EDSA REBUILDING X RE

Anyone who lived through the MRT construction in the '90s knows what's coming—and it’s not pretty. Back then, a drive from Quezon City to Makati could eat up three hours of your life. One way. With the EDSA rehabilitation set to last up to two years, we’re bracing for a massive disruption.

Here’s how that chaos could ripple through the real estate market:

1.⁠ ⁠A Spike in Demand for Condos Near Work

When commuting becomes unbearable, people start looking for escape routes. And for many, that means getting a place near the office. Spending 4–6 hours on the road every day just isn’t sustainable.

The practical workaround? Halfway homes. But not everyone can afford one on their own, so expect a surge in co-living arrangements.

Lessors who are flexible—those willing to tweak lease agreements and occupancy rules—stand to gain the most. If condo associations still insist on a two-tenant max, they might want to rethink that.

2.⁠ ⁠Showings Will Slow to a Crawl

Think December traffic—but for two straight years. Buyers will likely hit pause on viewings unless absolutely necessary. Brokers, too, may narrow their showing radius and plan meticulously just to get to appointments on time.

Let’s be real: if it takes two hours to reach a unit, that property better be good.

As we learned during the pandemic, fewer viewings almost always lead to fewer closings.

3.⁠ ⁠A Renewed Interest in Out-of-City Living

When urban life turns into a logistical nightmare, the wealthy don’t just endure—they escape. Just like during the height of the pandemic, we might see the upper crust looking to relocate to quieter, less congested areas outside Metro Manila.

Traffic, ironically, could become the biggest motivator for city dwellers to finally go suburban or even provincial.

Whether you're a broker, landlord, or property hunter, buckle up. The EDSA rebuilding may be a public works project—but it's about to become everyone’s real estate problem, too.