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Unit 305, The Rivergate Complex
General Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City
Cebu, Philippines 6000
Call Us
Main Office: +63 917 1563 309
Email Us
General: [email protected]
Business Hours
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday: By Appointment Only
Frequently Asked Questions
Your guide to real estate in the Philippines
🏠 For Buyers
How much does it cost to buy a property in the Philippines?
Aside from the property's price, buyers should prepare for taxes, notarial fees, registration fees, and miscellaneous charges which can range from 4%–7% of the total contract price.
Can foreigners own property in the Philippines?
Foreigners cannot own land but can own condominium units (up to 40% of a project). They may also lease land long-term or buy through a corporation with Filipino ownership.
What is the process for buying a house or condo?
The typical process involves property viewing, negotiation, signing a contract to sell, securing financing if needed, paying taxes, and transferring the title.
What documents do I need to verify before buying?
Check the Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT), tax declaration, real property tax receipts, and ensure no liens or encumbrances are annotated.
Can I get a housing loan in the Philippines?
Yes, from banks, PAG-IBIG, or in-house financing. Requirements include valid ID, proof of income, certificate of employment, and credit records.
🧾 For Sellers
What are the required documents to sell my property?
You'll need the original TCT, tax declaration, valid ID, updated tax receipts, and a notarized Deed of Absolute Sale.
Who pays for the taxes and fees during a sale?
Typically, the seller pays the Capital Gains Tax and Documentary Stamp Tax, while the buyer handles registration and notarial fees, unless negotiated otherwise.
Can I sell a property that is mortgaged?
Yes, but you'll need to settle the outstanding loan or coordinate with the bank for a mortgage assumption or release.
How do I price my property fairly?
You can use recent sale values in your area, consult a licensed broker, or refer to BIR zonal values and current listings.
🏢 For Renters & Landlords
How much security deposit is allowed by law?
The Rent Control Act allows up to two months deposit and one month advance. More than that may be considered excessive.
Who is responsible for repairs?
Landlords typically handle structural and major repairs, while tenants manage minor wear and tear or damages due to misuse.
Can my rent be increased during the lease?
Only if it's stated in the contract. Under the Rent Control Act, there's a cap of 7% annual increase for covered residential units.
What should be included in a lease agreement?
Duration, rental amount, deposits, utilities, termination conditions, and maintenance responsibilities should be clearly defined.
💼 For Investors
Is real estate a good investment in the Philippines?
Yes—especially in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and emerging cities. Rental demand, capital appreciation, and infrastructure projects fuel growth.
What is the average rental yield?
In Metro Manila, rental yields range from 5%–7%, depending on location, type, and condition of the property.
Are Airbnb and short-term rentals allowed?
It depends on the building and local government rules. Some condos allow it, while others have strict prohibitions.
How do I manage a property remotely?
You can hire a licensed property manager or use digital platforms for rent collection, tenant screening, and maintenance tracking.
📜 Legal Questions
How do I verify if a title is clean?
Request a Certified True Copy from the Registry of Deeds and check for annotations like mortgages or pending legal claims.
What is an "annotated title"?
It's a title with legal notes on encumbrances, liens, or claims. Always review these annotations before purchasing.
What is the Certificate Authorizing Registration (CAR)?
Issued by the BIR, this proves all taxes are paid and is required before transferring a property title.
What are "zonal values"?
These are BIR-assigned land values used to compute taxes like Capital Gains. They differ by location and property classification.