Housing
Housing & lifestyle.
Rent first, buy carefully, and understand what foreigners can and can't own.
Rent before you buy
We recommend renting for at least six months in your target city before making any purchase decision. A well-priced condo in Cebu or Manila can be leased for a fraction of the equivalent U.S. mortgage — giving you time to test lifestyle, healthcare access, and community fit.
What foreigners can own
- Condominium units: Foreigners may own condos outright, provided foreign ownership in the building stays under 40%.
- Long-term land leases: Commonly up to 50 years, renewable for 25.
- Land: Cannot be owned outright by a foreigner. Common workarounds involve marriage-based ownership or corporate structures — always coordinated with a licensed Philippine attorney.
Lifestyle archetypes
- Urban condo life: Makati, BGC, Cebu IT Park — walkable, hospital-adjacent.
- Gated suburban community: Alabang, Ayala Westgrove, Amara (Cebu) — quieter, family-oriented.
- Beachfront province: Panglao, Siquijor, Palawan — slower, scenic, healthcare via nearby hub.
- Mountain retreat: Baguio, Tagaytay — cooler climate, tighter community.
Next step