It has proven adept in creating livable residences for hardworking Filipinos over the years. But SM Development Corp. (SMDC) is also proving that it can serve even niche markets as it comes up with projects offering conducive spaces for students and members of the academe.
Dubbed as “University Town” developments, these projects feature quality residences that are targeted to provide buyers and future residents all the elements necessary to create an environment that is not only conducive for learning but also perfect for relaxation and unwinding. Working with such discipline to constantly go beyond what the market needs, SMDC is off to show why it remains a top-of-mind choice of many homebuyers and investors alike.
Home alternative
One of the latest additions under SMDC’s University Town series is the 1.6-ha, three-tower Green 2 Residences, which provides exactly what its residents, especially students, need.
Strategically located in Dasmariñas, Cavite, Green 2 Residences is expected to provide an ideal home alternative to students and faculty members of three of the province’s most populous universities—De La Salle University Dasmariñas, De La Salle Health Sciences Institute, and Emilio Aguinaldo College Cavite. With a combined population of more than 20,000 students, the booming “University Town” is also near high-foot-traffic establishments like SM City Dasmariñas, Waltermart and Central Mall Dasmariñas, to name a few.
Its façade takes inspiration from an archer’s bow, while a modern contemporary design is reflected throughout the interiors of the development. The condominium will house amenities like WiFi ready study areas, a gym, lap pool, multi-purpose lawns, a function room, and lounges that would truly make the lives of its student residents a breeze.
The residential project also features a retail strip with shops that are targeted to provide all the necessary conveniences needed to help achieve that perfect study-life balance.
In terms of access to Green 2, those coming from Metro Manila or nearby provinces can easily travel to the area given the continuous outpour of infrastructure investments from the government. And, with the earmarked extension of the LRT line, travel to the area will become more convenient in the future.
Desired lifestyle
According to SMDC, Green 2 Residences is ideal for both end-users and property investors looking for a good yield. University towns tend to attract transients among students and faculty members looking for spaces to rent for proximity and convenience.
Even property consultancy firm Colliers International Philippines acknowledges the growing demand for premium student accommodations. Filipinos working abroad, for instance, are buoying the demand for residential condos as they buy for their children studying in Metro Manila. Add the fact that the Philippines continues to attract foreign students—Koreans, Chinese, Indians and Middle Eastern college students—who prefer to attend university here and are also looking for quality student-centered residential condominiums.
Indeed, SMDC seems to be headed in the right direction as it continues to create developments under its University Town series which, according to Colliers, will always remain a viable investment for as long as developers create lifestyle-oriented student residences and not just mere stand-alone buildings.
Currently, SMDC has already developed a number of residential condominium projects near top schools and universities such as the Sun Residences (University Belt in Manila); Blue Residences and Berkeley Residences (along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City); Princeton Residences (along Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City and near St. Paul College); Green Residences (located across De La Salle University along Taft Avenue); as well as Mezza and Mezza II Residences (in Sta. Mesa near UERM).
These SMDC projects, so far, have shown significant growth in value over the past few years.