High hopes for better, smarter, more sustainable communities this 2025

It seems that at the heart of the Philippine real estate sector is a bold shared ambition.

Industry executives from some of the country’s top property developers and retail firms revealed that they remain more committed than ever to build structures that would continue to enrich lives, nurture communities, and protect the planet. Beyond ensuring a healthy bottomline, they are, more importantly, increasingly embracing the challenge of building better and smarter, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation.

Indeed, industry players today are showing greater agility to address the demands of a rapidly changing world by adopting green building practices, leveraging technology-driven solutions, focusing on climate resilience, and spurring economic opportunities. In doing so, they are able to meet the diverse preferences of multiple generations, while helping empower communities across the country.

As energy-efficient solutions, smart infrastructure, and sustainable materials become the standard, 2025 promises to be another year when real estate will redefine anew how people live, work, and thrive—shaping a future that is greener, smarter, and better than ever.

Here is a peek into the aspirations, wishes, and goals of industry players for 2025.

Sustainable living for every Filipino

Jessica Sy-Bell

VP and head of Design, Innovation and Strategy, SM Development Corp. (SMDC)

My number one hope for the Philippines in general, is to really have a positive outlook for 2025 despite the uncertainties, especially with the political unrest and economic instability around the world. I hope for the Philippines, in general, to still stay positive, even in these tough times.

The other one is more on the sustainability side—for the government to support companies that are thinking sustainably, or to incentivize corporations and individuals to want to live more sustainably. It will help people think more proactively.

Sustainable initiatives

Within our company, we actually have a number of sustainable initiatives. SM Group, in essence, is here to serve people so most of the sustainability efforts we have now and moving forward in the future are going to be centered around communities—particularly about how we can promote communities, especially for disaster risk reduction and resilience. There is a study that shows that when people are in a supportive community, recovery increases tenfold because they’re able to support each other and not just rely solely on the government or a corporation.

In SMDC and in the larger SM Group, we want to make sure that we’re creating opportunities for people to create a strong community and a backbone for a society that wants to help each other and thinks further than their nuclear family.

Henry Sy Jr. and Jica Sy

LEED-certified SMDC projects

SM Prime, as a group, has also committed to achieve net zero by 2040. SMDC is a part of SM Group, so we want to make sure that we are following those standards.

In line with that, next year, we’re getting certified for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for a few of our buildings for SMDC. That’s something that we’re very excited about as this will be a first for SMDC. Some of our malls and our other properties are already LEED and BERDE registered and certified, but for SMDC, it will be a first for us.

I’m most excited for these LEED projects because LEED, initially, was seen as something that’s luxury or for luxury properties.

The properties we are LEED certifying are for the mass market because we’ve been thinking specifically on how we can further reduce our emissions and how the lifetime of the building works to make sure we are promoting sustainability as much as possible. It’s something that the people who will live in those communities can be proud of.

We want to promote that sustainability isn’t a luxury item. Sustainability should be for everyone.

Cool Suites by SMDC

Globally trusted brand

We have a lot of goals for 2025, but my dream would be for SMDC to be globally recognized.

SM Malls, for example, is a well-known brand because it’s been around for (decades). I want SMDC to have that type of recognition, not because it’s a nice-to-have, but because it’s another thing that the Philippines can be proud of. Wherever we are in the world, there’s a strong brand bringing pride to Filipinos, while providing them a (community) they can come home to. So I want to become a globally trusted brand that is recognizable.

Bouncing back, building better, going global

Rosemarie Bosch Ong (HTTPS://WWW. FACEBOOK.COM/ WILCONDEPOT.PH)

Rosemarie Bosch Ong

SEVP and COO, Wilcon Depot Inc.

I have not one, but two wishes (for the Philippine real estate industry in 2025).

First, we want to bounce back. Owning a home still tops the Filipinos’ list of dreams. My wish is for the industry to be robust enough to support the dream of the regular “Juan”. How to do this? We will keep on innovating, finding building solutions through modern technology, and acclimatizing our market to the available options to make their dream homes a reality.

Second, we want the industry to be “environmentally-woke”. The recent months highlighted the nightmare that is global warming. We’ve seen the horrific images of structures succumbing to the backlash of nature. We dream of an industry that breathes green building practices and uses high quality and eco-friendly materials to build homes and infrastructure. My wish is that these sustainability efforts come naturally to all companies in our industry—not just as token actions but something ingrained into their core.

Ong at the opening of the Wilcon Depot store in Lubao, Pampanga

Embracing principles

We want our partners in the industry and the Filipino DIYers to seek, learn and incorporate the concepts of natural lighting, better ventilation and the use of energy-saving designs. Wilcon has a Design Hub to give builders a list of options and products they can explore.

We want people in the industry to embrace principles of reducing heat absorption, shading and other concepts to minimize energy consumption. We want our customers to veer naturally to our our “sustainable choices” line, choosing recycled and non-toxic building materials.

In almost all our 100 Wilcon Depot stores, we advocate the use of huge, high-intensity fans that are low-speed and environment friendly. Sixty percent of our stores have solar panels that help reduce our carbon footprint. And in every corner of the store, you will find options that we’ve identified as “Sustainable Choices”.

We will also continue to support industry professionals and encourage the integration of energy-efficient building solutions and smart home technologies.

Milestone

Many people think that reaching 100 stores is a huge milestone. We agree. But that is not the be-all and end-all of Wilcon’s journey and mission.

In fact, reaching 100 stores for me marks the beginning of another challenge in our company’s 47-year journey. The next chapter may even be more lofty. I dream of going international and bringing the Wilcon brand to the global stage. We are looking into diversifying and evolving into other business lines in retail, as well as going global. I’d be very happy if we can achieve this.

