Owning one’s dream home is anyone’s ultimate goal. Buying your own house and lot or condo unit, be it in one of the major cities or a rural land, is a remarkable accomplishment in life.

Property ownership is not only a measure of success. Purchasing real estate properties as a dream home or for commercial and business use is also an indicator of a secure future.

But the process of buying a house in the Philippines can be overwhelming. It is a big step that entails many big decisions with longterm impact. One can be met with intimidating real estate property terms such as:

• fair market value
• ​zonal value
• capital gains tax
• ​real estate tax
• appraised value
• local transfer tax
• land tax declaration

With the perspective of an experienced real estate professional, in this article, we give you the basic steps to get your house buying process started.

Know Your "Where"

You may already have an image of your home amidst the bustling city life. But not many think through the specific city center or residential land their home will be on. Will your house be in a major city like Quezon City or Davao City?

Or perhaps on brand new beachfront condo unit of a far-flung island in Palawan? Before you buy property, it is important to think of your "where" first and how this location, whether in a rural land or an urban land, will serve your kind of lifestyle.

Consider its accessibility to your work place or its proximity to you family and friends. A home's location should give you both comfort and convenience.

Know Your Budget

Take a hard, long look at your finances and determine what budget you'll be working with. It is highly recommended before you checking property prices that you determine your own financial capacity.

This will make certain decisions such as whether to get a housing loan or not is necessary. Or will you be able to make a down payment upfront enough to seek a discount from real estate agents.

You won't be able to tell an affordable house and lot from a luxury one if you don't have a measure of what's affordable for you.

Connect Your "Where" With Your Budget And Begin Your Property Search

If your "where" and your budget relatively coincide, the chances of your property or land ownership in the near future is highly likely. But before kickstarting your real estate transaction with a real estate agent, first do your research.
Check for the property value of the house and lot you desire or do a quick interview about the selling price of the condominium project you've been eyeing. The goal is to educate yourself and get an idea of what a the fair market value of a property in the Philippines is. Only then should you reach out to the expert.

Consult A Licensed Real Estate Broker

It pays to talk to someone you can trust in the real estate industry. Reaching out to an expert, specifically a licensed real estate broker with a trustworthy background, will be able to get you the guidance you need in the home buying process.

While you may find a pool of real estate agents out there, it's best to seek a real estate agent that has a good track record. It won't hurt to seek real estate agent recommendations from friends and family.

Set A Comfortable Timeline And Make Your Dream Happen

Chances are it won't materialize if you do not work towards it. The buying process can be taxing oftentimes involving laborious processes such as getting bank loans or registering property.

It doesn't have to be when you have a guide from your trusted real estate agents and setting a timeline you can comfortably commit to. To keep your eyes on the price, you have to chalk up that timeline and work towards each deadline. The last thing you want is to give up on your goal.

Among other major cities of Metro Manila is Makati City, primarily known to be a financial hub and the host of multinational companies. But this central business district offers more than its big city vibe, corporate buildings, and luxury malls.
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To anyone who craves an active social life, Makati City is a smorgasbord of cultural highlights too with its hip bars, art galleries, music scene and up-and-coming restaurants where one can interact with young professionals and creative minds. Makati's neighborhoods puts one in a place of comfort and convenience.


Did you know?

• The Makati government is renowned for strictly enforcing traffic rules and security regulations to ensure everyone's safety.
  
  

Check out for sale and for rest properties in Makati City here.​

Among the Philippines’ highly urbanized city is Taguig whose heart and soul is the lively Bonifacio Global City. This part of Metropolitan Manila has become popular for its own Bonifacio High Street housing numerous restaurants and luxury shops.

BGC is also known for its progressive urban developments, eco-friendly environment, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, mini-parks, street art, and its beautiful skyline.

Although fast-paced commercial hub, BGC is the best place to live if one seeks work-life balance.

For lease and For Sale condos in BGC are available here.

