Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI), the property arm of conglomerate Ayala Corp. and one of the Philippines' largest developers, is preparing to launch its first residential project inside its Cresendo estate in Tarlac, part of a selective rollout of new residential lots across South and Central Luzon.

In a statement on Thursday, the property developer said the planned launches will also include new phases within its Nuvali estate in Laguna, one of its flagship mixed-use estates, and its estate in Lipa, Batangas. The Cresendo launch extends the company's residential footprint deeper into Central Luzon, complementing its long-established Southern Luzon projects.

"The sustained demand, coupled with more stable operating conditions, gives us confidence to offer new product in these markets. We are starting with a focused pipeline of horizontal developments where our integrated estates continue to create lasting value," ALI President and Chief Executive Officer Anna Ma. Margarita Bautista-Dy said.

Chief Commercial Officer Mike Jugo said demand is being driven by end-users making long-term housing decisions.

"The market today is driven by end-users making long-term decisions about where they want to live. We continue to see healthy demand particularly among families seeking larger living spaces, integrated amenities, and strong connectivity," Mr. Jugo said.

According to ALI, the planned projects are located near major infrastructure developments, including the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) Luisita extension, and the upcoming North-South Commuter Railway — public works designed to reduce travel times between Metro Manila and surrounding provinces. The company said the planned horizontal lot launches — house-and-lot and lot-only offerings, as opposed to condominium towers — are part of its broader residential pipeline.

The new offerings come alongside expanded spending plans. In August, ALI said it raised its capital expenditure (capex) budget to about P60 billion from P50 billion to support the completion of strategic residential and leasing projects scheduled for 2026.

The company is targeting the delivery of 13,000 residential units this year, after delivering 6,000 units in the first half, which leaves about 7,000 units to be turned over in the remaining months. Upcoming launches in the second half are expected to account for a significant portion of its P5-billion launch pipeline.

ALI said it recorded about P53 billion in residential sales reservations in the first half despite limited project launches during the period.

Beyond its own pipeline, ALI said it is working with the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund), the state-run home financing program for Filipino workers, to broaden homeownership opportunities. Selected homes under its Amaia and Avida residential brands, which serve the affordable and mid-market segments, will be offered to qualified Pag-IBIG Fund members under special arrangements.

ALI's socialized housing arm has also completed new deliveries. On Aug. 18, BellaVita Land Corp. turned over 110 homes to Naga City government employees, the first batch of a 1,011-unit housing program. The homes are located at BellaVita Naga in Barangay Pacol and were turned over under a memorandum of agreement between BellaVita and the Naga City government through the city's Housing and Settlements Development Office.

At the local bourse on Thursday, ALI shares rose 10 centavos, or 0.65%, to close at P15.50 apiece. — Juliana Chloe A. Gonzales

Source: BusinessWorld