BUYER CHECKLIST

The papers a Philippine home purchase needs

Work top to bottom — gather IDs and funds before you offer, verify the title during due diligence, sign and pay taxes at closing, then transfer the title. Ticks are saved on this device; print a copy for your file.

0 of 14 ready (0%) — ticks are saved on this device.

Before you offer0 of 3 ready

Government-issued IDsTwo valid IDs (passport, driver’s licence, UMID) for every buyer on the deed.
TIN (Tax Identification Number)Required by the BIR for the documentary stamp tax and capital gains filings.
Proof of funds or loan pre-approvalBank statement for cash deals, or the bank’s loan approval letter for financed purchases.

Due diligence0 of 5 ready

Certified true copy of the title (TCT/CCT)Pull it from the Register of Deeds — check the owner name matches and look for annotations (liens, mortgages, lis pendens).
Tax declaration + updated real-property-tax receiptsConfirms assessments are current — unpaid RPT follows the property, not the seller.
Lot plan / survey (for land and houses)Verifies boundaries and that the sold area matches the titled area.
Zoning / locational clearance (for land and commercial)Confirms the lot’s allowed use with the city planning office.
Condo docs (for units)Master deed, condo corporation rules, and a statement of no arrears on association dues.

Offer & closing0 of 2 ready

Special Power of Attorney (if buying through a representative)Must be notarized; consularized if signed abroad.
Contract to Sell / Deed of Absolute SaleThe deed is notarized — this is the document the taxes and registration hang on.

Transfer0 of 4 ready

Documentary stamp tax payment (BIR)1.5% of the selling price or zonal value, whichever is higher — file within 5 days of the month after signing.
Capital gains tax (seller) + transfer tax receiptsCGT is normally the seller’s burden (~6%); the LGU transfer tax (~0.5–0.75%) is yours.
BIR Certificate Authorizing Registration (CAR)Issued after the taxes clear — the Register of Deeds will not transfer the title without it.
New title in your nameThe Register of Deeds issues the new TCT/CCT — keep certified copies in two places.

This checklist is a practical guide, not legal advice — requirements vary by LGU, developer and transaction type. Confirm each item with your broker, bank and the Register of Deeds. Questions about a step? The buyer FAQ in the help centre covers fees, safety and the viewing flow.