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🏠 Find your Home

Complete guide to finding your ideal home in the Philippines: renting, buying, recommended cities, and practical tips.

Choose a CityHousing Types

🌏 Where to Live?

Comparison of major Philippine cities

🏙️

Manila (BGC/Makati)

Modern economic hub with western infrastructure

Rent:
$800-2500/month
Buy:
$150-500k

✅ Pros:

  • Excellent infrastructure
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Modern malls

❌ Cons:

  • High cost of living
  • Pollution and traffic

🎯 Ideal for:

BusinessCareerCity Life
🌴

Cebu City

Second largest city, perfect city/beach balance

Rent:
$400-1200/month
Buy:
$80-250k

✅ Pros:

  • Moderate cost
  • International airport
  • Beaches nearby

❌ Cons:

  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Limited public transport

🎯 Ideal for:

BalanceRetirementFamilies
🏞️

Davao

Safe and modern city in southern Mindanao

Rent:
$300-800/month
Buy:
$50-150k

✅ Pros:

  • Very safe
  • Low cost of living
  • Clean city

❌ Cons:

  • Far from other islands
  • Fewer expats

🎯 Ideal for:

BudgetPeaceSafety
⛰️

Baguio

Mountain city with cool climate all year round

Rent:
$200-600/month
Buy:
$40-120k

✅ Pros:

  • Temperate climate
  • No typhoons
  • Low cost of living

❌ Cons:

  • Difficult access
  • Fewer activities

🎯 Ideal for:

Cool ClimateRetirementStudents
🏝️

Palawan (Puerto Princesa)

Natural paradise with preserved beaches and nature

Rent:
$250-700/month
Buy:
$60-180k

✅ Pros:

  • Natural beauty
  • Developed tourism
  • Beautiful beaches

❌ Cons:

  • Geographically isolated
  • High transport cost

🎯 Ideal for:

NatureRetirementTourism
🎓

Iloilo

Fast-developing university city

Rent:
$200-500/month
Buy:
$35-100k

✅ Pros:

  • Rapid development
  • Reputed universities
  • Very affordable cost

❌ Cons:

  • Fewer expats
  • Limited options

🎯 Ideal for:

BudgetStudentsLocal Culture

🏘️ Housing Types

Choose the type of accommodation that suits you

🏢

Condominium

Modern apartment with amenities

$500-2000/month

Features:

  • 24/7 Security
  • Pool and Gym
  • Parking
  • Maintenance included

Pros:

  • Secure
  • Amenities included
  • Modern
  • Community

Cons:

  • More expensive
  • Strict rules
  • Association dues
🏠

House/Villa

Standalone house with garden

$400-1500/month

Features:

  • Private garden
  • Multiple parking
  • More space
  • Privacy

Pros:

  • Personal space
  • Garden
  • Freedom
  • Often cheaper

Cons:

  • Maintenance on you
  • Security to organize
  • Possible isolation
🏘️

Townhouse

Row house in a subdivision

$300-1000/month

Features:

  • Subdivision security
  • Gated community
  • Parking
  • Common areas

Pros:

  • Good compromise
  • Secure
  • Community
  • Reasonable price

Cons:

  • Less privacy
  • HOA rules
  • Limited space
🏨

Studio/1BR

Small apartment for singles

$200-800/month

Features:

  • Generally furnished
  • Utilities included
  • City center
  • Close to transport

Pros:

  • Economical
  • Convenient
  • Furnished
  • Well located

Cons:

  • Small space
  • No garden
  • Possible noise

🔍 Search Tips

Optimize your housing search

Online Search

  • Lamudi.com.ph - main site
  • Facebook Marketplace very active
  • Facebook Groups per city
  • Carousell Philippines
  • Airbnb for short term

Viewing & Negotiation

  • Always visit in person
  • Negotiate price (10-20% possible)
  • Check water, electricity, internet
  • Test water pressure
  • Ask for previous bills

Legal Aspects

  • English contract mandatory
  • 2 months deposit standard
  • 1 month advance
  • Detailed inventory
  • Home insurance recommended

💰 Buying in the Philippines

Legal information and purchasing process

Legal Restrictions

  • Foreigners cannot own land
  • Condos: max 40% foreign ownership
  • Solution: Philippine corporation (60% local)
  • Marriage with Filipino/a = extended rights

Buying Process

  • Reservation fee (5-10%)
  • Due diligence
  • Financing or cash payment
  • Deed of Sale signing
  • Registry of Deeds registration

Additional Costs

  • Transfer tax: 0.5-0.75%
  • Notary fees: 1-2%
  • Title insurance: 0.5%
  • Inspection: $200-500
  • Bank fees if financing

⚠️ Important Points

  • • Always visit the property in person before signing
  • • Verify the legitimacy of the owner and property
  • • Always negotiate rental prices, especially for long leases
  • • Ensure internet quality (crucial for remote work)
  • • Plan for hidden costs: electricity, water, internet, maintenance
  • • Consider the typhoon season depending on the region

Housing Found? Finalize your Preparation!

Complete your installation with the last practical aspects.

🏨 Book AccommodationTransport & Mobility