Top 12 Philippine infrastructure projects driving property boom

​​Manila: The Philippines is on a real estate roll.

Thanks to a wave of game-changing infrastructure projects — think new highways, bridges, airports, and railways — the country is becoming more connected than ever.

And with better roads come bigger opportunities: land values are climbing, property demand is surging, and investors (both local and global) are lining up for a piece of the action.

It’s not just a boom — it’s a building frenzy.

Here are the Top 12 Philippine infrastructure projects currently propelling real estate growth:

#1. Metro Manila Subway

The country’s first underground rail system, spanning 33 kilometers with 17 stations, is designed to serve approximately 370,000 passengers daily. Estimated to cost Php488 billion ($8.65 billion), the Manila sub is expected to be completed by 2032, and is hoped to significantly ease traffic congestion in the capital, while also boosting property values in key business districts such as Quezon City, Ortigas, Fort Bonifacio and Pasay City.

#2. North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR)

This 147-km rail line connects New Clark City in Tarlac to Calamba, Laguna, with 36 stations along the route. It enhances regional connectivity across Luzon, opening new corridors for residential and commercial development.

#3. MRT-7

The MRT-7 is a 22-km elevated rapid transit line connecting San Jose del Monte, Bulacan to North Avenue, Quezon City, with 14 stations. It is expected to begin partial operations with 12 stations by the fourth quarter of 2025 and full operations by 2026 or 2027. 

Once operational, MRT-7 will drastically reduce travel time from a two-hour drive to about 35 minutes, easing congestion along Commonwealth Avenue and improving accessibility between Metro Manila and Bulacan.

This enhanced connectivity is poised to stimulate economic growth by facilitating smoother commuter flows and attracting investments in commercial and residential developments near stations. Property values along the MRT-7 corridor are expected to rise as demand for accessible housing and business locations increases, driving urban expansion and boosting local economies.

#4. LRT-1 Cavite Extension

An 11.7-km extension adding 8 new stations, the project is expected to serve up to 800,000 passengers daily. It improves accessibility in southern Metro Manila and Cavite, areas that are seeing rising demand for housing and commercial spaces.

#5. New Manila International Airport (Bulacan)

With a budget of ₱735.6 billion ($13 billion), this massive project includes four runways and a 2,500-hectare township. It aims to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and stimulate economic activity in Central Luzon, which will, in turn, boost real estate development in the region.

#6. Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX)

The Philippines’ longest sea-crossing bridge at 8.9 kilometers, connecting Cebu City and Cordova. This infrastructure enhances mobility and trade in the Visayas region, supporting Cebu’s growing real estate market, especially in residential and commercial sectors.

#7. Davao–Samal Bridge
A 3.98-kilometer bridge currently under construction, linking Davao City to Samal Island. It will reduce travel time from 30 to 5 minutes, promoting tourism and commerce, which are key drivers of real estate demand in Mindanao.

#8. Davao City Bypass Road

Stretching 45.5 kilometers, this road project aims to cut travel time between Davao City and Panabo City from nearly two hours to under one hour. The improved accessibility is expected to ease congestion and encourage development along the corridor.

#9. Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX)
A four-lane expressway connecting the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). CALAX facilitates faster travel and economic growth in the CALABARZON region, which is one of the fastest-growing real estate markets outside Metro Manila.

#10. Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX)
A proposed 42.76-kilometer expressway from Laoac to Lingayen, expected to boost tourism and commerce in Pangasinan by improving regional connectivity and opening new areas for residential and commercial development.

#11. Cagayan de Oro Coastal Road Project
This project aims to reduce traffic congestion by extending the road from Barangay Puerto in Opol, Misamis Oriental, to Barangay Gusa. It enhances regional connectivity and supports urban expansion and real estate growth in Northern Mindanao.

#12. Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge 

The landmark infrastructure project is set to begin construction in July 2025. Spanning approximately 32.15 kilometers across Manila Bay, this four-lane cable-stayed bridge will connect Mariveles in Bataan to Naic in Cavite. Once completed around 2030, it will drastically reduce travel time between the two provinces from about 5.5 hours to just 45 minutes, bypassing Metro Manila congestion.

This mega project, costing around ₱175.66 billion, is expected to significantly boost economic activity by improving regional connectivity between Central Luzon and Calabarzon, as per ADB. Enhanced accessibility is projected to increase land values and spur growth in residential, commercial, and tourism sectors, positioning the bridge as a catalyst for balanced regional development in the Philippines.

Impact: Real estate, economic growth

These infrastructure projects are transforming housing preferences and investment patterns. Improved transport networks reduce travel times, making suburban and emerging cities more attractive for homebuyers and investors.

In regions like Cebu and Davao, infrastructure like CCLEX and the Davao-Samal Bridge are catalysing real estate development by enhancing accessibility and supporting tourism and commerce.

Broader Trends

The Philippine economy’s projected GDP growth of 5.8% to 6.2% in 2025, combined with lower inflation and interest rates, is creating a favorable environment for real estate investments. 

Buyers are increasingly drawn to properties near infrastructure hubs, and developers are responding with more masterplanned communities and mixed-use developments.

The expansion of transport and airport infrastructure is also expected to decentralize urban growth, encouraging population shifts to suburban areas such as Antipolo, Bacoor, and San Fernando, while also enhancing regional cities.

Improving access

Infrastructure development and real estate growth in the Philippines go together: as access improves, economies and property markets flourish. 

These projects are not only easing mobility but also unlocking new opportunities for residential and commercial real estate, driving the country’s economic progress forward.