Fintech startup Reelist8 announced the launch of its new Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-cosigned platform, an AI-powered ecosystem designed to address affordability and quality assurance challenges in the Philippine housing sector.

At a press event held on 14 November 2025 in Makati City, Reelist8 executives outlined the difficulties aspiring Filipino homeowners face. Chief Operating Officer Borj de Borja identified four major challenges: access to quality property deals, insufficient disposable income, limited technical expertise in construction or renovation, and restricted time to manage the process.

The platform aims to address these issues through an integrated ecosystem of applications. Its Property Auctions feature connects buyers and sellers with vetted listings, allowing users to secure below-market deals through an intuitive interface.

For homeowners looking to build or renovate, the Buildin app links users to construction and real estate professionals for consultations. It also provides a floor plan design tool that allows users to create home designs and generate cost estimates instantly.

The platform offers flexible financing options, enabling users to secure homes with as little as 0.5 percent equity. Reelist8’s objective is to simplify the fragmented process of property acquisition and development.

“Our goal with this new ecosystem is to keep it simple,” de Borja said. “Every Filipino deserves access to efficient and accessible world-class tools. That’s why we’re making homeownership easier and more affordable.”

According to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the Philippines faces a housing backlog of around 6.4 million units, a figure that could rise to 22 million without public or private interventions. DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling has emphasized the need to provide quality housing for every Filipino, a mission Reelist8 aims to advance through innovation and inclusivity.

“Owning a home shouldn’t be a privilege for the lucky few; it’s a basic human right,” said Reelist8 CEO Marianne dela Cruz. “We built Reelist8 as an intelligent path to make that right a reality. We hope to empower more Filipinos to become homeowners through a tangible and affordable process.”