LAS PIÑAS CITY, Philippines — A new luxury residential community south of Metro Manila is moving closer to welcoming its first property owners, with developer Height Realty Inc. unveiling plans for a retail promenade and a technology-equipped golf driving range scheduled to open in 2027.
Southlinks Estate, a 33.6-hectare master-planned development along Southvale Drive in the Daang Hari–Alabang corridor, will combine upscale residential lots with shopping, dining, sports facilities and extensive landscaped spaces.
The latest additions include Southlinks Promenade, featuring a supermarket and five retail units, and Golf Range by Southlinks, a 20-bay driving facility incorporating TrackMan golf technology.
Height Realty expects land development to be completed by December 2026, ahead of the first residential lot turnovers in January 2027.
The developer is also promoting the project’s newly awarded 5-Star BERDE District rating, the highest level in the Philippine Green Building Council’s district sustainability certification system.
But while the master plan promises a greener, more convenient lifestyle, the real question is whether the developer can complete its facilities on schedule and turn its five-star sustainability plans into lasting benefits for residents.
Southlinks Promenade Brings Shopping Closer to Residents
Southlinks Promenade is designed to provide daily conveniences within the developing residential district.
The commercial component will include a supermarket and five additional retail units spread across two single-storey buildings.
The site covers 10,266 square meters, with approximately 80% allocated to open space.
The substantial open-space allocation is intended to distinguish the promenade from more conventional retail developments dominated by enclosed buildings and paved areas.
The design reflects Height Realty’s preference for landscaped, pedestrian-oriented spaces that connect shopping and leisure activities.
For future residents, a nearby supermarket and selected retail establishments could reduce the need to travel outside the estate for some routine purchases.
However, the developer has not publicly identified the supermarket operator or announced the complete list of tenants.
Specific rental rates, opening dates for individual shops and operating hours have also not been disclosed.
The promenade should therefore be described as a planned 2027 development rather than an already operating shopping center.
Golf Range by Southlinks to Feature TrackMan Technology
Another major addition is a golf driving range designed for both recreational practice and more technical training.
Golf Range by Southlinks is planned with 20 driving bays equipped with TrackMan technology.
TrackMan systems are used to analyze golf shots and provide feedback on performance measurements such as ball flight and other swing-related characteristics.
The planned facility will also include putting and chipping areas, a restaurant, a bar and a golf equipment shop.
These features position the development as a broader recreation destination rather than simply a place to practice long shots.
The golf range also acknowledges the property’s history as a former golf course.
However, the announced driving range should not be mistaken for the reopening of a full championship golf course.
The developer has not disclosed public membership fees, driving-range prices or the facility’s precise opening day.
Its reported launch target remains 2027.
Residential Lot Turnovers Expected in January 2027
The retail and recreational announcements come ahead of an important construction milestone.
Height Realty plans to complete land development by December 2026.
The first completed residential lots are expected to be turned over to buyers beginning January 2027.
For property purchasers, turnover marks an important step toward building homes and eventually occupying the community.
But the turnover of residential lots is not necessarily the same as the completion of every planned estate amenity.
The retail promenade and golf range have separate 2027 opening schedules.
The developer has not confirmed that all amenities will be available to residents immediately upon the first lot turnover.
Buyers should therefore distinguish the timetable for land delivery from the timetables for commercial and recreational facilities.
As with other residential developments, actual progress, contractual obligations and relevant permits will determine when each component becomes available.
Southlinks Estate Covers 33.6 Hectares
The project is being marketed as a low-density residential community in the southern part of Metro Manila.
According to the latest development announcements, Southlinks Estate covers approximately 33.6 hectares and includes 336 residential lots.
The estate is designed with 40% of its land reserved for green and open spaces.
These landscaped areas form part of its strategy to combine private residential living with outdoor recreation.
The location along the Daang Hari–Alabang corridor provides access to an established area of residential villages, commercial centers, schools and healthcare facilities.
For Height Realty, the appeal lies in combining proximity to existing South Metro destinations with a more spacious community environment.
However, the estate’s residential lot figures are reported from the current media briefings.
The developer’s public website also contains a broader reference to more than 400 residential lots, so buyers should confirm the applicable phase and approved subdivision plan before treating any single published count as the definitive sale inventory.
Sports and Wellness Facilities Are Central to the Master Plan
Southlinks is positioning itself around family-oriented wellness and recreation.
