SM emerged over the years as a buyer of choice for real property as the company regularly acquired land for its malls. It is therefore no surprise that SM eventually engaged in property development, largely as a residential developer now, with interests also in commercial and leisure development as well.

SM’s real property operations are all under SM Land, Inc., which has three segments, namely residential, commercial, and leisure. SM Land’s residential arm is the publicly-listed SM Development Corporation or SMDC, while its commercial and leisure development are handled separately by the Commercial Properties Group and Costa del Hamilo, respectively.

A trailblazer in the middle market for residential condominiums in Metro Manila, SMDC quickly emerged as the leading developer, in terms of number of units sold and in sales value. Much to the surprise of many, SMDC developed homes that attracted a large pool of buyers who are looking for affordable, yet luxury homes in strategic locations. Living by its tagline, “The Good Guys!” SMDC takes pride in delivering its homes on time, with the best quality and five-star amenities such as grand lobbies, swimming pools, function rooms, and libraries, among others that address the needs and aspirations of a better lifestyle for thousands of Filipinos. Its projects are all strategically located near transport hubs, schools, malls and other commercial districts.

As the housing backlog remains large, SMDC aims to launch more projects in various cities in Metro Manila, with provisions to also develop homes in key cities in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Highlands Prime, Inc. is the leading high-end residential developer within Tagaytay Highlands, an exclusive, world-class mountainside resort and residential complex.

On the commercial front, SM Land has been developing office buildings at the Mall of Asia Complex and in key cities suited for locators in the business process outsourcing industry. This sector is a main driver for the Philippine economy and will continue to grow by 20% to 25% per annum. At the Mall of Asia Complex, SM Land has completed two out of four E-com buildings namely: OneE-com and TwoE-Com Centers both having a capacity of close to 70,000 sqm each. SM Land has broken ground for ThreeE-com Center.

Another noteworthy project that was recently launched at the Mall of Asia Complex is the 62,000-sqm Mall of Asia Arena. This ultra-modern sports and multi-event complex offers world-class facilities and amenities, and could accommodate up to 20,000 spectators.
Meanwhile, Hamilo’s Pico de Loro Cove in Nasugbu, Batangas, which is SM Land’s large-scale ecotourism and leisure project, now benefits from full-swing operations, with all its facilities now open and being used by unit owners, members, and their guests. Amenities include a beach and country club, restaurants, sports facilities, a ferry service and the Pico Sands Hotel.