DHSUD streamlines rules for developers and homebuyers

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) announced Wednesday its plans to streamline rules for developers, buyers, and homeowners' groups to better serve the public as the government addresses the housing backlog in the country.

This move comes as DHSUD Assistant Secretary Sharon Paquiz identified issues in the licensing and registration of real estate projects, particularly condominiums and subdivisions, during an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on PTV-4.

Paquiz noted that the checklist requirements and rules governing these projects are "scattered," making it challenging for developers to determine standard compliance requirements. Similarly, buyers and stakeholders struggle to identify whether developers are licensed.

"Third, it’s hard for DHSUD because we’re composed of different regional offices, and apparently our regional offices have their own set of standards, a set of documentary requirements requested from developers," she explained.

She added that the establishment of homeowners associations (HOAs) is integral to the development of housing in subdivisions and condominiums. HOAs and their members must also be registered.

To address these concerns, DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar issued Department Circular 2024-005 on Feb. 14, aiming to promote ease of doing business for developers and homebuyers.

During the same interview, DHSUD Director Angelito Aguila discussed the codification of the department circular, which consists of three books.

The first book includes the codification of all documentary requirements, from the application for a development permit to the application for a certificate of registration of the project, license to sell housing units, and certificate of completion.

The second book contains the rules on appeal, while the third book outlines the rules on execution.

"The first benefit from this, especially in national housing, our 4PH [Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing], processes in meeting housing needs become faster — that’s really the problem, we really have a backlog — the production of houses does not meet the people’s need — there’ll be quicker production," Aguila said.

He assured that DHSUD would strive to improve processes and address complaints "to ensure the delivery" of housing requirements for the people.

"We cut down the cost; it translates to cheaper houses for the intended beneficiaries," he added.

"For our stakeholders, developers, and buyers of our residential units, we make sure that DHSUD is here to regulate, we make amends, we balance the interests of both parties," Paquiz concluded