It comes as no surprise that the 2010s was the decade of economic growth for the Philippines, with the real estate sector as one of its main drivers. Many reputable realty developers with a solid track record have led this boom, attracting Filipinos to consider properties a significant investment.
While considerable factors have slowed the path of construction, many real estate stalwarts have remained resilient in the past years and have shown no signs of stopping development.
The Juggernauts behind PH Real Estate Boom
1. Ayala Land
With over a century and a half of industry experience, Ayala Land stands as one of the most significant property developers in the country. It was instrumental in developing one of the Philippines’ most expansive planned communities, Bonifacio Global City. It is also known for its iconic commercial properties: the Trinoma and Glorietta Malls.
Ayala Land was recently hailed as “Most Outstanding Developer” at the DHSUD Awards and received the title “Gawad Husay Sa Pagpapaunlad.”
2. Megaworld
Another giant on the list is Megaworld Corporation which pioneered office development for BPO companies with its first buildings in Eastwood City. It has a wide array of properties in its portfolio, including residences, hotels, malls, and townships.
Their current projects include Alabang West, Pine Crest, and Boracay New Coast. Additionally, the company is on track to develop a PHP5 billion sustainable boutique hotel and shophouse district within the 462-hectare Paragua Coastown in San Vicente.
3. SM Prime Holdings
Earning almost USD400 million annually from its real estate assets, SM Prime is responsible for shaping the Filipino “malling” experience with SM malls in nearly every city or region in the country. Currently, it has 85 malls in the Philippines and China, 74 residential projects, 12 office buildings, and 16 hotels and convention centers, making it a force to be reckoned with in the realty sector.
SM Prime Holdings has proven itself as one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, adding the SM City Grand Central to its mall portfolio. This latest SM mall can be found at the heart of the Caloocan commercial district with connections to various transport hubs, including LRT 1 via the Monumento Station.
4. Filinvest Land
Initially developing properties nearly 70 years ago, Filinvest Land has PHP181 billion worth of assets as of December 31, 2020. The company is continuously developing residential and commercial communities all over the archipelago. Its properties include Alta Vida in Bulacan, Amalfi at City Di Mare in Cebu, and Maui Oasis in Manila.
Amid the onslaught of natural calamities and the global COVID-19 pandemic, Filinvest Land continuously gives back to the community through its disaster relief program, “Pusong Filinvest,” which aims to help marginalized sectors, most especially those hardest hit by the recent typhoons.
5. Federal Land
First known as “Federal Homes” and later changing to “Federal Land, Inc.” in 2002, the realty developer erected its first-ever high-rise office and residential buildings with the Tytana Plaza and Mandarin Mansion catering to the Filipino-Chinese community in Binondo.
It has since developed various residential and commercial properties around the Philippines, including the Grand Hyatt Manila, Marco Polo Plaza & Residents in Cebu, and the GT Tower International in 2001.
Federal Land recently announced its alliance with top Japanese real estate developer, Nomura Real Estate Development.
6. DMCI Homes
Touting itself as the premier AAAA developer of resort-inspired communities in the Philippines, DMCI Homes has residences, hotels, and casinos situated around the country, with the Philippine Stock Exchange Plaza as one of its well-known properties.
It is currently concentrating on its latest residential development in Pasig City, Allegra Garden Place. This new project features beautiful Morrocan-themed architecture and provides convenience as it is adjacent to BGC and Ortigas, two of the largest business districts in Metro Manila.
7. Robinsons Land Corporation
Incorporated in the 1980s, Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) operates with its tagline, “Your Dreams, Our Foundation,” in mind. Since its inception, it has developed mixed-use properties, office buildings, and residential condominiums, including socialized housing projects nationwide in key cities and urban areas.
The Magnolia Residences, situated within the Robinsons Magnolia Town Center in New Manila, Quezon City, was awarded the “Best Mega Mixed-Use Architectural Design” at the 9th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards—the region’s leading real estate awards program.
8. Rockwell Land
Pioneering the “city within a city concept,” Rockwell Land has become prominent with luxury real estate in the country. While most of its high-end properties are in Metro Manila, the realty developer has expanded outside major cities in Central & Southern Luzon and the Visayas regions.
It has recently unveiled its “jewel in the crown” of its residential forays: The Balmori Suites, soon-to-rise along Hidalgo Drive, giving residents direct access to the upscale Power Plant Mall.
9. Vista Land & Lifescapes
Incorporated in 2007, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. is known as one of the top-listed property firms catering to the luxury and affordable market segments. One of its most successful brands is Camella Homes, considered the largest homebuilder in the Philippines, which has created communities across the country.
Vista Land has previously reported a net income of PHP3.8 billion in the first semester of 2021, up 9% from the same period last year.
10. Shang Properties
Leading the luxury real estate space since 1987, Shang Properties, Inc.’s core business revolves around office and retail leasing and residential development. Its notable projects include the Shangri-La Plaza, providing curated lifestyle destinations in the metro. It also has launched, most recently, the Shangri-La at the Fort, one of the newest five-star accommodations in the Philippines.
Its latest residential project, Shang Residences at Wack Wack, is a 50-story tower giving residents an unobstructed view of the 91-year-old Wack Wack Golf Course & Country Club in a resort-style atmosphere.
The future of real estate development in the Philippines
One thing is evident in the Philippine realty sector: opportunities consistently pour from every direction to develop and build. Real estate and research authorities expect to see a continuous boom in the industry while noting that there must be room for innovation to elevate the real estate market in the country.
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