The Unassuming Economist

“In Q4:2013, prices of mid- and high-end condominiums in upscale areas of metro Manila (only available price series) rose by 13 percent, y/y, similar to growth rates that prevailed prior to the GFC. However, in real terms, condo prices remain below their peak that prevailed prior to the Asian financial crisis. This likely reflects in part the large supply increase in this market segment in recent years. In fact, according to the official Philippine Housing Industry Plan for 2012‒30, supply of units in the mid­- and high -cost segments of the housing market is adequate, while the low-end of the market is characterized by severe shortages. Despite the recent price increases, residential price-to-rent ratios have remained relatively stable at around 14 percent,” says the IMF’s latest report on the Philippines.