Turning paradise into profit: Why Cebu is a real estate goldmine
Cebu, known as the Queen City of the South, is celebrated for its pristine beaches, world-class dive sites, and rich heritage.
Beyond its charm however, Cebu City is also one of the Philippines’ most dynamic investment hubs–especially in real estate. And this isn’t just local pride speaking. It’s a data-backed, experience-grounded perspective from someone who has witnessed Cebu’s rise firsthand.
Strategic location, global connectivity
Cebu’s central position in the Visayas makes it a vital economic and logistical bridge for the Philippines.
The Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the second busiest in the country, offers direct flights to key Asia Pacific destinations–making it a gateway for both tourism and business. Complementing this is the Cebu International Port, which further solidifies its role in global shipping.
Besides business opportunities, Cebu offers a unique blend of urban sophistication, coastal serenity, and mountainous escapes, attracting tourists, expatriates, digital nomads, and retirees alike.
This has sustained demand in the hospitality sector, as evident in the consistent growth in Airbnb bookings, resort developments, and eco-tourism investments here. In 2023, Cebu recorded over 3 million tourist arrivals, according to data from the Department of Tourism.
Resilient economic growth, investor confidence
Central Visayas saw its economy grow by 7.3 percent, outperforming the country’s gross domestic product growth of 5.7 percent in 2024 (PSA, 2025).
Cebu, as the region’s economic epicenter, is reaping the benefits of diversified growth across a number of sectors including IT and business process outsourcing (BPO); manufacturing and export processing zones; retail and wholesale trade; tourism and hospitality; and real estate.
Cebu’s economic momentum has attracted major developers such as Rockwell Land, Shang Properties, Megaworld, SM Prime, Robinsons Land, Ayala Land, and Cebu Landmasters, which continued to build integrated townships, business parks, and residential enclaves across the province. Their sustained investments signal deep confidence in Cebu’s long term profitability.
Young, skilled, and growing workforce
Cebu boasts a population growth rate of 2.63 percent and a labor force participation rate of 64.9 percent, higher than the Philippines’ national average (PSA, 2024).
It has evolved into a magnet for talent from across the Visayas and Mindanao, anchored by prestigious academic institutions like the University of San Carlos, Cebu Institute of Technology, and University of the Philippines Cebu.
As the second-largest IT-BPO hub in the country, Cebu hosts global firms in finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and tech. According to the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), the IT-BPM sector in Cebu is projected to grow by over 7 percent annually through 2026, driving demand for residential condos, co-living spaces, office towers, and mixed-use developments.
This demographic and economic synergy translates into stronger rental yields, better occupancy rates, and long-term property appreciation.
The time to invest is now
Cebu offers an unmatched investment trifecta: economic vibrancy, world-class infrastructure, and natural appeal. Whether you’re eyeing residential, commercial, or tourism-focused projects, the province’s upward trajectory and expanding urban footprint make it a future-proof destination.
Savvy investors are already capitalizing on this momentum—transforming island paradise into consistent profit. With government-backed infrastructure developments like the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEx) and the Metro Cebu Expressway, accessibility is improving, and land values are poised to surge even further.
Don’t just visit. Invest. Cebu isn’t just a place to vacation—it can also be a place to build your vision. You see, Cebu is not just the Queen City of the South–it’s the crown jewel of real estate investment in the Philippines.
The author, ESS, CUSP, FIMS, CIS, is a Visayas Business Development and Market Education officer of FirstMetroSec. She leverages over a decade of investment experience, fueled by her early success in the National Stock Trading Competition of the First Metro Group and Philippine Stock Exchange. She’s also an advocate for financial empowerment, dedicated to guiding Filipinos toward a brighter financial future
