Highlighting the ideal mix of nature and nurture
The demand for integrated communities is not confined to Metro Manila alone. Major growth hubs, especially in South Luzon, have also been recording a spike in demand for masterplanned communities.
Colliers Philippines has seen substantial landbanking activity in the Cavite–Laguna–Batangas corridor. Parcels of developable land in these areas are primed for major township developments, especially given this corridor’s improving infrastructure backbone.
But developers are cognizant of the fact that merely launching these massive townships won’t cut it. Property firms and their integrated communities need to stand out and differentiate themselves to attract the interest of end-users and investors. This is particularly important in a region like South Luzon, which is a relatively mature property market compared to other areas.
Heightened differentiation is key
With the launch of masterplanned communities becoming a trend, developers need to differentiate themselves to stand out in a constantly evolving market.
Residential investors and end-users continue to put a premium on accessibility and convenience. The 15-minute community concept appeals to them, especially now that everything is fast-paced.
The proximity of residential projects to offices, malls, recreational hubs, and institutional facilities like schools and hospitals is highly important, especially to a new breed of residential investors, including millennials and Gen Z.
Green and sustainable features
One way to differentiate is through the aggressive integration of green, healthy, and open spaces in their townships. Colliers Philippines believes in the importance of open and green spaces within residential enclaves.
In a poll conducted by Colliers Philippines among property analysts, brokers, investors, and end-users, more than 90 percent said that having green and sustainable features is important when purchasing a residential unit. These green and open spaces are also among the key features of thriving masterplanned communities, including those in South Luzon.
We believe developers should continue innovating with their condominium and house-and-lot projects by offering new features and services.
Some residential projects offer unique amenities such as glamping nooks, garden gazebos, and sky promenades. Premium condominium developments with enhanced amenities are also becoming the norm. This premiumization, complemented by wellness and sustainable features, is a trend we see continuing in the years to come.
A premium on wellness
Wellness and active lifestyle amenities are now being integrated into masterplanned projects.
Colliers believes that now is an opportune time for developers to highlight townships that offer greener and more open spaces, as well as recreational features like sports hubs, jogging trails, tree-lined roads, and bike lanes.
With more property firms targeting health-conscious millennials and Gen Z, it is important for developers to proactively market the wellness amenities featured within their townships. This is an effective way to capture the interest of a segment of the population that is also a potential market for their residential offerings.
Differentiation and placemaking
Overall, developers’ placemaking and differentiation initiatives should help transform places into destinations where people can live, work and play. In our view, an effective placemaking strategy will be crucial in sustaining livability and, eventually, the capital value appreciation of properties in a well-differentiated masterplanned community.
This is one of the major reasons why property developers integrate green features, open spaces, active lifestyle amenities, parks, and even golf communities into their residential estates.
Colliers Philippines believes that a well-executed differentiation and placemaking strategy will benefit property firms, investors, and the entire community–a win-win for the industry.
