Housing buyers consider the house space significant, especially among large households. A skilfully planned home can maximize the area and leave more open spaces for possible expansion, while a house that is not skilfully planned can be too costly in terms of constant renovations and improvements ( Downtown, 2013 ).

In the words of Mastroeni (2022) , accentuated that people seek and anticipate a house that seems to be precisely made or constructed for their family because buying a residential property that is not convenient for the household would create an uncomfortable living in the long run. Also, if the house is limited in space for the family, the buyer will tend to expand to suit their needs. However, for many years, due to internal migration, residential dwellings have become smaller ( Lee, 2016 ). This could be attributed to the increase in the price of building houses. Families with smaller households and those without children trade a home with smaller spaces close to the workplace and a good environment ( Grennan, 2017 ).

Another popular attribute many OFWs consider for residential property is the building type. People’s choice of real estate products differs depending on their inclinations or dispositions ( Katyal & Dawra, 2016 ) because these products have distinctive characteristics ( Rahadi et al., 2015 ). Moreover, a study in Malaysia by Wang et al. (2018) classified the housing units into two types; the “horizontal” or landed residential property, which includes bungalows and houses with terraces; and the “vertical” or rise residential property which includes flats, apartments, and condominiums. These housing units have different neighborhoods that are not the same and provide the needs of every household depending on their needs and preferences.

However, choosing what type of residential property is influenced by price. There is a disagreement between the housing cost and the homebuyers’ disposable earnings ( Friedman, 2013 ). In the works of Swasto (2018) expressed that “vertical or multi-story” residential units are better options for small households than bungalow houses as this lessens the expenses of preserving the building and provides different opportunities and experiences of living in the cities. In an article published in a newspaper by Thomarat (2013) , he pointed out that single-detached housing units built on more extensive land may go well with specific groups of the population but not for those households with fewer disposal earnings like the undergraduates and retirees who are dependent only of their pensions.

Similarly, as mentioned above, a condominium is one of the vertical housing structures. Another newspaper published an article ( “Buying a Condominium”, 2013 ), which pointed out that living in a condominium has been considered the best alternative for individuals who live in a metropolis because this type of housing is comparatively free from responsibility. These dwellings have pleasant lifestyles as building facilities are walkable, lessening the time spent going to the workplace, malls, and other points of interest.

In addition, Anderson (2016) mentioned that “condos and townhouses” are considered to be worth more than they cost and hence have value for money. In an article in another newspaper by Doughty (2019) , she described a townhouse as a house in a town that could be semi-detached or terraced. In recent years, apart from condos, townhouses have been a popular property among millennials, young professionals, and married couples because of their affordability and practical use ( Daily Herald, 2018 ). On the other hand, Hohenadel (2024) defined a rowhouse/s as a low-rise building constructed nearly the same and arranged side by side where the roofs meet the exterior wall and are called terraced houses in the United Kingdom, Australia, and other parts of the world.

The five attributes of residential property included in the study, namely, location, price, environment, size or area, and type, are among the most important features or factors preferred by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in choosing or selecting a residential property. However, there are other essential factors that OFWs may ponder depending on household needs before choosing a residential property according to their preferences. Therefore, this study could still be enhanced and developed. Nonetheless, the five attributes used and determined in this study still need to be tested in the chosen framework that can present analysis and contributions to the book of knowledge.

The study’s primary purpose is to determine the preferences of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) towards residential property. Specifically, the study intends to achieve the following objectives: 1) to determine the relative importance and utility value of the following attributes in determining the preferences of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) for a residential property in terms of location, price, environment, size or area and type; 2) to ascertain the individual and aggregate models for residential property preferences among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs); 3) to assess the most and least preferred attribute combinations of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) for a residential property. Essentially, the study will test the assumption, stating that the five attributes, namely location, price, environment, size or area, and type, are not important in determining the OFWs preferences for a residential property in Qatar.

Preference studies such as this inquiry require theoretical underpinnings from which the study is anchored and supported. Relevant theories are employed to better understand and appreciate the contentions and contexts of the study. Essentially, the study is anchored on the Random Utility Theory. The theory explains that the probability of choosing a product is based on the perceived maximum utility of the choice as rationalized by the person being an informed decision-maker. The possibility of choosing the decision-maker’s perceived utility of the best alternative is greater than all other available alternatives ( Cascetta, 2009 ). Random utility theory is used in this study to model the preferences of Overseas Filipino Workers for a residential property.

