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...
"1. Foreign nationals are not allowed to own land in the Philippines, but they can own a condominium in their own name. 2. Foreigners can hold up to 40% of the shares of a Philippine corporation, which can then purchase land or other real estate on the foreigner's behalf. 3. Real estate transactions are subject to documentary and registration requirements, including the submission of valid identification of all parties involved. 4. Mortgages are available from Philippine banks, although some banks may require the borrower to have a valid resident visa. 5. When buying property it is important to research the area and check zoning regulations. 6. It is recommended to enlist the help of a reputable lawyer to help you understand the local laws and regulations, to inspect the property and to help you with the proper transfer of ownership. 7. Property taxes, transfer taxes and other fees are payable on the purchase of real estate in the Philippines, so it is important to calculate these costs when budgeting for a property investment," explained one expat living in Philippines.
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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. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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"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," said another expat in Palawan, Philippines.
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Other Questions:
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What do I need to know when buying property in Philippines?
If you live in Philippines, newcomers to Philippines would love to hear your answer to this question:
About the Author
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.