Regional property developer Dolmar Land remains bullish about the residential sector despite setbacks faced the past four years.

Mariano John Tan Jr., chairman of the board and president of Dolmar, in a press conference, cited Philippine Statistics Authority data which said household population in the country stood at 26 million based on its last census. Of that, 11 percent or 3 million households are renters.

“This renting population is still increasing,” Tan said, adding the PSA estimates that from 2016 to 2030, housing demand will be at 6 million units.

According to Tan, the affordable to mid-cost segments mostly comprise the product offerings for vertical developments. In other regions, such as Region 3 or Central Luzon and Region 4-A or Calabarzon, the supply and demand are mostly for horizontal projects or houses and lots in low-cost to mid-cost segments. 

“These segments continue to show healthy demand,” Tan added.

It was Tan’s dad, Mariano Cayetano or M.K., who founded Dolmar in 1972. Dolmar is the combination of the names of M.K. and his wife Dolores.

During its first 20 years, Dolmar delivered projects in office and warehouse developments that catered to small and medium sized enterprises. Today, Dolmar has a portfolio of commercial office buildings and small warehouses in Mandaluyong, Manila, and Makati. 

It was not until the mid 1990s that MK tried his hand at residential development. 

“He saw the opportunity to build affordable, good quality houses, a basic need of people, especially for first time home buyers,” Tan said.

From 1995 to 2023, Dolmar had completed five residential subdivisions, under various project names, mostly in Novaliches and Bulacan, one townhouse project, and two condominium mid rise buildings in Golden Heights Residences, Pasig.

In total, Dolmar has provided 5,350 residential units to an estimated 21,400 residents as of 2022. 

Tan said Dolmar’s two residential subdivisions in Bulacan are under development that would provide an additional 1,966 units for an estimated 7,900 residents. 

The pipeline for future projects is being prepared by scouting and investing in additional hectares of land in Metro Manila, Bulacan, and Pampanga.

“Following our founder’s vision, Dolmar Land develops homes and communities that address the affordability and quality concerns of Filipino first time homebuyers, particularly former renters. We need the empathy, understanding, and guidance from our staff during the decision making and purchase process, so that our clients will be able to fulfill their dream of owning their home,” Tan said.

Francis Tan, director of operations at Dolmar, said three of the company’s residential projects — North Grove Hills, Bella Vista, and Legacia — are strategically located near main access ways and established commercial areas and commercial districts. 

Tan said within the communities are more than adequate open spaces, amenities, and other features. 

“For example, in North Grove Hills, residents can leisurely enjoy their very own tree park measuring over a hectare. North Grove Hills was awarded the best affordable housing in 2023.

Another award winning project, Bella Vista, also prioritizes quality and value for money. Bella Vista is already sold out, but still had a very long waiting list, prompting the company to launch Bella Vista Phase 2 which is doing very well. In 2023, Bella Vista was named the best in mid range housing.

Dolmar recently launched Legacia, a 22-hectare community in Baliuag, Bulacan.

It will soon launch its first project in Mexico, Pampanga, also measuring 22 ha.