Sta. Lucia allots P15-B property capex for next 3 years

By Leslie Gatpolintan

April 29, 2018, 4:58 pm

MANILA -- Property developer Sta. Lucia Land Inc. (SLI) targets to spend over PHP15 billion in the next three years to support the rollout of more real estate projects, after posting record-breaking sales in the first quarter.

SLI President Exequiel Robles said its capital expenditure (capex) budget will be used for land acquisition and development of about 25 projects.

Robles said the company had already spent PHP5 billion, as it targets to launch 10 projects this year to achieve a 15-percent sales growth.

“This year and next year, we will focus on land development which means residential subdivisions. We have acquired many properties in Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod, Laguna, and Cavite, which we will open this coming year,” he told reporters over the weekend.

Robles noted the firm had also planned projects in Baguio City, Pangasinan, Quezon City, Marikina City, and Puerto Princesa in Palawan.

He said SLI would develop around 2,000 hectares of properties located across the country in the next three to four years.

“You can see the economy is good, there is a market. Even before, there was a market but you see now (the market is) more bullish because there are many developers coming out, many developers are expanding. Our previous markets are still there -- the OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) and call centers,” he added.

Robles bared the property developer achieved record-breaking sales in January to March quarter.

“Our sales are good this first quarter compared with last year. (Our sales grew) around 15 to 20 percent,” he said.

The company has over 40 development projects ongoing, which will add to its diversified portfolio. To date, SLI has over 210 projects across the country.

Robles said the bulk, or 80 percent, of its projects are located in the provinces.

For his part, SLI executive vice president and chief financial officer David Dela Cruz is optimistic about growth prospects, as most of the company’s projects are located in the provinces, where property prices are not likely to be volatile.

SLI is also banking on the decentralization push and the aggressive “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program of the government, which are seen to further unlock land values in the province. (PNA)

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