(SPOT.ph) The Philippines' luxury real estate market has long been centered on central business districts like Makati City and Bonifacio Global City (BGC), but brokerage firm Sotheby’s International Realty wants to change that.

Although there are other international players in the local property market, Sotheby's is focusing exclusively on high-end residential properties—something Catherine Ocariz-Florencio, Managing Director at Philippines Sotheby’s International Realty (PSIR), says the industry is still lacking. The goal is to expand beyond major urban centers to include luxury resorts, beachfront properties, and high-end developments in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

“We want to showcase the rest of our beautiful country,” Ocariz-Florencio said. “The luxury segment has already been expanding outside Metro Manila, and we’d like to open those doors not just locally but internationally.”

And yes, Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s, the famous auction house. The real estate brand was originally founded as a subsidiary of the auction house in 1976 to serve high-net-worth clients looking for luxury properties, but they are now running as a separate entity.

Also read: How Much Are Houses in the Most Expensive Subdivisions of Metro Manila?

Sotheby's International Realty lands in the Philippines

According to Chris Palumbo, APAC Head of Region at Sotheby’s International Realty, the company has long been interested in the Philippine market—and they finally decided to act on that demand. After all, Manila has overtaken Dubai as the fastest-growing luxury property market, according to the latest Knight Frank Wealth Report in 2024.

For Sotheby’s International Realty, what they consider luxurious has more to do with the uniqueness of a property than a particular price point.

“We’re also conscious of an aspirational group,” Palumbo said. “We don’t talk about price as much as we talk about the quality of the properties we represent.” (SPOT.ph) The Philippines' luxury real estate market has long been centered on central business districts like Makati City and Bonifacio Global City (BGC), but brokerage firm Sotheby’s International Realty wants to change that.

Although there are other international players in the local property market, Sotheby's is focusing exclusively on high-end residential properties—something Catherine Ocariz-Florencio, Managing Director at Philippines Sotheby’s International Realty (PSIR), says the industry is still lacking. The goal is to expand beyond major urban centers to include luxury resorts, beachfront properties, and high-end developments in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

“We want to showcase the rest of our beautiful country,” Ocariz-Florencio said. “The luxury segment has already been expanding outside Metro Manila, and we’d like to open those doors not just locally but internationally.”

And yes, Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s, the famous auction house. The real estate brand was originally founded as a subsidiary of the auction house in 1976 to serve high-net-worth clients looking for luxury properties, but they are now running as a separate entity.

Also read: How Much Are Houses in the Most Expensive Subdivisions of Metro Manila?

Sotheby's International Realty lands in the Philippines

According to Chris Palumbo, APAC Head of Region at Sotheby’s International Realty, the company has long been interested in the Philippine market—and they finally decided to act on that demand. After all, Manila has overtaken Dubai as the fastest-growing luxury property market, according to the latest Knight Frank Wealth Report in 2024.

For Sotheby’s International Realty, what they consider luxurious has more to do with the uniqueness of a property than a particular price point.

“We’re also conscious of an aspirational group,” Palumbo said. “We don’t talk about price as much as we talk about the quality of the properties we represent.”

So what does this unique luxury house and/or land look like?

As of writing, Sotheby’s International Realty has only nine listings on its official website—but that number is expected to grow much bigger. Four are located in Metro Manila, another four in Alabang, and one in Palawan, with property prices ranging from $1,135,583 (P65 million) to $20,116,677 (P1.150 billion).

Here are some of the standout listings.

Dasmariñas Village in Makati City

It’s no secret that Dasmariñas Village is one of the most coveted addresses in Metro Manila—and the price point reflects this at $20,116,677 (P1.150 billion).

This modern Filipino-style home sits on a 1,371 square-meter lot and features an open layout, soaring ceilings, and enough space to host the entire family (and then some). There are five bedrooms, ten full bathrooms, and not one but two kitchens. Perfect for entertaining in style.

You’ve also got a swimming pool and a six-car garage for, well, all your cars. The layout is really built for hosting, with wide common areas that make everything from family dinners to full-blown parties feel right at home.

Ayala Alabang Village in Muntinlupa City

This three-story stunner in Ayala Alabang Village packs a lot into its 1,200 square meters of floor space. There are six bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet, plus a den and a flex room for whatever else you might need—a home office, gym, or maybe a private screening room.

The interiors lean toward the sleek and modern, with an open layout, a glass elevator, and a show kitchen furnished with SMEG appliances.

It gets even more extra outside: a connecting bridge leads to a two-story cabana overlooking an infinity pool with cascading falls, a Koi pond, and a fountain. Other features include a sauna, Narra plank flooring, and modular wardrobes. There's space for all your vehicles, too, with a six- to seven-car garage.

With a price of $8,046,671 (P460 million), why wouldn't it be extra?

Busuanga Island in Palawan

Now this is not to say Sotheby’s International Realty just deals in luxury houses.

This 23,746-square-meter slice of beachfront paradise on Ocam Ocam Beach, Busuanga Island, Palawan is divided into two titled lots: one developed as a luxury resort and the other a hillside area with panoramic ocean views.

The resort side comes with all the essentials: a beachfront lagoon pool, four ensuite bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen with walk-in pantry, outdoor garden bathrooms, and even glamping tents. The property also has staff accommodations for over 25 people. Plus, the entire resort is already earning with a lease at P350,000 per month with a 5% annual increase.

Then there’s the mountain section, featuring secluded coves, a beach bar site, an Airbnb-ready cottage, and even a reef mooring spot for a floating house or yacht.

Such a private location isn't too difficult to access, either. The property is only one hour from Coron Airport by road, making it a prime investment for luxury resorts or private estates. All this can be yours for $2,795,282 (P160 million).

Tivoli Royale in Quezon City

This three-story home in Tivoli Royale is a spacious retreat in the middle of the city—with panoramic mountain views to match. Priced at $2,011,668 (P115 million), it offers 7,534 square feet of living space on a 300-square-meter lot. Inside, there are five bedrooms, and each one is set up like its own mini sanctuary, with a walk-in closet, ensuite bathroom, and private balcony.

High ceilings and massive windows aren’t just an afterthought here but a dedicated feature of the house. They flood the main living and dining areas with natural light and give the whole place that open, airy feel.

Outside, a private swimming pool and lanai offer a relaxing escape.

Also read: How Much Are the Most Expensive Condos in Metro Manila?