​Tagged the “Tiger City of the Philippines,” Mandaluyong City is a comfortable and quiet residential area where one can enjoy being a stone’s throw from shopping centers, prestigious schools known to provide quality education, and other places of convenience.

It is an ideal city to raise a family whether you choose to live in a suburban home, townhouse, or a condominium with modern amenities.
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This brand new 4-in-1 Building For Sale in Mandaluyong might just be your best property investment. It boast of an estimated 1,700 sqm floor area, has spacious office floors, storage area, commercial rental spaces, and a beautiful penthouse for residential use.

Among the safest cities and comfortable residential spots in the Metro is Parañaque City, known for its cozy and quiet neighborhoods. Away from the central business districts, it is known for its secure gated communities such as the famous BF Homes.
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Parañaque City also offers residential developments where families can be conveniently near to quality schools, shopping centers, fine dining restaurants, and other places of convenience.

Maintain a peaceful suburban family living while enjoying a momentary respite from the chaos of the metro. Alabang grants good proximity to a posh lifestyle placing one near to the Alabang Town Center, Molito and the Festival Mall.
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Alabang also makes the South Luzon Expressway easily accessible hence making possible the quick out-of-town getaways to Tagaytay City and Nuvali in Santa Rosa City.

A first class city of Laguna, Santa Rosa City is known to provide scenic beauty, fresh air, luxury estates, and a safe suburban living to families who want to getaway from the heavy traffic and congestion in Manila.

Its convenient access to SLEX makes one near Tagaytay City's fine restaurants and Enchanted Kingdom should one fancy a day at the theme parks. Although a significant center and an industrial city with its own commercial hubs, one gets to enjoy the ambience of provincial living here.
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Why not exchange your busy big-city life for a more tranquil suburban alternative, like Sta. Rosa, Laguna City? This 4-Bedroom Asian/Eclectic Inspired House For Sale in Sta. Rosa is a steal at 14.5M.

Finding an abode nestled in a cooler climate with surrounding nature is definitely one of the best places to live in the Philippines. Tagaytay makes this possible without totally cutting one off from the convenience of metro living.
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Highly urbanized with its own fine dining restaurants and fun activities, Tagaytay City is special for its laid back vibe. Relish living in cozy residences with the view of Taal Lake while breathing fresh, crisp air. Conveniently find your way back to Metro Manila in less than two hours with Tagaytay's easy access to the South Luzon Expressway.

There’s a reason why the Summer Capital of the Philippines is one of the best cities in the Philippines. It combines quaint provincial charm with modern living.

An urban city atop a mountain, Baguio City lets individuals and families enjoy a uniquely cool climate, thanks to the city's elevation, that one cannot find anywhere else in the Philippines while being in close proximity to classic tourist attractions like the Burnham Park and the Mines View Park, malls and other places of leisure.

Baguio City is now also just a short drive from Metro Manila (now only 3 hours). But who wants to getaway from the nippy air of Baguio City when it has its own secret bars,  museums, vibrant music scene, and equally top notch restaurants?

Did you know?

• The people and the police or discipline law enforcers have traditionally worked together to fight crime in Baguio City, which makes policing simpler.
• The disciplinary law enforcers additionally enforce progressive safety programs that add new safeguards to the city's law and order system.
• The low cost of living in Baguio city entices a lot of digital nomads to move and work there.

The Queen City is Visayas’ main urban hub. Cebu City is home to world-famous dishes such as lechon and sisig. Cebu City has contrasting features to Manila, primarily being near the best pristine beaches of the region while being a highly urbanized city, make it one of the best places to live in the Philippines for both locals and expats.

Add in the fact that the cost of living is lower in Cebu City makes it a great way for local city dwellers, digital nomads, and other expats to experience the tropical and urban living at the same time.

Live near the clear waters of the Malapascua, Moalboal, or Oslob while having the industrial city's conveniences and popular destination within reach.

Did you know?

