DHSUD moves to sustain housing sector’s vibrancy 

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario has signed an order authorizing the issuance of Temporary License to Sell (TLS) to developers to sustain vibrancy in the housing sector and contribute to the country’s economic recovery.

Department Order 2021-008 aims to address the concerns of the private sector on the issuance of other pre-requisites from national and local agencies before they can secure a LS. These pre-requisites coupled with restrictions in movement brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, pose substantial delay in the issuance of LS by the Department to housing developers.

“With this order, we expect continuity and sustainment of the vibrancy in the housing and real estate sector. It’s definitely a huge boost to our private developers. Of course, the issuance of TLS comes with strict conditions and guidelines to protect the interest of home buyers,” the housing czar said.

It is part of DHSUD’s mandate to streamline and expedite regulatory processes for new and pending applications for permits, licenses and certificate of registration by developers of subdivision and condominium projects. Developers are only allowed and authorized to start selling lots and units after obtaining LS, hence, they can immediately generate more funding and capitalization for their projects with the issuance of TLS.

“A TLS can address the urgent need of private developers to sell lots and units, thus in turn will give premium to the housing sector in aiding the economy to recover faster amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” Secretary Del Rosario stressed.

“Our Department will ensure that the interests of homebuyers are protected through the imposition of certain conditions and other requirements before a TLS is issued,” the DHSUD chief noted.

Secretary Del Rosario likewise has emphasized that the new measure is part of DHSUD’s proactive steps in helping the housing sector remain robust amid the health crisis, ensure the production of housing units across the country, and provide employment for hundreds of thousands of Filipinos working in the housing and construction industry.

“With this Department Order, we are not only contributing to pump-priming the economy, we are also helping our kababayans working in the housing and real estate sector to continue providing for their families amid the pandemic,” the housing czar said.

The new measure covers all residential, commercial and industrial subdivision and condominium projects, as well as any similar real estate undertakings such as cemeteries, memorial parks and columbaria.

Developers may be issued a TLS pending the issuance and/or submission of the project’s building permit and other related permits, Environmental Compliance Certificate and/or a Verified Survey Return, as may be applicable.

The new Department Order’s terms and conditions include the validity of the TLS for one year from the date of release (a six-month extension may be granted upon appeal for valid reasons) and that TLS holders shall submit a monthly report of sales and project operations.

Any project applying for the issuance of a TLS, except for socialized housing projects, will be required to comply with existing rules and regulations pursuant to the Balanced Housing Development Program. Violations shall have corresponding fines and penalties.

Department Order 2021-008 was signed by Secretary Del Rosario on November 24 and may be accessed through www.dhsud.gov.ph.