Looking beyond Metro Manila for Philippine property investment opportunities

Philippine property investment opportunities outside Metro Manila
Photo / Øyvind Holmstad - Cebu remains one of the top Philippine property investment opportunities outside Metro Manila

For many investors, there isn’t really a need to look beyond Metro Manila. The market is well known, and most experts believe growth will resume once the COVID-19 pandemic has passed. However, there are plenty of other Philippine property investment opportunities currently available.

Many real estate markets outside the National Capital Region (NCR) have been growing just as fast, if not faster, than Metro Manila. Some regions have benefited from trends brought on by the “New Normal”, such as work from home.

Philippine property investment opportunities beyond Metro Manila are also appealing due to their lower price. Either you don’t have to spend as much to enter the market or your money goes further here than the capital. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the promising locations.

Related: 3 things to know about Philippine condo investment in 2021

Philippine property investment opportunities outside Metro Manila

Cebu

Cebu continues to be one of the most exciting Philippine property investment opportunities outside Metro Manila. Both real estate and land prices were recording strong growth pre-pandemic with infrastructure being a key driver. The government just announced three new projects which will continue to improve connectivity in the region while also supporting the property market.

Local experts are predicting that residential demand in Cebu will increase throughout 2021, a positive indication that the economy is recovering.

Davao

Davao condominium developments Davao property market outlook
Davao will avoid a contraction of gross regional domestic product which is good for the property market

Colliers is bullish on the Davao property market with the consultancy noting the city will continue to be a popular location for investors who are looking beyond Metro Manila. The primary reason for the optimism is due to the region’s strong economy which has room for future growth.

“In our view, the (Davao) economy is ripe for further expansion and development,” Joey Roi Bondoc, Senior Research Manager at Colliers, stated. “With a thriving real estate market, an abundant pool of quality labor, and a competitive business environment, Davao is set to attract future property investors to operate in the area.”

Davao was one of the few places to avoid gross regional domestic product (GRDP) contraction last year. Meanwhile, GRDP growth could reach upwards of 10 percent once the situation in the country returns to normal.

Suburban Manila

Clubhouse at Lessandra Sto. Tomas in Batangas
Clubhouse at Lessandra Sto. Tomas in Batangas

Several developers are seeing a change in consumer preferences as more home seekers are currently looking at house and lots in the provincial areas adjacent to the National Capital Region. These are similarly priced to mid-range condominiums in Metro Manila and usually provide more space and wellbeing benefits.

P.A. Properties saw demand for projects such as Idesia Dasmarinas in Cavite grow in the past year. The firm also launched Idesia Lipa in Batangas last year to meet rising demand for suburban homes. Developer Lessandra has been very active as well with house and lot projects in Bulacan, Batangas, Cavite and Laguna.

Read more: 4 reasons why Cavite is a great place to live