The Way Forward For Housing

By CHARLIE A. V. GORAYEB

True to its theme, “Global Filipino: Key to Conserving Growth Through Sustainable and Strategic Real Estate Development and Practices”, the 21st Annual CREBA National Convention held last October was one of the ways the organization hopes to fulfill its role in linking sustainable approaches to keep the industry’s impressive growth path.

Government promulgated R.A. 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 (UDHA) primarily to encourage strong private sector support in the implementation of mass housing projects. This was to be done through the granting of incentives such as simplification of documentation and financing, one-stop-shop, and tax exemptions for engaging in socialized housing.

CREBA recognizes the need to strengthen UDHA, particularly on strategies to strengthen the local government units’ capacity in the delivery of housing services. There is a need to promote greater public-private partnership in the development of sustainable communities.

CREBA likewise recognizes the need for the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) to adopt a more pro-active stance and ensure that these incentives are availed by the private developers. That will be encouraged through the formulation of common guidelines in the implementation of Section 20 of the law and the granting of tax holidays for mass housing projects to address the huge backlog.

CREBA strongly supports the priority Housing Bills that are now pending in Congress, notably the creation of Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the proposed bill that would require housing developers to comply with Section 18 of UDHA. Those initiatives will surely promote efficiency which will lead to the increase of in-housing stock.

Hence, we urge HUDCC to call upon concerned government agencies to strictly comply with the specific provisions of UDHA and direct BIR to accept the Socialized Housing Certification issued by the HLURB. This will be made as the only requirement for the issuance of Certificate Authorizing Registration (CAR)/Tax Clearance (TCL) to the Registry of Deeds for housing developers.

We also urge HUDCC to complete the evaluation of the proposal to adjust the loan ceilings for socialized housing in light of recent developments and align this with the housing program of the Aquino administration.  We also urge to consider Socialized Housing Condominiums as alternative compliance to Section 18 of UDHA.

In addition, we urge the adoption of multi-tiered socialized housing price ceiling of up to P240,000 for the informal sector, up to P400,000 for the formal sector, and up to P850,000 for the medium-rise buildings or condominium units, provided they are located in urban areas.

Corollary to this, the increase of the price ceiling for low-cost housing from the current P3 million to P3.5 million for those who want to avail of income tax holidays of the BOI will be a welcome move. This will contribute to increase in housing units.

Government must finally adopt common guidelines and simplify procedures in the issuance of housing permits and licenses to avoid duplication of functions between HLURB and the local government units.

On real estate service practice, we urge the legislature to introduce amendments to the Real Estate Service Act (RESA) to address the number of sales agents to be hired by licensed brokers.

For its part, CREBA continues to strongly support and lobby for the immediate passage of the Bill that would create the Department of Housing to respond to the challenges of urbanization.

Just how well we can achieve our objectives shall be the measure of our collective will, and so I enjoin all our members and partners to rise to the occasion.

When in Cebu City, please visit http://www.gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs. 

Avail of the opportunity to own a condominium unit in Cebu City together with your own parking space at the low amount of only P12,000.00+ and House and Lot @ P 7,306.81/month only. Hurry while supply of units still last. Just call the Tel. Nos. shown herein: (053)555-84-64/09164422611/09173373687.

                                                                                                                             
 

The Benefits Of Condo Living

Federal Land Cites Lifestyle Attractions

ONE-BEDROOM deluxe condo.

With so many high-rise residential developments now sprouting almost everywhere, real estate developers have learned to employ different strategies for their projects to be singled out. Some package their products as resort-inspired residences, putting emphasis on luxurious amenities. Others tap foreign endorsers and celebrities to increase market value.

But all that seem to have changed with the series of flooding and other natural calamities that had hit the country in recent years. Families who have become wary of suddenly finding their homes inundated with flood waters have since demanded for residential developments in well-located areas (i.e., flood-free, located on higher grounds), thus making high-rise living or the so-called condominium lifestyle a much-sought after commodity.

Jose Mari Banzon, general manager of Federal Land, said it’s about time home buyers and investors consider the added value of investing in a high-rise residential development.

Federal Land is the property development arm of GT Capital Holdings. It has established a reputation as a builder of quality, high-rise residential projects.

“By adopting international standards in all our high-rise developments, we are not only providing clients the convenience of having all things they need easily within reach, we also afford them peace of mind knowing that their properties are safe from harm,” explained Banzon.