Planned facilities include tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts and badminton courts.
Residents are also expected to have access to swimming pools, a running track and a wellness garden.
The proposed amenities are intended to encourage physical activity and provide spaces where families can spend time outdoors.
The wider estate also emphasizes pedestrian access and landscaped surroundings.
Height Realty president and CEO Kevin Wong has described wellness as a long-term consideration in how residential communities should be designed.
But the commercial success of such facilities depends on actual use, maintenance and accessibility.
Building a sports court or landscaped park is only the first step.
Developers and property managers must also fund upkeep, ensure safe operations and establish rules that allow residents to use facilities effectively.
Southlinks Earns Metro Manila’s First 5-Star BERDE District Rating
One of the project’s most prominent achievements is its sustainability certification.
In September 2026, Southlinks Estate and Southlinks Promenade received a 5-Star BERDE District rating under BERDE Districts Version 1, Stage 1 – Planning.
The Philippine Green Building Council identified the development as the first in Metro Manila to earn the highest rating under the district certification program.
BERDE stands for Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence.
It is a voluntary system that assesses green building and district sustainability performance against defined criteria.
At the district level, the process considers issues such as ecosystems, resilience, site planning and the quality of the built environment.
The five-star result indicates that the project’s planning-stage documentation met the program’s highest rating requirements.
But that distinction carries an important limitation.
It is not a final certification proving that every building, landscape feature and operational system has already been completed and independently validated.
Construction and operational performance will require subsequent assessments.
The Real Sustainability Test Comes After Construction
Philippine Green Building Council chairman Raymond Rufino has emphasized the importance of independent verification.
Height Realty’s certification followed a review of the estate’s sustainability plans.
The next challenge is implementing those plans on the ground.
Construction must reflect the commitments incorporated into the approved design.
Property management must then maintain environmental systems, landscaped areas and other sustainability features over time.
For residents, these issues are practical.
Open spaces require maintenance.
Drainage and stormwater systems must perform effectively.
Utilities, roads and common facilities need reliable management.
A development can have an impressive design but still fall short of expectations if implementation is weak.
The 5-Star BERDE District rating is therefore a significant planning achievement, but it should not be advertised as proof that the finished estate has already passed all future construction and operational assessments.
Southlinks Builds on a Former Golf Course
The property’s history gives the golf range a distinctive context.
Southlinks occupies land previously associated with golf operations in southern Metro Manila.
Height Realty is transforming the site into a residential estate with significant landscaped areas and a smaller dedicated golf practice facility.
The development represents a change in land use, rather than a continuation of the former golf course in its original form.
The planned driving range is intended to preserve an element of the property’s sporting heritage.
At the same time, the estate introduces residential lots, shops and other amenities.
The transformation illustrates how developers are repurposing large properties to meet changing demand for residential and lifestyle environments.
However, the existence of a former golf course should not be interpreted as proof that the entire development is being preserved as a golf facility.
The current master plan prioritizes housing, open space and supporting recreation.
David Leechiu Sees a Price Gap in South Metro Property
Property consultant David Leechiu has pointed to the price difference between upscale residential villages in Alabang and comparable communities in Makati as a potential investment opportunity.
At the recent Southlinks media briefing, he argued that the difference could attract buyers seeking property in the southern part of Metro Manila.
Separate October reporting by Context.ph cited Southlinks pricing of approximately ₱160,000 per square meter.
That compares with an earlier May 2025 report citing approximately ₱150,000 per square meter.
These figures reflect reported pricing at different dates rather than a verified appreciation rate for every lot.
Actual prices can vary by location within the estate, lot size, terms and availability.
The existence of a price gap with Makati does not guarantee that Southlinks values will rise to the same level.
Real estate appreciation depends on market demand, accessibility, financing conditions, surrounding development and the quality of project execution.
Prospective buyers should evaluate the full cost of ownership rather than treating a consultant’s investment outlook as a guaranteed return.
Buyers Must Consider More Than the Lot Price
For a premium residential development, the listed price per square meter is only one component of the eventual cost.
Buyers planning to build a house must also account for design work, construction materials, labor, permits and utility connections.
Property ownership may involve taxes, association dues and maintenance obligations.
The availability of nearby retail establishments and leisure facilities may affect convenience, but it does not remove these expenses.
Similarly, planned amenities can influence the appeal of a residential community without guaranteeing resale value.
Buyers should review contractual turnover dates, approved plans, payment conditions and the status of common facilities.
