The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has approved up to a 36-month deferment for developers to meet obligations under the Balanced Housing Development Program, offering relief to the property sector as it grapples with rising costs and global uncertainty.
Housing Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said the extension responds to appeals from developer groups seeking greater flexibility in complying with socialized housing requirements under Republic Act No. 7279. The approved timeline exceeds the industry’s 30-month request, with an additional six months granted for projects that have longer development horizons.
The policy shift comes as developers contend with higher input prices and tighter financing conditions, partly driven by geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing Middle East conflict.
These pressures have disrupted construction timelines and raised concerns over the viability of housing pipelines.
By extending compliance deadlines, DHSUD aims to prevent project delays and cancellations while ensuring that commitments to affordable housing are ultimately fulfilled.
The agency said the move balances the need to sustain private-sector participation with its mandate to expand access to socialized housing.
Aliling described the decision as part of a broader effort by the administration of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to maintain open dialogue with industry stakeholders and respond to evolving economic conditions.
During the deferment period, developers may opt for incentivized compliance schemes or direct participation in socialized housing projects, depending on their operational capacity.
DHSUD said it will continue refining policies to support both industry resilience and the delivery of safe, affordable housing, particularly as external risks continue to weigh on the sector.
