Towering expectations in 2022

Almost every economic prognosis has been confounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many stores, restaurants and businesses had to shut down temporarily, causing massive job losses. Even the stock market reeled.

The Philippine real estate market, however, seems to be relatively resilient to significant cyclical fluctuations. It has developed into one of the most robust, stable and lucrative markets in the country. Despite concerns about investment forecasts, leading real estate firms are continuously ramping up efforts to boost their inventories and property prices throughout major locations.

Ayala Land’s lifestyle sprawl

Ayala Land is one of the most recognized property developers in the Philippines, with a diverse portfolio of sophisticated residences, as well as sustainable, masterplanned developments that incorporate lifestyle design features.

Ayala Land saw its consolidated net income grow by 35 percent to P8.6 billion in the first nine months of 2021, as corporate operations improved despite the imposition of stricter quarantine restrictions in the third quarter.

Additionally, it launched four additional projects worth P13 billion in the third quarter alone. One of these is the 4C Tranche 1 of Ayala Greenfield Estates, a 350-ha community development in Calamba, Laguna, surrounded by the natural grandeur of Mount Makiling, Tagaytay Ridge, Laguna de Bay, and the Laguna Plains.

Also launched was the Phase 2 development of Lanewood Hills, a community township in Silang, Cavite. This is being developed via a partnership between by Ayala Land and Cathay Land. The exceptional position of this property puts it near the growing Nuvali estate as well as Tagaytay’s recreational districts.

The third project is Avida Land’s 32-story Centralis Towers, located along Taft Avenue in Pasay City. It follows the extremely successful three-story Avida Towers Prime Taft.

Finally, the mid-rise condominium complex Amaia Steps Pasig Clara, set to rise on a 4.5-ha lot in Barangay San Miguel, Pasig City, was also launched. This latest offering from Amaia formed part of an expansion that was meant to accommodate more homeowners, mostly young professionals with growing families.

Ayala Land also formed a consortium with SM Prime Holdings Inc. and Cebu Holdings Inc. to develop the 26-ha South Coast City in Cebu. The said project is anticipated to help in Cebu’s economic recovery efforts by further strengthening the region’s offerings with new jobs and investment opportunities.

Rockwell’s strategic infiltrations

The Balmori Suites in Makati City is the latest addition to Rockwell Land Corp.’s premium range of residential complexes. It is connected directly to the landmark Power Plant Mall, which offers a diverse selection of quality dining and tailored shopping selections.

This high end developer simultaneously delivers The Arton’s three towers to the academic community of Katipunan in Quezon City with its unique brand of luxury, security and distinct lifestyle.

Rockwell intends to commence development on two major properties in Angeles, Pampanga, and Bacolod. The business is spending P8.5 billion in the creation of Rockwell Center Nepo in Angeles, a 3.6-ha site. This is the company’s first township center outside Makati City.

As part of its expansion, the company is also building Rockwell Center Bacolod, a 30-ha masterplanned property. Phase one would comprise of commercial lots expected to generate P1.4 billion in revenue. Nara Residences Towers is Rockwell’s first high-end residential complex in Bacolod, while the Nara Residential Lots will offer prime subdivided properties.

The Sillion Building, the latest addition to 32 Sanson, is one of the most anticipated developments in Cebu. With just five residential levels and around 50 large flats ranging in size from 56 sqm to 149 sqm, the Sillion Building provides utmost exclusivity and maximum privacy.

Meanwhile, Terreno South in Lipa City, Batangas, is one of Rockwell Land’s horizontal developments, while its first foray into the top residential-resort development sector is the Aruga Resort and Residences in Mactan, Cebu.

Megaworld’s mixed-use township stronghold

Megaworld Corporation announced that it would create a P98 billion Northwin Global City in the towns of Marilao and Bocaue in Bulacan during the next 15 to 20 years on 85 hectares of land along the North Luzon Expressway. Additionally, the real estate developer is developing a P40 billion eco-tourism city in Palawan called Paragua Coastown.

Megaworld now has a total of 26 townships dispersed around the country.

The aggressive pace of SMDC

SM Development Corporation (SMDC) is committed to offering access to premium urban living by creating vertical villages that seamlessly integrate into a commercial retail environment, allowing inhabitants to enjoy a genuinely urban lifestyle.

The active giant developer is currently launching a total of seven residential communities, including Sands Residences along Roxas Boulevard, the master-planned Cheerful Homes in Mabalacat, Pampanga, the garden community Calm Residences in Santa Rosa, Laguna, the Twin Residences in Las Piñas City, the modern residential-office building Ice Tower inside the Mall of Asia Complex, the Gold Residences township in Parañaque City, and Joy Residences in Baliwag, Bulacan.

Vista Land’s brand building

Brittany is one of the more prestigious brands in luxury real estate development. It is owned by Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., the country’s profitable property developer. Vista Land’s approach to investing and real estate brand management has helped it grow into a diverse company with a broad portfolio and strong performance across many market cycles. It is currently launching its newest 24-hectare luxurious living enclave named Lausanne for Brittany at Crosswinds Tagaytay.

Vista Residences is partnering with Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd., a Japanese real estate developer, to create Kizuna Heights in Malate, Manila. The 42-story, single-tower condominium offers students and young professionals an ideal environment for incubating career growth and independence.

Prima Tanza will be introduced as the first condominium development by Vista Land’s mass housing subsidiary, Lumina Homes, in Tanza, Cavite. It is part of a vast 500-hectare real estate development with facilities for business process outsourcing companies, transportation hubs, and economic zones.

Bullish indications

Despite the unpredictability of recent years, it seems major real estate companies are encountering strong demand in the property market in 2022 and beyond. There are some exciting project efforts to look forward to in the next few years. The assurances of a bright future are unquestionably appropriate at this point.

The author (www.ianfulgar.com) assists local and international clients in developing one-of-a-kind landmark property development projects with a focus on tourism and leisure, as well as condominium towers, museums, commercial, and mixed-use township developments, all with an eye toward the meta-modern in the next generation of Philippine architecture.