⌛ Purchasing a Lot Here

For sharing purposes, and in case a foreigner has the mindset to come here and quickly buy a lot and build a house, I would like to list the processes for going about buying a lot and obtaining the title here. However, the process has been so long and tedious that I can't remember all the steps we went through. Like the marriage process here, patience, prudence, and perseverance are key.
Firstly, in my case and I imagine in most cases, the title must be in a PI citizens name. I understand there are exceptions for a condo or a corporation doing the purchase but buying a lot as sole ownership is what I am referring to.
1. When making an offer, ask if there is a clean title and look at it. Have an attorney view and research the authenticity.
2. When making an offer, ask who will pay the capital gains tax (note: try and get the seller to pay), this is key...
3. Have an attorney write up the contract of sale.
4. Your wife (in my case) has to have an NSO birth certificate, photo id (drivers license, postal id, etc), and TIN.
5. If you are the one, pay taxes and other stamps necessary at the capital bldg.
6. BIR docs
7. Get the Deed of Sale
7. Registry of Deeds (RoD) docs.
8. Takes at least 4 months but if you don't follow up and give me RoD a 'gentle reminder' it may take longer.
As Jack P keeps reminding me, these things take more time and are more ardous than you expect. In my case, we are available and not too far from the capital and RoD/BIR bldg so it was not as painful to make the numerous trips to get things done and follow up. Amazingly, the easy part is having the house built on your lot! In my case, it will take six months only, expected eight months.
Hope this helps the next person to enter the process.

 

Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

:D No need for silly Questions anymore, Over the past 6 months I think the forum has just about covered all bases Pat! Of Course there will be ONE! somewhere out there.:D nice to see your imput on this issue.


Jack P.

 

For quick service, Adela Vincoy a resident of Valencia tel.#09215160500 had done several documentation process with almost 50 expats client. Very reliable woman and trustworthy..i'm very happy with her service!

 

Folks, do not forget, one of the most important things to check on is to confirm a clean and problem free right-of-way to the property.

 

Too True!

:o

:( M! A few years ago we bought a little lot for a workshop, 300mtrs, later, when I wanted to build, I found no access due to a family feud. They bought it back, at a loss to me. I heard that they sold it 4 times before they were caught out!

Absolutely brilliant input on this issue, Wish I had an honest lawyer at the time.

Jack P.

 

Great input. Although my lot is on the road, I have heard numerours horror stories regarding right aways and problems with titles. Hopefully all of these experiences help the next buyer. What's the old saying, "buyer beware".

 

Caveat Emptor

 

Honest lawyer is an all time great oxymoron. It goes hand in glove with truthful politician, government intelligence, logical woman, and celibate priest. :D

 

Well, you can easily acquire what you want if you will negotiate a deal under the table. You know what I mean. That's the reality and it sucks big time.

 

It there are fruit bearing trees, make sure they are listed on the Deed Of Sale.
A local friend of mine bought a lot with 1 large mango tree on it. He built his house then started to remove the very old tree. The previous owner went to DNR and claimed ownership of the tree since it was not listed on the deed of sale. He had no access to the tree, but as of now I noticed it is still there.