THE BUYER PATH

How to buy a home in the Philippines

Eight steps from budget to keys — each with the guide that explains it and the tool that does the work. Selling instead? The seller path.

1. 1

   Fix your real budget

   Decide the monthly payment you can carry — lenders look at debt-to-income, not just salary — then add the closing costs on top.

   Affordability calculatorGuide: Pag-IBIG and bank financing

2. 2

   Learn the vocabulary

   Fifteen minutes with the glossary saves weeks later — CCT vs TCT, RFO vs pre-selling, earnest money vs reservation fee.

   PH property glossary

3. 3

   Search with intent

   Filter by city, type and payment method; save the search so new matches and price drops reach you by e-mail.

   Search homes for sale

4. 4

   Check the area's numbers

   The city trend page shows median ₱/m², inventory and demand — context for whether an asking price is sensible.

   City price trends

5. 5

   View in person, checklist in hand

   Book the viewing through the listing, then work the physical and document checks — water pressure, stains, the title photocopy, dues.

   Printable viewing checklistGuide: The viewing checklist

6. 6

   Verify the title

   Before money moves: pull a certified true copy at the Registry of Deeds, read every annotation, match the tax declaration.

   Document checklistGuide: Checking a property title

7. 7

   Make the offer properly

   Offer a number you can defend with comparables, expect a counter, and pay earnest money only against a signed acknowledgement.

   CTS vs deed of saleGuide: Making an offer

8. 8

   Close and take the keys

   Sign the notarised deed of absolute sale, settle the BIR taxes and registration, transfer utilities — then move in on the checklist.

   Move-in checklistGuide: Closing costs and taxes

This path is orientation, not legal or financial advice — a Philippine property lawyer is the right spend before any large commitment.