Santos Knight Frank Secures 11th Best Lettings Agency Award in the Philippines
Awarded at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2025, the recognition underscores the firm’s enduring leadership in the Philippine real estate leasing sector.
Manila, Philippines – May 19, 2025 – Santos Knight Frank, a premier real estate services firm in the Philippines, has once again been honored with the prestigious title of Best Lettings Agency in the Philippines at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2025. This marks the firm’s eleventh win, solidifying its reputation for excellence, innovation, and unparalleled service in the property leasing market.
The Asia Pacific Property Awards, part of the globally recognized International Property Awards, celebrate the highest standards of achievement within the real estate industry across the region. Judged by an independent panel of industry experts, the awards recognize companies that demonstrate outstanding performance, market leadership, and a commitment to excellence.
This 11th accolade highlights Santos Knight Frank’s deep market expertise, data-driven leasing strategies, and the strength of its global network. With over three decades of experience in the Philippine market, the firm has consistently set the benchmark for professionalism and service quality in residential and commercial leasing.
“We are immensely proud to receive this award for the eleventh time,” said a spokesperson for Santos Knight Frank. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and expertise of our team, as well as the trust that our clients continue to place in us. For over 30 years, we have been committed to providing exceptional leasing services, and this award reaffirms our position as a market leader in the Philippines.”
Santos Knight Frank’s success in the leasing sector can be attributed to its comprehensive suite of services, which includes transactional services, management services, and advisory services. The firm’s transactional services connect people to property through its Residential, Office, and Investment and Capital Markets teams. Its management services provide professional oversight for real estate assets, while its advisory services deliver trusted insights and consultancy to support informed decision-making.
The Evolution of Property Management in the Philippines
The Philippine property market has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, driven by rapid urbanization, economic growth, and evolving tenant expectations. Property management, in particular, has evolved from a traditional, custodial role to a strategic function that enhances property value, optimizes tenant satisfaction, and supports long-term investment performance.
According to industry trends in 2026, property managers are increasingly leveraging technology to streamline operations and enhance service delivery. Data analytics, smart building technologies, and integrated property management platforms are becoming standard tools for managing diverse real estate portfolios, including office buildings, retail centers, residential complexes, and industrial facilities.
“The modern property manager plays a critical role in the entire property lifecycle,” explained Maria Santos, a real estate veteran with over 20 years of experience in the Philippine market. “We are no longer just collecting rent and handling maintenance issues. Today, we are strategic partners who advise on asset optimization, tenant retention, sustainability initiatives, and technology integration. Our ability to adapt to these changing demands is what sets successful property management firms apart.”
Santos Knight Frank has been at the forefront of this evolution, continually investing in technology, talent development, and service innovation. The firm’s property & facilities management arm has managed over 40 million square meters of real estate, demonstrating its capacity to handle large-scale, complex portfolios while maintaining high standards of service.
Market Trends and Tenant Expectations in 2026
The year 2026 continues to shape a dynamic property market characterized by shifting tenant preferences, technological integration, and a growing emphasis on sustainability and wellness. Understanding these trends is crucial for property owners and managers seeking to maximize asset value and tenant satisfaction.
Technology Integration and Smart Buildings
Technology is revolutionizing property management, with smart building technologies becoming increasingly prevalent. These technologies enable remote monitoring and control of building systems, optimize energy consumption, enhance security, and provide real-time data for operational decision-making.
“In 2026, smart buildings are no longer a luxury—they are an expectation,” noted David Reyes, a commercial real estate specialist. “Tenants, particularly in the office sector, demand flexible, technology-enabled spaces that support hybrid work models, collaboration, and overall well-being. Property managers who embrace these technologies can differentiate their properties and command premium rents.”
Integrated property management platforms are also transforming how properties are managed. These platforms consolidate data from various sources—including tenant interactions, maintenance requests, energy usage, and financial performance—into a unified system. This enables property managers to make data-driven decisions, anticipate tenant needs, and optimize property operations more effectively.
Hybrid Work and Flexible Spaces
The rise of hybrid work models continues to shape the property market, particularly in the office sector. As companies adapt to flexible work arrangements, they are seeking office spaces that support collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being. This trend has led to increased demand for flexible office solutions, including coworking spaces, serviced offices, and adaptable floor plans that can be reconfigured to meet changing needs.
