Developers told to sell furnished units

HOPING to help other local industries, those in construction are pushing for real estate developers to sell their units furnished.

Philippine Constructors Association executive director Manolito Madrasto said it was time to change the public’s perception that interior design is only for the rich.

Updates on President Benigno Aquino III's presidency

Madrasto said that before, units were sold bare.

“Nowadays, the move of real estate developers is to sell a lifestyle, not just units,” he explained.

He said that by selling units furnished or semi-furnished, they can help other local industries, such as the furniture sector, which has felt the blow of the global recession.

Madrasto pointed out that furnished units will allow the buyers to see themselves in it, instead of just seeing a “drab” structure.

He said furnished units will enable the buyer to decide if the space suits his lifestyle.

He assured that interior design does not have to be expensive, saying this will be demonstrated in an exhibit at the Philconstruct Visayas show on Thursday.

The Philippine Institute of Interior Design (PIID) will be one of 300 exhibitors at the show, which will be held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Levy Espiritu, president of the PCA, said they also want to hold focus group discussions for all stakeholders in construction and present a “road map” to President Benigno Aquino III.

He said they hope to promote more public-private partnerships to build social infrastructure, strengthen the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines and enhance the education system in relation to the construction industry.