DMCI Homes Sees Increase in Philippine Real Estate Rental Market Growth by the 2nd Half of 2012

DMCI Homes sees the booming presence of Business Process Outsource (BPO) can strengthen the market of residential leasing, where a significant part of the over- all composition of tenants acquired by its leasing department are 59% local residents and 41% foreigners.

As time goes by, more and more residents are looking for a home that offers convenience in location and most would trade location but end up on a cramped condominium. Property giant DMCI Homes did just know what to do through understanding the market and providing the essentials by offering them quality home rentals for resort style living. Today, Start-up families and Expats are realizing that a DMCI Homes development satisfies their needs.   

Alfredo R. Austria, president of DMCI Homes, always quotes “Anchor your service on the value proposition of our company.” This statement has guided the Leasing Department to realizing its mission of providing convenient, value added leasing services to clients who expect a good and sound return of investment.

“In the thriving industry of real estate, leasing takes part in keeping the business in balance. Rent or Lease is an add on flavor, a spice in the field of real estate business as it provides income to unit owners who choose homes to be their investments. In my 16 years of experience in the industry, I have seen the crunch and punch cycle of the property market and indeed, competitors have widely increased nationwide, and the challenge is how to achieve our mission. As I would share to the whole department, a unit rented must equivalent to Two Happy customers our tenants and our unit owners.”, Rida Ferrer, DMCI Leasing Manager added.

Crafted with 60 years of experience in construction, DMCI Homes takes pride in its developments. With resort-inspired amenities, wide-open spaces, emerging communities and ideal locations, residents can finally enjoy a more comfortable and meaningful way of life where they can “Feel Real Good to be Home.”
These developments boast of modern urban lifestyle communities that redefine modern living in the metro. Granted to any member of the society: from singles, with families, vacationers to businessmen, one can surely find more-than-just-the essential amenities where everyone are to enjoy, such as swimming pools, gym, function rooms for events, conference rooms for business meetings, and sky lounges. To address more of the residents daily needs, additional services such as convenience stores, salon and spa, laundry and housekeeping, and Day Care Center are also found in our communities to make home extra pampering.
Development locations are established all over the key cities of Metro Manila: Acacia Estates- Taguig; Tivoli Gradens- Mandaluyong; and Ohana Place- Las Piñas, cited to be where most of the leasing action is. Proximity to the rich districts of Makati City, Fort Global City, and Alabang Muntinlupa favors the communities. The presence of Business Process Outsource (BPO) strengthens the market of residential leasing, where a significant part of it completes the over- all composition of tenants acquired by the Leasing Department: 59% local residents and 41% foreigners. Others are derived through referrals.

The DMCI Homes Leasing Services (DHLS) Department has uncompromisingly shown a GREAT number of increase on its lease performance for the 1st quarter of 2012. An average of 259% increased in rental activity from last year exceeding its target at an average of 104%. More contracts will be expected to close on the nearing months, as DMCI Homes opens new apartments for rent in Quezon City (Accolade Place – P. Tauzon), Maricielo Villas – Las Piñas, Sienna Park – Parañaque City and High- Rise Buildings, Rawai and Kamala at Royal Palm Residences – Taguig City. Also, by the month of September to December, the number of short term tenants will rise due to vacationers and balikbayans who will be staying for the holidays. With this anticipation at hand, DMCI Leasing has expanded offices at Acacia Estates - Taguig, Tivoli Gardens Residences - Mandaluyong, and Ohana Place - Las Piñas, to better provide faster services to unit owners.

Vacationers nowadays prefer apartments for rent as retreat homes under short term lease instead of booking in hotels. With condominiums, they get lower rental cost as compared to hotels, and yet with DMCI developments, they also get both affordability and resort style living as they select from their favorite destination.


DMCI Homes aspires to expand its network, as influenced by the growing number of clients, both tenants and unit owners. With this objective, comes its first Leasing General Assembly last June 22, 2012 in approach to empowering its quality people, and giving recognition to leasing officers, leasing specialists, and agents with outstanding performances. Highlighted are the benefits of being an accredited agent/ broker of DMCI Homes Leasing Services as it opens doors to residential leasing of 23 developments and as- to- date 12 upcoming projects, plus, selected leasing of commercial and office spaces that offers promising commissions.

