Best Areas to Buy Property in Manila in 2026

22 December 2025

Buying property in Manila has never been about a single“best”location. The city;+'s complexity is precisely what makes its real estate market both challenging and rewarding. As the market moves into 2026, the question is no longer simply where prices are rising fastest, but which areas combine accessibility, economic relevance, rental demand and long-term resilience. In a city shaped by infrastructure expansion, shifting work patterns, and evolving lifestyles, location remains the most critical driver of property value—but it must now be understood in a broader, more strategic context.

Metro Manila continues to function as the country's primary economic hub, concentrating corporate headquarters, financial institutions and international businesses. This concentration sustains long-term demand for residential property, particularly in districts aligned with employment centers and transport networks. While regional cities are gaining momentum, Manila's scale, liquidity and depth of demand ensure that it remains the most active and diverse property market in the country (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2024).

Makati: Stability, Liquidity, and Enduring Demand

Makati remains one of the most established areas to buy property in Manila in 2026. As the country's traditional financial district, it continues to attract multinational firms, embassies and professional services. This concentration of employment creates consistent housing demand, particularly for condominiums located near offices, retail centers and transport corridors.

Property values in Makati tend to be higher than in emerging districts, but this premium reflects liquidity and stability rather than speculation. Rental demand remains strong, supported by expatriates and senior professionals who prioritize proximity to work and established lifestyle amenities. In market cycles where volatility increases, Makati has historically demonstrated resilience, making it attractive for buyers focused on long-term capital preservation rather than short-term price swings (Colliers Philippines, 2024).

In 2026, condominium prices in Makati generally range between PHP 180,000 and PHP 300,000 per square meter, with one-bedroom units typically starting from around PHP 9 million, reflecting the district’s liquidity, established infrastructure and consistent end-user demand.

Bonifacio Global City: Modern Living and Corporate Expansion

Bonifacio Global City, or BGC, continues to stand out as one of the most desirable locations for property buyers in Manila. Its master-planned layout, modern infrastructure, and walkable environment differentiate it from older districts. BGC has become a preferred base for multinational corporations, technology firms, and shared services operations, reinforcing demand for residential units within the district.

In 2026, BGC property appeals strongly to both end-users and investors seeking predictable rental demand. The area’s concentration of Grade A offices, international schools, and lifestyle amenities supports higher rental rates and occupancy levels. While entry prices are relatively high, BGC's appeal lies in its alignment with modern urban living trends and its ability to attract globally mobile tenants (Knight Frank, 2024).

Property prices in Bonifacio Global City remain among the highest in Metro Manila, with estimates in 2026 ranging from PHP 220,000 to PHP 350,000 per square meter and one-bedroom units commonly priced between PHP 10 million and PHP 18 million, depending on location and building quality.

Uptown BGC

Ortigas Center: Value, Accessibility, and Redevelopment

Ortigas Center occupies a strategic position between major cities such as Pasig, Mandaluyong and Quezon City, making it one of the most accessible business districts in Metro Manila. In recent years, renewed investment in infrastructure and mixed-use developments has strengthened Ortigas’position as a residential and commercial hub.

For buyers in 2026, Ortigas often offers better price-per-square-meter value compared to Makati and BGC, while still benefiting from strong rental demand. Its accessibility via major roads and rail lines appeals to professionals working across different parts of Metro Manila. As redevelopment efforts continue, Ortigas is increasingly viewed as a balanced option that combines affordability, centrality and long-term growth potential (Asian Development Bank, 2023).

In terms of pricing, Ortigas Center typically offers more accessible entry points, with condominium values in 2026 estimated at PHP 150,000 to PHP 230,000 per square meter and one-bedroom units often ranging from PHP 6.5 million to PHP 11 million, making it attractive for value-oriented buyers.

