Property market may bottom out soon–Leechiu exec
The Philippine residential property market may be nearing the bottom of its downturn, although a sustained recovery will still depend largely on the broader economy and global developments, according to an executive at Leechiu Property Consultants.
In an interview with reporters, Leechiu Property Consultants director Roy Golez said there are encouraging signs that the residential segment is stabilizing after a prolonged slowdown, even as his company’s outlook for the second half of 2026 remains cautious.
“A lot of it depends on the economy. Our outlook for the next half of the year, it might be difficult,” Golez said.
Still, he noted that market fundamentals have become less worrying. Demand has flattened while supply has also remained subdued, preventing a significant buildup of inventory.
Although unsold residential units have edged up, Golez said the level is not alarming as it is comparable with last year’s figures. He added that market inventory now stands at about 2.8 years of supply, which he described as “not actually high anymore.”
“So for as long as the sales continue and cancellations do not escalate, we’re hoping it’s the bottom,” he said, noting that the property market is going through a normal cycle that is gradually correcting itself.
To stimulate sales, developers have also become more aggressive in offering longer payment terms and deeper discounts, including incentives for cash buyers—strategies that were uncommon in previous years.
Looking ahead, Golez expects developers to continue prioritizing ready-for-occupancy units while limiting new project launches. More flexible payment schemes should help keep residential demand stable through the remainder of the year, he said.
“I guess one word is stable,” he said when asked to describe the defining trend for the residential market in the second half.
Leechiu CEO David Leechiu, however, cautioned against declaring that the sector has already bottomed out, saying the outlook remains closely tied to both domestic economic conditions and geopolitical developments abroad.
“It all depends on the economy,” Leechiu said.
He said the Philippine economy has remained resilient while describing the impact of ongoing international conflicts as “manageable” rather than devastating.
