Hey there, fellow investors! Let’s dive into the rollercoaster ride that was the Philippine Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in 2024. Buckle up!

Market Overview

In 2024, Philippine REITs showcased resilience and growth, offering attractive yields between 6% to 9%, outpacing global counterparts like Japan (3-4%), the US (3-5%), and Singapore (5-6%).

This performance was bolstered by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) implementing interest rate cuts, which enhanced market liquidity and investor confidence.

Top Performers

  1. VistaREIT (VREIT)
    • Dividend Yield: 10.1%
    • Performance: Despite a dip in rental income, VREIT maintained a high occupancy rate of 97% across its properties. Esquire Philippines
  2. DoubleDragon Properties REIT (DDMPR)
    • Dividend Yield: 9.1%
    • Performance: Faced an 18.5% decline in net income due to expired leases, yet continued to offer competitive dividends. Esquire Philippines
  3. Filinvest REIT Corp (FILRT)
    • Dividend Yield: 9.1%
    • Performance: Focused on BPO-centric office spaces, FILRT reported a decrease in revenues but remained committed to delivering high yields. Esquire Philippines

AREIT’s Notable Achievements

AREIT, the pioneer Philippine REIT, reported impressive growth with revenues of PHP 7.1 billion and a net income of PHP 5.0 billion, marking increases of 42% and 46% respectively. The company maintained an average occupancy rate of 99%, reflecting strong demand for its premium office spaces.

Challenges Faced

The office segment faced hurdles due to the rise of remote work, leading to increased vacancy rates and impacting rental income. Despite these challenges, the REIT sector adapted by exploring asset diversification and capitalizing on the BSP’s monetary policies to sustain growth.

Conclusion

In 2024, Philippine REITs demonstrated adaptability and resilience, offering competitive yields and expanding portfolios despite market challenges. The sector’s performance underscores its potential as a robust investment avenue, balancing income generation with growth prospects.

Happy investing, and may your portfolios be ever in your favor!