Buying Condo Cebu City

19POSTS

10 years ago

I plan to move to Cebu City in the next year, so I'm looking at buying a Condo in the city. Any advice on things to look out for when making a real estate purchase in Phil? Or is the process pretty much same as here in USA? I appreciate any advice on the subject or where you can direct me to find more information.

See also

Real estate listings in Cebu - 11 Ads
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Should I Retire to Cebu City? - 16 Replies
Buying Condo here in Makati - 4 Replies

ABCDiamond Serial expat

873POSTS

10 years ago

MissionHopeCebu wrote:
I plan to move to Cebu City in the next year, so I'm looking at buying a Condo in the city. Any advice on things to look out for when making a real estate purchase in Phil? Or is the process pretty much same as here in USA? I appreciate any advice on the subject or where you can direct me to find more information.

Ask how much the ongoing management/association fees etc are.聽 And how much they have changed each year in the past.

The wording of Buying "Real Estate" in the Philippines throws up warnings, as Real estate is "property consisting of land and the buildings on it"

Foreigners normally cannot buy land.聽 We can give someone money to buy the land, so we can build a house on it, but the land is never ours.

A Condo is of course different, as long as it is titled correctly, so that a foreigner can be legally allowed to buy a long term lease for it.聽 The entire Condo block must be at least 60% Filipino owned.

You can read the Condominium Act at:

1 member reacted to this post

MissionHopeCebu Member

19POSTS

10 years ago

Thank you for the information. I have visited Cebu many times over the past few years and it seems that buying a Condo would be more wise than paying someone rent, as I know for sure that's where I want to live. Or maybe just best to keep the money in the bank and rent. Thx!

1 member reacted to this post

ABCDiamond Serial expat

873POSTS

10 years ago

MissionHopeCebu wrote:
Thank you for the information. I have visited Cebu many times over the past few years and it seems that buying a Condo would be more wise than paying someone rent, as I know for sure that's where I want to live. Or maybe just best to keep the money in the bank and rent. Thx!

I would rent the place for a few months, before buying it, just in case you decide after a few months that you don't like the specific area.

3 members reacted to this post

MissionHopeCebu Member

19POSTS

10 years ago

Good advice. Ive read that on many forums here. Thx

1 member reacted to this post

Wantedincome Member

3POSTS

10 years ago

Moderated by Christine 10 years ago
Reason : promoting your services freely on the forum is not allowed.
We invite you to read the forum code of conduct

kandasamy Member

3POSTS

10 years ago

How much the condo in cebu cost?

petehuk Member

19POSTS

10 years ago

Be careful - Filippinos are not good neighbours - unfriendly, messy and noisy so you need expat neighbours.

I know of many expats who moved into new condos and found the neighbours putting their trash in the hallways.

Also the building standards (particularly the plumbing) are awful and the quality of the fittings and fixtures (if there in fact are any) is the cheapest available

Finally the items included in the price are minimal so reserve money to cover the cost of A/C, kitchen appliances and upgrades and storage

Good luck

1 member reacted to this post

Stranded Shipscook Active member

51POSTS

10 years ago

First to rent is definitely a very good idea.
The usual "love affair" with the Philippines (which is starting new fresh each visit, so prior vacation counts do not count as time) last about 8 months to a year and then "reality" kicks in. (That is the same in every place one moves too, it is kind of a psychological rule of thumb, but hard to explain)
Some of course hate it right away. Or are influenced by other haters.(And still hang around, which puzzles me often, lol)

But it is a good idea to wait out this period and then decide for a final place to stay or buy. It is not easy or even impossible to sell or rent out a condo (profitable or even "break even") if one dislikes it.
Which makes renting easier. Actually you could place an "Wanted for rent" Ad here and in other forums concerning Cebu and you get bulks of PN with offers.
Then you can check them out on your next visit.

2.) Condos are NOT cheap here. It is because of the fact, that building materials are more expensive than US or other places and labour is unfortunately also not really cheaper. (yes, Payrate is low, but one needs much more workers, a study of an Asian Shipbuilding here had a ratio of 14:1 comparing to Japan or Korea)

3.)Why investing your money in a foreign country ? Be smart and use the protective laws of your home :
So you may buy a good condo or other project in Fl.,Ca.,Tx. or wherevere (if cheap right now, consult Banks or other info sources) and then invest the US Rental collected for the rental of a house here.
(I never understood why expats sold their houses and condos and then tried to get the same abroad...)