He enumerated five reasons why it is time people should consider “condo living” as a rewarding investment.

Safety ensured

Condo living is usually more appealing because of ease of maintenance as compared to a house.  The units are also easier to protect when you leave since the unit’s safety is protected by security measures that have high-tech features such as CCTV cameras, fire protection alarm system, and 24/7 roving guards.

Federal Land’s project in Makati, called The Grand Midori Makati, adds one feature not common to other high-rise developments – a Personal Access Card Key (PACK) issued to unit owners, to eliminate unauthorized access to residents’ floors.

Higher appreciation

Investors know that most high-rise developments are popular today owing to their long-term value and high appreciation. A recent study conducted by CB Richard Ellis, a property management consultant, showed that “investment in green buildings is recoverable not only through energy cost savings but also through higher rent and increased occupancy in the long-run.”

The latter notion was affirmed by another research which indicated that larger units and more luxurious apartments are now being preferred by quality expatriate tenants. This market covers those who are willing to pay an average of USD4,000 per month for a 250-sqm, three-bedroom luxury unit.

Lower total cost of ownership

Buying a condo unit does not entail individual land ownership, so  you get to own a piece of property at a fairly ‘inexpensive’ price since it basically gives full ownership of the unit without the sole responsibility of owning the land.

The combined ownership allows free use by residents of existing facilities and amenities of the condo. Some condo developments such as The Capital Towers in Quezon City and Paseo de Roces in Makati City also include the provision of small business establishments such as a mini-grocery, clinic and small office, so tenants do not have to leave the building.  In fact, the MyHOBS concept at these developments also allows unit owners to put up their own small business right inside their units.

Enviable location

If you are one of those busy executives in the metro who have become tired of long commutes to and from work, then living in a condo could be just the right choice since those addresses are usually well-situated in the city. This way, you no longer need to wake up early to compete with others during the early morning rush, plus you also get to spend more quality time with your family and friends since your workplace and your home are just a short distance away.

Proven track record

With a consistently growing number of high-rise condos rising in every corner of the country, finding one’s dream property may well seem to be just a matter of location. Top considerations such as accessibility and proximity to schools, hospitals and similar conveniences are mixed with the enticement of living in developments replete with an array of amenities such as clubhouses and 24/7 security.

But plunging headlong into such an important investment, however, should not only be dictated by these preferences. One must also consider the image and reputation of the property developer in deciding where to buy to ensure that one’s investment will provide handsome returns in the years to come.

As a member of one of the country’s biggest business conglomerates, Federal Land has gathered 40 years of experience in building homes and communities in some of the best locations in the country, and has made many Filipino dream of owning a home a reality.

When in Cebu City, please visit http://www.gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs. Avail of the opportunity to own a condominium unit in Cebu City together with your own parking space at the low amount of only P12,000.00+ and House and Lot @ P 7,306.81/month only. Hurry while supply of units still last. Just call the Tel. Nos. shown herein: (053)555-84-64/09164422611/09173373687
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COLORADO HOMES - Cotcot, Lilo-an, Cebu

COLORADO HOMES - Cotcot, Lilo-an, Cebu

When in Cebu City, please visit http://www.gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs.

Avail of the opportunity to own a condominium unit in Cebu City together with your own parking space at the low amount of only P12,000.00+ and House and Lot @ P 7,306.81/month only. Hurry while supply of units still last. Just call the Tel. Nos. shown herein: (053)555-84-64/09164422611/09173373687.

                                                                                                                                                           

RIVERA FRENCH STYLE CONDO - Brgy. Mabolo, Cebu City

RIVERA FRENCH STYLE CONDO - Brgy. Mabolo, Cebu City

When in Cebu City, please visit http://www.gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs.

Avail of the opportunity to own a condominium unit in Cebu City together with your own parking space at the low amount of only P12,000.00+. Hurry while supply of units still last. Just call the Tel. Nos. shown herein: (053)555-84-64/09164422611/09173373687.

REDSTONE VILLAGE - Pulangbato Talamban, Cebu City

REDSTONE VILLAGE - Pulangbato Talamban, Cebu City

When in Cebu City, please visit http://www.gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs.

Avail of the opportunity to own a condominium unit in Cebu City together with your own parking space at the low amount of only P12,000.00+. Hurry while supply of units still last. Just call the Tel. Nos. shown herein: (053)555-84-64/09164422611/09173373687.