• Cebu Island ranked as Asia's second-best island. This ranks Cebu, located in Southern Philippines, above Palawan's natural wonders and second to Boracay's immaculate beaches.
• Mactan-Cebu International Airport is the second largest airport in the Philippines.

Among the safest cities and best places to live in the Philippines, Davao has low crime rates that make it among the most livable cities in the country.

Some of Mindanao's top educational institutions, including Ateneo de Davao University, San Pedro College, and the University of Mindanao are located in Davao.

Its rich natural attractions and resources make it home to the many great beaches of the Philippines that are easily appealing to the digital nomad.

Davao City is a progressive city too with its own bustling economic hub, big shopping malls, skyscrapers, while maintaining its rich flora and fauna.

Did you know?

• ​"Kadayawan Festival," one of the most well-known festivals in the Philippines, is one of Davao City's most well-liked attractions. It carries the moniker "King of Festivals."
• Due to its location outside of the typhoon belt and the protection provided by the surrounding mountains, Davao is shielded from most natural disasters and typically experiences excellent weather.
• Because of its international airport, Davao City is a wonderful spot to establish a base if you intend to visit other cities in the Philippines.

​What the best place for Filipinos in the Philippines is is dependent upon their individual preferences. A pensioner seeking a retirement community in the Philippines has different requirements that a digital nomad can meet.

Among foreigners, the main activity is social interaction, entertainment and relaxation. Other foreigners are focused on cultural heritage as well as quality of life. All options have certain risks. Popular cities have more expatriate communities and higher rent prices compared to others.

Although smaller, cheaper cities are laid-back and lack essential services. Finding your perfect city requires evaluating each city's potential pros and cons.

Buildings and Resorts For Sale in Metro Manila and nearby provinces are available on our website.

Where is the best place to live in the Philippines?
The best places to live in the Philippines are Makati, Mandaluyong, BGC, Alabang, Paranaque, Tagaytay, Cebu, Davao

Where is the safest place to live in the Philippines?
The safest place to live in the Philippines is Davao City. Davao has managed to get recognition internationally as the only Philippine city ranked on CNN's list of "Asia's Most Livable Cities."

Where do most foreigners live in the Philippines?
Most foreigners in the Philippines live in Makati where many foreign corporations are located.

What is the safest region in the Philippines?
The safest region in the Philippines is Davao region. Davao is currently the third-safest city in Southeast Asia as of the year 2022.

Where is the best city to buy a property in the Philippines?
The best city to buy a property in the Philippines is in Laguna, a top choice for real estate investors for its accessibility to SLEX in Laguna also combines the convenience of urban living and the relaxed rural life. Laguna also grants quick access to holiday getaways in Tagaytay and Batangas.

When is Kadayawan Festival celebrated?
​Kadayawan Festival is celebrated every year in Davao City during the month of August.

Without a doubt, Mandaluyong City is one of the best cities to live in Metro Manila. With its strategic and ideal location, everywhere in the Metro is just within reach.

Whether you're working in Makati or Quezon City, or sending your kids to school in Pasig, San Juan, or Taguig, it will take you just less than an hour on rush hours to reach your destination. During off-peak hours, you'd even be able to go around in less than thirty minutes.

Shopping malls, groceries, and museums are also just a few minute drive away. Everywhere in Metro Manila is just accessible. Mandaluyong City is an excellent place for families to live in.

World-class hotels and accommodations can also be found in Mandaluyong City. Here, you'll always have endless nearby sports and recreation places and countless restaurant options. Making sure that whenever you feel like going out, you are sure to find a new place to try.

With these, we listed out Townhouses in Mandaluyong for sale that might just be the one that fits your family's lifestyle.
Check them out below and if you're interested, message us. Let's get you ready for you Future Space.

Mikko Mendoza
Lead Broker of Futurespace Manila
Real Estate Broker License No. 0004425
Mobile | Viber | Whatsapp | WeChat: 09178230530
Landline: (02)75045217
www.futurespacemanila.com
Email: [email protected]