Housing

Foreigners can own condominium units (not land) as long as foreign ownership in the building doesn't exceed 40%. Land cannot be owned by foreigners - only by Philippine citizens or corporations with majority Philippine ownership. Alternatives: long-term land leases (50+25 years), SRRV deposit conversion to condo purchase, or setting up a Philippine corporation. Always use a reputable Philippine attorney for property transactions.

Facebook groups are surprisingly effective - 'Expats in Manila BGC', 'Living in Cebu', 'Living in Dumaguete', and similar groups have housing listings and helpful locals. Lamudi.com.ph and Property24 are the main online portals. For the first 2–4 weeks, Airbnb or a furnished serviced apartment gives you time to explore neighborhoods before committing to a 1-year lease.

BGC, Manila: 1BR condo $500–$1,200/month (₱28,000–₱67,000); furnished. Makati: $400–$900/month. Pasig/Mandaluyong: $250–$500/month (budget option). Cebu IT Park: $350–$700/month for a studio or 1BR. Provincial cities (Davao, Iloilo): $200–$400/month. Most expat rentals are condos - houses in the suburbs run $600–$1,500/month depending on size and location.

BGC (Bonifacio Global City): the premier expat hub - modern, walkable, low crime, international restaurants, excellent schools nearby. Makati CBD: financial district, high-rises, central location, vibrant nightlife in Poblacion. Alabang (Muntinlupa): suburban, family-friendly, good international schools, more affordable. San Juan: established residential area popular with Korean expats. In Cebu: IT Park and Lahug districts for tech workers.

Foreigners cannot own land in the Philippines (restricted by the Constitution). However, foreigners CAN: (1) own a condominium unit (up to 40% of a building can be foreign-owned), (2) lease land for up to 50 years (renewable 25 years), or (3) purchase through a Filipino spouse or a corporation (up to 40% foreign). The condo market (BGC, Makati, Cebu IT Park) is the most practical path for most foreign buyers.

BGC (Manila): 1BR condo $500-$1,200/month furnished. Makati: $400-$900/month. Pasig/Mandaluyong (budget): $250-$500/month. Cebu IT Park: $350-$700/month studio or 1BR. Davao: $200-$400/month. Most expat rentals are condominiums - houses in suburban gated communities run $600-$1,500/month depending on size and location. Rentals are typically priced in Philippine pesos but often quoted in USD for expats.

BGC (Bonifacio Global City): the premier expat hub - modern, walkable, low crime, international restaurants, and schools nearby. Makati CBD: financial district, high-rise condos, vibrant nightlife in Poblacion. Alabang (Muntinlupa): suburban, family-friendly, good international schools, more affordable than Makati. In Cebu: IT Park and Lahug for tech workers. In Davao: Lanang and Matina for the growing expat community.

Foreigners cannot own land in the Philippines (constitutionally restricted). However, foreigners CAN: (1) own a condominium unit (up to 40% of a building can be foreign-owned), (2) lease land for up to 50 years (renewable 25 years), or (3) purchase through a Philippine corporation (up to 40% foreign equity). The condominium market in BGC, Makati, and Cebu IT Park is the most practical path for most foreign buyers.