Background on Key Figures and Relevance
Carolina León Soriano, the leader of the Asociación para la Defensa y Apoyo al Gremio Inmobiliario (Adagi), is a prominent figure in Puebla’s real estate sector. As the head of Adagi, she represents developers and real estate professionals who are concerned about the growing housing deficit in the region.
Puebla, a state in central Mexico, has experienced significant population growth due to job opportunities. This influx of families from other states has increased the demand for affordable housing, putting pressure on the limited available land.
Current Situation and Challenges
Adagi warns that without the creation of at least 120 hectares of land reservations in the metropolitan area, Puebla will face a housing deficit over the next four years. The rising costs of available land, which have increased by 60% in the past six years, exacerbate the problem.
León Soriano explained that vertical construction is the only viable option for maximizing the use of limited land resources. However, this approach results in higher costs that make horizontal (affordable) construction unfeasible for developers and unaffordable for low-income families.
Historical Context and Trends
- In 2019, approximately 15,000 homes were built in Puebla, with 70% being vertical due to limited horizontal land availability.
- The annual housing target has been decreasing for the past seven years, with only 10,500 homes planned for the current year.
Proposed Solutions and Collaboration
León Soriano emphasized that increasing land reservations would help meet the demand, particularly in lower-income segments, facilitated by Infonavit credits.
Developers estimate that constructing around 20,000 homes annually is necessary to address the housing deficit. However, horizontal construction (social type) has become too expensive, with costs exceeding one million pesos for a 52-square-meter unit.
The former president of the Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios (AMPI) in Puebla suggested reusing abandoned buildings in the Historic Center to boost the annual target. Nevertheless, high property costs make this option unattractive for short-term planning.
Impact of Population Growth
León Soriano highlighted that population growth significantly influences housing demand. Over the past five years, more families have moved to Puebla for work opportunities, intensifying the need for affordable housing.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main concern? The real estate sector in Puebla warns of a potential housing deficit if at least 120 hectares of land reservations are not created in the metropolitan area.
- Why is vertical construction preferred? Vertical construction maximizes the use of limited land resources, making it the only viable option in Puebla.
- What is the annual housing target? Developers estimate that constructing around 20,000 homes annually is necessary to address the housing deficit.
- How does population growth affect housing demand? The influx of families from other states seeking work opportunities has increased housing demand in Puebla.
