Real estate leaders bullish despite global headwinds

The Philippine real estate sector remains resilient amid global economic headwinds and domestic political transitions, with property leaders urging investors and developers to remain focused on long-term fundamentals rather than short-term sentiment.

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Speaking at the Asia Real Estate Summit (ARES) 2025 in Bangkok , Thailand, Alejandro S. Mañalac, Chairman and Co-Founder of Havitas Development Corp. and Operating Principal of Keller Williams Manila Bay, described the current landscape as a "golden age" for real estate, driven by robust demographics, infrastructure expansion, and shifting lifestyle preferences.

"Let's not let our emotions dictate our decisions," Mañalac said. "This is the right time and the right moment to invest in real estate."

The Philippines continues to defy concerns of market saturation, with oversupply fears mitigated by a strong and youthful population base.

Over 50 percent of the country's population falls within the 20 to 42 age bracket—a demographic segment Mañalac described as the "sexiest market" for real estate today.

"These are the prime buyers," he noted. "And they are not just buying homes—they are building lifestyles.

Residential demand remains strong, but attention is also turning to vacation rentals and tourism-related projects, buoyed by the country's growing appeal as a travel destination.