Real Estate in Philippines

How do I find a place to live in Philippines?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"My wife has lived in this area for over 15 years and has a chrome plating busines located in another close city," said one expat who made the move to Valenzuela City.

"I reasearced a bit, found a reputable real estate person and found a great home near one of the gates to Clark. It was former US military housing and actually fairly nice," explained one foreigner living in Angeles City, Philippines.

Answer Question & View More Answers

What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Philippines?

"Expat homes and apartments in the Philippines tend to be modern and comfortable. Most commonly, they are single-storey Western-style homes with air-conditioning and a well-equipped kitchen. Most expat apartments are spacious and come with excellent facilities, including swimming pools and gyms. There is typically a range of apartment sizes and styles available, from studio apartments to large, multi-bedroom units. Expat homes and apartments are often comfortable, secure and in premium locations, such as near beaches, parks, or in residential areas," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Philippines.

"I have three property experiences in the Philippines. I'll start with the rental townhouse in Cebu City. It was a great size with a large kitchen area and living room and dining area, two 15'x12' bedrooms... but sadly became flooded every time there was heavy rain. We were at a low point of the neighborhood. Next was the townhouse in Naga City. It belongs to my ex-wife's family. I renovated it for my wife and daughter to live in while she attended nursing school. After throwing $12,000 at it, and with the help of my very talented and trustworthy brother in law, it came out beautifully. Third is my current fiancée's family's home in Negros. I retire next year, so I haven't spent any time in the house, but another 12-15,000 US later and wala! Another masterpiece. I transformed what was only a boxed in frame of a house into two bedroom, beautiful bathroom, and added kitchen WITH a dirty kitchen as well," explained one person living in Philippines.

Answer Question & View More Answers

What is the average cost of housing in Philippines?

If you are thinking about moving to Philippines, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"Lower than Sydney by miles! Condos can be had for 20k/mo and up, all the way to 70k/mo if you are getting a good allowance or feeling rich. Furnished adds far more than the cost of buying stuff, so if you are staying more than a year consider going unfurnished," explained one expat living in Manila, Philippines.

Answer Question & View More Answers

Should I buy or rent a home in Philippines?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Philippines, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"I am renting with an eye on building something on leased land. It is made difficult, mostly by cheap available rents," said one person in Cebu City.

"Bought a nice 2 bedroom home, but the title had liens dating back to 1965 so it was not conveyed. We have a lawyer working on that who will petition the court to expunge these encumbrances and issue a new clean title," said one expat who made the move to Prudential Village, Daliao, Davao City.

Answer Question & View More Answers

What do I need to know when buying property in Philippines?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Philippines, they said:

"Live in the Philippines a minimum of ONE YEAR and be certain this is for you before making any decisions. Personally, I have been here 3 years plus and have not yet made that leap of faith of making a purchase. My sense is that contrary to the propaganda of a booming world economy, reality and basic economic math, relative to national debt levels says this is the crest of the wave, beware the forthcoming financial tsunami," explained one expat in Palawan.

Answer Question & View More Answers

Are foreigners allowed to own property in Philippines?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Philippines, they said...

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in the Philippines. However, they must obtain Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) issued by the Bureau of Immigration. Foreigners who are married to a Philippine citizen can own real property; the foreign spouse can either establish rights over the property or the couple can register the property in the name of the Philippine citizen. Foreigners who are not married to a Philippine citizen can own a condominium unit, limited to 40% of the total condominium project area and are able to establish ownership in their foreign surname," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Philippines.

"Yes, there are restrictions. As a foreigner you can not own property in your name directly. However, you can own a condominium with the added advantage of obtaining Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) as a result of a qualified investment. Do research this option. Note: YOU NEED NOT MARRY TO STAY IN THIS COUNTRY!!!," explained one person living in Palawan, Philippines.

Answer this Question

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Philippines what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"Rental properties in the Philippines often come with basic kitchen appliances, such as a refrigerator and a stove. Additionally, washing machines, microwave ovens, and water heaters may be included in some rental properties. Generally, air-conditioners and other electrical appliances are not provided in the rental properties and are the responsibility of the tenant," said one expat in Philippines.

Answer this Question

Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Philippines:

We asked foreigners in Philippines what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...

"There are 4 main ways to find places - Facebook, online realty ads, word of mouth and driving around. There is no MLS per se here. Like other developing countries the real estate is often repped by many people trying for a sale. Going around the agent (all are called Brokers here) is not uncommon (but IMO dishonorable as hell). Unlike N America the introducing "Broker" (who is most times not a career specialist anyway) is not really involved in much more than the back and forth on pricing. After that its lawyer time," explained one foreigner living in Iloilo, Philippines.

"There are many Real Estate web sites. Most are obscenely outdated and worthless. Try DotProperty. Very professional and timely !!! ," said one in Palawan.

Answer Question & View More Answers