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Unpacking the Impacts of Manila's 2024 POGO Ban on the Real Estate Sector and Investment Opportunities

Date: July 30, 2024


On July 22, 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of Manila announced a comprehensive prohibition of Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), sparking widespread concern about the repercussions on the local real estate market and business environment. This blog post will delve into the implications of this ban, specifically focusing on the consequences for Manila's real estate sector and the opportunities and challenges it presents for Japanese investors.


1. Surge in Available Properties

  • With the immediate cessation of POGO activities, a significant number of properties previously occupied by these entities have become vacant. This sudden influx of available real estate is poised to drive down property prices, offering a potentially lucrative opportunity for Japanese investors. The market is now witnessing a glut of office spaces and residential units, particularly in areas that were once POGO hubs.

  • This scenario is likely to persist until a new equilibrium is reached, presenting a buyer's market where savvy investors can acquire properties at prices significantly lower than their peak valuations. Furthermore, this shift is accompanied by a reevaluation of property values, potentially leading to more realistic pricing and opportunities for long-term investment in Manila's real estate market.



2. Reduction in Rental Yields

  • The departure of POGO-related tenants has led to an unprecedented rise in vacancy rates, particularly in the condominium and office sectors. For property owners, this exodus translates into a pressing challenge: plummeting rental income. The reduction in demand for rental spaces has exerted downward pressure on rents, squeezing the income streams of landlords and real estate investors.

  • This effect is particularly pronounced in neighborhoods that had adapted to cater primarily to the needs of POGO employees, where the adjustment to a new tenant base may take significant time. Property owners are now tasked with strategizing new ways to attract and retain tenants, possibly through renovations, upgrades, or repurposing of their properties to suit different business sectors or residential preferences.



3. Broader Economic Reverberations

  • The ban on POGOs not only reshapes the real estate sector but also sends ripples across the broader economy of Manila. This impact is twofold: the immediate loss of direct revenue from POGOs and the secondary effects stemming from reduced consumer spending by unemployed former POGO workers. These workers had contributed significantly to local economies, particularly in areas with high concentrations of gaming operations.

  • The cessation of POGO activities could lead to higher unemployment rates and a decrease in consumer spending, which in turn could affect other businesses and services in these areas. Additionally, the government faces the challenge of mitigating the loss of substantial tax revenue previously generated by POGOs, which had been instrumental in funding public projects and services.



The 2024 POGO ban in Manila presents a complex array of challenges and opportunities within the real estate sector. While property prices are experiencing downward pressure, offering unique opportunities for investors, particularly from Japan, the broader economic implications are a cause for concern. Reduced rental yields and broader economic slowdowns could pose significant hurdles. However, these challenges also encourage innovative approaches to real estate management and investment. Investors and stakeholders are advised to stay informed and agile, adapting to the evolving market landscape to capitalize on new opportunities and mitigate risks. This period of adjustment is crucial for setting the foundations of a more diversified and resilient real estate market in Manila.









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