DMCI’s first commercial center, whose construction is in full swing, is situated at Acacia Estates. SaveMore will be operating its supermarket, and surrounding it are restaurants, alfresco, and other shops that will complement the needs and lifestyle of the Acacia community. With the availability of a commercial complex, it will surely be an attraction to more future tenants in Taguig City.

Also, located in the area is Mahogany Place III, the latest addition to DMCI Homes exclusive subdivision developments. Its access to Bonifacio Global City and Makati, makes it a sure provider of the conveniences present in- city living. Another set of new house and lots are for lease at Mahogany Place III. You can choose from a single detached, duplex, and townhouse units.

Moreover, DMCI Homes Leasing Services Department in its constant desire to improve services has recently tied-up with the country’s biggest communication company, SMART communication, as they provide SMART INFO Board, a broadcast facility where clients can now receive regular updates on the status of their units and other leasing activities through their mobile phones for FREE.

Also, DHLS has released its first community directory, last May 2012, where residents of DMCI Homes communities acquire free subscription of the said magazine. The first issue was successful and was well appreciated by unit owners as it provided information on deals and services they can avail within the community. With its success, a quarterly release of the magazine will be provided.

With all the success Leasing Services Department has gained, now is an opportunity to experience living in a responsive society. DMCI Homes will help you realize your dream of either vacationing or aspiring to stay in an exclusive, welcoming, and resort-inspired community.

Set your dreams in motion. Make it a reality by making the smart choice. The well- thought out choice. The choice that is, DMCI Homes, through DMCI Homes Leasing Services.

##

DMCI Homes Leasing Services (DHLS) is the Official property leasing management unit of triple A builder/developer DMCI Homes. The service aims to enhance property values and the marketability of DMCI Homes residential developments - primarily for its local as well as overseas buyers who eventually want their homes to be working investments, without the hassle. It is dedicated to providing quality home rentals to a wide range of clienteles opting for short term or long term lease stay in an exclusive home.

For latest update on real estate development and its RA 9646, the Real Estate Service Act of 2009, visit www.ra9646.com.

 

DMCI Homes set to continue with controversial development

Businessworld - DMCI Project Developers, Inc. (DMCI Homes), the wholly-owned property arm of listed DMCI Holdings, Inc., is likely to move forward with Torre de Manila, its controversial condominium project near the Rizal Monument even as it looks to tackle the project’s violation of Manila’s local zoning code.

“I think we’ll push through [with Torre de Manila]. The Manila city council just had a few comments on the project, which we will try to address,” Isidro A. Consunji, DMCI Holdings president and chief executive, told reporters following DMCI Holdings’ annual stockholders meeting in Makati City on Wednesday.

He declined to elaborate, however, if there will be significant changes to the condominium’s plans moving forward.

DMCI Homes is currently building Torre de Manila, a resort-inspired condominium on Taft Avenue in Manila’s Ermita district.

Cultural activists protest that the proposed 41-storey development would mar the view of nearby Rizal Monument as depicted in artist’s renderings on the project’s Web site.

Following a recent investigation, the Manila city council ruled that DMCI Homes violated Ordinance No. 8119, which adopts Manila’s land use plan and zoning regulations, despite previously securing required building permits.

“Torre de Manila is only allowed a maximum floor area ration (FAR) of 4. However, the floor area of Torre de Manila is approximately 66,256 square meters. Based on their plans and after the construction of the condominium, the FAR [of Torre de Manila] will be 7.79,” the Manila city council said in a resolution dated July 12.

The same resolution recommended the filing of a case against DMCI Homes for the said zoning violation. Meanwhile, Mr. Consunji defended Torre de Manila’s viability, noting modest demand resulting from the area’s underserved status.

“We’re now in the process of introducing the project to the market, and so far, initial response [in terms of pre-sales] is quite encouraging. The area is really underserved -- there are a lot of offices, hospitals, and government buildings, but not so much residential,” Mr. Consunji said.

