The controversy that unleashed the Territorial Planning Plan (POT) in 2021 continues even after the signing of the decree. The different construction and housing sectors ensure that there are gaps in regulation that could mean serious consequences when purchasing a home in Bogotá.
(Read: In 2022, housing prices will grow by 5%, according to Constructora Capital).
The POT proposes a 180-degree change in the way the city wants to grow. It will no longer be sought for the capital to continue expanding towards the edges, but rather tallest buildings and increase density.
However, the project also leaves firm limitations when it comes to having social interest housingpassed to a minimum area of 42 square meters in this category, plus 30 square meters for non-VIS housing.
Alejandro Callejas, manager of Camacol Bogotá, told Portafolio his concern about the issues that alerted the district and have not been taken into account.
“Having to assume the increase in the cost of the land derived from the combination of an excessive increase in loads, an increase in demand and little availability of land. This, although of course it affects construction, has a much more serious impact on the quality of life of all Bogota citizens, because it will affect the generation of real estate products.”, indicated Callejas.
In this way, less housing will be produced (both social and non-VIS) and less non-residential projectswhich in turn results in less public space, fewer roads and less property tax that will enter the city’s finances.
(What’s more: They declare nullity in the creation of transport operator in Bogotá).
Additionally, the issue of intervening in the market by establishing minimum areas for housing and the prohibition of building single-room dwellings impacted the single-person or two-person homes.
This “will only make households have fewer options and seek solutions in nearby municipalities or, even worse, in informality, with all the problems that this brings to the generation of quality public space,” said the manager of Camacol.
And the market for this type of family continues to grow. According to a Supply and Demand study carried out by the association, for these households the most important thing about a home is is the locationpreferring proximity or ease to reach their places of work and study.
According to Callejas, “This is completely unknown to the POT, since the restrictions in area and the impossibility of having one-bedroom apartments will make these households sacrifice their preference and have to live outside the walls.”.
Since 2018, Dane has shown a trend in the decrease in the size of families in Bogotá. The average today is 2.8 people per household, according to Camacol, it is projected that by 2035, the year until the POT will be in force, this average will be 2.2 people.
(See: Stocks and housing, attractive to invest during 2022).
In the year 2022 it is projected 51,964 housing units in Bogotá, where 71% correspond to VIS housing. Today there are still issues to be regulated between the district and the unions.
Paula Andrea Galeano Balaguera
Twitter: @Paula1GB
