Philippine Property Market: Rate Hike Pressures Buyers as Industry Honors Top Developers
BSP tightens further while Cebu Landmasters and Aboitiz lead this year's property awards
Written by PropVela Editorial TeamPublished 2 min read
This week's roundup covers a fresh interest rate hike from the central bank and a wave of recognition for the country's leading property developers, plus a preview of an upcoming industry convention.
Bangko Sentral raises key rate to 5% as inflation risks remain
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has hiked its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 5%, its third straight increase after hikes in April and June. Officials pointed to continuing threats from oil prices, a potential strong El Niño, and wage pressures as reasons for staying ahead of inflation, even as headline price growth has been cooling. The move lands at a tricky moment for real estate, since higher borrowing costs squeeze mortgage affordability just as the broader economy slows, with second-quarter GDP growth easing to 2.3% from 2.8% in the first quarter. According to Rappler, the central bank framed the hike as a preemptive step rather than a reaction to current inflation alone.
Summit of PHL real estate rises anew at 14th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards
Cebu Landmasters, Inc. took home the night's biggest prize, securing its second-ever Best Developer title and first since 2019. The ceremony honored sixteen companies across 46 categories spanning residential, commercial, hospitality, industrial, and mixed-use projects, along with design, sustainability, and social impact initiatives. Aboitiz Economic Estates also stood out, claiming Best Developer for Luzon and extending its run as Best Industrial Developer to six straight years. According to BusinessWorld Online, the awards underscored the breadth of talent across the country's property sector.
From industrial strength to broader development recognition
Aboitiz Economic Estates and Aboitiz Land expanded their trophy case at this year's PropertyGuru awards, adding Best Developer (Luzon) to a sixth consecutive Best Industrial Developer win and a Best Sustainable Commercial Developer honor. Related projects TARI Estate, Biz Hub at LIMA Estate, and The Villages at LIMA Estate also picked up category awards. In total, the Aboitiz group celebrated six wins spanning overall performance, industrial, sustainability, mixed-use, and residential development. According to BusinessWorld Online, the sweep reflects the group's continued push beyond its industrial roots into more diversified real estate segments.
SHDA's 34th National Developers Convention to chart next steps for Philippine housing
The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association will gather housing developers, regulators, and financial institutions for its 34th National Developers Convention on September 16 and 17, 2026, at Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The two-day event aims to spark dialogue on policy shifts, market trends, and emerging approaches to housing and community development nationwide. According to the Philippine Canadian Inquirer, the convention will serve as a key platform for shaping the industry's direction in the months ahead.