{"id":42133,"date":"2025-06-05T16:28:21","date_gmt":"2025-06-05T09:28:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.asiapropertyawards.com\/?p=42133"},"modified":"2025-06-05T16:28:21","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T09:28:21","slug":"philippine-housing-takes-on-a-smarter-greener-more-inclusive-path-to-2040","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.asiapropertyawards.com\/en\/philippine-housing-takes-on-a-smarter-greener-more-inclusive-path-to-2040\/","title":{"rendered":"Philippine housing takes on a smarter, greener, more inclusive path to 2040"},"content":{"rendered":"

Developers urged to rethink home design and affordability as the next growth cycle begins<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Improvements in infrastructure and connectivity are enabling more people to consider living in fringe cities and regional growth centres. cristan pago74\/Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As the Philippine property sector marches into a new growth cycle, developers are being urged to build not just more homes\u2014but better ones. With the government\u2019s housing roadmap extended to 2040, balancing long-term supply goals with immediate market realities has become a defining challenge for the industry.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the <\/span>Philippine Daily Inquirer<\/span><\/a>, changi<\/span>ng buyer preferences and economic shifts, such as high interest rates and inflation are reshaping demand. Today\u2019s buyers are more discerning, tech-savvy, and driven by lifestyle needs rather than traditional metrics like proximity to city centres.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What today\u2019s buyers really want<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“Buyers today are no longer just looking for a roof over their heads,” sai<\/span>d Kathleen P. Obcemea, Principal Interior Designer of KPO Beyond Designs Co. and judge at the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards. “<\/span>They want homes that are affordable, tech-enabled, and aligned with modern lifestyles.”<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Obcemea said developers must prioritise flexibility and future-readiness, especially for younger demographics like millennials and Gen Z. “They value wellness, sustainability, and convenience,” she explained. “Developments must now integrate features like solar readiness, green design, reliable internet, and work-from-home spaces.”<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This shift is further amplified by new residential hotspots emerging outside Metro Manila. As the <\/span>Inquirer<\/span><\/a> noted in a s<\/span>eparate article, improvements in infrastructure and connectivity are enabling more people to consider living in fringe cities and regional growth centres. These locations offer more space and affordability, and developers are following suit with larger mixed-use communities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Inclusive, activated communities<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Michelle Barretto, Founder and CEO of Vitamin B, Inc. and fellow <\/span>PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards judge, echoed the need for more inclusive strategies. \u201cTo address the housing backlog for low-income families while responding to market realities, developers should prioritise innovative, affordable housing outside urban centres,\u201d she said.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProactive estate activation is critical\u2014developers must deliver transport, amenities, and essential services alongside unit turnover to ensure liveable, future-proof communities,\u201d Barretto added.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She emphasised that smart density planning should be paired with government infrastructure to avoid replicating the congestion and inefficiencies seen in the capital.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A market cautiously optimistic<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While demand for luxury housing remains resilient, the mid-market segment has shown signs of cautio<\/span>n. A <\/span>Forbes<\/span><\/a> ar<\/span>ticle reported that developers are approaching Metro Manila\u2019s condominium supply glut with prudence. Instead of oversupplying, the focus is turning to building in sync with actual market demand.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>BusinessWorld<\/span> editorial series (<\/span>Part 1<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Part 2<\/span><\/a>) stressed that the 2040 housing roadmap cannot succeed unless developers address both the quantity and quality of housing. The government has called for stronger public-private collaboration to meet annual production targets and reduce the housing backlog.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Recovery signs are emerging<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite headwinds, a cautious recovery in the residential market is beginning to take shape. According to a recent article from the <\/span>Inquirer<\/span><\/a> developers are adjusting to shifting consumer preferences with new formats, such as rent-to-own models, co-living spaces, and smart home-ready units.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This new wave of offerings mirrors insights from the judges. Obcemea underscored the importance of digitising the buyer experience. \u201cToday\u2019s buyers expect virtual tours, AI-driven support, and seamless online transactions. Developers need to modernise how they market and sell,\u201d she said.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Recognising excellence across Asia<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Amid these shifting market dynamics, several Philippine-based developers have risen to the challenge and earned regional acclaim. At the <\/span>19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final 2024<\/span><\/a>, the Philippines emerged as a strong contender across multiple categories:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n