US News – 2026 Edition
Santos Knight Frank Secures 11th Best Lettings Agency Award, Cementing Leadership in Philippine Real Estate
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – In a landmark achievement that underscores its enduring dominance in the Philippine property market, Santos Knight Frank has been honored with the prestigious Best Lettings Agency in the Philippines award for the 11th time. This significant recognition was bestowed at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2025, with the results announced on May 19, 2025, reaffirming the firm’s unwavering commitment to excellence in leasing and solidifying its reputation as the go-to partner for all property needs.
With a legacy spanning over three decades, Santos Knight Frank has consistently set the benchmark for professionalism and innovation in the Philippine leasing sector, serving both residential and commercial clients with unparalleled expertise. This latest accolade is a testament to the firm’s deep market knowledge, data-driven strategies, and the robust strength of its global network, facilitated through the esteemed Knight Frank international affiliation.
A Legacy of Excellence in Philippine Property Services
The 11th Best Lettings Agency award is not merely a recognition of past success; it is a validation of Santos Knight Frank’s sustained commitment to setting industry standards. Since its inception in 1994, the firm has guided numerous Fortune 1000 companies, BPOs, private clients, and institutions through the complexities of the real estate landscape. This long-standing relationship with the market has enabled Santos Knight Frank to develop a nuanced understanding of evolving client needs and market dynamics.
Transactional Excellence: Connecting People to Property
At the core of Santos Knight Frank’s success is its comprehensive suite of transactional services. The firm’s dedicated teams specialize in connecting people with the right properties, whether for residential, commercial, or investment purposes.
Residential Services: The residential team offers a curated portfolio of properties, catering to diverse lifestyles and budgets. From prime condominiums in Metro Manila to sprawling family homes in suburban enclaves, Santos Knight Frank provides personalized guidance to help clients find their ideal living spaces. This includes a robust lease renewal process, ensuring tenant satisfaction and minimizing vacancy periods for landlords.
Office Services: For businesses seeking optimal operational locations, the office services division is a market leader. Santos Knight Frank advises companies on their office space requirements, leveraging extensive market data to identify locations that enhance productivity and brand presence. The firm has facilitated over 4 million square meters of office transactions, demonstrating its profound understanding of the commercial real estate sector. This expertise is particularly critical in the current market, where commercial real estate Philippines is experiencing dynamic shifts in demand and utilization patterns.
Investment and Capital Markets: Understanding the nuances of real estate as an investment vehicle is crucial for long-term wealth creation. The investment and capital markets team provides strategic guidance to investors seeking to capitalize on market opportunities. This includes identifying prime assets, conducting thorough due diligence, and structuring transactions that maximize returns while managing risk. The team’s insights are particularly valuable for international investors looking to enter or expand their presence in the Philippine market.
Management Services: Professional Real Estate Asset Management
Beyond transactions, Santos Knight Frank offers comprehensive property management services that ensure properties are managed efficiently, cost-effectively, and in compliance with best practices. The firm manages over 40 million square meters of real estate, providing end-to-end solutions that preserve and enhance asset value.
Property Management Services: The management team handles all aspects of property operations, including tenant relations, rent collection, maintenance, and regulatory compliance. This comprehensive approach allows property owners to enjoy passive income without the day-to-day challenges of management. The firm’s proactive maintenance strategies help extend the lifespan of assets and maintain high occupancy rates, a critical factor in the competitive Philippine property market.
Facilities Management: For commercial properties, facilities management is essential for maintaining a conducive working environment. Santos Knight Frank’s facilities management services ensure that buildings are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. This includes everything from HVAC systems and electrical infrastructure to security and cleaning services. The focus on occupier strategy & solutions ensures that the built environment aligns with the needs of modern businesses and their employees.
Advisory Services: Trusted Insights for Informed Decisions
In today’s complex market, strategic insights are as valuable as physical assets. Santos Knight Frank’s advisory services provide clients with the intelligence needed to make informed decisions that drive long-term success.
Research and Consultancy: The firm’s research team is a recognized authority on the Philippine property market. Their data-driven reports and market analyses provide clients with a competitive edge, highlighting emerging trends, investment opportunities, and potential risks. This expertise is particularly valuable for investors navigating the 2026 real estate market, where understanding market shifts is crucial for maximizing returns.
