Why the next property cycle belongs to Batangas
Batangas has emerged as one of the best alternatives to Metro Manila in terms of real estate investment due to its proximity to the capital region, tourism diversity and potential, as well as its robust economic posture.
Proximity to Manila
Batangas is situated 100 kilometers south of Metro Manila and can be reached via the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) and Southern Tagalog Arterial Road in about two hours. Its proximity to Metro Manila and the existence of a high quality road network allow it to be a good destination in terms of tourism and real estate investments.
Tourism
The sandy beaches of Nasugbu, Calatagan, and Anilao are attractive and accessible destinations for relaxation and water activities such as swimming, island hopping, and diving.
Taal Volcano and the Batangas mountain range, meanwhile, are conducive to hiking and trekking activities for those who love nature and the outdoors.
Old houses such as Casa Villavicencio, Segunda, and the Goco House, along with landmarks like the Cape Santiago Lighthouse and Batangas’ beautiful churches—including the famous Caleruega Church—are highly sought-after wedding venues and pilgrimage destinations. These heritage structures draw history enthusiasts who appreciate architecture, and travelers seeking postcard-worthy backdrops.
Batangas lomi, bulalo, goto, and tawilis further make the province a culinary haven for those craving local specialties and distinctive Filipino cuisine.
During the 2024 summer season, the local government of Batangas expected tourist arrivals to hit 9 million, up from the 7 million visitors recorded the previous year. Hence, from these tourist attractions and tourist arrivals and using the 9 percent national average of tourism contribution to Philippine gross domestic product (GDP), the province’s revenues from tourism can be easily valued at around P 60 billion based on its GDP of P680 billion in 2024.
Economy
Batangas’ per capita GDP of P230,000 is almost comparable to the national average of P236,000.
This commendable economic performance should be viewed vis-a vis the province’s 8th ranking out of 82 provinces in terms of overall competitiveness, which includes assessments on economic dynamism, government, efficiency, infrastructure, resiliency, and innovation by the Department of Trade and Industry.
The province’s three component cities registered notable scores in this competitive ranking as well, with Batangas City having the highest score of 44.23, followed by Lipa (42.71) and Tanauan (36.00).
Further, based on 2023 Philippine Statistics Authority and Commission on Audit numbers of the country’s 82 provinces, Batangas is the third largest contributor to Philippine GDP and ranked fourth richest in terms of total assets (at P32.522 billion).
Batangas is undeniably an economic powerhouse.
Real estate
With its strategic location, slew of tourist destinations, and thriving economy, the province has naturally become a logical choice for real estate investment. Major developers and locators have already established a strong presence in Batangas.
Office locators, for instance, recognize the province’s strategic location and proximity to Manila as main reasons for its attractiveness.
Further, the province’s 1.4 million-strong working population is more than sufficient to support the talent requirements of these companies. Batangas is also an ideal location for recreation-focused, beachfront residential, mixed-use, or high quality township developments, thanks to its numerous beaches, varied topography, and proximity to Taal Volcano.
Many high-end, resort-style vertical and horizontal residential developments have been built in the province, and more are expected to follow as other cities and municipalities become the next targets for expansion.
Developers have recognized as well the province’s ability to provide value-for-money house-and-lot or lot-only residential alternatives outside Metro Manila and take-up has been brisk, even accelerated by the pandemic.
The trend of homebuyers preferring to take residence outside Metro Manila is reflected by the increasing residential loans to Calabarzon-based on the 2025 Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas residential real estate loans data.
Batangas has benefited from this trend.
Finally, industrial real estate continues to be a bright spot for the province, primarily driven by its international port that is a default alternative to the Port of Manila and its strategic location as a hub for South Luzon industrial and distribution networks.
Despite a 15 percent vacancy rate in industrial real estate, rents continue to be resilient at P240 to P250 per sqm highlighting the province’s importance as an industrial hub.
Conclusion
Batangas as a real estate investment target is well-justified.
Its proximity to Metro Manila, the presence of an international port, a well-off and highly literate population, its strength as a tourism powerhouse, and its sound financial standing all reinforce its status as a premier real estate destination south of the capital region.
