Frequently Asked Questions

Foreigners cannot own land in the Philippines, but they can own a condominium unit as long as foreign ownership in the building does not exceed 40%. Foreigners married to Filipino citizens may also own property through their spouse.

Expect to pay Documentary Stamp Tax (1.5% of selling price), Transfer Tax (0.5–0.75%), Registration Fee (~0.25%), Notarial Fee, and agent commission (usually 5% paid by the seller). Total buyer costs are typically 2–4% of the property price.

The transfer of title typically takes 2–6 months, depending on the completeness of documents and the processing time at the Registry of Deeds and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

You will need: valid government-issued ID, Tax Identification Number (TIN), proof of income (for bank financing), and the Deed of Absolute Sale. The seller must provide the Original Certificate of Title (OCT) or Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT).

A Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) is for land or house-and-lot properties. A Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT) is specifically for condominium units. Both are issued by the Registry of Deeds.

The standard is 2 months advance rent plus 2 months security deposit, totaling 4 months upfront. Some landlords may require more. The deposit is refundable at the end of the lease, minus any deductions for damages or unpaid utilities.

Yes, rental prices are often negotiable, especially for longer lease terms (1 year or more) or if you are paying several months in advance. It is always worth asking the landlord or agent.

'Semi-furnished' typically means the unit comes with basic fixtures like air conditioning, closets, and sometimes kitchen cabinets, but without appliances or furniture. 'Fully furnished' includes all furniture and major appliances.

The Rent Control Act (RA 9653) covers residential units with monthly rent of ₱10,000 or below in Metro Manila and ₱5,000 in other areas, limiting rent increases to 7% per year. Higher-priced rentals are not covered.

Major lenders include BDO, BPI, Metrobank, Security Bank, RCBC, PNB, and Pag-IBIG Fund. Pag-IBIG (HDMF) offers some of the lowest interest rates and is available to all contributing members.

Most banks lend up to 80% of the appraised value or selling price (whichever is lower). Loan amounts are also subject to your monthly income — typically your monthly amortization should not exceed 30–40% of your gross monthly income.

Pag-IBIG (HDMF) offers affordable housing loans to active members who have made at least 24 monthly contributions. Interest rates start at around 5.375% per year for a 1-year fixed term, making it one of the most affordable financing options.

Bank interest rates in the Philippines typically range from 5.5% to 8% per year for a 1–5 year fixed term. Rates are repriced periodically. Pag-IBIG rates start lower but may also be repriced.

Yes, listing your property on Philippine Properties is completely free. Simply click '+ List Property' in the navigation menu and fill out the form. Your listing will appear after review.

Listings remain active until you mark the property as sold, reserved, or remove it yourself. We recommend keeping your listing updated to attract serious buyers.

Include at least 5 clear, well-lit photos: main facade, living room, bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, and surrounding area. High-quality photos significantly increase inquiries. Avoid clutter and ensure good lighting.