DMCI Homes has allotted P8 billion in capital expenditures to bankroll its property projects this year, to be supported by the company’s growing land bank.

Last March, DMCI Homes acquired three lots on Sheridan Street, Mandaluyong City previously owned by food firm Swift Foods, Inc. for P500.22 million.

This boosted the developer’s land portfolio by an additional 11,116 square meters, earlier reports said.

DMCI Homes saw its first-quarter net income surge by 81% to P405 million from P224 million last year, brought about by a 51% uptick in housing sales to P1.7 billion from P1.1 billion last year due to the completion of earlier-sold units in Metro Manila.

The developer’s parent, DMCI Holdings, was incorporated in 1995 as a holding company to consolidate the Consunji family’s businesses, component companies, and related interests, including investments in construction and mining apart from real estate.

The listed company earned a net income of P2.67 billion for January to March, up 17.62% from P2.27 billion last year as profit despite declines in its flagship coal and construction units.

Revenues, mostly from coal sales and construction contracts, rose by 20.35% to P13.01 billion versus P10.81 billion, year on year, while cost of sales and services grew by 31.19% to P8.79 billion from P6.70 billion in the same period last year.

For more details on Torre de Manila and other DMCI Homes projects, you may e-mail reby_ramirez@yahoo.com or contact her at 0922.883.9308 / 0916.4044.555 / 0919.699.3572 / 4044-534.

For latest update on real estate development and its RA 9646, the Real Estate Service Act of 2009, visit www.ra9646.com.

DMCI Homes' Illumina Residences Manila primed for RFO market, readies new parking bldg

The Illumina Residences Manila stands apart from the rest of the structures in the community located along V. Mapa and P. Sanchez streets in Sta. Mesa. | Zoom

(The Philippine Star)  - The Illumina Residences Manila stands apart from the rest of the structures in the community located along V. Mapa and P. Sanchez streets in Sta. Mesa. It is the only high-rise structure that’s towering at 32 story ensuring that future homeowners will be able to enjoy an unobstructed view of downtown Manila no matter the time of the day. The building was ready for occupancy since last April 2011, making it a top choice for young families who are looking for a ready-to-move in property.

With the project almost 80 percent sold as of June 2012, the remaining available units also compliment the urban lifestyle of Illumina Residences Manila. Offered are two-bedroom and three-bedroom units with gross floor areas of approximately 57 sqm to 101.50 sqm. These generous unit cuts are made with the start-up or growing families in mind. A new parking building has been constructed to further serve the needs of these families by satisfying the parking demands in the project. The new three-level steel carpark structure has 82 units; 66 of which are for sale to future homeowners.

Aside from the height, the simple, yet highly-modern façade of the building creates a stunning skyline within the neighborhood. Illumina Residences Manila lights up beautifully at night, courtesy of its unique blue rope lights and wall washouts which create an interesting outline when seen from afar. A closer look of the building and one is sure to be awed by the pretty glow it casts – truly a modern touch to the otherwise minimalist atmosphere of the new condominium. Add to that, the driveway is strategically lit-up to welcome homeowners to a modern living environment.

This modernity is mimicked into the grand drop-off area and sophisticated lobby that’s manned by an able concierge. The set-up is a prelude to the vacation lifestyle that’s currently being promoted in this new development. Illumina Residences Manila aims to provide a home setting that will remind one of a relaxing stay at a favorite hotel or resort.

Aside from the tastefully designed lobby, a lounge area and function hall that’s visible on the ground floor also imbibes the metropolitan atmosphere of the whole development.

Small home tasks such as laundry and garbage disposals are not a problem with available facilities and services. A property management office will also take charge of building upkeep and 24 hour security for one’s peace of mind. Add to that are other conveniences such as management of a convenience store and water refilling station, move-in assistance for future residents, taxi call-in service, utilities application and payment assistance.

And since it’s from DMCI Homes, one will be able to enjoy the developer’s pioneer single-loaded hallway design: homes open to a landscaped atrium instead of a neighbor’s door, and ensuring natural illumination and free-flowing air – cutting on energy wastage.

