South Forbes Golf City: Golfing Paradise or Another Overhyped Development?

When Cathay Land first began land banking in the Cavite-Laguna area three decades ago, the region was largely seen as a bedroom community for Metro Manila. Today, that same foresight has produced South Forbes Golf City, a sprawling development that sits along the Silang-Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa Corridor. The numbers behind the project tell a striking story: residential lots that once sold for P6,250 per square meter at launch now command prices roughly ten times higher, while commercial lots have climbed from P12,000 to as much as P80,000 per square meter. For anyone tracking real estate value in the south, that kind of appreciation demands a closer look.

But price growth alone does not make a development worth your attention. The question is whether South Forbes Golf City delivers on the lifestyle and investment promises it makes, or whether the hype has outpaced the reality. To answer that, you need to look beyond the brochure and examine what is actually on the ground — the infrastructure, the amenities, the location trade-offs, and the developer’s track record. That is what this article does.

What South Forbes Golf City actually offers

The development sits above sea level, which Cathay Land president Jeffrey T. Ng highlights as a key advantage: freedom from flooding, reinforced by efficient drainage and generous open spaces. Each project within South Forbes undergoes a comprehensive analysis of soil conditions, terrain, wind exposure, and seismic behavior. That level of engineering scrutiny is not standard across all developments in the area, and it matters for long-term structural integrity.

Beyond the gates, the location provides access to major highways like SLEX and CAVITEX, as well as key cities such as Makati, Alabang, and Tagaytay. Nearby commercial anchors include Nuvali, Ayala Malls Solenad, and Laguna Technopark. Cathay Land has also partnered with Alveo Land for Verdea and Hillside Ridge, and with Ayala Land Premier for Lanewood Hills — joint ventures that bring established names into the mix. For context on how other master-planned communities in the region compare, you might find our analysis of Ayala Greenfield Estates useful.

The 30-year land banking strategy behind the project

Cathay Land’s approach is not typical of most Philippine developers. The company began accumulating land in the Cavite-Laguna area three decades ago, amassing between 1,000 and 2,000 hectares — and it is still adding to that total. That long horizon allowed the company to buy at prices that are no longer available, which partly explains how it can offer subdivisions that Ng claims have “better quality, better amenities for one-tenth of the price” of comparable properties in Makati, BGC, or Alabang.

The company’s portfolio now includes South Forbes Golf City, Crestkey Estates, Cavite Light Industrial Park (a pioneer in promoting clean operations among locators), and Acienda Designer Outlet Mall — the Philippines’ first true international outlet shopping destination. Cathay Land also donated seven hectares of land to make way for the Chiang Kai Shek College Southmont, a move that signals long-term commitment to the area’s educational infrastructure.

Ng points to big-ticket infrastructure projects as the catalyst for further growth: the Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex), the LRT-1 extension, the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (Calax), the Cavitex-Calax Link, and the planned Cavite-Tagaytay-Batangas Expressway and Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge. “Cavite and Laguna are the top two biggest provinces in the Philippines in terms of GDP already,” Ng said, “and this will only accelerate in the coming five, 10, 20, 25 years.” That is a long-term bet on connectivity, and it is one that has paid off so far for early buyers.

What often gets overlooked about South Forbes Golf City

For all the positive numbers, there are nuances that potential buyers and investors should weigh carefully. The development is not a single homogeneous project — it is a collection of themed villages and condominium towers, each with its own price point, target market, and completion timeline. That means the experience of living in Nirwana Bali may differ significantly from living in Tokyo Mansions or Miami, even though they share the same master plan.

→ Scroll right to see all columns

Infrastructure dependency is a double-edged sword

The development’s value is closely tied to the completion of major infrastructure projects. While Cavitex and Calax are operational, the Cavite-Tagaytay-Batangas Expressway and the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge remain in the pipeline. Delays in these projects could slow appreciation rates and affect commute times for residents who work in Metro Manila. The LRT-1 extension, while underway, does not directly serve Silang — residents will still need a car or shuttle to reach the nearest station.

