Property Buyer’s Rights in the Philippines You Might Not Know As a homebuyer, it’s important to know your rights before buying a new property. Real estate acquisition is a big financial decision to make, so you really need to understand how this process works. If you don’t know your legal rights, you might get scammed or tricked into buying a problematic property. In this guide, we’ll uncover the rights of a real estate buyer to avoid hidden fees, unfair contract terms, and other legal troubles related to purchasing properties in the Philippines. Knowing Your Rights When Buying a Property The main reason why you should know your rights as a property buyer is to ensure a smooth and secure property transaction. It’s not enough to get a contract, sign it, and pay the fees. You must understand what’s written in the contract and discern whether the price is fair or not. In this case, it can be helpful to get a trusted real estate broker to walk you through the process. The following are your rights as a real estate buyer:
Here are the key laws governing the real estate market in the Philippines to protect buyers and investors from potential fraudulent transactions:
Final Thoughts When you know your rights as a property buyer, you save yourself from unfair transactions, unnecessary property fees, unethical developers, and other costly mistakes. Before you sign a written contract, read it carefully and don’t hesitate to ask for legal assistance if you don’t understand something. You can ask us questions at REALS.PH or check out our listings on the site. We have listed the pre-selling condominiums in Baguio City as well as other properties for sale in the Philippines.
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How to Check the Current Condition of a Property Before Buying: 2025 Guide It’s crucial to check the current condition of a property before buying in the Philippines. Whether old or new unit, ensuring structural integrity is important because of potential threats that may hit us, like earthquakes. Perhaps, you’re currently exploring the real estate market for a new home that is safe and secure. So, what are the key factors to make sure you are purchasing a house that can withstand the test of time as well as natural disasters? Property Age and Structural Issues When Filipinos ask, “What is the age of the property?”, it’s not just small talk. In fact, this is a crucial question to ask when checking properties to buy. Property age directly affects value, durability, and maintenance costs. Many Filipino homes are built with concrete and hollow blocks, so they can last for decades. However, wear and tear are inevitable and could destroy your home over time. Be sure to inspect for any structural issues when purchasing an older property. Some common issues to watch out for include rusty roofing, faulty electrical wiring, and outdated plumbing. A property of a certain age may look affordable, but expect additional renovation or maintenance expenses. In addition, knowing the exact age helps in estimating depreciation, assessing whether the house is still within its prime years, and negotiating a fair price. Renovation History of the House Another important question to ask is “how many renovations were made to the house”. This signals your desire for transparency from the seller. While renovations are not always a red flag, it’s still important to check the upgrades to the bathroom or kitchen. A modernized living room can add value to the house. However, frequent renovations could mean recurring issues with the property, including leaks, fire damage, and poor construction. Smart buyers request a list of renovations to get an idea of the property’s actual condition. It will also reveal whether the house is built according to the building code. If the seller is reluctant to provide this information, it might be good to move to the next prospect. It will cost you big time in the future if you neglect these warning signs of a compromised property. Termite Damage and Other Infestation With our tropical climate in the Philippines, homes can attract different kinds of pests including termites. A termite infestation can significantly affect structures, especially the wooden parts of a house. If left untreated, termites can compromise beams, flooring, and the overall foundation of any property. Visible cracks can be home to these pests and may pose safety risks. Therefore, make sure to cover this aspect in your property visits. Final Thoughts From “how old is the property?” to “are there termite infestations?”, asking all relevant questions to ensure the structural integrity of a house is crucial and must be done by homebuyers. Potential issues can affect the long-term value of any property. Protect your investment by knowing these buying tips for older homes. Visit REALS.PH website to find exclusive condominium units in Baguio and other properties for sale nationwide.
