Longer Lease of Philippine Land for Foreigners Creates New Opportunities for Landowners, Brokers, and Investors

A new chapter is unfolding in the Philippine real estate industry. With the recent amendment to the Investor’s Lease Act (Republic Act No. 7652), foreign investors can now lease private land in the Philippines for up to 99 years. This is a major shift from the previous limit of 50 years and is expected to create long-term confidence among global investors while unlocking fresh opportunities for Filipino landowners and brokers.

At Hayan Realty Group, we guide landowners, real estate professionals, and investors in understanding what this change means and how they can participate in this new landscape of partnership-driven growth.

Understanding the Amended Investor’s Lease Act

The Investor’s Lease Act was first introduced in 1993 to allow foreign investors to lease private land in the Philippines for up to 50 years, renewable once for another 25 years. However, investors often found that period too short for large-scale developments such as industrial estates, resorts, and renewable energy projects that require decades of capital recovery and operational maturity.

The amended version now permits leases of up to 99 years, giving investors a longer horizon for planning, financing, and developing real estate projects. This reform aligns the Philippines with other countries in Asia that already offer similar lease durations, improving the country’s competitiveness as a long-term investment destination.

Benefits for Landowners

The new law creates better opportunities for Filipino landowners who wish to retain ownership of their property while generating steady income. A longer lease period increases the value of the property and makes it more attractive to serious investors.

Instead of selling, landowners can now partner with investors who bring capital, technology, and development expertise. This allows them to earn recurring income while keeping the land title within their family.

Key benefits for landowners include:

• Higher lease values due to longer investment commitments
• Long-term and stable income potential
• Retained ownership of land while earning from its use
• Partnerships with reputable local or international developers
• Opportunities to transform idle land into productive, income-generating assets

Hayan Realty assists landowners by conducting valuation, feasibility studies, and identifying the highest and best use (HABU) of their properties. We also help structure fair and transparent lease or joint-venture agreements that protect the owner’s interests.

Benefits for Real Estate Brokers

For brokers, this policy change opens the door to new business opportunities. The extended lease term has already sparked renewed interest from international investors who were previously hesitant to commit to short-term land arrangements.

Brokers can now represent a broader range of properties to global investors seeking long-term lease options. Working with Hayan Realty gives brokers access to ready investor leads, marketing support, and commission protection systems.

Advantages for brokers include:

• Expanded access to foreign investor networks
• Support in deal structuring, documentation, and presentation
• Proper registration and commission protection
• Guidance from experienced appraisers and consultants
• Higher-value deals with long-term investors

At Hayan Realty Group, we collaborate with licensed brokers nationwide to ensure every transaction is handled with professionalism, transparency, and mutual trust.

Benefits for Investors

The amendment is also a strong signal to the international market that the Philippines is ready for long-term partnerships. For foreign investors, the extended 99-year lease term means a more stable and secure investment environment.

Key investor advantages include:

• Long-term security for project development and capital recovery
• Improved access to financing, as lenders and partners favor longer lease durations
• Reduced investment risk through extended operational timelines
• More flexibility in developing large-scale projects such as industrial zones, tourism estates, or renewable energy facilities
• Stronger collaboration with local landowners under well-defined agreements

These changes also make the Philippines more attractive to investors in tourism, manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy, where project lifecycles typically span several decades.

Hayan Realty supports investors by sourcing suitable land opportunities, conducting due diligence, and facilitating direct coordination with local owners for transparent, secure, and well-structured partnerships.

Sectors Set for Growth

The longer lease term is expected to stimulate activity in several industries:

Tourism and Hospitality. Hotel and resort brands now have confidence to invest in properties that require extended operational lifespans.

Industrial and Logistics. Manufacturers and logistics operators can now lease sites for long-term facilities near economic zones and ports.

Renewable Energy. Solar and wind energy firms can now secure land for the entire lifespan of their projects without renewal concerns.

Township and Mixed-Use Developments. Investors and landowners can form partnerships for estate-scale developments that span generations.

Hayan Realty’s Role

As a full-service real estate brokerage and consultancy, Hayan Realty Group specializes in connecting landowners, brokers, and investors. Our team provides:

• Property sourcing and acquisition
• Joint venture and long-term lease structuring
• Market valuation and feasibility analysis
• Investment advisory and negotiation support
• Partner broker collaboration with commission management

We combine experience in brokerage, appraisal, and investment consulting to ensure every transaction is fair, compliant, and profitable for all parties.

Looking Ahead

The extended 99-year lease term is more than a legal update. It represents a vision of progress built on partnership between Filipinos and global investors.

For landowners, this is the time to reimagine how your property can create lasting income and value. For brokers, this is the chance to engage new markets and elevate your network. For investors, this is an open invitation to participate in the Philippines’ next growth cycle.