Escarlin Pozo
El Inmobiliario
SANTO DOMINGO – Annerys Meléndez, president of the Dominican Association of Housing Builders and Developers (Acoprovi), called on construction material suppliers to act responsibly when setting prices, given the significant difference between official inflation figures and the actual market behavior.
Mélendez explained that the official figures, provided by the National Statistics Office (ONE), indicate that during 2024 the cost of construction rose by about 3.60% in the Dominican Republic.
However, he revealed that, through surveys conducted among associates, the market currently reflects an increase of around 8% to 12% in relation to the rise in prices set by those who are dedicated to the sale of supplies for construction.
“What we are hoping for is that the impact the sector has had will be reciprocated, firstly, because the suppliers of materials will be very, very aware when raising the prices of their products,” said the president of Acoprovi.
Annerys Meléndez. (EXTERNAL SOURCE).
In an interview on the program “Extra Encounter with Christian Jiménez”, she emphasized the need for suppliers to act responsibly to protect sales and avoid an increase in the cost of housing construction.
“This is not the time to make a lot of money. This is the time to protect the sector's sales, which are what's causing the 7% year-on-year decrease,” he explained.
Annerys explained that this inflation, coupled with high interest rates, has created a scenario in which acquiring a home is currently "very challenging" for Dominicans.
The business leader also cited some of the measures that potential homebuyers should take when defining the companies through which they purchase properties, reiterating the importance of considering development firms affiliated with the builders' association and those with a proven reputation.
