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Industrialized housing is booming due to cost reductions of up to 30% - Infobae
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www.infobae.com
March 14, 2025
The sector is seeking alternatives to reduce construction costs in a context of high dollar costs. They are analyzing the import of materials and modular homes.
By Jose Luis Cieri
Steel frame construction is gaining ground year after year. Modular construction is also popular with young families; there are currently more than 13,000 units under construction (Illustrative Image: Infobae)
Industrialized housing is gaining ground in Argentina as an alternative to traditional construction in a context where costs in dollars have reached historic levels. Today, in the city of Buenos Aires, the price exceeds USD 1,500 per square meter.
Currently, more than 13,000 units are under construction using various dry-build systems, such as steel frames , wood or steel panels, among others.
Industry leaders will soon travel to China to analyze new models and evaluate the possibility of importing materials that will help reduce costs.
At the same time, Banco Hipotecario launched a specific line of credit for this type of construction, with the aim of facilitating access to homeownership.
And there are several construction companies that, starting Monday, will be able to receive inquiries from users who long to have their own roof.
Damián Tabakman , president of the Chamber of Urban Developers (CEDU), explained that the increase in construction costs is due to several factors. "The general increase in prices in dollars is due to years of a closed economy, which raised the price of many local inputs above other goods," he stated.
That's why they're looking for different alternatives to reduce prices. "We want to closely analyze the available options and attend the construction fair in Canton to learn about products that could reduce costs in Argentina," Tabakman said.
"The costs we observed are lower than local costs, but freight, taxes, and other factors must be considered to determine their viability."
Modular or industrialized homes can be made from different materials, such as wood (Illustrative Image Infobae)
According to industry estimates, the possibility of importing inputs could reduce construction costs by up to 30%. "The greatest impact could be in the finishing process, where local and foreign supply show significant price differences," explained the head of the CEDU.
He also considered that modular homes could be used in projects for the industrial, mining, and oil sectors, as well as in housing developments.
Diego Gatto , mortgage banking manager at Banco Hipotecario, highlighted the importance of this financing. He stated: "More and more people are seeking to own their own homes, and this line represents a significant advance, breaking down a barrier for those who prefer industrialized construction."
The loan is granted under the French system, with a term of up to 72 months and a UVA+15% interest rate. Financing includes a 40% down payment and a 60% initial disbursement, with a construction period of 180 days.
The maximum amount reaches 50,000 UVAs or $70,000,000, and the estimated initial payment is $21,145 for every million pesos financed.
Gatto explained that "if a family requests $50 million to finance their home, the initial payment would be approximately $845,000, adjusted for UVA (UVA). With inflation on the decline, the outlook for the future is favorable." Furthermore, the loan does not apply VAT on interest for a single-family home.
Dry construction has been gaining ground over the years compared to traditional construction (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Companies specializing in industrial housing emphasize that this type of construction offers reduced construction times, more predictable costs, and multiple customization options. Available models vary in design and square footage, with options ranging from compact homes to larger developments.
As for materials, steel structures, thermal panels, wood panels, steel frames, and efficient insulation systems are often used, ensuring durability and low energy consumption.
For those seeking access to this type of housing, it's key to evaluate financing options and coordinate with the chosen construction company to tailor the project to the loan requirements.
Juan Pablo Rudoni , president of Ecosan and the Argentine Chamber of Modular and Industrialized Construction, explained that the company supports clients throughout the entire credit process, from the application to the delivery of the home.
"Our models (some are made from shipping containers) meet bank requirements, and we provide comprehensive advice on the home's value, the financing amount, and the required income," Rudoni explained.
They usually work with shipping containers, recycling them or manufacturing them to use as homes or offices, among other alternatives.
Delivery times range from 120 to 180 days, in line with bank requirements. This imposes a great responsibility to meet the established deadlines, since 60% of the balance due on the home is paid upon delivery, meaning that this percentage is not collected until the property is delivered.
In terms of customization options, Ecosan offers different designs and finishes, with variations depending on the geographic location and the buyer's needs. Rudoni added: "We have a wide variety of home models and multiple customization options, both in interior and exterior finishes and openings, aluminum or PVC carpentry, and roof type, whether single- or double-pitched."
In addition, they conduct a detailed analysis of the location where the housing will be built, as the conditions in the south and the center of the province of Buenos Aires are different. "That's why we offer great flexibility to adapt each project to the needs and characteristics of the surroundings," he added.
Lucas Salvatore , from IDERO, emphasized that industrialized steel construction is on the rise. It's not limited to individual homes but is also used in larger-scale real estate developments. In Nordelta and various parts of the AMBA region, several buildings are being built using this system, which offers faster construction times and high structural efficiency.
According to Salvatore, steel construction costs range between USD 900 and USD 1,600 per square meter, similar to those of traditional construction. "What's remarkable is that it works well and that the real estate sector is advancing," he stated.
He also emphasized that this type of building allows for optimized use of materials and reduced waste, which has a positive impact on project profitability.
www.buysellba.com
Source:
Las viviendas industrializadas, en pleno auge por la reducción de costos que llega hasta un 30%
El sector busca alternativas para abaratar la construcción en un contexto de altos costos en dólares. Analizan la importación de materiales y viviendas modulares
www.infobae.com
March 14, 2025
The sector is seeking alternatives to reduce construction costs in a context of high dollar costs. They are analyzing the import of materials and modular homes.
