Housing projects in towns

A REAL estate developer is focusing on property development in the countryside.

Cebu Landmasters Inc. president Jose Soberano said housing projects in the countryside would spur development outside of existing urban centers as “they (housing projects) will be building communities and creating a critical mass.”

“We are trying to push for development in the countryside. We will deliver good products that will enable the distance factor to urban centers to become shorter, as well as attract potential homeowners to get a house close to their family and friends,” Soberano told Sun.Star Cebu.

He added that the countryside is also “environmentally conducive and refreshing” to live in.

“Why should beautiful homes be concentrated in major urban centers? We as developers should also find ways and means to reach out to those people who can enjoy the amenities of a beautiful house and yet (want to stay) there in their (hometowns),” Soberano said.

Next month, Cebu Landmasters will launch its fifth residential community in Cebu. Called San Josemaria Village-Toledo, it will be located on a 3.6-hectare lot in Media Once, Toledo City.

Soberano said Cebu Landmasters is “prepared” for what the global financial crisis will bring to the real estate market, adding that the company will continue to build homes for working class individuals, local families, overseas Filipino workers and expatriates.

Depending on its assessment of the market amid the global financial crisis, Cebu Landmasters plans to construct a 16-storey residential condominium at Asiatown IT Park.

This project, which will house about 90 units, will target expatriates, middle management employees and investors not necessarily coming from the Asiatown IT Park.

“The public will always be looking for a valuable investment for them to own. Whether that market comes now or six months from now or a year from now, it is definitely the market I want to tap,” said Soberano.

Cebu Landmasters, incorporated in 2003, is also eyeing this year the expansion of San Josemaria Villages in Minglanilla and Balamban.

Soberano said the take-up of the first phase of the two residential communities has been strong with buyers coming mostly from the area and from neighboring towns.

“We continue to move forward. The market (for housing) will always be there. As long as one has the right product in terms of size, design, and price attractiveness, one continues to attract the market,” Soberano said. (NRC)