How to Invest in REITs in the Philippines: 2025 Guide If you want to earn passive income from real estate, you can invest in REITs without the hassle of buying, managing, or renting a property. This is quite popular for financially literate millennials and even Gen Zs. Learn how REITs in the Philippines work, why they’re gaining traction, understand risks and dividends, and discover why they are a great option for Filipino investors in this guide. What Are REITs in the Philippines? In case you’re exploring the stock market for the first time, a REIT or Real Estate Investment Trust is a company that owns income-generating properties, including malls, hotels, and offices. REITs are listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange so Filipinos can invest in these properties. According to the REIT Act of 2009, these companies are required to distribute at least 90% of their income as dividends to shareholders. Why Should Filipinos Invest in REITs? In REITs, you can buy shares through a brokerage account instead of saving up millions to get a condo unit. You can start earning from real estate with as little as a few thousand pesos buy investing in REITs. Here are the benefits of REIT investment in the Philippines:
Potential Risks of Buying REIT Shares While there are lots of benefits of investing in REITs in the Philippines, it also has a fair share of risks just like any investment. First, share prices may fluctuate depending on the interest rates. Second, tenant defaults and vacancies can reduce potential income. And third, most REITs are tied to big property developers which can be a strength or a limitation based on management quality. So don't just go after high dividends, focus also on long-term growth and total returns. If you're looking for the most reputable and profitable REITs in the Philippines, here are some suggestions you can try:
Final Thoughts Now that you know how to grow your money in REITs, you can start investing in notable companies for a steady passive income. Philippine REITs combine the reliability of property investing with the liquidity of the stock market. If you are eager to know more about this, you can ask question via our REALS.PH Facebook page. You may also browse our listings for house and lot in Baguio City and other major cities in the country.
Why Middle-Class Filipinos Struggle to Buy Homes in NCR? In 2025, real estate in Metro Manila remains out of reach for many middle-class Filipinos. Affordability becomes an issue due to a lot of factors that drive prices. Good news is that, there are alternatives homebuyers can explore to achieve their dream home. Read on to discover why more middle-class families are realizing that the price of owning a home in the National Capital Region has become nearly impossible to achieve these days. Living the Manila Dream Manila is a dream location for many Filipinos, and we all know why. It’s close to work, schools, and business districts. However, the Manila dream has become elusive for the middle class – let’s say a family with a combined monthly income of PHP 75,000 to PHP 100,000. Despite this salary, many still cannot afford a modest townhouse or condominium in NCR. Townhouses now range from PHP 7M to PHP 10M, while a 2BR preselling condo can cost up to PHP 6M to PHP 7M. Why Homes in NCR Are Getting More Expensive? There are several factors contributing to the rising prices of condos, townhouses, and house-and-lot units in the metro. Here they are:
Rent vs Buy Dilemma Renting has become the default option for the middle-class pinoys even with 6-digit income. Imagine setting aside almost PHP 100,000 a month just for housing costs even if you don’t have kids yet. Some Filipinos delay home ownership until they have the money for down payment. But of course, this feels like chasing a moving target because property prices continue to increase. This cycle traps the middle class into long-term renting, with a small chance to build equity in their own property. Where to Find Affordable Homes Outside NCR Given Metro Manila’s current housing market, you can shift your focus outside the capital for less expensive properties. Here are some good locations where you can look for affordable home and even condos:
Final Thoughts The harsh reality of Metro Manila properties becoming unaffordable for average Filipinos is here, accept it or not. With investment buying and limited land, the gap between income and property prices continues to widen. The best thing you can do is explore other areas where properties are within your reach, such as the newest condominiums in Baguio City. Exploring alternatives outside NCR is the best option. Visit REALS.PH website for the most affordable homes and lot properties in the Philippines.
Buying Real Estate in Baguio City: Cost Awareness, Alternatives, and Investment Viability Baguio City remains attractive for real estate investors and home buyers for its vacation home potential and many other factors. However, high property prices and limited land supply could play a major role on the investment side. Discover the real cost of owning a property in Baguio, affordable alternatives in nearby towns, and learn smart investment strategies for long-term returns in this guide. Cost Awareness for Baguio Properties Condominiums in prime areas can reach up to PHP 5M to PHP 8M for a studio-type unit, while monthly rentals may hit PHP 15,000 to PHP 20,000. To compute affordability, you need to factor in the purchase price as well as the monthly amortization, association dues and utilities, property tax and insurance, and maintenance. Make sure to decide not just based on the sticker price, but also on your cash flow to ensure sustainability. Finding Alternatives in Nearby Towns If you have explored Baguio properties and still can’t decide due to high price tags, you can check out nearby towns for more affordable opportunities. You can find larger house and lot options in La Trinidad, which is accessible to Baguio’s prominent universities. Also, you may want to consider Sablan and Tublay for rural lifestyle units, hence the cheaper land prices. These towns provide lower cost per square meter, bigger spaces, and less congestion. Calculating Investment Viability Perhaps, you’re also asking if Baguio City is still worth it for a real estate investment. Yes, but only with the right strategy. A lot of investors succeed in these areas:
Avoiding Costly Mistake with Due Diligence Before you sign any contracts, make sure to verify a clean land title and right-of-way access. In addition, it’s also important to check building permits and compliance with zoning laws in specific municipalities. If you’re buying a property with sloped lots, confirm geotechnical safety to prevent landslide risks. More importantly, you need to be aware of the homeowners’ association rules, as some HOAs restrict transient rentals. Final Thoughts With a wise approach, Baguio real estate is a solid investment, whether you’re a new homebuyer or seasoned investor. You need to be cost-aware, explore affordable alternatives beyond the city, and assess potential investment viability. Filipinos often look for opportunities that balance lifestyle and long-term gains. To find the best condominiums in Baguio City, visit our official website – REALS.PH. Our Baguio real estate agents can also sell your property, click on the List A Property on the site to get started.
