Leasing a Condo in Manila at Year-End 2025: What Renters Should Expect

10 November 2025

Manila is never still and neither is its rental market. As the city's skyline rises higher and new communities expand, finding the right condo at the right price takes more than luck. By the end of 2025, renters are navigating a landscape shaped by renewed demand, lifestyle shifts, and evolving lease options. Whether you're moving closer to work, looking for your first city home or simply craving a change of view, understanding the market can help you make smarter and stress-free choices.

Here's a closer look at what's shaping Manila's rental market, how these changes affect renters and what you can do to land the right condo without the stress.

The Manila Rental Market at a Glance

Metro Manila's rental market in 2025 reflects both resilience and evolution. After several years of gradual recovery from post-pandemic adjustments, property analysts note that leasing activity has strengthened across central business districts like Makati, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), and Ortigas. Vacancy rates have dipped, while average rental prices continue to climb steadily due to sustained demand from professionals, expats, and returning overseas workers (Colliers Philippines, 2025).

According to the latest property reports, average monthly rents for studio and one-bedroom units in prime areas range between ₱25,000 and ₱40,000, with high-end condos commanding ₱70,000 or more depending on amenities and location (Lamudi Philippines, 2025). While these rates remain below pre-pandemic peaks, the consistent uptick through 2025 signals a tightening market heading into the new year.

Why Year-End Is a Strategic Time to Lease

Renting at the end of the year might seem like bad timing—many assume prices rise as people relocate or renew contracts before January—but it can actually be a strategic move. Landlords are often motivated to close deals quickly before the holidays, especially for units that have remained vacant during the midyear lull. This creates opportunities for renters to negotiate better lease terms or added perks like waived association dues or minor furnishing upgrades (Hoppler, 2025).

Additionally, relocating at year-end means you can settle in before the city's fast-paced first quarter begins. Manila's corporate and academic calendars restart in January, making it an ideal time to be comfortably moved in and ready for a new work or study cycle.

Price Trends: Rising Demand, Shrinking Supply

At year-end 2025, Manila's leasing market is defined by two key trends: rising demand and shrinking supply. Developers have slowed new condo launches, focusing instead on completing ongoing projects. This limited new inventory has tightened rental availability, especially in desirable business and leisure districts like Makati's Legazpi Village and Taguig’s Uptown area (Colliers Philippines, 2025).

As a result, renters are encountering increased competition for units in prime buildings. Units with high walkability scores—those near malls, offices, and public transport—command the highest interest. In BGC, for example, rents have grown by as much as 7% year-on-year due to renewed foreign leasing activity and corporate relocations (Property Report PH, 2025).

If you're planning to rent around December, it's wise to start your search at least one to two months earlier. This allows you to explore options, compare rates, and avoid settling for overpriced listings during peak season.

Amenities and Lifestyle Remain Top Priorities

In 2025, renters in Manila are no longer satisfied with just four walls and a parking slot. The new standard for urban living involves access to amenities that enhance convenience, wellness, and social balance. Condo buildings now compete through features such as co-working lounges, fitness centers, rooftop pools, and pet-friendly areas. This emphasis on lifestyle integration has become a major differentiator for renters choosing between similarly priced options (DotProperty, 2025).

More renters—especially digital professionals — are looking for buildings with reliable internet infrastructure and flexible spaces where they can both work and unwind. Even small studio units now cater to hybrid work setups through ergonomic design and multifunctional layouts.

At the same time, safety and sustainability have become equally important. Properties with secure access points, 24-hour surveillance, and eco-efficient systems attract long-term tenants who value both comfort and responsibility.

Lease Terms: What's Changing by Late 2025

While most lease agreements in Manila still follow the standard 12-month term with one-month advance and two-month security deposit, subtle shifts have emerged. Some landlords now offer semi-flexible lease terms, allowing six-month rentals or renewal options without large rent adjustments to attract reliable tenants. This trend has grown, particularly in Makati and Ortigas, where mobility among professionals remains high (Lamudi Philippines, 2025).

Another notable change involves digital leasing. Many property owners now use verified online platforms to manage listings, process payments, and sign e-contracts securely. This modernization has simplified the rental process, reduced scams, and made leasing more transparent.

Negotiation Power: How Renters Can Still Get a Good Deal

Even as rents rise, renters still have room to negotiate — if they're strategic. Those willing to commit to longer contracts (18 months or more) can often secure lower monthly rates. Landlords tend to favor stable tenants, especially when occupancy remains a priority in competitive markets. Renters can also leverage timing—negotiating during off-peak months like November, when landlords want to close contracts before the new year (Hoppler, 2025).

It's also smart to evaluate the total rental value, not just the base price. For example, a ₱30,000 monthly rent with free parking or included dues might be more cost-effective than ₱28,000 plus ₱5,000 in hidden fees.

Navigating Legal and Practical Concerns

Before signing your lease, make sure to review key legal and financial terms. Verify the property's ownership, understand your rights under the Rent Control Act of 2009, and ensure that all payments and conditions are documented in writing (Moneymax, 2020). Renters should also check the condo's rules on visitors, pets, renovations, and termination clauses.

When possible, request a move-in inspection checklist. Documenting the unit's condition through photos and a signed inventory list protects you from unfair deductions at move-out. A bit of preparation can save you a lot of dispute later.

The Outlook for Renters Beyond 2025

Analysts remain optimistic about Manila's rental market heading into 2026. The country's strong job creation, return of expat assignments, and continued infrastructure expansion—such as new MRT lines and road links—are expected to sustain rental demand (Colliers Philippines, 2025).

However, growth will likely remain moderate rather than explosive. The balance between affordability and quality of life continues to shape tenant choices. Developers and landlords who prioritize value-added living—through thoughtful amenities, flexible terms, and prime accessibility—will remain at the forefront of the market.

Final Thoughts

Leasing a condo in Manila at the end of 2025 is more than just a housing decision—it's a strategic choice tied to timing, lifestyle, and opportunity. As the city grows upward and outward, renters gain access to a broader spectrum of homes that cater to evolving needs: proximity, comfort, and connectivity.

For those ready to sign new leases before the year ends, the market rewards preparation. Study the pricing trends, compare districts, and start negotiations early. Whether you're moving for work, convenience, or change of scenery, your ideal unit likely exists — it's just a matter of timing it right.

At year-end 2025, Manila remains what it has always been: a city that moves fast, demands flexibility, and rewards those who adapt with it. Renters who understand that rhythm will not only find the right condo—they'll find their own place in the ever-evolving story of the capital.