By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, reporter
Amid economic uncertainties and cautious buyer sentiment, property developers are targeting regional growth areas and accelerating the rollout of horizontal residential projects this year.
SM Prime Holdings, Inc. “We expect the horizontal segment to outperform, supported by stable end-user demand and preference for larger living spaces,” said JE, president of .marginal forceRay C. Lim said in an e-mail response to questions.
He said demand for horizontal development outside Metro Manila remains steady, supported by continued growth in remittances from overseas Filipino workers, low inflation and buyers' growing preference for larger homes.
Federal Land, Inc. José Mari H. Banzon, president of the International Securities and Exchange Commission, said the horizontal market remains a “safe investment”, but noted that external factors such as political concerns and geopolitical tensions could raise risks.marginal forceect market sentiment.
“The current political and geopolitical noise has distracted the market from the fundamental soundness of horizontal residential investment,” he said in a Viber message.
Mr Lim described SM Prime's outlook for the horizontal residential segment as “cautiously optimistic”, citing potential risks from slow economic growth and weak buyer fraud.fiDense.
“As a result, we will remain selective in our 2026 project launches, focusing on locations where there are clear market advantages and solid demand fundamentals for our development,” he said.
The developer is keeping its development phase flexible depending on the demand situation while enhancing the design and infrastructure to attract buyers.
Pueblo de Oro Development Corp. (PDO), known for its 'Live-Work-Play-Learn' communities, said more families and fiFirst time buyers looking for township style living.
“PDO has a positive outlook for the horizontal residential sector in 2026, especially in regional growth corridors,” said PDO President and Chief Operating Officer O.marginal forceAicer Prime B. Nolido said in an e-mail.
The company expects strong demand for horizontal residential projects in areas with strong economic growth such as Batangas, Pampanga, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.
Mr Nolido said the segment may face challenges from rising manufacturing and material costs as well as competitionmarginal forceArranged accommodation.
For this year, SM Prime is set to launch a premium residential development within Susana Heights Village in Muntinlupa City and continue its Symphony Homes rollout in Pampanga.
Meanwhile, Federal Land plans to launch another residential subdivision in Biñan, Laguna and General Trias, Cavite.
“We will also launch residential condominiums to replenish our dwindling list of successful projects in Pasig and Bonifacio Global City that will cater to the high-end and luxury markets,” Mr. Banzon said.