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MissionHopeCebu Member

19POSTS

10 years ago

#10

Thank you for the advice.聽 I'm currently looking at a middle class community and the unit would be top floor on the end to hopefully minimize some of these issues. Fortunately there is a special right now fully furnished with kitchen.

Calif-Native VIP Member

512POSTS

10 years ago

#11

You will need to watch the flood of "free" help being offered by local filipinos.聽 I will post the following from another blog that was on a related topic last year.聽

First review the laws related to ownership and understand the TCT vs CCT.聽聽

Next, search and review RA9646, Article I, Sec 3 on terms and who it shows as the natural persons authorized by title, to offer RE services:聽
a. "Appraiser",
b. "Assessor",
e. "Real estate developer", and
g. "Real estate service practitioners" (as being "a duly registered & licensed" natural person, as follows:
1. Real estate consultant,
2. Real estate appraiser,
3. Real estate assessor,
4. Real estate broker
5. Real estate salesperson.*
*No examination given for sales persons but they must be accredited by the RE Board.

There will be many Filipino "agents" offering services here in this blog or elsewhere.聽 Make sure you also ready Article IV, Sec 27, which states:

"Any single act or transaction embraced within the provisions of Section 3(g) hereof, as performed by real service practitioner, shall constitute an act of engaging in the practice of real estate services."

Article IV, Sec 29 "Prohibition Against the Unauthorized Practice of Real Estate Service", states:

"No person shall practice or offer to practice real estate service in the Philippines or offer himself/herself as a real estate service practitioner, or use the title, word, letter, figure or any sign tending to convey the impression that one is a real estate service practitioner, or advertise or indicate in any manner whatsoever that one is qualified to practice the profession,"

Now with the above info absorbed, AVOID the self-serving persons contacting you to offer services, continue to review the other advice given here by expats, be careful and move with clarity, as you search for the condo or townhouse you want.

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professor cebu Serial expat

306POSTS

10 years ago

#12

i trust rasenta... the broker is my friend.. better trust a LICENSED broker (not just an agent) and who is also accredited to the developer of the condo of your choice.. should you have further questions, you may send me a private message.

MissionHopeCebu wrote:
I plan to move to Cebu City in the next year, so I'm looking at buying a Condo in the city. Any advice on things to look out for when making a real estate purchase in Phil? Or is the process pretty much same as here in USA? I appreciate any advice on the subject or where you can direct me to find more information.

ABCDiamond Serial expat

873POSTS

10 years ago

#13

petehuk wrote:
Be careful - Filippinos are not good neighbours - unfriendly, messy and noisy so you need expat neighbours.

They are good if you like Karaoke at all hours, and lots of noise and movement

I've chosen a quiet location, but have to pay a higher rental price for that comfort

Still get some occasional noise, but not as bad as other cheaper areas that I tried.

2 members reacted to this post

fmarte New member

8POSTS

10 years ago

#14

Moderated by Maximilien 10 years ago
Reason : avoid auto promotion or free advertising pls

transporter_neo Member

2POSTS

10 years ago

#15

Hi, I am in Belgium, I have a little place in Cebu now for my yearly vacation... I rather say that; see it first, not unless you have someone you can trust....

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transporter_neo Member

2POSTS

10 years ago

#16

Don't trust Indian, afghanistan they are monters in out there!!!! Peace!!!

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sydewynder Member

3POSTS

10 years ago

#17

Moderated by Bhavna 10 years ago
Reason : No publicity on the forum please. Drop an advert in the section

MissionHopeCebu Member

19POSTS

10 years ago

#18

Great information!聽 Thank you

fmarte New member

8POSTS

10 years ago

#19

Moderated by Bhavna 10 years ago
Reason : Please avoid posting your contact details on the forum.No publicity on the forum
We invite you to read the forum code of conduct

ABCDiamond Serial expat

873POSTS

10 years ago

#20

Have you put the details on the housing section /en/housing/asia/philippines/cebu/
so we can all go and have a look.
There are about 12 places in Cebu already listed there to be looked at.

As mush info as possible gives a better chance to be looked at.聽 I for one, never look at something unless a price and size of property is quoted.

fmarte New member

8POSTS

10 years ago

#21

Moderated by Bhavna 10 years ago
Reason : Any kind of publicity is not allowed on the forum + You already have an advert in the Housing section.
We invite you to read the forum code of conduct

professor cebu Serial expat

306POSTS

10 years ago

#22

Moderated by Bhavna 10 years ago
Reason : Quote removed + Please avoid promoting your services on the forum.

