Built to last: How real estate shapes Filipino legacies
For Filipinos, real estate isn’t just about four walls and a roof—it’s the ultimate dream, the physical embodiment of “may forever.”
Beyond being a status symbol or a sanctuary, real estate has also evolved into a dynamic investment vehicle, unlocking pathways to financial empowerment and generational wealth. Whether you’re eyeing a condo in a central business district, a house surrounded by green havens, or a quiet farm in the provinces, the Philippine real estate market holds opportunities that resonate with both homebuyers and investors.
Let’s unbox how real estate is empowering Filipinos and why it pairs perfectly with the growing accessibility and affordability of capital market investments—thanks to game-changing platforms like FirstMetroSec.
The growing appetite for real estate
The Filipino dream of homeownership is alive and thriving, bolstered by a recovering economy and the increasing availability of options.
This year alone, Colliers Philippines reported a 14 percent increase in residential sales in Metro Manila during the first half of the year compared to the same period a year ago. This trend isn’t limited to the upscale enclaves of Makati or Taguig—the middle-income segment has also been leading the charge, driven by improving income, flexible financing schemes, low-interest rates, and government-backed housing programs.
Outside Metro Manila, key cities like Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo are becoming real estate hot spots, catering to end-users and investors. Developers are rolling out projects tailored to the growing demand for “livable cities” that offer a blend of work-life balance and investment opportunities.
This rising appetite underscores a shift in mindset: real estate is no longer an elite ambition but a democratized aspiration.
From the middle-class family saving up for a starter home to the young professional looking to invest in a condo, property ownership is becoming a cornerstone of Filipino financial empowerment.
Real estate: A wealth building engine
Owning property isn’t just about planting roots—it’s also now about growing your wealth.
Real estate has long been considered as one of the safest and most lucrative investments, and the Philippine market is no exception. With property values in Metro Manila appreciating at an annual rate of 6 percent to 8 percent, investing in real estate serves both as a time-tested wealth multiplier and a robust hedge against inflation.
Take this scenario: if you had purchased a mid-range condo unit in Ortigas in 2018, its value today would likely be 30 percent to 40 percent higher. Add to that the potential rental income, and you’ve got a cash-generating asset.
But let’s be real: not everyone has millions of pesos lying around for a down payment. This is where platforms like FirstMetroSec make a difference. Starting with just P1,000, Filipinos can dip their toes into the real estate pool through stocks, bonds, peso and dollar-denominated UITFs and mutual funds, ETF and of course, real estate investment trusts (REITs).
REITs allow investors to earn from rental income and property appreciation without the hefty price tag or the responsibility of property management.
In 2023, Philippine REITs posted average dividend yields of 6.3 percent, outpacing traditional savings accounts and even some fixed-income securities. For those still building their property-buying fund, REITs offer an excellent way to grow wealth while gaining exposure to the real estate market without having to shell out millions.
Real estate + capital markets – A match made in (financial) heaven
The road to homeownership doesn’t have to be paved solely with savings. By leveraging the capital markets, Filipinos can accelerate their journey to property ownership while optimizing their investment strategies outside REITs. Here’s how:
Investing in equities. Diversifying into stocks with a focus on sectors tied to real estate (e.g., construction, cement manufacturing, and property development) can yield significant returns. Over the past decade, the PSE Index delivered an average annual return of 8.1 percent, far outpacing traditional savings.
Mutual funds and unit investment trust funds (UITFs). Through FirstMetroSec’s FundsMart, even first-time investors can access professionally managed peso and foreign currency-denominated funds tailored to their risk appetite, financial goals and life stages. These funds provide a balanced way to grow wealth, making the dream of owning property more attainable.
Fixed income instruments. Stability is the name of the game with fixed income. Instruments like government and corporate bonds provide consistent returns while safeguarding your principal investment.
Fixed income securities from reputable issuers can serve as a reliable savings vehicle, delivering yields that outpace inflation. FirstMetroSec simplifies access to these instruments, allowing you to grow your money steadily without exposing it to excessive risk.
By blending these options, you can “double-dip”—growing your capital market investments while setting aside a portion for a property down payment. This dual approach ensures that you’re not just saving for a home but also earning along the way, making the path to homeownership both strategic and financially rewarding.
Whether it’s equities for growth, bonds and funds for stability, or REITs for property exposure, FirstMetroSec empowers Filipinos to build wealth with purpose and precision.
Why settle for one route when you can explore multiple avenues to turn your real estate dreams into a reality?
The ripple effect of real estate empowerment
The impact of real estate empowerment extends far beyond individual households—it transforms entire communities.
In 2023, the real estate sector contributed P1.3 trillion to the Philippine GDP, cementing its role as a key economic driver. Residential projects spur demand for jobs, infrastructure, and services, creating a multiplier effect that benefits millions of Filipinos.
For families, owning property provides security and stability. For investors, it’s a pathway to financial independence and intergenerational wealth creation. And for the nation, a thriving real estate market signals economic resilience and growth.
FirstMetroSec: Your partner in property and beyond
Success in real estate is about more than just buying property—it’s about strategy, timing, and the right tools.
FirstMetroSec has made investing easier and more accessible than ever, empowering Filipinos to take their first steps toward financial freedom. With a starting capital of P1,000, anyone can invest in REITs, mutual funds, and other instruments, paving the way to property ownership and financial growth.
You see, investing in real estate is no longer the exclusive domain of the wealthy. With the right tools, a sound strategy, a sprinkle of financial discipline and professional guidance, every Filipino can turn their property aspirations into tangible realities.
The Filipino dream isn’t just about owning land—it’s about standing tall on it, knowing you’ve built something that will last for generations.
So, start small, think big, and let your financial journey shape your future. And remember: with FirstMetroSec by your side, you’re not just buying property—you’re cementing your legacy, one investment at a time.
Email the author via andoybeltran@gmail.com
