BY winning the 2016 presidential race, President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte has catapulted Davao City into the psyche of millions of Filipinos.
From both a tourist and residential perspective, online property portal Lamudi said one of the major draws to Davao City has been the safety credited to the tough anti-crime policies of Duterte. Arguably the safest city in the country already, crowdsourced rating web site Numbeo has had Davao City ranked within the top 10 of the safest cities in the world since June 2015.
Just like its major metropolitan counterparts, the city has a large population and, in the last census, was ranked to have fourth highest in the country.
As a city with numerous residents, Davao continues to see the emergence of condominium developments and mixed-use townships in an effort to meet the increasing demand for real estate from its growing population.
Lamudi said the difference between Davao and other major urban locales is that it also has a wealth of outdoor tourist destinations. One of its most recognizable landmarks happens to be Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the county.
Investors considering properties that are near the business district or areas with high and active foot traffic can look into areas like Davao Park District, the first township project in the Mindanao region.
The 11-hectare development is a project of Megaworld Corp., and is envisioned to become the city’s premiere business district and a major center for the information and technology and business-process outsourcing industries. Commercial, industrial and office spaces are expected to be plenty here, as well as a number of residential units.
There are also existing condominium developments, like the Dusit Thani Residences, Ecoland 4000, One Oasis and numerous others situated in prime locations in the city, with relatively easy access to commercial areas, schools, hospitals and other urban necessities.
Although Davao is highly urbanized, Lamudi explained that property seekers can also find traditional houses and lots in the city that would be a little scarce. “Characterized by extensive mountain ranges and large, contiguous lowland areas, the types of property seen in the city are vast and are able to suit the needs of just about any type of buyer or investor,” Lamudi said.
According to Lamudi, prices of residential property listed online for city famous for durian are currently valued between P410,000 at the lowest, and as much as P50 million. A coastal city, a number of beach lots are available in the southeast area of the city which are ideal for retirement or vacation homes, or for tropical resorts.
Lamudi also pointed out that the city’s large area has also allowed it to have a thriving agriculture industry and, expectedly, there are also numerous sections of Davao where farm lots and acreages are situated.
Founded as city in 1936, Davao City is the main component of Metro Davao, the third most populous metropolitan area in the country. As its center, Davao City serves as the main hub for the region’s commercial, industrial and educational activity.