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How to buy a condo or house and lot in the Philippines
A short, honest guide for first-time buyers, OFWs and foreign buyers looking at Century Properties projects.
Buying as an OFW or from abroad
Many overseas Filipinos buy a home back in the Philippines. Expect to provide a valid ID, your tax details and proof of income. Ask which documents can be handled remotely and which need a representative in the Philippines. Never send a payment before you have the reservation terms in writing.
Can foreigners buy property?
Foreigners cannot own land in the Philippines. They can own condominium units, as long as foreign ownership in the whole project does not go over the legal 40% limit. Ask the project team how much foreign ownership is currently allocated.
Pre-selling vs ready-for-occupancy (RFO)
- Pre-selling: the unit is not finished. You pay in stages and wait for turnover. Always ask to see the project’s DHSUD License to Sell.
- RFO: the unit is finished. You can inspect the actual home and move in sooner.
Condo, townvilla or house and lot?
Condos suit people who want a central address and low upkeep. Townvillas give more room while keeping some of that convenience. House-and-lot communities, such as those in Cavite, Batangas and Pampanga, give you land and space. As a reference point, Leechiu reports average house-and-lot prices of about ₱62,000 per sq m in Cavite for the first half of 2026 (GMA News), while Dot Property’s Makati condo median asking price is about ₱250,889 per sq m as of 8 Nov 2026 (Dot Property). These are different products, so compare what you get, not just the number.
What to budget on top of the price
- Reservation fee and down payment, as set out in the payment schedule.
- Transfer and registration costs when the title or unit is transferred.
- Monthly association dues for condos and communities.
- Furnishing, moving and, if you rent it out, management costs.
We give you a written breakdown for the exact unit you choose.
Before you reserve: a five-point check
- Get the License to Sell for pre-selling projects.
- Read the contract to sell and the payment schedule in full.
- Confirm the turnover date and what happens if it slips.
- Ask for the all-in cost breakdown.
- Keep every receipt and written confirmation.
No one can promise a resale price or rental income. Treat any figure that does as a red flag.