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Philippines | Should I buy or rent a home in Philippines? | Expat Exchange
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Palawan, Philippines

Should I buy or rent a home in Philippines?

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AGS Worldwide Movers
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AGS Worldwide Movers

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...

"Whether to buy or rent a home in the Philippines is a decision that should be made based on one's individual circumstances. Buying a home allows for more stability, as monthly payments remain the same and may even decrease as a result of amortization. On the other hand, renting a home can be more convenient, as one can switch properties more easily and have less responsibility with maintenance and repair costs. Both options have their merits, and the decision should be based on factors such as lifestyle, budget and expected length of stay in the country," remarked another expat who made the move to Philippines.

"I am renting with an eye on building something on leased land. It is made difficult, mostly by cheap available rents," explained one expat living in Cebu, Philippines.

William RussellWilliam Russell
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Should I buy or rent a home in Philippines?

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Palawan, Philippines
SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

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