Philippines capital markets set for gradual recovery through 2026

The Philippine capital markets are poised for a gradual recovery heading into 2026, buoyed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) dovish monetary stance, stable property values and investor-friendly reforms, according to the third-quarter Philippine Property Market Report by Leechiu Property Consultants.

Despite the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) underperforming its regional peers with an 18.2-percent year-to-date decline, the country’s market fundamentals remain sound, the property consultant said.

The BSP’s successive rate cuts, lowering policy rates to five percent in August, have eased borrowing costs and supported renewed investor appetite for income-generating assets such as real estate investment trusts (REITs), Leechiu said.

Among the top-performing REITs, AREIT Inc. (AREIT), RL Commercial REIT, Inc. (RCR) and DDMP REIT, Inc. (DDMPR) posted double-digit returns in the third quarter.

The performances, coupled with stable accommodation values in major business districts, have provided an anchor of stability amid volatile equity conditions.

“While the PSEi remains an underperformer among Asian indices, REITs shine as a strong defensive play in Q3,” said Leechiu Property Consultants investment sales manager Renzo De Guzman.

“The sector continues to offer an attractive risk premium, with dividend yields steadily outpacing bonds with lowering interest rates,” said De Guzman.

Leechiu Property Consultants also highlighted the enactment of the 99-Year Land Lease Law (Republic Act No. 12252) as a major policy breakthrough expected to attract long-term foreign investments, particularly in tourism, manufacturing and property development.

“This law provides the needed leniency and long-term security compared to regional peers, serving as the crucial catalyst to boost the property sector to the next level,” De Guzman said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine tourism sector continued its steady recovery in the third quarter of 2025, buoyed by rising domestic travel, new hotel developments and anticipated improving investor sentiment following the passage of the 99-year foreign lease law.

Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) said that while international arrivals remain below pre-pandemic peaks, domestic travel is surging toward historic highs.

Domestic tourists are projected to reach 58.7 million in 2025, rising further to 62.2 million in 2026.

This rising demand has spurred a wave of hotel development, with a total of 5,210 new keys to be added in 2025—over 4,300 of which are expected to open in the fourth quarter.

The newly approved 99-year lease law has created a strong foundation for long-term tourism investment, providing global investors with the security to pursue large-scale resort and mixed-use developments, it said.

“With the anticipated growth in domestic and long-haul tourism, along with increased hospitality FDIs driven by the newly-approved 99-year lease to foreign investors, the tourism sector is poised to strengthen its position as a key investment area and a vital pillar of the Philippine economy,” said Leechiu Property Consultants director of hotels, tourism and leisure Alfred Lay.

Source: Manila Standard

Exclusions from the absolute community of property and conjugal partnership of gains

Getting married, Congratulations! We explain the exclusions under the Absolute Community of Property and the Conjugal Partnership of Gains. Knowing these differences will help you make a decision in choosing the right property regime for you.

Under the Family Code of the Philippines, there are property regimes such as:

(1) Absolute Community of Property;

(2) Conjugal Partnership of Gains; and

(3) Complete Separation of Property.

Absolute Community Property (ACP) is the default property regime for couples married without marriage settlement (or a prenuptial agreement) on or after August 3, 1988, which is the date of effectivity of the Family Code. It includes all the properties owned by either spouse before the marriage and all the properties acquired during the marriage which are not otherwise excluded. (Article 91, Family Code) Properties falling under the ACP are owned by the spouses in common regardless of whose name appears on the title or who paid for it.

On the other hand, in the Conjugal Partnership of Gains (CPG) regime, each spouse retains ownership of the property they brought into the marriage, but the income or fruits from these properties and all assets acquired during the marriage are jointly owned. (Article 106, Ibid.) Essentially, the spouses share the gains or profits acquired during the marriage under the CPG regime. The CPG can only apply if the spouses agree to it in a marriage settlement or pre-nuptial agreement before marriage. (Article 105, Family Code)

Regarding the exclusions from the ACP and the CPG, these are stated in the Family Code of the Philippines, specifically under Articles 92 and 109 of the said law, respectively.

Under Article 92 of the Family Code of the Philippines, the following shall be excluded from the ACP:

(1) Property acquired during the marriage by gratuitous title by either spouse, and the fruits as well as the income thereof, if any, unless it is expressly provided by the donor, testator or grantor that they shall form part of the community property;

(2) Property for personal and exclusive use of either spouse. However, jewelry shall form part of the community property;

(3) Property acquired before the marriage by either spouse who has legitimate descendants by a former marriage, and the fruits as well as the income, if any, of such property.

On the other hand, the following shall be excluded from the CPG under Article 109 of the said law:

(1) That which is brought to the marriage as his or her own;

(2) That which each acquires during the marriage by gratuitous title;

(3) That which is acquired by right of redemption, by barter or by exchange with property belonging to only one of the spouses; and

(4) That which is purchased with exclusive money of the wife or of the husband.” We hope that we were able to answer your queries.

Source: Ziggurat Real Estate

Pay for Good Service or Complain About Bad Service

In the Philippines, buying or selling property is one of the biggest financial decisions anyone can make. It’s not just about money—it’s about security, stability, and peace of mind for you and your family. Yet, many people still take shortcuts by dealing with unlicensed or “colorum” real estate agents, thinking they’ll save a few pesos in commission.

What they don’t realize is that this shortcut often leads straight into problems far costlier than the professional fee of a licensed broker.

Licensed real estate brokers are regulated by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and are bound by a strict code of ethics. They undergo years of education, training, and board examinations to ensure that they can guide clients through the complex process of property transactions. From verifying land titles to ensuring fair market valuation, licensed brokers protect you from fraud, overpricing, and legal complications.

On the other hand, “colorums” often lack the training, accountability, and legal responsibility. They may promise cheaper deals, but at what cost? Many buyers who trusted unlicensed agents have ended up with fake titles, double-selling issues, or properties entangled in legal disputes. Sellers too, risk being underpaid or trapped in contracts that don’t serve their best interests.

The reality is simple: you either pay for good service upfront, or you end up paying more later while complaining about bad service. Just like hiring a licensed doctor when you’re sick or a licensed engineer to build your home, you should only trust a licensed real estate broker when it comes to buying or selling property.

Working with a licensed broker means you’re not just paying for paperwork—you’re paying for peace of mind, professional expertise, and the assurance that your hard-earned money is protected.

✅ Protect your investment. Work only with a licensed real estate broker.

You can verify if your broker is licensed by checking the official PRC database or asking to see their PRC ID and accreditation. Don’t gamble with your family’s future—deal only with professionals who are qualified, accountable, and legally recognized.

Source: Ziggurat Real Estate