SANTIAGO- In the Heart City, the construction of properties intended for short-term rentals has exceeded demand, due to an oversupply of real estate for those purposes, considered Isely Almánzar, panelist of the second CENI Expo Forum, held last week in this district.
He said that in Santiago there are more than 3,500 properties for Airbnb and around 22 towers built for the exclusive use of the platform, so he understands it is necessary to stop that type of construction and resume buildings for long-term rental, "an urgent need in the population.".
“Construction companies have a great opportunity to improve by creating buildings with two or three-bedroom apartments; we don't have any available for rent at the moment,” said the real estate advisor from Keller Williams North Zone, while participating in the panel of experts, along with Sandy Rodríguez and Michelle Sadhalá.
Almánzar explained that in Santiago de los Caballeros there was a boom in homes intended for Airbnb and that there were even investors who "fell into the trap" of acquiring properties in condominiums where families reside and who today have difficulties renting their properties.
For Sandy Rodríguez of Gizeh Constructora, the Airbnb offering represents a complement that is here to stay and is part of the many attractions offered by the Heart City, after stating that "Santiago has it all.".
“In the last ten years, the city's appearance has changed significantly, thanks to a number of young engineers who are now committed to innovation,” he stated.
He highlighted the city's current period of renewal, which positions it as a tourist destination with numerous attractions, citing government investments and the construction of new shopping centers. "In Santiago, three hotels and a medical tourism facility are currently under construction. When you look at that, even the theater that was abandoned is now operational. People have invested; Santiago's business community is investing in Santiago.".
As a developer, Rodríguez envisions a multicentric Santiago. He believes that innovation and the number of projects should be more comprehensive, with smaller units. “I believe in a multicentric Santiago. It's complicated when everyone has to travel to the city center. If, for example, Gurabo had everything, you would relieve pressure on the city, and all the areas could meet their needs.”.
Gizeh's CEO believes that every project should have a symbol, a hallmark, and a concept. "Ultimately, we provide the service; we build what others will use.".
