PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards 2026 Unveils New Categories Amid Provincial Expansion
The 14th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards is set to introduce several new award categories in 2026, recognizing emerging trends in residential, hospitality, and mixed-use development. This expansion highlights the country's property sector as it continues to grow beyond Metro Manila, deepening its reach across provincial markets nationwide.
New Categories Reflect Shifting Buyer Demand and Diversification
Organizers announced that the 2026 edition will feature new categories designed to mirror evolving buyer preferences and the diversification of real estate projects. These include:
- Best Condo Developer
- Best Affordable Housing Development (Luzon)
- Best First Home Development
- Best Wellness Hospitality Development
- Best Marina Development
- Best Landmark Development
This expanded program aims to acknowledge innovative developments and developers, culminating in a gala dinner and presentation scheduled for August 20, 2026, in Manila. Winners from the Philippines will advance to the regional PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final in Bangkok in December, where they will compete with top developers from across the Asia-Pacific region.
VisMin Growth Driving Property Expansion
The announcement was made during Asia Connect Cebu 2026, held at the Fili Hotel within the NUSTAR complex, where industry leaders emphasized the growing strength of property markets in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. Developers pointed to Metro Cebu and Metro Davao as key growth centers, fueled by infrastructure investments, tourism, and business expansion that drive demand for residential and commercial developments.
Metro Cebu has evolved into a major real estate ecosystem alongside Metro Manila, supported by infrastructure projects such as the Mactan-Cebu International Airport expansion and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway. These improvements have enhanced connectivity, boosted tourism, hospitality, and business activity, diversifying Cebu's economy and sustaining demand across property segments, including purchases by overseas Filipino workers, local investors, and IT-BPM sector employees.
In Mindanao, the Davao Region is emerging as a significant investment destination, backed by infrastructure developments like the Samal Island–Davao City Connector bridge, the Davao International Airport terminal expansion, and the Davao City bypass road, which features the country's first long-distance mountain tunnel.
Recognition of Provincial Developers
The rising prominence of provincial markets was evident in the 2025 awards, where Cebu-based Cebu Landmasters Inc. secured wins for Best Housing Developer, Best Developer (Mindanao), and Best Developer (Visayas). Atty. James Abadia, vice-president for business development and Visayas strategic business unit head of Cebu Landmasters, noted that participation in the awards reinforces the company's commitment to building communities that address real housing needs.
Similarly, Davao-based Damosa Land Inc. was named Best Boutique Developer in 2025, recognizing its projects across the Mindanao region. President and chief executive Ricardo "Cary" Florendo Lagdameo stated that this recognition affirms the company's dedication to aligning with the region's long-term growth.
Consumer-Driven Recognition Through People's Choice Awards
For the first time, the awards will introduce the People's Choice Awards, allowing residents and property buyers to vote for the Top 10 Developers in the Philippines. Jules Kay, general manager of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, commented that decentralization and diversification continue to drive national growth in the Philippine property market.
"With infrastructure progress and renewed investor confidence, Visayas and Mindanao are becoming some of the country's most promising property frontiers," Kay said.
Key Dates and Submission Details
Entries for the 2026 awards will close on June 19, with site inspections scheduled from July 6 to July 28. Voting for the People's Choice Awards will run from July 13 to July 26, providing an opportunity for public engagement in recognizing top developers.