“The traditional office is evolving,” explained Santos. “Companies are looking for spaces that serve as hubs for collaboration and culture rather than just places to work. This means we are seeing a greater emphasis on amenity-rich environments, flexible leasing terms, and spaces that can be easily adapted to support hybrid teams.”
Retail properties are also adapting to these changes, with a growing focus on experiential retail that combines shopping with entertainment, dining, and community engagement. Malls are transforming into lifestyle destinations that offer more than just retail transactions, while smaller retail spaces are being optimized for local community needs and niche markets.
Sustainability and Wellness
Sustainability and wellness continue to be major drivers of tenant preference and investment decisions in 2026. Tenants are increasingly seeking properties that prioritize environmental performance, energy efficiency, and occupant health and well-being. This trend is reshaping property design, construction, and management practices across all sectors.
“Green buildings are becoming the standard, not the exception,” Reyes commented. “Tenants are looking for properties that align with their corporate sustainability goals and demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility. This includes features like energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, waste reduction programs, and access to natural light and green spaces.”
The WELL Building Standard, which focuses on human health and well-being, is also gaining prominence. Properties that adhere to these standards can attract premium tenants and command higher rents, as they demonstrate a commitment to occupant health and productivity.
The Role of Data Analytics
Data analytics is playing an increasingly important role in property management, enabling property owners and managers to make more informed decisions. By collecting and analyzing data on tenant behavior, property performance, and market trends, property managers can identify opportunities for optimization, anticipate tenant needs, and develop proactive strategies to enhance property value.
“Data is the new currency of property management,” Santos stated. “By leveraging data analytics, we can understand tenant preferences more deeply, predict maintenance needs before they arise, and optimize property operations for maximum efficiency and profitability. This data-driven approach is essential for staying ahead in today’s competitive market.”
Santos Knight Frank’s Approach to Leasing and Property Management
Santos Knight Frank’s success in securing the Best Lettings Agency award for the eleventh time reflects its deep understanding of the Philippine market and its commitment to providing exceptional service to clients. The firm’s approach combines market expertise, strategic insights, and a client-centric focus to deliver optimal outcomes across all leasing and property management engagements.
Market Leadership and Expertise
With over 30 years of experience in the Philippine market, Santos Knight Frank has built a reputation for excellence in the property leasing sector. The firm’s team of leasing professionals possesses deep market knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of tenant needs across residential, office, and retail segments.
“Our team is our greatest asset,” said a firm spokesperson. “We have some of the most experienced leasing professionals in the Philippines, with deep relationships across the industry. This allows us to connect tenants with the right properties quickly and efficiently, while also providing valuable insights to landlords on market trends and optimization strategies.”
The firm’s market leadership is further strengthened by its global network through Knight Frank, which provides access to international market insights, best practices, and a global pool of potential tenants and investors. This combination of local expertise and global connectivity enables Santos Knight Frank to deliver exceptional results for its clients.
Comprehensive Service Offerings
Santos Knight Frank’s comprehensive service offerings cater to the full spectrum of leasing and property management needs. For landlords and investors, the firm provides:
Leasing Services: Strategic marketing and tenant placement to optimize occupancy and rental income.
Property Management: Professional management of residential, commercial, and industrial properties to maximize asset value and tenant satisfaction.
Valuation and Appraisal: Expert valuation services to support investment decisions and property transactions.
Consultancy and Research: In-depth market research and strategic consultancy to guide property decisions.
For tenants, the firm offers:
Tenant Representation: Expert guidance in finding the right property that meets specific needs and preferences.
Lease Negotiation: Strategic negotiation to secure favorable lease terms and conditions.
Portfolio Management: Optimization of property portfolios for corporate tenants seeking flexible and cost-effective solutions.
This comprehensive suite of services allows Santos Knight Frank to serve as a full-service partner for clients throughout the entire property lifecycle.
Client-Centric Approach
At the heart of Santos Knight Frank’s success is its client-centric approach. The firm prioritizes understanding each client’s unique needs and objectives, then tailors its services to deliver optimal outcomes. This approach is evident in its commitment to building long-term relationships with clients, providing ongoing support, and adapting to evolving market conditions.
“We believe in being true partners to our clients,”
