Do I need a lawyer to sell a property in the Philippines?
Yes. Property sales are typically handled by a lawyer who prepares the deed of sale, conducts title checks, and oversees registration.
Sell your property in the Philippines
Whether you're selling a house, apartment, or land in the Philippines, reach international buyers and pay 0% commission. A fast, simple way for private sellers across the Philippines to advertise their property and save thousands.
List your propertyHouse to sell in the Philippines?
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Your property on:
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How to Sell Your Property in the Philippines
A step by step guide for selling a property in the Philippines privately.
Prepare your documents
Gather the documents typically required in the Philippines: Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) or Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT), tax declaration, latest real property tax receipts, valid ID, and, if applicable, a notarised SPA. Buyers’ lawyers usually request these early.
Set a realistic asking price
Check recent sales in your area and consider factors such as location, access roads, land size, renovation needs, and amenities. Values differ widely between Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, resort areas, and provincial towns.
Create strong photos and a clear description
Show key features such as outdoor space, balconies, views, and interior layout. International buyers often need clear information on building condition, utilities, and any recent upgrades before planning a visit.
List your property online
The Philippines attracts buyers locally and from overseas—particularly from the US, Canada, the Middle East, and Japan. Highlight transport links, nearby schools and malls, beach or city access, and any rental potential.
Respond quickly to enquiries
Many overseas buyers arrange short visits to shortlist properties. Fast responses help keep your property on their viewing plan before they confirm travel dates.
Arrange viewings & accept an offer
Viewings are usually organised in advance. After agreeing an offer, the buyer’s lawyer will begin title verification and request documents to confirm taxes and records are up to date.
Complete the sale with a lawyer
The buyer’s lawyer prepares the Deed of Absolute Sale and oversees due diligence. Completion occurs when the deed is notarised, taxes are settled, and the title transfer is lodged with the Registry of Deeds.
Selling a property in the Philippines in 2025
To help you sell your home, condo, plot or land in The Philippines we've put together a guide to give an understanding of the current market conditions. Before getting started, it’s important to be aware of how the Philippines property market is performing and the key trends influencing it today.
Key Trends & Market Overview
The Philippine property market remains resilient, supported by strong domestic demand, a young population, and steady inflows from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). In early 2025, average residential prices were estimated to have grown by around 6–7 % year-on-year, following a ~5 % rise in 2024. Price growth has been more moderate than in the post-pandemic rebound but remains positive, especially in urban and tourist-oriented regions.
Forecasts by regional analysts and local developers suggest continued growth of ~4–5 % per year through 2027 as inflation stabilises and infrastructure projects improve regional accessibility.
Regional / Segment Variations
Property performance varies strongly across the country:
- Manila remains the most active and liquid market, though prices there are stabilising after several strong years.
- Cebu, Davao, and Clark / Pampanga are emerging hotspots with continued developer activity and foreign interest.
- Tourism-driven islands such as Boracay, Palawan, and Bohol are attracting lifestyle and resort investment, while some remote areas remain relatively undervalued.
Typical 2025 price estimates:
- Central business districts in Metro Manila: ₱ 200 000 – ₱ 350 000 per m² (≈ € 3 200 – € 5 500 / m²).
- Secondary cities or provincial capitals: ₱ 80 000 – ₱ 150 000 per m².
- Coastal or island resort areas: wide range ₱ 60 000 – ₱ 250 000 per m² depending on view, beach access, and infrastructure.
Demand Drivers
- OFW remittances and local professionals continue to underpin domestic demand in the Philippines.
- Foreign buyers, particularly from East Asia and Europe, purchase condominium units and resort properties (foreign ownership is restricted to condos or long-term leases on land).
- Tourism recovery has boosted demand for short-term-rental and serviced-apartment units.
- Infrastructure expansion — new airports, bridges, and expressways — is opening up previously underdeveloped coastal and provincial areas.
- Remote-work appeal is modest but rising, especially among foreign retirees and investors seeking affordable coastal living.
Risks & Considerations
- Regulatory constraints: Foreigners cannot directly own land; ownership is limited to condominium units or long-term (often 50-year) leasehold arrangements.
- Interest-rate sensitivity: Rising domestic borrowing costs can dampen local buyer demand.
- Supply pockets: Some urban condo segments face temporary oversupply.
- Tax and documentation requirements: Selling a property in the Philippines involves multiple agencies (BIR, LGU, Register of Deeds), which can cause delays if documentation is incomplete.
- Natural-disaster exposure: Certain coastal or provincial zones are typhoon- or flood-prone, affecting valuations and insurance.
Selling property in the Philippines FAQs
What documents are required to sell a property in the Philippines?
Sellers usually need the Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) or Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT), tax declaration, latest real property tax receipts, valid ID, and a notarised deed of sale.
How long does it take to sell a property in the Philippines?
Once a buyer is found, completion and title transfer often take several weeks to a few months, depending on tax clearance and registry processing times.
Is a deposit paid when an offer is accepted in the Philippines?
Yes. A reservation fee or deposit is commonly paid, followed by further payments as agreed before final transfer.
Can I sell my Philippine property to a foreign buyer?
Yes, with restrictions. Foreigners may own condominium units within legal limits, but land ownership is restricted and may require specific structures.
Do I need to pay capital gains tax when selling?
Yes. Sellers are generally required to pay capital gains tax, as well as documentary stamp tax and local transfer fees.
Should I list my property in Philippine pesos or another currency?
Properties are usually listed in Philippine pesos, though international listings often show US dollars for overseas buyers.
What information do international buyers expect in a Philippine listing?
Clear title status, ownership eligibility for foreigners, location, property size, condition, taxes paid, and association fees if applicable.
Note: This is general information, not legal advice. Requirements can vary by property type and situation.
Implications for Sellers
- Pricing strategy: Price realistically and reference current comparable sales. Demand is solid but more price-sensitive than in 2022–23.
- Highlight strengths: Emphasise sea views, beach proximity, quality construction, or secure titles — these factors drive premiums for both locals and foreign investors.
- Ensure documentation: Clear title, updated tax declarations, and BIR receipts are essential; incomplete paperwork can delay or derail a sale.
- Time expectations: Urban sales may move faster; provincial or resort properties may take several months to secure a committed buyer.
- Marketing angle: Appeal to both local buyers and foreign retirees/investors — lifestyle, affordability versus other Asian destinations, and stable long-term appreciation.
