At the 13th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards launch, held during the Asia Pacific Real Estate Conference (Asia Connect Manila), the country’s top developers gathered not only to celebrate real estate excellence but also to explore the evolving role of Philippine property on the regional stage.
In an exclusive conversation with Property Report, Jules Kay, General Manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, offers a regional perspective on resilience, innovation, and what makes this year’s Awards especially significant for Filipino developers.
Jules Kay, General Manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events
A region on the rise
“Southeast Asia’s property markets—especially the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia—continue to show remarkable resilience,” Kay begins. “Urbanisation is key. Cities are growing, infrastructure is expanding, and new opportunities are emerging beyond traditional centers.”
He points to infrastructure projects like Vietnam’s industrial parks, Indonesia’s capital relocation, and Thailand’s tourism resurgence. “These combined factors are helping to drive sustained growth across the region, making it one of the most resilient in the world.”
Why the Philippines stands out
Kay believes the Philippines is one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the region. “The Philippine property market continues to thrive and stand out in Southeast Asia due to its diversified offerings and the growing demand for sustainable, mixed-use developments.”
One unique driver, he notes, is the high volume of overseas remittances. “Perhaps more so than other countries in the region, the Philippines also receives a significant volume of remittances from its overseas workers. This, coupled with high domestic consumption, is expanding the middle class and fueling mid-market and premium developments.”
With the IT-BPM sector supporting office demand across urban centers, and infrastructure programs like Build Better More connecting previously overlooked regions, “developers are now building for communities, not just investors,” Kay says.
New preferences in a post-pandemic world
According to Kay, buyer behavior has shifted significantly in recent years. “There is a growing preference for integrated communities that offer a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces,” he says. “This reflects the post-pandemic need for convenience, connectivity, and wellness.”
He adds, “Many of the winners at the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards exemplify this trend, offering residents everything they need within a sustainable environment.”
This year, new categories such as Best Township Developer, Best Mega Township, and Best Community Developer acknowledge the growing prominence of these large-scale, lifestyle-focused developments.
Green and smart: The new benchmark
“Sustainability and smart technologies are no longer optional—they are expected,” Kay emphasizes. “Several award-winning developers are leading the way with green infrastructure that integrates renewable energy solutions like solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems.”
Developments are also gaining attention for energy management systems, EV-ready features, and smart security. “The best smart homes are those that provide residents with an extra level of protection, allowing them to secure their homes from anywhere,” he says. “Technological innovation also ties into sustainability, with smart thermostats and power monitoring systems empowering residents to reduce their carbon footprint.”
Why mixed-use and premium remain strong
Kay notes that despite the growth of e-commerce, Filipino consumers still value physical spaces. “Mixed-use developments, especially those with retail and F&B components, are thriving once again as foot traffic rebounds.”
Premium developments also remain in demand. “The Philippines is eyeing upper middle-income status by 2026, and its HNWI (high net-worth individual) population is growing. These buyers seek high-quality, exclusive living—now with sustainability and smart features as part of that luxury.”
Raising the bar: The 2025 awards
This year’s awards are the biggest yet, with 11 new categories reflecting emerging lifestyle needs—including Best Multigeneration Living, Best Oceanview Housing, and Best Renovated Development. “These additions reflect the evolving nature of the market and the growing demand for diverse real estate types,” Kay says.
Importantly, regional participation is expanding. “We are seeing broader entries from Visayas and Mindanao, which shows that real estate excellence is no longer confined to Metro Manila.”
Setting the global stage
As the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final celebrates its 20th year, Filipino developers are gaining visibility across the continent. “Over the years, the quality and innovation of Philippine entries have significantly improved,” Kay observes. “We’re seeing smarter, greener, more community-oriented designs—and developers are investing more in long-term master planning.”
His message to developers: “Embrace innovation and sustainability—not just as buzzwords, but as business principles. Understand market trends locally and globally. Deliver consistently, and build with purpose.”
“In doing so,” Kay adds, “Filipino developers won’t just win awards—they’ll set new benchmarks for the region.”
