FLOOD CONTROL X RE

BROKER: A client is asking if real estate prices will go down anytime soon because of the current political unrest. Any thoughts?

JPRE: There could be some cracks at the very top of the market.

As high-profile names get dragged into hearings, they may offload properties. For instance, I’ve noticed more Dasmariñas Village listings coming up. With supply rising but demand relatively flat, buyers hold the stronger hand in negotiations—pushing prices downward at the margins.

As for the primary market, the effect might be more pronounced. We're still monitoring developer sales.

But beyond that narrow ultra-luxury segment and pre-selling market, I don’t expect fire sales. Most property owners will continue to “ride out” current events and wait for the right buyer. Unless there’s a genuine liquidity squeeze—an urgent need for cash—they’d rather hold than sell at a loss.

Think of it this way: you bought a Nuvali lot at Php 35,000/sqm. You’re aiming to sell at Php 45,000/sqm—a modest 14% net gain after costs. Buyers, however, are offering Php 25,000–Php 30,000/sqm. Would you really take that hit just because of the flood-control hearings?

In short, there may be turbulence at the high end, but the broader market fundamentals remain unchanged in the secondary market—slow-moving, cautious, and lethargic.

As for the primary market, there might be more effect.