It is also important to determine whether advertised lifestyle features are included within association fees or require separate payments.
Height Realty has not publicly disclosed all of those costs in the October retail-and-golf announcement.
They should be confirmed through the appropriate sales documentation.
Height Realty Seeks to Differentiate Southlinks Through Green Design
The developer’s strategy is to make sustainability, outdoor recreation and convenience core elements of its residential offering.
Rather than focusing exclusively on housing density or high-rise construction, Southlinks emphasizes larger open-space allocations and a range of lifestyle features.
The 40% estate open-space commitment is a central component of that positioning.
The new promenade will similarly devote most of its site to landscaped or other open areas.
For buyers who prioritize outdoor environments, these features may be attractive.
But they also create long-term management obligations.
Landscaped areas, recreational facilities and community infrastructure require consistent funding.
The strength of the development’s environmental credentials will depend not only on its planning-stage certification but also on long-term operational decisions.
Retail Facilities May Attract Customers Beyond Residents
A supermarket and five retail units could serve the needs of Southlinks residents.
Depending on access arrangements, tenant selection and operational policies, they may also attract customers from nearby communities.
That could provide businesses with a wider potential customer base.
However, the company has not released confirmed foot-traffic projections, occupancy commitments or expected retail revenue.
It has also not announced whether all components of the promenade will be open to the general public.
The prospects of the commercial development will depend on the number of households using the area, tenant mix, accessibility and wider local demand.
The project’s commercial success cannot be assumed solely from the estate’s premium positioning.
A 20-Bay Golf Range Faces Its Own Commercial Test
The golf range could introduce another source of recreation and commercial activity.
TrackMan-equipped facilities may appeal to golfers interested in analyzing and improving their performance.
The addition of food and beverage establishments could also encourage longer visits.
But operating such a facility involves costs.
Equipment maintenance, staffing, utilities and facility management must be supported by sufficient customer demand.
The golf range will also compete with other sports and leisure options available in the wider Alabang and South Metro area.
The announcement does not contain verified membership targets, projected visitor counts or return-on-investment estimates.
Its financial performance will become clearer only after operations begin.
South Metro’s Premium Housing Market Faces Competition
The Daang Hari–Alabang corridor already serves an established market for upscale residential properties.
Buyers can compare Southlinks with other developments based on location, neighborhood character, lot size, accessibility and available amenities.
The estate’s proximity to existing schools, hospitals and commercial centers is part of its selling proposition.
However, commuting conditions, traffic congestion and infrastructure improvements remain important considerations.
A premium residential location does not automatically guarantee short travel times.
Actual accessibility depends on the point of origin, destination and prevailing road conditions.
Similarly, a development may offer attractive landscaped spaces without necessarily outperforming competing properties in future resale prices.
Southlinks must demonstrate its value through completed infrastructure, effective management and sustained appeal to buyers.
What Happens Next Before the 2027 Opening?
Height Realty has outlined several upcoming milestones.
Land development is targeted for completion in December 2026.
The first residential lot turnovers are expected to begin in January 2027.
Southlinks Promenade and Golf Range by Southlinks are both scheduled to open during 2027.
The precise month or day of opening for the retail and golf facilities has not been announced.
The developer must also continue working toward sustainability assessments beyond the planning stage.
For future residents, these milestones will provide opportunities to evaluate how closely construction and delivery match the marketing commitments.
For the property market, the development will be a test of demand for a luxury community combining residential lots, landscaped open spaces and specialized leisure amenities.
The Bigger Test: Can Southlinks Deliver Its Five-Star Vision?
Southlinks Estate’s latest expansion plans add another dimension to its luxury residential offering.
The planned retail promenade promises nearby shopping and dining.
The 20-bay golf facility adds a technology-focused recreation option.
The estate also plans a broad selection of sports and wellness amenities.
Its 5-Star BERDE District planning-stage certification gives the project a recognized sustainability credential.
But the commitments have yet to be fully tested through completed construction and long-term operations.
The first residential lot turnovers in January 2027 will be an important milestone.
The opening of the retail and golf facilities later that year will provide further evidence of progress.
Southlinks Estate is preparing to introduce a supermarket, retail promenade and high-tech golf range as its first property owners approach turnover. But the bigger test is whether Height Realty can deliver its promised amenities on time—and prove that its five-star green community can perform as impressively in real life as it does on the master plan.