DMCI Homes is a company of innovative builders and engineering experts that develop modern day living solutions for urban families. Each of its developments is built with world-standard craftsmanship borne from almost 60 years of expertise in the construction and development industry. Its corporate philosophy is anchored on a deep understanding that buying a home is more about investing in a better way of living. Thanks to feature-rich, ideally located communities, residents can finally enjoy a more comfortable and meaningful way of life where they can feel real good to be home. To know more about DMCI Homes, you may e-mail reby_ramirez@yahoo.com or contact her at 0922.883.9308 / 0916.4044.555 / 0919.699.3572 / 4044-534.

For latest update on real estate development and its RA 9646, the Real Estate Service Act of 2009, visit www.ra9646.com.

Swift Foods moves to sell land to DMCI

March 23 2012, Mutual Fund Philippines - SWIFT FOODS, Inc., has moved to sell three lots in Mandaluyong City worth P500.22 million to real estate firm DMCI Project Developers, Inc., a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Friday showed.

Following a board meeting, the company’s board of directors reportedly authorized the sale of three parcels of land along Sheridan St. to the Consunji-led developer.

The three lots, which are covered by transfer certificate of title numbers 136988, 22622, and 22623, have a total land area of 11,116 square meters (sq. m) valued at P45,000 per sq. m.

DMCI Project Developers, a wholly-owned unit of listed DMCI Holdings, Inc., currently has 26 housing developments located in Metro Manila, Rizal, and Boracay.

The property developer already has two projects in Mandaluyong City: the three-tower Dansalan Gardens on Boni Avenue, and the five-tower Tivoli Garden Residences on Coronado St.

Swift Foods, for its part, was incorporated in 1994 to assume RFM Corp.’s business of manufacturing, marketing and distributing processed and canned meat products, poultry products, and commercial feeds.

The company posted another net loss for the January to September period last year worth P69.91 million.
Shares of Swift Foods rose by 0.76% to P0.133 on Friday from P0.132 at its previous close. — Franz Jonathan G. de la Fuente

For latest update on real estate development and its RA 9646, the Real Estate Service Act of 2009, visit www.ra9646.com.

‘Father of construction’ continues to build with passion

By: Theresa S. Samaniego   Philippine Daily Inquirer

David M. Consunji is a “builder” first and foremost.

Although the 90-year-old construction magnate has successfully made a mark in the local real estate industry that he is now heralded as the father of contemporary construction industry, Consunji continues to stress that he is a builder, who derives satisfaction not from making money out of his projects, but from putting up structures and real things that brought real benefits to other people.

It was this passion that enabled Consunji to give the Philippine construction business a whole new meaning, transforming the industry from being just an occupation or a livelihood to a passion, a calling.

“One must love his work and be proud of it, and this, combined with hard work, will allow him to achieve skills and work quality,” says Consunji in an exclusive interview with Inquirer Property.

Concrete mixer
But what really tested his mettle and his dedication to be a builder happened when he was about to start his business: when he bought a one-bagger concrete mixer (sometime in 1949) for P500, as Consunji then believed that to be a builder, he must have a concrete mixer.
While the mixer was being refurbished, a prominent builder offered him P3,500 for the mixer, which was five times the value of what he originally paid. Though a tempting offer, Consunji decided to keep the mixer instead as this was his tool to build, adding that if he sold the mixer, he would only earn once and may miss out on the opportunities that lay in the future for him.

That was, according to Consunji, a defining moment because then, it was no longer a question of financial gains.

To quote his memoir: “To me, accepting [the] offer would have been like a violinist or a flutist selling his instrument—treating it like a commodity to buy and sell. And of course, that would be unthinkable for a genuine musician. The concrete mixer was my equivalent of a violin. It was the tool which formed the basis of my calling.”

Apprenticeship

THE CHURCH of the Holy Sacrifice was completed by DMCI in the mid-’50s.

Consunji recalls that prior to starting DM Consunji Inc., he apprenticed “for four months without pay to be a builder, gradually learning about real estate and land development.”

