Buying a condo in the Philippines: the full cost and paperwork checklist
The price on the brochure is not the whole cost. Budget for the reservation fee, documentary stamp tax, transfer tax, registration fees, notarial and processing fees, and, for new units, value-added tax where the price is above the BIR threshold. Then add monthly association dues, real property tax and a move-in or utility deposit. Foreigners may own condominium units as long as foreign ownership of the project stays within the 40% limit set by the Condominium Act.
Last updated November 4, 2026 · 🏙️ Properties rankings →
One-off costs
| Item | What it is | Who usually pays |
|---|---|---|
| Reservation fee | Holds the unit; usually non-refundable and deducted from the price | Buyer |
| Documentary stamp tax (DST) | Tax on the deed of sale, a percentage of the selling price or zonal value, whichever is higher | Buyer (by custom) |
| Transfer tax | Local government tax on the transfer, a small percentage of the value | Buyer |
| Registration fee | Registry of Deeds fee to issue the new Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT) | Buyer |
| Capital gains tax | On resale by an individual seller | Seller (by custom) |
| Value-added tax | On new units from developers above the BIR exemption threshold | Buyer (built into price) |
| Notarial, processing, miscellaneous fees | Developer or broker handling; ask for an itemised list | Buyer |
Rates and thresholds are set by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and local governments and change; confirm the current figures with the BIR and the developer before you sign.
Recurring costs
- Association dues: charged per square metre per month by the condominium corporation; ask for the current rate and the last two years of increases.
- Real property tax: paid yearly to the city or municipality.
- Sinking fund and special assessments: for major repairs; check the building's reserve.
- Parking: often sold separately with its own title.
Paperwork to check
- Licence to Sell from DHSUD (formerly HLURB) for pre-selling projects, and the project's registration certificate.
- Mother title and CCT: for completed units, ask for a certified true copy from the Registry of Deeds and check for annotations.
- Contract to Sell and Deed of Absolute Sale: read the turnover date, penalty and refund clauses; the Maceda Law gives buyers on instalment certain refund rights.
- Tax declaration and tax clearance for resale units.
- Broker licence: real-estate brokers must be PRC-licensed; check the name on the PRC verification site.
Foreign buyers
Foreigners cannot own land, but can own condominium units provided foreigners hold no more than 40% of the project (Republic Act 4726, the Condominium Act). Ask the developer for the current foreign-ownership percentage before reserving. House-and-lot purchases by foreigners generally need a Filipino spouse or a long-term lease structure; take legal advice.
FAQ
Can a foreigner buy a condo in the Philippines?
Yes, as long as foreign ownership of the whole project stays within 40%. Land cannot be owned by foreigners.
What is the difference between a CCT and a TCT?
A Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT) covers a unit in a condominium project; a Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) covers land, such as a house-and-lot or some townhouses.
Is the reservation fee refundable?
Usually not. Read the reservation agreement; some developers refund within a short cooling-off window.
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Sources
Editorial guide by Best Philippines. Not legal, financial or medical advice; check the sources for current rules and figures.