🏢 Investing in Philippine Condos:

What Foreign Buyers Need to Know The Philippines has become one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive real estate markets, with condos in Cebu, Manila, and emerging hubs offering strong appreciation and lifestyle appeal. For foreign investors, the opportunity is real — but so are the rules and risks. Here’s what you need to know before making the leap.

12/8/20251 min read

📑 Ownership Rules: Understanding the Condominium Act

Foreigners cannot own land outright in the Philippines, but they can own condominium units under the Condominium Act of 1966, provided that:

Foreign ownership in a condo project does not exceed 40% of total units.
The condo corporation (which owns the land) remains majority Filipino-owned.

👉 Translation: You can buy a condo unit directly, but you must ensure the project complies with the 40% cap.

🏗️ Due Diligence: Developer Reputation & Documentation

Not all condos are created equal. Before buying:

Check the developer: Established names like Ayala Land, Megaworld, and Rockwell have strong track records.
Review the title: Ensure the condo certificate of title (CCT) is clean and transferable.
Understand association dues: Monthly fees cover security, maintenance, and amenities — factor these into ROI.
Confirm permits: Verify building permits, occupancy certificates, and compliance with the National Building Code.

💸 Financing & Loans: What’s Possible

Local bank financing: Typically limited for foreigners unless you have residency or strong local ties.
Hard money/private loans: More flexible but higher interest rates.
Cash purchases: Common for foreign buyers, especially for pre-selling units.

👉 Plan financing carefully — many foreign investors rely on cash or offshore funding.

🌍 Cross-Border Oversight: Managing from Abroad

Owning condos in the Philippines while living overseas requires systems:

Property management: Hire vetted local managers or use RA Property Group’s oversight services.
Legal clarity: Draft powers of attorney for representation in association meetings or document signing.
Audit resilience: Keep separate ledgers for each property, track dues vs. capital improvements, and archive receipts digitally.

📈 Why Condos Remain Attractive

Despite regulatory hurdles, condos offer:

Strong appreciation in business districts like Cebu IT Park and Makati.
Rental demand from expats, BPO workers, and students.
Lifestyle value with amenities, security, and modern infrastructure.
Cross-border flexibility — easier to manage remotely than land or houses.

📩 Ready to Explore Philippine Condos?

RA Property Group specializes in cross-border property management and advisory. We help foreign investors navigate ownership rules, due diligence, and operational oversight with clarity and confidence.

Live boldly. Make the nontraditional, traditional.

Book a consultation today and let’s explore what’s possible.

🏢 Investing in Philippine Condos:

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