Vista Land's Camella is top residential builder in provinces

MANILA, Philippines - Pursuing its aggressive nationwide expansion with residential projects from Tuguegarao in the north to Davao in the south, publicly listed Vista Land and Lifescapes is allocating major resources in provinces with significant housing demand.

Just south of Metro Manila, Batangas province is now a major focus of activity for Vista Land, where its subsidiary Camella Homes is the leading home developer. Camella has no less than five Batangas projects simultaneously in full swing. Along with Cavite and Laguna, Batangas is one of the fastest growing residential hubs outside the metropolis.

“As a brand under Vista Land, Camella has the largest number of residential projects all over the Philippines, with a total of 77 developments in 19 provinces as of March 2010. The mission of Vista Land, and Camella in particular, is to serve the country’s housing needs with quality home that offer solid value,” said Camella Homes president Beth Tolentino, “We recognized early on that the demand for homes, driven by OFWs and other Filipinos looking for alternatives outside Metro Manila, would become a major trend. Looking forward has enabled Camella to become the top residential developer in the provinces, with Batangas as a prime example.”

The total project value of Camella’s five developments in Batangas is P4.6 billion, with a total of 2,174 new homes and an aggregate land area of 74 hectares. Home prices range from P 0.8 million to 7.1 million. The country’s seventh most densely populated province, Batangas has a population of about two million and a density of 602 people per sq. km. in an area of a little over 3,000 sq.m. The Camella developments will serve the needs of Batangueños who want more contemporary homes and communities in a familiar setting, as well Metro Manila-based residents with an affinity for Batangas who are looking for a weekend property, and retirees seeking a restful and tranquil environment with up-to-date amenities and conveniences.

Only one and a half hours away from Metro Manila, Batangas with its rich history and thriving agro-industrial sector is a popular destination for metropolitan residents. Lush and sprawling, the province abounds with a range of produce including seafood, as well as beaches, highland areas and mountains. The province is spared much of the noise, crowding, and pollution common to city living.

“Each Camella home and community in Batangas is built with the same expert space planning and offers amenities for security, comfort and leisure that all our projects are known for,” Tolentino said. Three of the Camella developments, Portello, Camella Portello and Camella Sto. Tomas, are all on Maharlika highway in Bgys. San Vicente, San Roque and San Miguel respectively in Sto. Tomas, the first town of Batangas from the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). The other two Camella projects are in Lipa City, with Plantacion Meridienne in Brgy.Cumba, and Camella Lipa in Brgy. Tibig.

Tolentino said Vista Land’s revenue growth in Batangas has averaged close to 30 percent annually in the past 10 years, adding that Camella accounts for almost 30 percent of residential property sales in the province, far ahead of its competitors.