SMDC to build more lifestyle, family-centered communities

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January 1, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — SM Development Corp. (SMDC), the residential arm of integrated property developer SM Prime Holdings Inc., seeks to lead the way in the shift toward building communities designed around proximity and access.

The company said that its 2026 direction centers on building life-centered neighborhoods “that make daily tasks easier and allow families to spend more time on the things that matter.”

“Families shouldn’t spend their best years on the road. If we can help Filipinos regain even an hour or two each day, that’s already a meaningful improvement in their quality of life,” SMDC vice president and head of design, innovation and strategy Jessica Bianca Sy said.

Sy said that in a market where buyers value both quality and efficiency, proximity has become one of the most meaningful advantages a home can offer.

“For many Filipinos, the real upgrade is enjoying a day that feels lighter, easier and more within their control,” she said.

Citing a report by property research and advisory firm Colliers, SMDC said that Metro Manila would remain a buyer’s market in 2026, with homebuyers prioritizing practicality, accessibility, and long-term value amid higher living costs and continued congestion.

As mobility continues to influence everyday life, the report showed that more buyers now look for places that shorten travel time and keep daily needs close.

It also indicated that retail hubs remain important anchors, as mall-adjacent communities become increasingly desirable due to their practicality and ease.

According to Sy, distance has become one of the biggest daily costs shouldered by Filipinos, affecting their time, energy and overall quality of life.

“Filipinos deserve homes that give them back their hours. Every hour spent in traffic is time that could be used for family, rest, or the things that matter most,” she said.

SMDC said that its delivered as well as upcoming communities are intentionally located near transport hubs, major roads and SM malls.

Its newest brands, SMDC Heights, SMDC Nature and Symphony Homes, reflect this broader shift toward homes that keep life close, manageable and cost-efficient.

By placing homes near shopping, dining, groceries, essentials, transportation and workplaces, the company aims to simplify daily routines and reduce the need for long trips.

“Living near an SM Mall is more than convenience. It provides stability, safety, savings and the comfort of knowing everything you need is easily within reach,” Sy said.

As more homebuyers prioritize convenience, stability and smarter ways of living, SMDC said it continues to focus on creating communities that are well-connected, accessible and supported by the wider SM ecosystem.