Quezon City: Scale, Infrastructure, and Emerging Nodes

Quezon City stands out for its sheer scale and diversity. Unlike compact central districts, it offers multiple residential and commercial nodes supported by universities, government institutions and business parks. Infrastructure projects such as new rail lines and road improvements are enhancing connectivity within the city and to surrounding areas.

Property buyers in 2026 are increasingly drawn to Quezon City for its range of options across different price points. Areas near transport hubs and mixed-use developments are gaining traction, particularly among end-users seeking livable environments with access to employment and education. The city's size allows it to absorb demand across cycles, making it less susceptible to localized oversupply risks (World Bank, 2023).

Condominium prices in Quezon City vary widely by location, but in 2026 generally fall between PHP 120,000 and PHP 200,000 per square meter, with one-bedroom units frequently priced from approximately PHP 5 million to PHP 9 million, particularly near transport hubs and mixed-use developments.

Pasay and Bay Area: Infrastructure-Driven Transformation

Pasay and the broader Bay Area represent one of the most infrastructure-driven property stories in Manila. Proximity to the airport, entertainment complexes, and major transport projects has transformed the area from a transitional zone into a strategic urban district. Ongoing public and private investment continues to reshape its residential and commercial landscape.

For buyers in 2026, the Bay Area offers exposure to sectors linked to tourism, entertainment, and international business. Rental demand is supported by short- and medium-term tenants, while long-term prospects depend on sustained infrastructure execution and urban planning. While the area carries more cyclical risk than established CBDs, it also offers upside potential tied to large-scale development momentum (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, 2024).

In the Bay Area, condominium prices in 2026 are commonly estimated between PHP 140,000 and PHP 220,000 per square meter, with one-bedroom units typically ranging from PHP 6 million to PHP 10 million, reflecting both infrastructure-driven potential and higher market cyclicality.

KMC Savills - Pasay and Bay area

Emerging Corridors and Transit-Oriented Locations

Beyond established districts, some of the most interesting opportunities in Manila property in 2026 are found along emerging transport corridors. Areas connected to new rail lines and expressways are benefiting from improved accessibility, altering how buyers evaluate distance and commute time.

Transit-oriented developments are gaining relevance as congestion and mobility challenges persist. Properties located near stations and interchanges increasingly command premiums, not because of prestige, but because of convenience. Historically, accessibility has been a key driver of value appreciation in Manila, and this dynamic is expected to strengthen as infrastructure projects near completion (Asian Development Bank, 2023).

In emerging transit-oriented locations, condominium prices in 2026 often start lower, generally ranging from PHP 100,000 to PHP 160,000 per square meter, with entry-level one-bedroom units beginning at around PHP 4.5 million to PHP 7 million, offering more accessible entry points tied to future connectivity.

How Buyers Should Think About Location in 2026

Choosing the best area to buy property in Manila in 2026 requires a shift in mindset. Rather than focusing solely on current popularity or headline prices, buyers benefit from assessing long-term fundamentals. Employment concentration, transport connectivity, quality of urban planning, and adaptability to changing lifestyles all play a role in determining future value.

As the market matures, data-driven evaluation is becoming more important. Buyers are increasingly aware that sustainable demand, not speculative growth, underpins long-term performance. Areas that combine accessibility, economic relevance and livability are better positioned to remain competitive across market cycles.

Conclusion: Best Areas Are Defined by Long-Term Fundamentals

The best areas to buy property in Manila in 2026 are not defined by a single district or trend. Instead, they reflect how different parts of the city respond to infrastructure expansion, economic activity and evolving urban needs. Makati and BGC offer stability and global appeal, Ortigas provides value and centrality, Quezon City delivers scale and diversity, while Pasay and emerging corridors present infrastructure-led opportunities.

Ultimately, Manila's strength lies in its multi-centric structure. For buyers willing to look beyond surface-level comparisons, the city offers a range of locations that can meet different investment goals and lifestyle priorities. In a market shaped by transformation rather than speculation, understanding location through a long-term lens remains the most reliable strategy for property buyers in Manila.