The construction and real estate sectors continue to play a vital role in the Philippines’ infrastructure development this year. In the first half of 2025, the construction industry is poised to experience significant growth driven by infrastructure upgrades, tourism-related developments, and sustained demand for residential and commercial projects.
Real estate followed close behind, adapting quickly to new consumer preferences and digital innovations while expanding activity across both urban centers and emerging growth areas. From major developers pushing large-scale builds to new players finding success in niche markets, the first six months of the year have set the tone for what’s next.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top-performing companies and the rising names gaining ground in both construction and real estate.
H1 2025 Sector Overview
The construction industry is holding its growth trajectory, with a projected 6.2% real expansion for the year. This progress is supported by major investments in transport infrastructure and renewable energy.
Key indicators reflect rising confidence and sustained activity:
- Construction loans increased by 13.2% YoY (January–February 2025)
- Building permits grew by 22% YoY in the same period
This steady growth shows that more projects are getting approved and funded, especially in roads, transport, and clean energy. It’s a sign that builders are confident, and the country is pushing forward with long-term development.
On the other hand, the real estate sector remains resilient, with sustained demand for residential and mixed‑use developments. While the Metro Manila market is still experiencing challenges with price dips, developers are boosting the scene with RFO (ready-for-occupancy) promos. Meanwhile, demand for residential properties is extending far beyond Metro Manila, with a developing market in cities like Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Davao.
Leaders and Emerging Players in Construction and Real Estate
Big names in construction continue to lead the way in 2025. While current data does not pinpoint exactly which companies are at the forefront, some of the biggest players have already emerged. These companies are managing major projects and driving infrastructure progress, from transport systems to large commercial spaces.
1. SM Prime
SM Prime generated ₱11.7 billion in net income in Q1 2025, driven by strong performance in its malls and residential projects. This figure is up by 11% from last year, making SM Prime one of the best-performing construction companies in the country to date.
In Q1 2025, SM Prime announced plans to invest ₱100 billion this year to expand its mall, residential, office, and hotel projects. As one of Southeast Asia’s biggest property developers, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPH) will allocate ₱67 billion of the 2025 budget to support new residential and mixed-use developments in Luzon and Visayas.
The company will also grow its office and hotel portfolio to meet rising demand from BPOs and business events across the country.
2. Ayala Land
Ayala Land saw steady growth in early 2025, with ₱6.9 billion in net income for the first quarter, driven mainly by strong sales in premium residential and commercial properties. The company launched over ₱12.6 billion worth of residential projects, with most located outside Metro Manila, including new phases in Cavite and Davao.
High demand for upscale properties in areas like Arca South in Taguig also helped boost revenues. Ayala Land continues to invest in estate infrastructure, spending a large portion of its ₱20.6 billion capital outlay on roads, transport access, and urban development. It also began building the ₱5.2 billion Taguig Integrated Terminal Exchange, set to link with major rail systems in the country.
3. Megaworld
Megaworld earned ₱5.83 billion in net income in Q1 2025, which is 16% up from last year. These numbers are results from its residential, office, and mall developments, with the company securing over 50,000 sq. m. in new office leases. This total is its highest in five years.
Meanwhile, its real estate sales rose 8%, driven by projects in Metro Manila and key provincial growth areas. Megaworld also continues to grow its footprint, with 35 townships and plans to expand its office and retail spaces to a combined 3 million sq. m. by 2030. These milestones reflect steady construction activity and growing tenant confidence across its mixed-use communities.
Players to Watch
While the big names continue to lead, some companies are quietly making bold moves in 2025. These companies may not be currently at the top, but their recent performance shows that they’re worth keeping an eye on.
1. DMCI Homes
DMCI Homes recorded a strong start in 2025, doubling its net income in Q1 to ₱1.4 billion, up 101% from last year. This growth came from more completed units, better rental earnings, and stronger financial income.
Despite a 9% dip in overall profits for DMCI Holdings in early 2025, the company is still investing heavily, setting aside ₱17.9 billion for construction, land banking, and equipment, which is 22% more than in 2024. As DMCI Homes expands its real estate portfolio, it’s becoming a more active player in both housing and infrastructure development across key urban areas.
2. Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC)
RLC earned ₱11.03 billion in revenues in Q1 2025, with its growth coming mainly from malls, offices, hotels, and logistics. Residential development and joint ventures also contributed through ₱2.51 billion in project revenues.
Currently, RLC holds ₱264.5 billion worth of properties and assets, and it has also improved its finances by lowering its debt-to-equity ratio to 26% and declaring a ₱0.75 per share dividend, a 15% increase from last year. These moves reflect strong investor confidence and smart capital management.
Because of this, RLC remains one of the country’s most stable and active property developers, strengthened by a focus on commercial growth and residential expansion worth tracking in the months ahead.
Keeping Pace in a Growing Market
H1 2025 data shows stable and optimistic growth across both construction and real estate. Public-private synergy, consistent demand, and increasing regional development drive activity.
Top-performing firms are reinforcing their positions, while promising players are reshaping the landscape through innovation and bold, future-ready projects. As momentum builds, long-term collaboration will remain key in sustaining growth and delivering results that benefit both investors and communities.
References:
AyalaLand. (2025, May 6). AyalaLand 1Q 2025 Performance. 1Q 2025 Performance. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://ir.ayalaland.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Analyst-Briefing-1Q-2025-2025-05-06-Web.pdf
Balaoing, B. (n.d.). LT Group net income up 13 percent in first quarter of 2025. ABS-CBN. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/5/14/lt-group-net-income-up-13-percent-in-first-quarter-of-2025-1519
Bondoc, J. (2025, May 13). Colliers Quarterly | Property Market Report – Residential | Q1 2025 | Philippines. Colliers. Retrieved July 9, 2025, from https://www.colliers.com/en-ph/research/colliers-quarterly-property-market-report-residential-q1-2025-philippines
BusinessWorld. (2025, April 30). SM Prime Q1 profit climbs to P11.7B, fueled by malls and residences. BusinessWorld. Retrieved July 9, 2025, from https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2025/04/30/669281/sm-prime-q1-profit-climbs-to-p11-7b-fueled-by-malls-and-residences/
BusinessWorld Online. (2025, May 8). Megaworld Q1 income rises 16% to P5.83B. BusinessWorld Online. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2025/05/08/671137/megaworld-q1-income-rises-16-to-p5-83b/
Company History. (n.d.). First Balfour. https://firstbalfour.com/history/
Robinsons Land Corporation. (2025, May 6). Robinsons Land Corporation Posts Solid Core Growth in 1Q CY2025. Robinsons Land Corporation. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://robinsonsland.com/stories/robinsons-land-corporation-posts-solid-core-growth-1q-cy2025-1664
SM Prime. (n.d.). SM Prime Outlines ₱100B Investment Plan for 2025. SM Prime. https://www.smprime.com/company_releases/sm-prime-outlines-%E2%82%B1100b-investment-plan-for-2025/
Valmonte, K. (n.d.). Ayala Land scores P7 billion as most segments post gains in Q1. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/business/corporate/ayala-land-earnings-report-january-march-2025/
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Wikipedia. SM Prime. Retrieved July 9, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SM_Prime
Facebook
Instagram
Linkedin
Twitter
Youtube