Another relevant theory that supports this inquiry is the Choice Theory by William Glasser. The theory models human decision-making in the context of personal, internal control rather than external control. Internal control is highlighted, knowing that only the person can control their choices, actions, and judgments and that information can only be shared with others ( Peterson, 2000 ). In this study, the theory could help explain how and why OFWs make choices as they do relative to their effort to satisfy the five basic needs that are common to all humanity.

Figure 1 shows the conceptual framework of the study with the associated variables. The researcher considers the five attributes of residential property that OFWs prefer. It includes the location, which refers to where the property is positioned or placed in the best and good site ( Hei & Dastane, 2017 ); a price which refers to the current market price of the property enforced by the real estate industry ( Kok San, 2016 ); an environment which refers to the surrounding conditions of a place where people can live peacefully and free of noise, pollution, and traffic ( Chia et al., 2016 ); floor size or area which refers to the size of the house itself, usually measured in square meters ( Peng & Chen, 2016 ); and type which refers to the kind of residential buildings which could be either landed houses or horizontal houses ( Wang et al., 2018 ). The primary variable of the study is to identify the most preferred combination of residential property attributes in the context of OFWs based on utility value.

This study is specifically and equally relevant and beneficial to OFWs, not just those based in Qatar but also those working in other countries. This paper advocates for OFWs’ awareness of the importance of real estate properties, particularly residential ones. It enables them to make informed plans and decisions on acquiring such while working abroad and enjoying relatively high earnings. In the process, the study will help address the call for the achievement of UN-SDG number 1 (no poverty) and number 11 (sustainable cities and communities).

The preference for residential housing is influenced by the location of the property founded by the results of this study. As to the relative importance of the attributes, respondents indicated that the house’s location is the most significant attribute. At the same time, the size of the dwelling is the least important attribute of a residential property. As for the attribute levels of location, proximity to a school is the most preferred, while a house with a size or area of less than 100 square meters is the least preferred attribute level.

Hence, the researcher recommends that real estate housing developers consider the significance of the location in developing residential structures in their plans and programs. Housing developers may incorporate the location’s proximity to critical institutions like schools, hospitals, workplaces, and central business districts. Developers need to consider the elements of safety, convenience, and harmonious living for prospective homebuyers, regardless of the booming demand for housing.

Based on the study’s findings, the preference for a residential property validates the random utility theory (RUT) that the choice for a product, among other alternatives, depends on the perceived utility a person can enjoy over this product ( Cascetta, 2009 ). RUT posits that individuals select the option that maximizes their perceived utility, which is shaped by both observable attributes and unobservable factors. Similarly, the choices of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for residential property also point toward the choice theory by William Glasser ( Peterson, 2000 ), which states that the choice of a product behaves to satisfy the basic needs of the decision-maker. Naturally, individuals weigh trade-offs based on available options. OFWs prioritize fundamental attributes before secondary, reflecting a strategic approach to property selection.

However, the study has its limitations. The paper is focused on determining the preferences of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) for a residential property in Doha, State of Qatar. The researcher didn’t go to places other than Qatar’s capital city, Doha. OFWs seen in parks, corniches, and malls are the only respondents of this study. The researcher did not go house to house to conduct the survey. This research reflected Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) handling supervisory positions. Moreover, non-supervisory or rank and file and dependents of OFWs are not included or covered in the study. The researcher recommends further studies involving OFWs in Qatar or anywhere in the Middle East relative to this subject matter. To understand more profoundly how the identified attributes or variables regarding preference for residential property could lead to a more robust and established outcome.

Further, the data gathered for this research study were from 200 respondents. Although this meets the minimum required response for statistical analysis, a higher or more significant number of respondents could have impacted the study’s results. More responses are needed, a maximum of 1200 respondents, which yield more effective results for conjoint analysis.

The researchers wish to extend their sincerest gratitude to the Professional Schools, University of Mindanao for their untiring support and assistance to ensure the completion of this research paper.