Provincial townships booming as housing demand expands

The Philippine real estate landscape is undergoing a major transformation, with new urban growth centers emerging beyond Metro Manila, driven by shifting buyer preferences and regional economic expansion.

Recent market data shows that residential demand is accelerating in areas such as CALABARZON, Central Luzon, Western Visayas, and Davao. House-and-lot and lot-only developments in these provinces are gaining popularity, with inventory life as short as one to three years—a strong indicator of active take-up.

The trend reflects changing priorities among homebuyers, many of whom now seek homes that offer space, fresh air, and integrated communities. Developers are responding by launching projects that emphasize green spaces, flexible layouts, and lifestyle-enhancing amenities like co-working areas and wellness zones.

Metro Manila, while still a significant market, is also adjusting to these evolving preferences. Developers are shifting focus to ready-for-occupancy units, supported by flexible rent-to-own schemes and extended payment options to meet the practical needs of modern buyers.

Beyond residential activity, the industrial real estate sector is also experiencing strong momentum. Industrial space take-up surged to 586,000 square meters in the first quarter of 2025—more than triple the figure recorded a year earlier. This rise is fueled by manufacturing and logistics firms expanding operations in Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and Mindanao, regions supported by improving infrastructure and government initiatives.

These trends point to the emergence of decentralized growth corridors—new urban centers where people can live, work, and thrive. Anchored by infrastructure, employment opportunities, and a deeper understanding of buyer needs, these rising hubs are reshaping the future of urban development in the Philippines.

With property development now reaching far beyond the capital, the country is seeing more balanced growth—one that creates opportunity in more places and for more people.