Cebu is a preferred location for those who want a modern lifestyle without the stress of a highly congested megalopolis like Metro Manila. While Cebu is also busy, achieving a work-life balance is much easier here. After work, you can enjoy a meal with colleagues, hit the gym, or unwind at a yoga studio and still be home before 8 PM—something nearly impossible in Manila’s gridlocked traffic. In Cebu, you can have sticky rice with hot chocolate and the sweetest mangoes in Busay for breakfast, enjoy a midday swim with fresh seafood in Mactan, and have dinner and drinks in the city—all within a single day. Weekends can be spent discovering pristine islands like Bantayan, Malapascua, Bohol, and Siquijor, all just a ferry ride away.

Cebu’s strategic location in the Philippines makes it an economic powerhouse. The island stretches 196 kilometers from north to south and 32 kilometers at its widest point. Metro Cebu, which includes Cebu City, Mandaue, Talisay, Carcar, Lapu-Lapu, and Danao, comprises less than 20% of the land area, making urban real estate highly valuable.

Cebu is the country’s oldest and second-largest city, blending history, modern infrastructure, and natural wonders. Its booming tourism and BPO sectors benefit from a highly skilled, English-speaking workforce. As office towers rise, more professionals from the Visayas, Mindanao, and even Luzon migrate to Cebu for employment opportunities and a lower cost of living compared to Metro Manila.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the country’s median age in 2020 was 25. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) reported that Central Visayas’ unemployment rate dropped to 4% in April 2024, with a 97% employment rate recorded the previous year. This young, employed population fuels economic growth, evident in bustling restaurants, malls, and tech-savvy consumers. Real estate developments—both condominiums and suburban housing—continue to expand across Metro Cebu and its surrounding areas.

A 2024 market update by real estate firm Colliers Philippines reported that condominium selling rates in Cebu averaged P150,000 per square meter, with a 6.9% compound annual growth rate. Cebu’s total condominium inventory is projected to surpass 93,000 units by 2026, ensuring buyers have an array of options. Now is an opportune time to invest in Cebu real estate.

When selecting properties, buyers should prioritize reputable developers with strong track records. Location is also key—consider factors such as accessibility to airports, business districts, and lifestyle amenities. Are you looking for a compact, well-amenitized condo, or do you prefer a spacious house with a garage and open space? Are you a business owner or professional needing proximity to commercial hubs? Cebu offers diverse options catering to every lifestyle and stage of life.

For those prioritizing convenience, Cebu Business Park is a prime location. Anchored by Ayala Center Cebu, this district offers shopping, dining, and essential services. Upcoming developments include Masters Tower (completion in 2025) and Lucima (2024). Nearby, Cebu IT Park is a vibrant hub with 24/7 BPO offices, trendy cafes, restaurants, Central Bloc Mall, and SEDA Central Bloc Hotel. High-end residential projects in the vicinity include IPI Center Done Rockwell (2029) and Shang Bauhinia Residences (2031).

Cebu’s real estate market continues to thrive, driven by high-rise condominiums in business districts, hillside, and coastal residential developments, and mixed-use projects in its North and South Reclamation Areas.

For a quieter, more exclusive lifestyle, Cebu’s hillside communities offer privacy while remaining close to urban conveniences. Maria Luisa Estate Park, spanning Banilad to Busay, provides residential lots, while Monterrazas and The Rise at Monterrazas in Guadalupe offer upscale homes. Northtown Homes and Pristina North in Talamban cater to suburban family living. Marco Polo Residences in Nivel Hills provides condo living with breathtaking city views. Foressa Mountain Town in Balamban, set for completion in 2025, is another notable residential development.

South Road Properties (SRP) is emerging as a premier business district, with developments by the country’s top real estate firms. Designed similarly to Bonifacio Global City and the Mall of Asia complex, SRP is home to SM Seaside, Cebu’s largest mall, as well as Nustar Resort and Casino, which features luxury shopping and entertainment. IL Corso by Filinvest LifeMalls offers a mix of dining and retail experiences. The district is connected to Mactan via the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, the country’s longest bridge. South Coast City, a mixed-use development along Cebu South Coastal Road, is set to redefine the area.

For those seeking modern island living, Mactan offers beachfront condominiums with resort-style amenities. Aruga Resort and Residences is slated for completion in 2024, while The Residences at Sheraton Mactan was completed in 2023. Tambuli Seaside, a beachfront residential project, was finished in 2018. These properties provide luxurious coastal lifestyles just minutes from the city.

Cebu’s real estate market continues to thrive, driven by high-rise condominiums in business districts, hillside, and coastal residential developments, and mixed-use projects in its North and South Reclamation Areas. With strong investor demand and a growing workforce, Cebu remains a top destination for real estate investment.

Go for Broker: A Buyer’s Guide to Cebu’s Real Estate Market

Investing in real estate in Cebu is an excellent choice, whether for leasing as a source of passive income, securing a home, or reselling in the future. Foreigners are also welcome to purchase condominium units. However, since real estate transactions require time and resources, it is essential to navigate the process carefully with the help of licensed real estate brokers and accredited salespersons.

A skilled broker brings valuable market insights, legal knowledge, and an extensive network to the table. When purchasing from a developer, buyers don’t need to worry about broker fees, as these costs are covered by the developer. Brokers arrange project viewings, schedule appointments, and coordinate with the developer’s team. They also assist in reviewing contracts, processing paperwork, and ensuring all necessary documents are in order. If purchasing from a private seller, brokers conduct due diligence, including verifying records with the Registry of Deeds. Any additional services or fees will be discussed upfront, preventing unexpected charges.

When acquiring a property through a developer, taxes are typically included in the total contract price, and the developer manages the title transfer. Standard taxes include a 12% Value Added Tax (VAT) for properties in the VATable range, a 5% Expanded Withholding Tax (EWT), approximately 1.5% Documentary Stamp Tax (DST), a 0.50% to 0.75% transfer tax, and a title registration fee.

While Cebuanos are generally helpful, buyers should only transact with brokers or salespersons licensed by the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to ensure compliance with legal regulations. Always ask for a broker’s PRC license before proceeding with any transaction.

Special thanks to James Achilles Abadia, a licensed real estate broker and principal of Abadia Realty Services Corporation, for his insights.