Key players from the fields of investment, property development, and technology gathered at a recent forum hosted by Southlinks Estate in Alabang, where a consensus emerged: Manila is solidifying its foothold as a rising star in the affordable luxury real estate sector.
Rick Santos, chairman and CEO of Santos Knight Frank, underscored this momentum by pointing to Manila’s fifth-place ranking in the latest Knight Frank Prime Global Cities Index—a notable retention from the previous year. Manila trailed only Bengaluru, Dubai, Tokyo, and Seoul in the global rankings, which evaluate cities based on the performance of their prime residential markets.
“This ranking highlights the strong fundamentals of the Philippine property market,” Santos said. “One of our biggest advantages is our youthful demographic. With a median age of 26.1 years, we stand out globally. That youth-driven demand is our secret sauce.”
By comparison, Santos noted, the median age in other countries is significantly higher: India (32.4), Argentina (31.7), Brazil (33.5), Finland (37.3), China (38.4), Poland (40.7), and Japan (48.3)—placing the Philippines in a unique position for long-term growth.
Santos Knight Frank, the local affiliate of the global property consultancy Knight Frank, has reported continued appreciation in Manila’s prime residential properties. Lots in Forbes Park, one of the capital’s most exclusive neighborhoods, now command prices as high as ₱825,000 per square meter, with an average growth rate of 15%. In contrast, Southlinks Estate lots remain more accessible at ₱150,000 per square meter, reflecting the potential in the “affordable luxury” segment.
“Real estate will remain a key pillar of investment,” Santos added. “The convergence of infrastructure, energy, land, and emerging technologies will define future growth. But ultimately, people still need homes—and technology will only enhance the way we deliver them.”
The forum also highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the property sector. Paul Joseph Garcia, co-principal and managing partner at Grow Capital Partners, spoke on the dual transformation AI is bringing to business operations and investment advisory.
“AI is not here to replace human capital—it’s here to augment it,” Garcia said. “While AI can take over much of the heavy-lifting in research and data analytics, the human interface remains essential. We’re seeing AI shorten research turnaround times and add sophistication to real estate design and finance. The future is about talent paired with intelligent tools.”
Renowned architect Cathy Saldana, president of pdp+, shared insights on how sustainability is becoming inseparable from technology in urban planning. Her firm led the site planning of Southlinks Estate.
“Sustainability and technology go hand in hand,” Saldana said. “We can now predict and manage utilities, thermal comfort, traffic, and landscape with greater precision. Even aligning children’s school schedules with transport systems is now part of urban design thinking. What Southlinks is developing is a future-ready community—with smart utility usage, connectivity, and eco-resilience at its core.”
As urban demand continues to rise and technological tools reshape design and delivery, Manila’s ascent in the global property landscape appears to be more than just a trend—it’s a trajectory, powered by youth, innovation, and sustainable growth.
