In full swing

by Dinna Chan Vasquez

Despite the global economic crisis, people will still need places to live.

Robinsons Land Corp. senior vice president Raoul Littaua says none of the residential buildings division?s projects are on hold.

?We are also not downsizing any projects,? he says. ?In fact, sales are doing well.?

The division is also preparing to launch two more high-end projects under its Luxuria Portfolio brand. This is aside from the ongoing developments such as Sonata, Trion Towers, Amisa and Gateway Regency.

Littaua explains that Robinsons Land finds the luxury market less susceptible to the crisis because it is a small niche market composed of high net value investors.

?This is the reason why we have not eased on these projects. The people who buy luxury condos or houses still buy them. It will take them a bit longer to invest because they would think about it, but they will still spend their money on worthwhile investments. They are just more careful this time,? he adds.

Littaua points out that real estate remains a sensible and secure investment especially during uncertain times.

?Investors know that their money is safe with real estate, especially a property that has been developed by a reputable company,? he says.

Perhaps Robinsons Land?s only ?concession? to the crisis is formally dividing the market segments into four categories: Luxuria Portfolio (high-end), Robinsons Land (mid-range), Robinsons Communities (affordable), and Robinsons Home (mass housing).

?This is to better focus on every targeted market,? says Littaua.

Robinsons Land credits the company?s resiliency in these difficult times to its mixed-use development concept, innovative pricing strategy and non-dependence on a single market or geographic segment.

?Sales from the US market may decline but sales from investors in Asia and Europe who appreciate the company?s reputation of providing good value for money,? says Littaua.

?Robinsons Land also has strong track record of completing its projects on time and often turns over new homes to buyers ahead of schedule,? he adds.

?The company practices transparency. In terms of dealing with buyers, ?what you see is what you get,?? says Littaua.

He cited Fifth Avenue in Bonifacio Global City as already ready for occupancy, McKinley Park Residences as being topped off and Trion Towers has also reported strong pre-selling and is expected to hold the groundbreaking for Tower 1 this year.

In Manila, the first two towers of Adriatico Residences are ready for occupancy while the third tower will be turned over to unit owners within the year. Also ready for occupancy are the first two phases of Otis 888 Residences. Turnover for the third phase will be this year.

Robinsons Land also broke ground for AmiSa resort community in Cebu and has already started pre-selling for Sonata Private Residences in Ortigas. Construction for East of Galleria, also in Ortigas, has also started.

The company?s business process outsourcing and residential complex in Pioneer, Mandaluyong City is also in full swing.

?One Gateway Place and Gate Garden Ridge are ready for occupancy while construction of Gateway Garden heights is ongoing. Pre-selling for Gateway Regency has began with the showroom at Robinsons Cybergate Center Tower 3 open for viewing,? says Littaua.

Also ready for occupancy are the first two buildings of Woodsville Viverde Mansions in Paranaque. Buildings and 4 will be turned over this year while construction for 5 and 8 are ongoing.

Robinsons Land Corp., one of the Philippines? leading real estate companies, is involved in the development and operation of shopping malls and hotels, and is also one of the country?s most reputable developers of mixed-use properties, office buildings, residential condominiums, as well as land and residential housing developments, including socialized housing projects located in key cities and other urban areas nationwide. The company was incorporated on June 4, 1980 to serve as the real estate arm of JG Summit Holdings Inc., one of the country?s largest conglomerates with diverse interests in branded consumer foods, agro-industrial and commodity food products, textile, telecommunications, petrochemicals, air transportation and financial services.

For information, call 636-0888, 683-6101 and 838-0888 or go to www.robinsonsproperties.com.ph.