The Philippines is an excellent country for expats to start a new life. Not only is staying there cheaper compared with other Asian countries but settling there is exciting as well. However, finding the right place to call home in the Philippines can be hard, especially if you don’t know the inner workings of the country. So to help you out, here’s a guide on how to find room rentals and for buying a property.
Pick Where
First, decide where in the Philippines you want to settle. The best way to find the right location for you would be to ask fellow foreigners. Lots of expats tend to live in the same condominium or compound; they also like sticking together in one section of a city. As a foreigner, you’ll also probably find getting properties from affluent neighborhoods like Horizon Terraces of Tagaytay Highlands or Ayala Alabang Village affordable. These areas are close to international schools, shopping malls, and other public venues for your convenience.
Choose Which
Next, choose which type of house you want to get. Now you have many options when looking for property in the Philippines. Condominiums are optimal for people who want to live near their workplace as they are more readily available in business districts. Apartments, on the other hand, lets you decorate your home as you see fit since most of them come unfurnished (You need to check with the landlord, though!). Meanwhile, houses are fantastic if you’re bringing your family with you, or if you’re planning to stay on a more permanent basis. No matter which type of property you choose, it’s important to note that location and construction quality can affect its overall cost. Houses closer to schools, main roads, shopping malls, and beaches tend to be more pricey.
Go Research
Once you’ve decided which type of property you want to own, then it’s time to search for the right one. Preparing for this is very important; researching for properties can help lessen the time needed in making phone calls and setting up meetings with landlords and agencies. This will take a lot of effort, too, but house hunting via the internet, through real estate agencies, and by browsing classified ads will help ease the process. You also need to start as soon as possible since competition for prime real estate properties in the Philippines is getting fiercer and fiercer due to the rising population.
Manage Paperwork
Lastly, you need to take care of the contracts, securities, and deposits once you’ve found the property you want. In the Philippines, these transactions can get very complicated especially if you’re not well-versed with the language. So try to have a trusted Filipino friend or a Tagalog-fluent expat with you during the purchase. An even better person to have is an excellent lawyer who knows real estate laws since they’ll be able to iron out the negotiations legally.
Educate Yourself
As mentioned above, finding the right place to live in the Philippines can be difficult. But by educating yourself on how properties work in the country, you’ll be able to get the property you’ll soon call home.