In a landmark real estate transaction, ABS-CBN Corporation has sold 30,000 square meters of its prime property in Quezon City to Ayala Land, Inc. for ₱6.24 billion, according to a disclosure filed with the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) Edge.

The deal marks a strategic move for ABS-CBN, which will retain 1.4 hectares of its property for its offices and production facilities while monetizing a significant portion of its real estate assets.

Transaction Terms and Payment Structure

• Total Purchase Price: ₱6,240,717,310 (VAT inclusive)
• Payment Terms: A downpayment will be placed in escrow and released upon completion of key conditions, including the signing of the Deed of Absolute Sale. The remaining balance will be paid in installments over 10 years.
• Valuation Process: The pricing was determined through a mutual due diligence review and arms-length negotiations.

This structured financing arrangement allows ABS-CBN to unlock capital while ensuring continued operational stability on its retained land.

A Surprising Shift: Rockwell Was Widely Expected to Take Over the Site

The sale to Ayala Land has caught industry observers by surprise, as Rockwell Land Corporation had long been rumored as the likely buyer of the property.

Why Rockwell Was Considered the Natural Buyer

• Lopez Family Connection: Rockwell Land was originally established by the Lopez Group. Given ABS-CBN’s deep ties to the Lopez family, many expected Rockwell to acquire the site.
• Rockwell’s Expansion in Quezon City: The developer has been growing its footprint in QC, with projects such as The Arton by Rockwell.
• Strategic Fit: The site’s location and size were seen as ideal for a luxury mixed-use development, in line with Rockwell’s branding.

Instead, Ayala Land’s acquisition indicates a new strategic direction, opening the door for alternative development plans.

Potential Development Plans: What’s Next for the Site?

While Ayala Land has yet to disclose its plans, analysts speculate that the site could be transformed into a mixed-use commercial and residential district similar to its other large-scale developments.

Key Factors That Could Influence the Development

• Market Demand: With Quezon City emerging as a real estate hotspot, a large-scale redevelopment could cater to high-end homeowners, corporate offices, and commercial investors.
• Ayala’s Track Record: The company has successfully executed projects such as Vertis North and Bonifacio Global City, raising speculation that a similar high-end community may rise in the area.
• Luxury Residential Development: Given Ayala’s success in high-end residential spaces, premium condominiums may be part of the master plan.

Real estate investors and developers will be closely watching Ayala Land’s next moves, as this acquisition presents an opportunity to reshape Quezon City’s urban landscape.

Market Implications: A Defining Moment for Quezon City Real Estate

The acquisition of the ABS-CBN property is poised to have a lasting impact on the city’s real estate dynamics.

Key Takeaways

• Benchmark for Property Prices: The ₱6.24-billion valuation sets a new standard for high-value urban land transactions.
• Shift in Developer Dominance: Ayala Land’s purchase further expands its presence in Metro Manila, particularly in northern districts.
• Potential for High-End Developments: This deal could accelerate the growth of Quezon City’s high-end property sector.

With land scarcity in Metro Manila becoming more pronounced, major property deals such as this underscore the city’s evolving real estate landscape.

Conclusion: A Landmark Deal with Far-Reaching Implications

The sale of ABS-CBN’s property to Ayala Land for ₱6.24 billion is not just a real estate transaction—it is a strategic move that could redefine the development trajectory of Quezon City.

While Rockwell was widely expected to secure the site, Ayala Land’s acquisition signals a new wave of urban transformation. The industry now eagerly awaits further announcements regarding the site’s redevelopment.

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