Not all themed villages are created equal

Themed villages like Nirwana Bali and Tokyo Mansions carry distinct architectural styles, but they also come with different homeowners’ association fees, construction quality standards, and resale liquidity. Some villages within South Forbes are still under active development, meaning early buyers may live near construction zones for years. Checking the specific village’s completion status and HOA track record before purchasing is advisable.

The golf course is not yet finished

The 18-hole golf course is described as “soon to finish,” but it is not yet operational. For buyers who are specifically looking for a golf-front lifestyle, the timeline matters. Delays in the course’s completion could affect both lifestyle expectations and property values in the short term. For a broader look at how master-planned communities in the region compare, our piece on Alviera in Porac covers similar dynamics.

Price appreciation has already happened

The 10x appreciation on residential lots is impressive, but it also means the easy gains are likely behind early investors. Future appreciation will depend more on infrastructure completion and overall demand in the Cavite-Laguna corridor than on the initial land banking discount. Buyers entering now at current prices should have realistic expectations about short-to-medium-term returns.

What to consider before buying into South Forbes Golf City

Whether you are looking for a primary residence, a vacation home, or an investment property, the decision comes down to matching the development’s strengths with your specific needs. Here is a breakdown of the key considerations.

Assess your commute tolerance

South Forbes is located along the Silang-Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa Corridor, which offers good highway access but still requires a drive of roughly 45 minutes to an hour to reach Alabang or Makati under normal traffic conditions. If you work in BGC or the Bay Area, expect longer travel times. The development is better suited for those who work remotely, have flexible schedules, or are looking for a weekend retreat rather than a daily commute base. Test the drive during peak hours before committing.

Compare themed villages and condominium options

Not all properties within South Forbes offer the same value proposition. The mid-rise condominiums like Fullerton Suites 2 and Berkeley Suites — the latter expected to generate P1.2 billion in sales — cater to a different buyer than the single-detached Tokyo Mansions or Miami subdivision homes. Condominiums typically offer lower entry prices and rental potential, while house-and-lot packages provide more space and land appreciation. Review the specific village’s master plan, density, and amenities before choosing.

Verify the developer’s track record on delivery

Cathay Land has a 30-year history and a portfolio that includes completed projects like Crestkey Estates and Acienda Designer Outlet Mall. The company has also partnered with Ayala Land and Alveo Land on specific projects within South Forbes, which adds a layer of quality assurance. However, not every village within the development is built by Cathay Land directly — some are joint ventures or third-party constructions. Ask your agent or the developer’s sales team who the actual builder is for the specific unit you are considering.

Factor in the rental market dynamics

If you are buying for investment, consider who will rent your property. South Forbes is close to Laguna Technopark and other industrial zones, which creates demand from mid-to-senior level executives who prefer a suburban lifestyle. The upcoming golf course and Acienda outlet mall also attract weekend tourists, which could support short-term rental platforms. However, the rental market in Silang is not as liquid as in Alabang or Nuvali, so vacancy periods may be longer. For a comparison of another emerging investment area, see our analysis of Pampanga’s underrated investment hotspots.

Frequently asked questions

Is South Forbes Golf City worth your money?

The development offers a genuine alternative for buyers priced out of Metro Manila’s premium enclaves, backed by a developer with a three-decade track record and a land banking strategy that keeps prices competitive. The 10x appreciation on early lots is real, and the infrastructure pipeline supports further growth. But the easy gains have already been made, and the value proposition today depends on patience — patience for the golf course to open, for the expressways to be completed, and for the surrounding commercial ecosystem to mature. If that timeline aligns with your own, South Forbes Golf City is worth a serious look. If this was useful, you might also want to read our review of Lakeshore Pampanga.

Sources

Ayala Greenfield Estates: Is this Nuvali’s most overrated address? — A closer look at another master-planned community in the south, with comparisons on pricing and amenities.

Alviera Porac: Beyond the masterplan — Examines the challenges and opportunities in a competing master-planned development outside Metro Manila.

The 30-year vision that built Cathay Land’s Southern stronghold. Inquirer, 2024.

South Forbes Santa Rosa Premier Community. OnePropertee, 2024.

South Forbes Golf City coverage. Manila Standard, 2024.