Valuation and Appraisal: Accurate property valuation is essential for transactions, financing, and investment planning. The valuation and appraisal team provides independent and objective assessments of property values, ensuring that clients have a clear understanding of their assets’ worth. This service is critical for both buyers and sellers, ensuring fair market value is established.
Strategic Consulting: For businesses undergoing expansion or relocation, strategic consulting is invaluable. Santos Knight Frank advises companies on their best office, retail, and industrial locations, considering factors such as accessibility, infrastructure, talent pool, and cost-effectiveness. This strategic approach helps businesses optimize their operational footprint and achieve their growth objectives.
The Global Advantage: Knight Frank Network
A significant differentiator for Santos Knight Frank is its affiliation with the global Knight Frank network, a leading international property consultancy with over 384 offices in 51 markets. This global reach provides clients with access to international market insights, investment opportunities, and cross-border transaction capabilities.
The U.S. partnerships with Cresa (commercial real estate) and Douglas Elliman (residential real estate) further enhance Santos Knight Frank’s ability to serve clients with international needs. This dual-market expertise allows for seamless transactions for clients looking to invest in or relocate to the United States, or for U.S. companies expanding into the Philippines.
Understanding the 2026 Real Estate Landscape
As the real estate market continues to evolve, understanding the trends shaping the 2026 landscape is crucial for investors and occupiers alike. Several key factors are influencing the market:
The Rise of Flexible Workspaces
The post-pandemic era has redefined the way we work, leading to a surge in demand for flexible workspaces. Companies are increasingly adopting hybrid work models, requiring office spaces that can accommodate both in-office collaboration and remote work. This trend is driving demand for coworking spaces, serviced offices, and flexible lease terms.
Sustainability and ESG Considerations
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are playing an increasingly important role in real estate decisions. Investors and tenants are prioritizing sustainable buildings that minimize environmental impact and promote well-being. Green building certifications, energy-efficient designs, and sustainable material sourcing are becoming standard requirements for premium properties.
Technological Integration
Technology is transforming the real estate industry at an unprecedented scale. Smart building technologies, data analytics, and artificial intelligence are being leveraged to enhance property management, tenant experience, and investment decision-making. The integration of technology is creating a more efficient, transparent, and user-centric real estate ecosystem.
The Growth of E-commerce
The continued growth of e-commerce is driving demand for logistics and industrial properties. Warehouses, distribution centers, and fulfillment facilities are becoming increasingly valuable assets, particularly in strategic locations with good transportation infrastructure. This trend presents significant opportunities for investors in the industrial real estate sector.
Strategic Insights for Investors and Developers
For real estate investors and developers, the 2026 market presents a mix of opportunities and challenges. A strategic approach that balances risk and reward is essential for success.
Diversification is Key
Diversifying investment portfolios across different asset classes and geographic locations can help mitigate risk and enhance returns. Rather than concentrating investments in a single sector or location, investors should consider a balanced approach that includes residential, commercial, and industrial properties. This diversification strategy can help buffer against market fluctuations and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Focus on Quality and Sustainability
In an increasingly competitive market, properties that offer superior quality and sustainability features will command premium values. Developers who invest in high-quality construction, sustainable design, and modern amenities will be well-positioned to attract tenants and investors. This focus on quality is essential for long-term value creation.
Leverage Data Analytics
Data analytics is becoming an indispensable tool for real estate investors. By leveraging data to identify market trends, predict demand, and assess risk, investors can make more informed decisions that enhance their investment outcomes. The ability to analyze large datasets and derive actionable insights is a critical differentiator in today’s market.
Advice for Tenants and Occupiers
For businesses and individuals seeking property solutions, the current market offers a range of options. A strategic approach to property selection can help optimize operations and enhance living experiences.
Prioritize Flexibility
In the evolving world of work, flexibility is paramount. Tenants should consider flexible lease terms that allow them to adapt to changing business needs. The availability of flexible workspaces and adaptable office layouts can help businesses respond quickly to market shifts and employee preferences.
Consider the Employee Experience
For commercial tenants, the employee experience is a critical factor in attracting and retaining talent. Properties that offer a conducive working environment, with amenities such as natural light, green spaces, and wellness facilities, are more likely to be attractive to employees. Investing in a property that prioritizes the employee experience can enhance productivity and job satisfaction.
Evaluate Long-Term Value
While short-term cost savings are important, it is essential to consider the long-