New Community Welcomes Bicolanos Home

New Community Welcomes Bicolanos Home

Camella Legazpi

November 7, 2012, 5:51pm

Camella Legazpi, a 20-hectare community located 105-feet above sea level, is ready to welcome Bicolanos home!

Camella caters to the mid-market segment of Vista Land & Lifescapes, the country’s premier homebuilder. Camella Legazpi’s location will give future residents a 360-degree view of the bustling metropolis, the magnificent Bicol mountains in the west, Embarcadero de Legazpi in the south east, the Albay Gulf in the east, and the perfect cone of the country’s most beautiful volcano, Mount Mayon, as well as the cityscape, in the distant north.

“We are very particular about where we locate our communities,” said Jerylle Luz C. Quismundo, Camella president.

“We owe our future residents homes that will give them complete access to whatever they need – or would like to have – to live full and enjoyable lives.  We believe our Camella Legazpi is possibly the best location a residential community in this city can ever have.”

A few minutes drive from Camella’s gates is Legazpi’s popular commercial and entertainment hub, the Embarcadero de Legazpi, with its shops and restaurants, waterfront walk, delightful view of the harbor and Mayon, and its famous lighthouse.

For even more leisure and shopping options, the Gaisano Mall is also nearby, and not too far away are the LCC Mall and Savemore; and for the basics, the public market is an easy five-minute drive away.

Strategically in the center of movement and traffic hubs, the development is bordered by some of the city’s main roadways and railways that traverse through the province and out to the rest of Luzon.

The property is also a 20-minute drive to Legazpi airport and less than 10 minutes to the Legazpi Port.  Top hospitals are nearby, as well as well-known schools like St. Agnes Academy and Divine World College.

More than the accessibility and convenience of its location, the project promises to be a secure haven for its residents with its guarded main gate and perimeter walls and 24/7 security. The roads will be wide and tree-lined.

Landscaping that will reach into pocket gardens, hidden cul de sacs and walking paths will be lush with the greenery endemic to the Bicol region.  All these are designed to soothe the senses, eliminate stresses and create a feeling of peace and sanctuary.

Since health and wellness are crucial to the Camella way of life, the community will have a basketball court, a playground, a swimming pool, and open spaces perfect for letting off steam, building the body and just plain family and neighborly bonding.  To further strengthen the community spirit, there will be a clubhouse and a commercial/ retail center, creating a nearly self-contained community that responds to the lifestyle needs of its homeowners.

The homes in this new community offer a diverse selection of some of the most popular choices from the Lessandra, Camella, and Jewels series.  The variety is to guarantee that the community offers homes perfect for every family in different stages of life and economic station, as well as to cater to varied tastes, needs, preferences, hopes, and dreams.

Named after the Spanish conquistador who conquered the Philippines – Miguel Lopez de Legazpi – the city of Legazpi has been recognized as one of the most competitive and fastest-growing cities in the country.  It is the Bicol region’s economic and educational hub and is currently the center of a business boom, luring a new wave of entrepreneurs, residents and tourists to the bold and pioneering metropolis.

The developer manages and markets its developments through Communities Philippines.  The group has been building houses and communities in the country’s provinces for the affordable, middle and upper middle income segments offering Lessandra, Camella and Jewels Series homes respectively.

In over 37 years, it has built a wide selection of high-quality homes and exquisitely themed communities and master planned “cities” across the islands – each one carrying with it Vista Land’s expertise in sustainable architecture located in accessible sites conveniently close to schools, business centers, transport hubs, and places of worship, entertainment, and culture.

To date, the group has built more than 250,000 homes and maintains a powerful presence in Metro Manila and 63 cities and municipalities.

When in Cebu City, please visit http://www.gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs. Avail of the opportunity to own a condominium unit in Cebu City together with your own parking space at the low amount of only P12,000.00+. Hurry while supply of units still last. Just call the Tel. Nos. shown herein: (053)555-84-64/09164422611/09173373687.

QUEENSLAND MANOR RESIDENCES - Rahmann Street, Zapatera, Cebu City

QUEENSLAND MANOR RESIDENCES - Rahmann Street, Zapatera, Cebu City

When in Cebu City, please visit http://www.gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs.

Avail of the opportunity to own a condominium unit in Cebu City together with your own parking space at the low amount of only P12,000.00+. Hurry while supply of units still last. Just call the Tel. Nos. shown herein: (053)555-84-64/09164422611/09173373687.