Guest3498572 Guest

0POSTS

10 years ago

#23

Hi!

Here are a few points that could give you an idea about owning a property in the Philippines.

-Although foreigners cannot own land in the Philippines, they can purchase units in condominium buildings, so long as foreign ownership in a single project will not exceed 40 percent.
-If married to a Filipino, the foreigner can buy land provided the title will be in his or her spouse鈥檚 name. In the event of their spouse鈥檚 death, the foreigner becomes the natural heir and may do any one of the following: dispose of the property within a reasonable amount of time and collect the proceeds; pass the ownership to their children or legal heirs; or in case the couple is childless, turn over the ownership to the Filipino spouse鈥檚 relatives.
-Foreigners may lease land for up to 50 years and renew the lease for another 25 years. If you want a beachfront property in Boracay, Palawan, or some other spectacular island in the country rather than a condominium in Metro Manila or Cebu, this may be your best option. You can legally own the house or building that you built on the land you are renting.
-Noncitizens may own land through corporations that are at least 60 percent Filipino-owned. Many foreigners partner with Filipinos to form a corporation, with the former enjoying a maximum of 40 percent of the shares. Through this route, foreigners may acquire land, condominiums, residential houses and lots, and commercial buildings.
-Former natural-born Filipino citizens may acquire land but with limits. The law prescribes that natural-born -Filipinos who have acquired foreign citizenship may own up to 1,000 sqm of residential urban land or 1 hectare of residential rural land.

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MissionHopeCebu Member

19POSTS

10 years ago

#24

Thank you for the reply and detailed information.

CebuAnn123 Member

2POSTS

10 years ago

#25

Important Aspects for Foreigners buying property in Philippines

1.Foreigners cannot own land in Philippines
2.Corporation that are at least 60% Filipino- own are allowed to buy land in Philippines
3.Foreigners can purchase condominium units in Philippines.
4.A foreigners who is legal or natural heir may acquire property through hereditary succession.
5.Purchase property by natural-born filipinos who have already acquired foreign citizenship shall be subject to the limitation prescribe by law.
6.Foreigners or聽 foreign corporation investing in Philippines are allowed to lease land in long term lease.
7.Foreigners may legally own a house or a building as long as the land on which聽 house or the building not own by a foreigner.

or you can also get a PRA for more assurance聽 of your investment in Philippines.
[Moderated]

Moderated by Bhavna 10 years ago
Reason : Removal of contact infos
We invite you to read the forum code of conduct

Bhavna Team

43484POSTS

10 years ago

#26

Hello everyone,

@CebuAnn123, please do not promote your services on the forum, it is strictly forbidden.

As a professional, you may give free advices on the forum however, you can not promote your services.

You may freely register in the directory so that members can browse through the section if they need the services of a professional.

Link here : Real estate in Cebu

All the best,
Bhavna

1 member reacted to this post

professor cebu Serial expat

306POSTS

10 years ago

#27

CebuAnn123 wrote:
Important Aspects for Foreigners buying property in Philippines

1.Foreigners cannot own land in Philippines
2.Corporation that are at least 60% Filipino- own are allowed to buy land in Philippines
3.Foreigners can purchase condominium units in Philippines.
4.A foreigners who is legal or natural heir may acquire property through hereditary succession.
5.Purchase property by natural-born filipinos who have already acquired foreign citizenship shall be subject to the limitation prescribe by law.
6.Foreigners or聽 foreign corporation investing in Philippines are allowed to lease land in long term lease.
7.Foreigners may legally own a house or a building as long as the land on which聽 house or the building not own by a foreigner.

or you can also get a PRA for more assurance聽 of your investment in Philippines.
[Moderated]

TO AVOID MISLEADING INFO, here are my comments accdg. to numbers assigned:
1. with some exceptions, ask a lawyer or research it for urself;
2. please refer to nationalised industries. not all are 60% though its the general rule;
3. even condo has 60-40 limitation (in aggregate ownership)
4. testate or intestate
5. agree
6. there is actually a limit of years and renewable only upto limited no. of years.
7. subject also to terms provided by law.

professor cebu Serial expat

306POSTS

10 years ago

#28

first asks if there is a miscellaneous fees. this is normally called hidden charges and paid after all the equity payments are finished.

second, ask for the monthly dues and who will be managing the condo.

lastly, location

for security reasons

MissionHopeCebu wrote:
I plan to move to Cebu City in the next year, so I'm looking at buying a Condo in the city. Any advice on things to look out for when making a real estate purchase in Phil? Or is the process pretty much same as here in USA? I appreciate any advice on the subject or where you can direct me to find more information.