Complete Guide for Filipinos Planning to Invest in a Farmland 2025 If you’re thinking of investing in a farmland, there are some important things you need to know before you cash out. Due diligence for land purchase will help protect your agribusiness investment as you venture in farmland ownership in the Philippines. Land classification and DAR clearance are only a few things to consider before you buy an agricultural land. Read on to find out the six factors when purchasing a land property to make an informed choice. 1. CLOA Title The first thing you need to do is determine whether the title is under CLOA or not. If so, there’s a restriction period for CLOA titles which is 10 years. Therefore, the seller cannot transfer it to you within the restriction period. You can check the encumbrances to find out when the CLOA was registered in the Registry of Deeds. In addition, it’s also important to confirm that the property doesn’t have any liability with the LandBank. 2. Protected Land Is the agricultural property under protected land category? If yes, it’s not Alienable and Disposable which means it’s only under tax declaration and can’t be registered under your name in the title. If it’s titled, however, there are so many restrictions and permissions you need before you can utilize the farmland. The permissions are given by the Protected Area Management Board. In case the property received a title after the declaration that it’s a protected land, it might be a void title. Forest land, watershed, and other protected lands cannot be used for living purposes. 3. No Titled Road Access This one is difficult to check because it’s not indicated under the encumbrances or annotation in the title. However, there’s a way to check if the property has no road access. The problem with this is that, you will need to pay to the neighboring lot owner so you can pass through their property. It’s also not advisable to loan money from the bank to pay for this access because of its low appraised value. 4. Long-Term Tenants If there are tenants in the farmland for more than 20 years, it will be difficult to acquire the property. Basically, if they are under CARP and qualified ARB, they have the right to own the land in the future. But if the agricultural land is not under CARP, you still can’t eject the tenants even if you’ve already bought the property. 5. More Claimants If there are so many people claiming their rights to the property, you might want to find another seller. You can see this under the encumbrances at the back of the title. There are many different types of claimants, including adverse claims and lis pendens. 6. Down Payment or Reservation Fees Asking for down payment or reservation fees is also a sign of fraud in real estate transactions. Do not engage in any agents who ask for money upfront before you can check the property. Final Thoughts Buying agricultural land in the Philippines is a major investment that requires both legal awareness and practical evaluation. Make sure to do your due diligence to verify the title and legal clearances before buying any property. If you want to check out some Baguio condominiums for sale, just log onto our official website REALS.PH for exclusive listings.
Is It Legal for an HOA to Disconnect Electricity or Water Supply Without Notice? Owning a condominium or housing unit in a subdivision comes with house rules and monthly dues. For instance, missing your HOA dues in a row can trigger the homeowner’s association to cut off your electricity or water supply. But is this legal, and what is the best way to handle this situation with your HOA? What Is RA 9904? In the Philippines, cutting off essential utilities for unpaid dues is generally not allowed. This is pursuant to Republic Act 9904, also known as Magna Carta for Homeowners and Homeowners’ Associations. Under this law, HOAs can only make rules, collect fees, or give penalty to a homeowner, but not cut off basic necessities including water and electricity. Even if they legally manage the supply through sub-metering as stated in the house rules or by-laws, due process must still be followed. Only the service providers such as Maynilad or Meralco can disconnect their services. Moreover, HOA can’t use this as a debt collection practice in case you have pending HOA dues, or you might have some violations in the rules being imposed. What to Do If You're Threatened with Utility Disconnection If this happens, you can file a complaint with DHSUD or the former HLURB against your HOA. They can be sued for grave abuse of discretion, violation of right to due process, harassment or coercion, or illegal disconnection of utilities. Always follow your house rules to avoid penalties and other consequences. Even if the HOA controls the water system, disconnection without legal basis or regulator approval can be challenged. The lawful approach is to file a collection case or place a lien on the property, instead of depriving homeowners of basic services. Here are due process requirements before cutting utilities in a condo or subdivision unit:
Final Thoughts Now that you know it is illegal for HOAs or condominium corporations to cut utilities from your condo or subdivision unit, it’s always best to keep your monthly dues updated to avoid problems. Due process must be followed before taking action on unpaid condominium or homeowners' association fees. If you have questions about your property in the Philippines, please send us a message on Facebook. Go to REALS.PH website if you want our real estate agents in Baguio City to sell your property. We also have exclusive Baguio listings on our website that you can check out.