By Jose Luis Cieri
Steel frame construction is gaining ground year after year. Modular construction is also popular with young families; there are currently more than 13,000 units under construction (Illustrative Image: Infobae)
Industrialized housing is gaining ground in Argentina as an alternative to traditional construction in a context where costs in dollars have reached historic levels. Today, in the city of Buenos Aires, the price exceeds USD 1,500 per square meter.
Currently, more than 13,000 units are under construction using various dry-build systems, such as steel frames , wood or steel panels, among others.
Industry leaders will soon travel to China to analyze new models and evaluate the possibility of importing materials that will help reduce costs.
At the same time, Banco Hipotecario launched a specific line of credit for this type of construction, with the aim of facilitating access to homeownership.
And there are several construction companies that, starting Monday, will be able to receive inquiries from users who long to have their own roof.
Dry construction, in full growth
Argentina faces a housing challenge amid rising construction costs in dollar terms. In December 2024, the cost per square meter reached its highest level since 2018, with a 24.63% increase in the last quarter. In this context, entrepreneurs in the sector are seeking alternatives to reduce costs and expand the supply of affordable housing without resorting to public spending.Damián Tabakman , president of the Chamber of Urban Developers (CEDU), explained that the increase in construction costs is due to several factors. "The general increase in prices in dollars is due to years of a closed economy, which raised the price of many local inputs above other goods," he stated.
That's why they're looking for different alternatives to reduce prices. "We want to closely analyze the available options and attend the construction fair in Canton to learn about products that could reduce costs in Argentina," Tabakman said.
Opportunities and challenges
Among the alternatives under consideration are modular homes manufactured in that country, with prices starting at USD 7,000 per unit. "We've seen these homes online, but until we evaluate them in person, it's premature to draw conclusions," Tabakman said."The costs we observed are lower than local costs, but freight, taxes, and other factors must be considered to determine their viability."
Modular or industrialized homes can be made from different materials, such as wood (Illustrative Image Infobae)
According to industry estimates, the possibility of importing inputs could reduce construction costs by up to 30%. "The greatest impact could be in the finishing process, where local and foreign supply show significant price differences," explained the head of the CEDU.
He also considered that modular homes could be used in projects for the industrial, mining, and oil sectors, as well as in housing developments.
Bank financing: a vital boost
In this context, Banco Hipotecario launched a new line of personal credit for industrialized homes, allowing access to a loan of up to 100% of the home's value, with 100% digital processing.Diego Gatto , mortgage banking manager at Banco Hipotecario, highlighted the importance of this financing. He stated: "More and more people are seeking to own their own homes, and this line represents a significant advance, breaking down a barrier for those who prefer industrialized construction."
The loan is granted under the French system, with a term of up to 72 months and a UVA+15% interest rate. Financing includes a 40% down payment and a 60% initial disbursement, with a construction period of 180 days.
The maximum amount reaches 50,000 UVAs or $70,000,000, and the estimated initial payment is $21,145 for every million pesos financed.
Gatto explained that "if a family requests $50 million to finance their home, the initial payment would be approximately $845,000, adjusted for UVA (UVA). With inflation on the decline, the outlook for the future is favorable." Furthermore, the loan does not apply VAT on interest for a single-family home.
Dry construction has been gaining ground over the years compared to traditional construction (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Companies specializing in industrial housing emphasize that this type of construction offers reduced construction times, more predictable costs, and multiple customization options. Available models vary in design and square footage, with options ranging from compact homes to larger developments.
As for materials, steel structures, thermal panels, wood panels, steel frames, and efficient insulation systems are often used, ensuring durability and low energy consumption.
For those seeking access to this type of housing, it's key to evaluate financing options and coordinate with the chosen construction company to tailor the project to the loan requirements.
Option in modular homes
Within the industrial housing sector, more than 20 companies are eligible to offer loans to those interested in building their modular homes. These include Rocca, Wellmod, Neobox, Habika, and Monteverde, among others.Juan Pablo Rudoni , president of Ecosan and the Argentine Chamber of Modular and Industrialized Construction, explained that the company supports clients throughout the entire credit process, from the application to the delivery of the home.
"Our models (some are made from shipping containers) meet bank requirements, and we provide comprehensive advice on the home's value, the financing amount, and the required income," Rudoni explained.
They usually work with shipping containers, recycling them or manufacturing them to use as homes or offices, among other alternatives.
Delivery times range from 120 to 180 days, in line with bank requirements. This imposes a great responsibility to meet the established deadlines, since 60% of the balance due on the home is paid upon delivery, meaning that this percentage is not collected until the property is delivered.
In terms of customization options, Ecosan offers different designs and finishes, with variations depending on the geographic location and the buyer's needs. Rudoni added: "We have a wide variety of home models and multiple customization options, both in interior and exterior finishes and openings, aluminum or PVC carpentry, and roof type, whether single- or double-pitched."
In addition, they conduct a detailed analysis of the location where the housing will be built, as the conditions in the south and the center of the province of Buenos Aires are different. "That's why we offer great flexibility to adapt each project to the needs and characteristics of the surroundings," he added.
Lucas Salvatore , from IDERO, emphasized that industrialized steel construction is on the rise. It's not limited to individual homes but is also used in larger-scale real estate developments. In Nordelta and various parts of the AMBA region, several buildings are being built using this system, which offers faster construction times and high structural efficiency.
According to Salvatore, steel construction costs range between USD 900 and USD 1,600 per square meter, similar to those of traditional construction. "What's remarkable is that it works well and that the real estate sector is advancing," he stated.
He also emphasized that this type of building allows for optimized use of materials and reduced waste, which has a positive impact on project profitability.
www.buysellba.com