Creating resilient spaces for generations

Raquel S. Cruz

SVP and head of Core Residential Group, Ayala Land Inc.

Our wish for 2025 is for the Philippine real estate industry to become a stronger force for inclusive growth by building communities that prioritize livability, resilience, and economic opportunity. This means developing spaces that go beyond providing quality homes.

We need solutions to address climate challenges while creating environments where businesses—big or small—can grow and thrive. By focusing on these elements, we can build communities that actively improve the lives of the people who call them home.

Industry standard

Raquel Cruz at a topping off ceremony

Sustainability should no longer be seen as a “nice-to-have”—it should be the industry standard.

At Ayala Land, we are already scaling up sustainable building practices, like using recycled rebars and low-carbon cement, through strong partnerships with our suppliers. These efforts should become the norm across developments to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint.

We also want to see efficient water management systems—rainwater harvesting, permeable surfaces, and improved drainage—become a priority, especially in residential communities. Homes and spaces powered by renewable energy, like solar-powered amenity areas and streetlights, paired with green, walkable, and well-planned neighborhoods, will make sustainable living seamless and attainable.

Climate-resilient designs

Averdeen Estates Nuvali

We hope to see greater traction for innovations in climate-resilient design and technology. For instance, AI-powered flood monitoring systems, modular construction methods, and smart infrastructure can help create safer and more secure communities that will thrive over time.

At the same time, we want solutions that enhance livability and economic growth—like technologies that support small businesses, improve accessibility, and make day-to-day living easier. By blending innovation with thoughtful planning, we can transform how people live, work, and grow in these spaces.

Leadership in sustainability

Our goal for 2025 is to strengthen our leadership in sustainability by getting closer to achieving net-zero carbon emissions in our operations. This reflects Ayala Land’s commitment to building communities that are resilient, innovative and environmentally responsible.

Achieving this milestone will allow us to make a meaningful contribution to fighting climate change while creating spaces where families and businesses can flourish for generations to come.

Championing a customer-centric, sustainable property sector

John Richard Sotelo

Chief marketing officer, Robinsons Land Corp.

My ultimate wish is the industry, across every segment—residential, malls, offices, hotels, estates, logistics—to continue working with the customer at the center of everything we do so we can help Filipinos have an amazing experience in Philippine real estate.

(HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OFFICIALROBINSONSLAND)

I’d love to see more coordinated efforts in tapping renewable energy for real estate as well as more activities driving sustainable mobility—activities that focus on moving people rather than just vehicles. This 2025, we’d also consider it a milestone if we can continue to deliver above and beyond the expectations of our customers.

Enriching lives through real estate

Cathy Casares-Ko

COO, Torre Lorenzo Development Corp.

I wish that in 2025, the real estate industry will continue to thrive, and real estate developers will raise benchmarks further for clients’ welfare. I hope that the industry champions livability in designing spaces that truly enrich the human experience so that collectively, we create better value for our stakeholders.

(HTTPS://WWW.TORRELORENZO.COM)

Practical features

I want to see more practical green features to be integrated at the design and construction phase of developments—features that use local materials, allow natural light, provide good air quality, control noise, and save water and energy help residents reduce utility costs.

In the long-term, these practical features lower development and operating costs, and enhance livability and convenience for residents.

Other innovations I wish would gain traction next year include data-driven innovations that would make construction and operations more efficient, and would enhance customer service.

(HTTPS://WWW.TORRELORENZO.COM)

Exceeding targets

If there’s one milestone I’d like for our company this 2025 is for us to exceed all our targets in terms launches, construction milestones, and sales.

Beyond luxury: Going greener, smarter and better

Che Diaz

Maria Rochelle S. Diaz

EVP-Commercial, Shang Properties Inc.

The ultimate wish of developers for 2025 is a stronger real estate industry coming from the optimistic economic and market indicators in 2024.

The industry has been recovering gracefully from the pandemic over the past years, with players capturing the market which has shifted in terms of behavior. Developers have refined their approaches by ensuring projects offered are more accessible, affordable and friendlier to the market. There is a good view offered by industry players vis à vis economic indicators such as interest rates, investment yields and returns.

Eco-friendly ways

Diaz (third from left) with Shang Properties officials in Cebu (CDN)

Sustainability is a way of life and is best achieved when embedded in the design, construction and development methodologies which most developers are conscious of. Fostering a sense of community through sustainability programs, such as workshops on green living and reward systems for eco-friendly behaviors, strengthens collective efforts toward a greener future.

Examples include embracing biophilic design by incorporating indoor greenery and ensuring natural ventilation, which help improve air quality and well-being. Rainwater harvesting and low-flow water fixtures help minimize water wastage and support sustainable living.

Using the more efficient LED lights and smart systems help reduce energy consumption while sustainable building materials, such as reclaimed wood, ensure that construction processes have a lighter environmental footprint.

Technology and AI

Diaz at the Shang Bauhinia Residences’ groundbreaking event

Technology and AI would likely gain traction in terms of making the property development processes more efficient and customer-centric.

Enhancements in technology help in the planning and design of communities with features that are centered on improving living experience, property management and tenant solutions. Customer service will hopefully improve further with processes and automation in place, ensuring faster turnaround time and having a better understanding of client preferences.

Data analytics such as locational intelligence, market analysis tools and rental yield algorithms can also help in providing insights about market potential, trends, consumer behavior and property values.

Sustaining momentum

Shang Properties has been faithful in creating spaces that are not just homes but are communities that offer something that everyone can relate to, and places where people can thrive. We aim to sustain the momentum as we continue to build our portfolio to serve as building blocks for the future. Through this, we are committed to be true to our brand promise of building luxury projects while keeping stakeholders, clients, residents, tenants and employees happy.