A safe space, secure investment beyond the pandemic

A sizeable segment of the market continues to favor the traditional house and lot.

Mostly end-users, this chunk of the market prefers the flexibility of being able to build or renovate their homes at their own pace, the luxury of having bigger spaces to move about, and of course, the pride that comes with owning a piece of land. Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, the house-and-lot (H&L) segment has been seeing a strong, sustained demand, particularly from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), said Joey Roi Bondoc, senior manager for research at Colliers International Philippines.

Bondoc explained that demand comes from end-user buyers, particularly in the second tier and third tier cities. While these markets may be smaller compared to Manila, they are more stable in terms of demand.

“There are several cities across the country that recorded strong take up from the mid-income and affordable H&L segments prior to the pandemic. These are the house segments that command an average price of between P1.7 million and P6 million,” Bondoc told the Inquirer.

Sustained demand

In recent months, however, economies globally took massive blows due to COVID-19 and the ensuing lockdowns that have ground many businesses to a halt. Lifestyles have been upended overnight and preferences have shifted. Everyone had to adjust to the so-called new normal as all industries reeled from the impact of this unprecedented health crisis.

Even the Philippine real estate industry, which has seen a robust, decade-long stellar performance, was not spared. Unavoidably, demand for H&L too will be affected.

“But while we see the economic slowdown partly affecting the demand for H&L projects in 2020, a faster economic rebound in 2021 as projected by the Philippine central bank and credit rating firms should support H&L demand growth. The central bank’s projected 7.8 percent economic growth and recovery in OFW deployment in 2021 are likely to help revive residential demand in major areas outside Metro Manila and we see the H&L market capturing a significant portion of this demand,” Bondoc explained.

“With an estimated backlog of 6 million housing units, we believe that demand for H&L projects will remain at a sustained pace. As you go outside of Metro Manila, the demand for horizontal or H&L projects increases… There are greater opportunities in key urban areas such as Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Cavite, Laguna and Batangas. In the VisMin area, we see strong demand in Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro and Davao,” he further added.

Quality living spaces

Indeed, there’s enough reason to believe that H&L will continue to enjoy a strong demand. After all, if there’s anything that the pandemic has made us appreciate even more is having enough quality space either within your home, your lot or your community. Some may have even gone as far as considering a H&L for their next home purchase.

Vista Land, the Philippines’ largest home builder, has long been providing such homes and communities not only within the metro but across key areas in the country as well. As the lockdown made many realize even more the value of space and the peace of mind that goes with having full control of your house, Vista Land, through its Camella brand, offers that exact same ideal proposition: a home that provides ample spaces, a sense of safety and security and an investment that is well worth your hard-earned savings.

Recently, Camella released its digital campaign, #MoreSpace, which highlights the need for space in and out your homes—as seen in the many communities it has built over the decades.

It’s worth noting that all Camella developments lie across hectares of rolling lands surrounded by lush greeneries to provide a healthy ambiance and a safe sanctuary. Here, you and your family can find a respite from the bustle of the city while still enjoying easy access to life’s modern necessities—all while being surrounded by lush, landscaped pocket parks and open areas.

Rethinking your space

Camella’s latest campaign challenges every family to rethink their spaces, as it reminds many that a home is a place where they should be most comfortable in, where they can simply relax, unwind and rejuvenate, where they feel the safest and where they can also create lasting memories and nurture relationships with their loved ones. It is thus crucial that they choose homes that afford them these priceless luxuries.

Part of this campaign means having “#MoreSpace, Less Risk,” which puts forward the value of living in a Camella home, wherein safety and security remain the priority concerns—as aptly showcased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Camella home amid the pandemic unveiled the prized advantage of having adequate spaces inside the house and within the community—spaces that are necessary to enforce health and safety protocols called for by this crisis including social distancing measures and isolation areas. Having this control over the safety of their surroundings is complemented by Camella’s own measures such as community-wide sanitation and the use of Eco Bins—a waste segregation installation for house gates, meant to maintain a hygienic and safe community.

A cornerstone in Camella’s latest campaign, “#MoreSpace, More Possibilities” meanwhile showcases the freedom and flexibility that goes with owning a house and lot. In its case, every Camella house offers an open floor plan that affords homebuyers greater interior design customization and space optimization.

Camella especially prides its Grande model houses that offer extensive floor and lot areas. With 142 sqm in floor area and 121 sqm meters in lot area, the two-storey Freya features five bedrooms, three large toilet-and-baths, a balcony, and a carport. The most spacious of Camella’s offerings is the two-storey Greta which has 166 sqm in floor area and 143 sqm in lot area, featuring five bedrooms, three toilet-and-baths, a wide two-car carport and a refreshing balcony.

There is no doubt that Camella offers more than just a house—it is a well-thought investment, a sanctuary, and a home that can secure your future beyond the pandemic.