Industrial and Commercial Recovery Gains Ground The Philippine property market entered the second half of 2026 with recovery strengthening across industrial, commercial and residential real estate. Industrial property remains the standout segment. First-half merchandise exports reached US$46.72 billion, the strongest performance since 1991, supported by electronics demand linked to the global AI supply chain. This momentum is feeding into a 1,200-hectare industrial land pipeline for 2026 to 2028, while industrial rents have increased 45% since 2019. New demand from EV and battery manufacturers is also supporting the sector. Metro Manila’s office vacancy remained stable at 19%, despite softer leasing volumes, while flexible workspace take-up doubled year-on-year. Retail vacancy is expected to fall below 10% by year-end, while around 3,100 new hotel rooms are scheduled for delivery in 2026.  Residential Buyers Still Hold the Advantage The residential market remains firmly buyer-favourable. Inflation eased to 6.2% in July, marking a third consecutive month of improvement, while the BSP was expected to maintain its policy rate at 4.75%. Developers continue to compete for buyers through extended payment terms, rent-to-own structures and effective discounts of 3% to 12%. At the same time, future condominium supply is tightening sharply. Annual completions are expected to average around 3,600 units through 2028, down 72% from the 2017 to 2019 average. Outlook The Philippines is entering a potentially important transition period. Improving inflation, the prospect of lower borrowing costs and a shrinking condominium pipeline could support stronger residential absorption into 2027. Meanwhile, industrial assets remain the strongest structural growth story, supported by exports, manufacturing and infrastructure demand. For investors, the second half of 2026 offers an opportunity to focus on quality industrial assets, flexible commercial space and competitively priced residential properties before financing conditions improve further. The contents of this article were contributed by Dara Ko-Saavedra, Head of IQI Philippines. Download to see insights from other country marketsDownload

Inflation Eases as Market Conditions Improve The Philippines property market entered the second half of 2026 with a gradually improving economic outlook. Inflation declined for a second consecutive month, falling from 7.2% in April to 6.4% in June. Lower fuel and transport costs supported the improvement, while monthly inflation recorded its first decline in a year at -0.3%. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas raised its policy rate to 4.75%, but inflation is expected to ease further through 2028. Economic growth is also forecast to strengthen from 2.8% in Q1 2026 to 4.4% for the full year, supporting future consumption, investment and property demand.  Industrial Property Offers the Strongest Prospects Metro Manila condominiums remain a buyer’s market, creating opportunities for buyers seeking discounted properties. New condominium completions are expected to average only 3,600 units annually from 2026 to 2028, significantly below the 13,000-unit annual average recorded between 2017 and 2019. This lower supply pipeline could gradually reduce excess inventory. Developer incentives, strong overseas Filipino worker remittances and projected national price appreciation of 25% to 35% by 2031 may support long-term residential demand. Metro Manila’s office vacancy rate improved to 19%, supported by limited new supply and demand beyond the business process outsourcing sector. Retail vacancy is also expected to fall below 10% as household spending recovers. Industrial property remains the strongest segment, led by Central Luzon and the Clark corridor. Rising rents, logistics improvements, e-commerce growth and demand for energy-resilient facilities continue to strengthen investment fundamentals. Outlook Industrial and Clark corridor assets offer the strongest risk-adjusted opportunities. Selected CBD offices, retail properties and discounted condominiums also present improving prospects. Investors should remain selective, prioritising quality assets, strong locations and longer holding periods while monitoring inflation, electricity costs and geopolitical risks. Juwai IQI Newsletter August 2026Download

Philippines Real Estate Shows Stronger Recovery Signals The Philippines property market is entering the second half of 2026 with improving momentum. The US-Iran ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz have helped stabilise global oil markets, leading to major fuel rollbacks in the Philippines. This is easing pressure on household budgets and business costs, while also supporting buyer confidence. At the same time, the proposed Japan-Philippines petroleum reserve partnership strengthens the country’s long-term energy security outlook. The residential market remains selective. Metro Manila condominiums are still a buyer’s market, with around 74,000 to 75,300 unsold units. However, developer discounts, rent-to-own schemes and longer payment terms are creating attractive entry opportunities. Supply is also expected to tighten, with only about 3,600 new condo units annually from 2026 to 2028, far below the previous peak average of 13,000 units. Regional markets such as Cavite, Laguna, Cebu, Iloilo and Davao remain stronger performers, with projected annual appreciation of 5% to 7%. Industrial and Commercial Segments Lead Growth Industrial and logistics remain the strongest investment theme. The New Clark City industrial hub is reinforcing the Clark-Pampanga corridor as a key manufacturing and logistics destination, while industrial rents have risen 45% since 2019. Commercial property is also improving. Office demand rose 70% year-on-year in Q1 2026, supported by BPO and IT-BPM expansion. Retail vacancy is expected to fall below 10% by end-2026, while hospitality is benefiting from flight surcharge cuts and route restoration.  Outlook The Philippines market is not without challenges, but its fundamentals remain strong. With 115 million people, record OFW remittances, infrastructure expansion and improving energy stability, H2 2026 could mark a clearer recovery phase. Industrial assets, Clark-linked logistics, regional residential corridors and prime income-generating assets are likely to remain the best-positioned opportunities. Download to see insights from other country marketsDownload