A majority of property renters in the Philippines have always been content to rent in city locations. And with more jobs opening up for young people in BPO and other service sectors, more renters will be seen to seek out higher density, city-centric living options.

Young workers would rather be located closer to amenities, their workplace and public transport. This move towards inner-city locations, places high values on developments close to these amenities, or which have convenience and lifestyle integrated into residential living. In other words, renters nowadays will choose locations that do not offer just a place to sleep, but are self-contained communities, whether in a high-rise building, or in sprawling village.

Developers are recognizing this, and have begun to integrate communal recreation and commercial areas within high-rise apartment developments and surrounding parks. Even horizontal developments, are changing their look and feel. Developers are now looking to infuse residential villages with a trendier lifestyle, integrating convenience and beauty by building all the ingredients of resort-style living.

As these new lifestyle environments continue to appeal to young professionals and even students, demand for rental units in many city centers is only likely to increase.