The Philippine Star

The state of PH real estate: Stronger, better

- Romolo V. Nati

Through the years, the Philippine real estate landscape has evolved, adapted, and thrived despite challenges, making it a resilient and dynamic sector in the country’s economy.

I have only been in the country for 15 years, but I witnessed how resilient the industry has been as it thrived while it faced several challenges, including the most recent COVID-19 global health crisis which crippled many economies around the world.

The real estate market also suffered in the 1980s due to the instabilit­y caused by various economic and political issues of the time. In 1997, the country was not spared by the Asian financial crisis, the effects of which were felt several years later. The Philippine­s’ resiliency prevailed.

With the pandemic behind us now, the country, according to various economic analysts, is steadily marching on—and that includes the domestic property market.

In its latest analysis, global real estate services firm Colliers assessed that “the Philippine property market is on a path to recovery, supported by sustained macroecono­mic growth and sound economic policies. While rebound still varies across submarkets, the sector is poised for a faster pace of recovery beyond 2024.”

Truth be told, the real estate industry has certainly been a vital driver of the Philippine economy. Global data and business intelligen­ce platform

Statistica disclosed that in 2022 alone, it generated a gross value added (GVA) of approximat­ely P536 billion.

One of the key factors identified was the growing middle-class population and sustained remittance­s from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). This has bolstered the Filipinos’ purchasing and investing power in real estate properties, including the increasing demand for both residentia­l and commercial properties.

Indeed, who would not want a piece of property, especially if it will be an abode for you and your loved ones? One of the recent surveys by the Social Weather Station (SWS) showed that owning a home is foremost in the “wish list” of Pinoys.

Owning a home has been made accessible both by the private sector and the government (with the Marcos administra­tion targeting 6 million affordable units for the working class within his term) in recent years.

Private banks have crafted schemes such as lower interest rates and longer amortizati­on periods while government­owned agencies such as Pag-ibig and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) now offer various housing-related loans and programs for its members.

On the other hand, private developers, such as Italpinas Developmen­t Corporatio­n (IDC), have properties that cater to its clients in various economic brackets. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer looking for an affordable condominiu­m or a high-networth individual seeking a luxurious living space, there is a diverse portfolio of real estate options readily available. All you have to do is do a little research and explore.

So, for those of you who are planning to invest in real estate, now is a good time to finally make your dream come true. There are several reasons to make this year an optimal time for investment in the real estate industry due to the following: optimistic projection­s for the Philippine­s, a thriving economic landscape, and the convergenc­e of positive economic indicators, government support, foreign investment­s, and major developmen­t projects that set the stage for a real estate boom in the Philippine­s.

Remember, buying real estate is a significan­t decision—take your time, seek advice, and make an informed choice that aligns with your long-term goals.

After all, home is where your story begins. A well-chosen piece of real estate becomes the prologue to a lifetime of memories, and a sanctuary where chapters unfold.

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 ?? ?? Rendered photo of Miramonti Green Residences. IDC’s project in Batangas Sto Tomas.
Rendered photo of Miramonti Green Residences. IDC’s project in Batangas Sto Tomas.

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