Confirm your ownership eligibility, title and seller authority, inspect the unit and building, and review the full costs and contract before paying.
Verify who and what you are buying
Have an independent lawyer examine seller authority, title records and encumbrances. Confirm the exact unit, parking rights, legal ownership eligibility and restrictions. Independently verify the professional’s current licensing or authorization for the work involved.
Inspect the building, not just the unit
Review maintenance, water pressure, elevators, backup power, fire safety, internet options and association finances. Ask about planned assessments, insurance, rental rules and unpaid dues. Commission an appropriate independent inspection.
Read the money terms
Understand the reservation fee, payment schedule, cancellation terms, tax allocation, handover conditions and what is included in the price. Do not sign a reservation contract you have not had reviewed.
Verify applicable project approvals
For projects where required, verify registration and a License to Sell with DHSUD, rather than relying on a logo or a sales brochure. Ask your lawyer which permits and approvals apply to this particular project.
Create a decision file
Save the legal review, inspection, written cost estimate and a downside rental scenario. If a key answer cannot be verified, pause the purchase rather than making the uncertainty disappear in a spreadsheet.
Official references
Philippine Condominium Act ↗1987 Philippine Constitution ↗PRA: retirement visa ↗Medicare outside the U.S. ↗IRS: Americans abroad ↗DHSUD: project verification ↗U.S. State Department: Philippines ↗Turn your research into a property buyer brief.
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Build my buyer brief →General education only. Official requirements and your individual circumstances must be verified before acting.