Cebu poised for property boom

CEBU, Philippines — Real estate stakeholders are looking to 2025 as a pivotal year for expanding investments across residential, hospitality, and commercial sectors, driven by an improving tourism industry and increasing remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

AppleOne Group President and CEO Ray Go Manigsaca expressed optimism about Cebu’s real estate market sustaining growth, particularly in residential and commercial developments.

“We are looking at Cebu’s real estate market to sustain its growth in 2025, driven by both residential and commercial expansion, with potential developments in commercial properties as businesses grow and invest in the region,” Manigsaca said.

Manigsaca, whose firm developed the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort among other notable projects, emphasized that Cebu solidified its status as a prime investment hub in 2024, attracting businesses relocating from Metro Manila and other regions.

Manigsaca highlighted the surge in demand for residential and office spaces, which has driven major real estate projects across the province.

Infrastructure upgrades, such as road expansions and additional flights at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, continue to boost property values and attract more investments, Manigsaca added.

Grand Benedicto, President of BE Group of Companies, echoed this sentiment, citing a strong middle-class segment, a robust OFW base, a growing population, and youthful demographics as key drivers of economic activity.

“All these will translate to robust economic activities,” Benedicto said, noting that the upcoming May elections are also expected to spur consumer spending, benefiting sectors like retail and tourism.