Chriswingchun Member

1POSTS

9 years ago

#29

Just came across this thread. Are you still planning on buying a condo in Cebu or have you already? I'm asking because I have a 3 bedroom condo in Cebu South Road Properties for Sale. It's near the new SM SEASIDE MALL. Fully furnished with air-conditioning. Look up amalfi condo Cebu on YouTube. Believe me I know the headaches in buying a condo in Cebu. There's the price of the condo plus fees and more fees. Then required fire insurance. We payed an interior decorator $10,000. That's not including the air conditioning and furniture.

MissionHopeCebu Member

19POSTS

9 years ago

#30

Thank you for reply. I purchase at Bamboo Bay. Thank you. Frank

leiakarinacepeda Member

10POSTS

8 years ago

#31

Hi are you still looking to buy a condo in Cebu City? I can help you there.

Guest3498572 Guest

0POSTS

8 years ago

#32

I'm a Belgian also living in Cebu. (un)trustable people are everywhere, the huge problem here is knowlegde, sellers just sell, a technical question is never replied in a good way but yeah... Surviving here is not really hard, just keep things in mind. I enjoy Cebu, my pinay lady en life.

Guest3498572 Guest

0POSTS

8 years ago

#33

Hello everybody,Can someone give a link of a real estate company or post local prices of one square meter ? Thanks a lot.

aussiekiwi Active member

42POSTS

5 years ago

#34

Hi everyone, The couple of times we stayed in Cebu, we stayed at Horizon 101, the only positive thing it was good close to many eating places, free bus from the circle to seaside , also a free bus to another a newer mall forgot the name, Robinson small mall at Ramos, also you can cook what you want to.

The negative things as someone else said Filipinos can be very noisy, you find around mid night to 3am Friday Saturday nights mornings, the come back to their condos they are very loud wake you up, also they slam the door to their condos not once 3 or 4 times not easy being woken up out of a deep sleep, its the females that are very loud trying to be louder than each other.
The other with Horizon 101 the traffic noise goes 24/7 especially the motor bikes they seem to have very noisy mufflers , this is something I noticed more and more this time we were there over xmas just gone last time, I was told these mufflers have a special name.
I do believe if you going to buy a condo be a good idea to try and stay in one where you want to buy, not easy just to move out if you have very noisy neighbors, also as someone else said some do dump their trash out in the hall way not far to walk to where rubbish goes.
The other negative thing about this聽 lot of condos, sorry dont take offence , just got to be careful if you going to buy not easy to sell if not satisfied better off renting at first.Another negative thing I found between say 4pm to roughly 8pm very long waits for lifts that if all lifts are working, also between 7.00am and 9am in the mornings roughly again very long waits for lifts, again we were on holiday for 8 days there, I know if i was living it would drive me crazy .thats why very important to rent first where you want to live.
I was interested last time buying a condo there especially one of those there were many for sale in the 2 tower blocks that horizon 101 have, the sales lady kept contacting me all the time with condos for sale聽聽and the price kept coming down a very lot, sure also again as someone said some of the the stuff used in these condo not good quality thats where you got to be careful, good luck mate just listen to man here with their wise words be careful might sound like a bargain but later might cost you a lot more for repairs, also the very noisy neighbors, just rent first i know I am repeating myself.

1 member reacted to this post

Richard Yan Contributor

197POSTS

5 years ago

#35

Brother.聽 Must sure your condominium got noise regulations n other civil rules.聽 My condo got fine of 4000peso for noise pollution after 12am to 8AM.

1 member reacted to this post

leiakarinacepeda Member

10POSTS

5 years ago

#36

Hi!

I deal real estate here in Cebu City, let me know if I can help you get more information, always here to help

leiakarinacepeda Member

10POSTS

5 years ago

#37

It really depends on the property you are going with, that might have been the case of a low cost condo.

There are high end condos where your neighbours, even Filipinos, are very well behaved and have proper upbringing. You'll have many more expat neighbours too since they appreciate the high end properties.

manwonder ViP

1904POSTS

5 years ago

#38

Richard Yan wrote:
Brother.聽 Must sure your condominium got noise regulations n other civil rules.聽 My condo got fine of 4000peso for noise pollution after 12am to 8AM.

Exactly...The resident聽 comitee will improve the building upkeep, make sure all residents pay their maintenance fees / check on cleanliness & noise levels and also on the developer on his plans.