Buy from reputable developers of Philippines real estate

Always buy from reputable Philippine real estate developers. Not all developers with many projects are necessarily of good reputation. Some use substandard materials and poor workmanship by paying below minimum wages for workers. Once the unit has been turned over, it starts to break down and they refuse to entertain any repair request. You may have to inquire from those who have opportunity to live in one of their projects. You are sure to find some complaints, especially those involving monetary affairs. Ask about how long it takes for the management to make repairs on their complaints.

In buying land only in the Philippines, see the property in person, or at the very least, have it inspected by someone competent and trustworthy. If buying from a salesperson, ask for a copy of the title and check it with the registered copy. Ask to see the owner's copy of the original, it may be under mortgaged. Study the document carefully before reaching any decision; it may contain vital details about such matters as the nature of the Philippine property, rights and titles, waivers, restriction, etc. Show your attorney the sales contract before you sign anything. He is better qualified than you are in looking at the small print and interpret legal terminologies.

Developers are high-powered salesmen. They are experts at marketing the land they are developing by doing everything to hide the problem of the area and its surrounding. Just look at the brochures and they will make you feel that you are buying into a place called paradise. Check the area very carefully it may have once been a dump site or worst, a toxic dump.

Most lots in the Philippines subdivisions have some form of restrictions on the deed of sales that is incorporated at the back of the title. One of the restrictions is that the lot cannot be sold, transferred or conveyed until after the construction of a house thereon was completed. The deed of sale could be not registered and the title would not be released to the buyer until the house has been completely constructed. Always make it a point to read all the fine prints.

Some subdivision developers never finished the development of the project even though the development plan has been approved by the Philippine Land Registration Commission. The parts that were not finished were the streets that should provide easement meant to be part of the right of way. It is incumbent upon the developer to provide access to and from the subdivision and not left the burden to the buyer to develop the site.

Bring along a tape to measure the lot size. Errors could have been made during the subdividing of the land. The neighbouring house could also encroach on the property for sale. This could affect the value of the property if there is a reduction in size.

Avoid buying Philippines property that has encumbrances unless you are assisted by a real estate attorney. Look into the background of the seller. The property may be subject to other claimants or heirs.

Check on the easement or encroachment of the property if it exists. Easements are rights given to others whose property has no access or for other uses. You may end up owning only a fraction of the property.

Check the property line if there are existing houses surrounding the lot. The property may have been encroached illegally by the neighbours. Make the check yourself and if there is any discrepancy, it's time to call in the surveyor before buying it.

There have been cases of people building their homes in another property. It will do well for the buyer to have the land actually resurveyed by a licensed surveyor. Some surveyors just base the new survey report on the land title without checking the site.

Do not rely solely on the seller's survey report without checking the authenticity of the survey. Check it against the records kept at city hall or the subdivision developer. Any errors could result in expensive lawsuits and delays.

Home Page

Articles
  Explore "Exotic Cebu
   Real Estate Basics
  Discrete Realty Cases

Find Properties
  Featured Properties
  Setup Buyer Profile
  More Properties

Legal Fundamentals
  Philippines Civil Code
  Legal Foundations

Helpful Supplements
  Documentation Guides
  Conversion Tables
  Government Documents

Featured Development
Developer’s updates, features, offers, expansions, development updates, new projects and more.

Current Events
Latest real estate updates all over Cebu and Philippines & more.

List your Property
Sale, rent or lease your property online for FREE & more.