Required Documents When Applying for Relocation Assistance in the Philippines Evicted squatters from private properties can apply for relocation assistance from the Philippine government. However, this is only offered to qualified beneficiaries who can submit all the required documents to prove indigency. So what are the requirements that you need to comply when applying for relocation assistance if you’ve just been evicted from a private property? 6 Requirements for Relocation Assistance Application Eviction can be terrifying for informal settlers in the Philippines, especially for families with young children. The good news is that, the government assures our homeless citizens with relocation assistance they deserve through the Urban Development and Housing Act. To qualify, there are specific legal requirements that you need to complete first. Here are the key requirements to qualify for relocation assistance for displaced families due to illegal squatting:
Conditions to Qualify for Relocation Assistance You must be classified as underprivileged or homeless citizen in the Philippines to apply for relocation assistance. Meaning, you don’t own any property in the country and your family is considered under the “poor” category. On the other hand, professional squatters are disqualified for this government program for evicted squatters. The relocation program is not for those who have applied several times already for free housing services of the government. Lastly, your income should fall under the poverty threshold to secure a spot in the relocation assistance. The poor is the top priority for this program, therefore compliance with all these requirements is required before being awarded with a new home. Final Thoughts The government is mandated to provide financial assistance or relocation site for evicted squatters in the Philippines, provided they are underprivileged and homeless. To avail of the housing program, you need to submit a few important documents, such as valid IDs and proof of income. If you’re looking for a new home, you may check out REALS.PH for the best listings nationwide. There are condominiums for sale in Baguio listed on the site for you to choose from.
Where Do Squatters Go After Being Ejected from a Philippine Property While it’s bad news for squatters to get evicted from a property, there are government programs that will help them start anew. These legal relocation options, however, are only given to qualified beneficiaries and not professional squatters. So, where do ejected squatters go after the lot owner had kicked them out of the property? What Is RA 7279? The Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA), also known as Republic Act No. 7279, says that squatters who are qualified beneficiaries must be given financial assistance or relocation. These qualified beneficiaries are classified as underprivileged or homeless citizens and are proven to have occupied the property for a long time. The local government unit, together with other involved agencies like the National Housing Authority and DHSUD, will initiate the relocation process. From the discussion of eviction in the barangay, the LGU is already planning the relocation of the squatters to resolve their homelessness problem. This is to avoid the cycle of squatting after eviction from one property to another. Or else, informal settlers will continue to squat in different properties across the Philippines. Also, it’s good to settle this in barangay level to prevent the case from reaching the court. Who Are Qualified for Relocation Giving these evicted squatters the assurance of having a new home is a humane thing to do. Others who can’t find a relocation site will be given financial assistance to at least get by. Again, these government programs are only available to qualified beneficiaries of UDHA. Professional squatters are excluded from these benefits, or those who continue to squat and rely on another relocation program. This is also not for new squatters or those who have newly occupied the said property. Renters who cannot pay for a long period are also disqualified from this assistance. Squatters who are proven to own a house and lot in other area cannot claim relocation benefits. Evicted families that are qualified will be transferred to NHA or LGU-managed resettlement areas. Challenges After Relocation While relocation sites provide legal housing, many families struggle with livelihood loss, limited access to healthcare, and longer travel times to work or school. This has led to some families to return to informal settlements close to economic centers. As a lot owner, you have the right to evict these squatters, but it should still be done legally to avoid any repercussions. Thanks to the Philippine government for assisting these families in finding a new place to settle in. Final Thoughts Eviction of squatters in the Philippines is both a legal and social issue. To properly address this, government programs and laws are created to balance the rights of property owners with the welfare of displaced families. However, the success of these programs depends on long-term support and livelihood opportunities. If you want to know more about relocation and other related concerns, you can message REALS.PH. You may also visit our website for an exclusive listing of properties for sale in Baguio City. Our licensed real estate agents can help you find a new home without the hassle.
