If you are younger, one of your first experiences in the Philippines and with Philippine women everyone will advise you not to buy or build. We are assuming you would be putting it in someone else's name. To rent for 6 months to a year or longer is great advise to get the feel of the country and your present romantic situation. If you are older, experienced with the Philippines, Philippine women and you are 99% confident in your romantic situation (married), then you should have no problem concerning buying or building. I have a lot of experience with all the above. My desiring/chasing women days are long gone and fulfilled. I'm very confident with my relationship with my wife, her family and the way she was raised. When I move back to the Philippines in a few years to retire I will comfortably put everything in her name without any worries or concerns!!!