MANILA, Philippines — Vista Residences, the high-rise residential marketing arm of top housing developer Vista Land & Lifescapes, has started ahead of schedule the construction of its P1.5 billion Salcedo Square project due to strong sales take up.

“Sales have been remarkable. We have sold over half of the available units in just over three months,” said Vista Residences Chief Operating Officer Maribeth C. Tolentino who noted that the Makati condominium project was launched just last February 2011.

She said excavation work for the project has already been completed and structural works will start in July 2011. Vista Residences expect construction to be completed in three and a half years or by July 2014 one year ahead of schedule even though most developers turnover their projects after five years.

Vista Land senior vice president for finance Ricardo B. Tan said the early construction and completion of Salcedo Square will also mean that revenues and earnings from the project can be booked earlier.

As the condominium development arm of Vista Land, Tolentino said the Vista Resideces brand carries with it Vista Land’s reputation for space-planning expertise, thoughtful design, and ability to select the most accessible and attractive locations.

Its portfolio boasts of 36 condominium developments either underway or ready for occupancy. Tolentino said Vista Residences is set to become a formidable name in the country’s multi-level property development industry.

Salcedo Square will be a 30-storey building with 409 units ranging from studios to two bedroom flats. Prices range from as low as P2.1 million for studio units up to P5 million for the biggest two bedroom units.

The project is being built on a prime 840 square meter lot located along L.P. Leviste Street in the heart of Salcedo Village’s quieter side.

Salcedo Square is a stone’s throw away from Makati’s offices as well as its biggest malls, hotels, museums and the Ayala Triangle Park. It is also close to schools, hospitals and sports clubs.

Due to its strategic location and relatively affordable payment packages, Salcedo Square will make an ideal home for young urban professionals or upwardly mobile executives working in Makati as well as for overseas workers, said Vista Residences Marketing Head for Makati Red Rosales.

A distinct feature of Salcedo Square is that it offers different layout options for each type and size of residence to allow homeowners more leeway in selecting a design that best responds to their life style.