Why Get a Condo in Baguio City: One of the Most Livable Places in the Philippines Whether you’re looking for a place to retire or invest in, Baguio City offers high-quality lifestyle and prime real estate options. The cool climate and clean air make this beautiful city ideal for retiring Filipino homebuyers. Maybe you want to escape from the hustle of Manila, the Philippines’ Summer Capital can give you urban convenience and natural living. So what are the best reasons to choose Baguio as your next location for real estate investment? 1. Cost-Efficient Living with Cooler Climate Baguio’s cool climate is a daily luxury not everyone realizes. Imagine having year-round cool temperatures, no need to turn the air conditioning unit on. This saves money with lower electricity bills, and at the same time contributing to better sleep even during summer nights. With a condo in Baguio, you can enjoy a slower-paced life without spending too much to achieve comfort. 2. Highly-Developed Urban Lifestyle Don’t be deceived by its mountainous terrain, Baguio is a highly-developed urban center. The city is home to excellent schools like UP Baguio and Saint Louis University, modern malls, top hospitals, and booming local markets. Within minutes, you can go from a coffee shop to a hiking trail, or from your condominium to a botanical garden. 3. Culturally-Rich Communities As UNESCO Creative City, Baguio thrives on its unique culture of artisans, musicians, and even writers. Locals have a strong sense of pride in preserving traditions through vibrant festivals celebrated throughout the year. If you’re one of the Filipinos who value the culture and arts, Baguio communities can introduce you to its rich heritage and sustainable practices. 4. Great Livability with Responsible Leadership Baguio is considered one of the most livable cities in the country because of its great leadership under Mayor Benjamin Magalong. The city mayor has shown commitment to good governance, transparency, and sustainable development. These efforts ensure that public services improve while maintaining Baguio’s unique charm, especially for long-term real estate investments. 5. Competitive Real Estate Market With rising demand, property values in Baguio are consistently going up particularly for condominium units and house & lot properties. Many housing developments are on the rise, giving homebuyers and investors enough options to find what they are exactly looking for. There are luxury condos and rental units for students and tourists as well. Buying a property in the city is surely a stable, high-potential investment opportunity. Final Thoughts Now that you know the many beautiful reasons why Baguio should be in your real estate investment goals, it would be easier to make an informed decision to get a new property in the city. It’s the perfect location for a retirement home, vacation villa, or a rental unit. You can browse our listings for luxury condominiums in Baguio City on REALS.PH website. You may also send us your questions regarding the unit you have chosen so that our Baguio real estate agents can guide you.
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Meet your Real Estate Broker Partner:
Roman Joe Anoso, RN, REB
Real estate Broker PRC license number: 19887
HLURB registration number: CAR-B-05/21-029
HLURB registration number: CAR-B-05/21-029
Baguio's top real estate broker Roman joe Anoso is grateful to serve you
Roman joe Anoso is a multi-awarded real estate broker, consistent Top #1 for 8 years to date.
Being recognized by the following companies:
Sta. Lucia Land, Inc.
- Overall Nationwide Top # 1 Real estate broker year 2024
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
- Real Estate Broker with the Highest sale for the year 2023
Suntrust Properties, Inc.
- Overall Nationwide Top # 1 Real estate broker year 2018
Vista Residences, Inc.
- Overall Nationwide Top # 1 Real estate broker year 2017
Goshen Land capital, inc.
- Overall Nationwide Top # 1 Real estate broker year 2011 to 2016
Being recognized by the following companies:
Sta. Lucia Land, Inc.
- Overall Nationwide Top # 1 Real estate broker year 2024
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
- Real Estate Broker with the Highest sale for the year 2023
Suntrust Properties, Inc.
- Overall Nationwide Top # 1 Real estate broker year 2018
Vista Residences, Inc.
- Overall Nationwide Top # 1 Real estate broker year 2017
Goshen Land capital, inc.
- Overall Nationwide Top # 1 Real estate broker year 2011 to 2016
PRC Licensed Real estate Broker Roman Joe Anoso
office address: REALS Corporation, Barangay Dontogan, Baguio city, 2600
personal: +63917-5645-863
viber/whatsapp: +63917-5645-863
add him on facebook (CLICK HERE)
office landline: 074-442-2353 (for clearer conversation)
email: [email protected]
skype: romankat2
website: www.realestatebaguio.com
personal: +63917-5645-863
viber/whatsapp: +63917-5645-863
add him on facebook (CLICK HERE)
office landline: 074-442-2353 (for clearer conversation)
email: [email protected]
skype: romankat2
website: www.realestatebaguio.com