He credits his cousin Ricardo Consunji, who had 10 years of experience in the construction industry ahead of him, for teaching him the rudiments of the trade—how to make an estimate, how to make a summary of items of work for a project, how to prepare for a bid and how to manage the construction projects.
Following his apprenticeship at Sta. Clara Construction, Consunji took on several more jobs and headed numerous construction projects, and at the same time, taking on small projects independently.

Life-changing decision
By 1950, Consunji finally made a life-changing decision: to “do construction work on my own.”
During the early ’50s, the company, a sole proprietorship that started off as David M. Consunji Civil Engineer Contractor, has begun bidding and taking on contracts, the first of which was for a timekeeper’s booth of oil firm Stanvac (now known as ExxonMobil), to be followed with the construction of chicken houses for a government agency.

It was only in 1954 that the company was incorporated to become DM Consunji Inc., and the rest, as they say, is history.

DM Consunji Inc. was then at the forefront of shaping the Makati Central Business District since the ’60s, building the old Monterey Apartments, the Rizal Theater, and Tower One and Exchange Plaza. The company also built the Shangri-La Hotels in Makati, Mactan and Boracay, Manila Hotel, The Westin Philippine Plaza, the Asian Hospital Medical Center, among other distinct landmarks.

City skyline and landscape
The company further redefined the city skyline and landscape, when DMCI constructed the Ortigas Center financial district, the South Metro Manila Skyway, LRT 1 North Extension, Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Toll Expressway. DMCI even had the privilege to flaunt its expertise in foreign shores by building monumental projects like the Istana Urul Iman (Sultan’s Palace in Brunei).

The enterprising visionary in Consunji led to successful joint ventures and forays in other sectors, including its partnership with Metro Pacific Investment Corp. for the Maynilad Water Services Inc., the west zone water concessionaire in Metro Manila.

THE COCA-COLA plant in Tacloban is Consunji’s first big contract.

Its mining affiliates, the Semirara Mining Corp. is the largest coal mining and exploration company in the country, while DMCI Mining Corp. is actively engaged in ore and mineral mining and exploration.

DMCI Power Corp. is meanwhile engaged in the design, construction, investments and operation of power plants, operating subsidiaries, namely: the Sem-Calaca Power Corp. and the Masbate Power Corp., which began operations this year.

DMCI Homes, established over a decade ago, has already dominated its category of resort-inspired residences. The company has also successfully expanded its portfolio to include house and lots, and high-rise condominium units.

Consunji’s accomplishments
The successes now still being enjoyed by DMCI and all its subsidiaries and affiliates indeed speak highly of the accomplishments of Consunji, who have poured all his passion in the art of building these landmark structures and building up people’s own successes.

And his accomplishments did not go unnoticed as the visionary founder earned various accolades from the construction and engineering sectors both here and abroad.

Among his citations were “Icon of the Philippine Construction Industry” presented by the Philippine Constructors Association; an “Honorary Fellow” of the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners; an “Atsumi Awardee” conferred by the International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors’ Association; a University of the Philippines Alumni Association “Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Awardee; and “The Outstanding Filipino Awardee” (Tofil) from the Philippine Jaycee Senate and The Insular Life Assurance Co.

The key to his success is no secret, for Consunji would openly say that the many different elements that make a strong and sound structure would include concrete and steel, hard work, honesty and dedication.
“Property development is a lifelong venture into the future of land use and construction. Skills and integrity plays an important role. [For] me, a quality structure is something to be admired and learned from. The quality structures that we build serve as milestone in the struggle of humanity for better structures,” Consunji says.

“I would like to feel that somehow DMCI has been one of those who improved our standards of project completion through improved quality. I am hopeful that DMCI shall be remembered as among the builders who contributed to the quality of our structures,” he concludes.

For latest update on real estate development and its RA 9646, the Real Estate Service Act of 2009, visit www.ra9646.com.

For more details on DMCI Homes projects, you may e-mail reby_ramirez@yahoo.com or contact her at 0922.883.9308 / 0916.4044.555 / 0919.699.3572 / 4044-534.