Do you really have to live in a sub division?

[subseastu]

Morning all

I was just sitting here contemplating the fluff in my naval thinking about when we're due to emigrate to the phils hopefully next year. After looking at various properties on sulit.com and the mad prices that seem to be asked for now especailly for houses around the laguna / tagaytay area. It seems alot of these are built in sub divisions, so is it advisable / possible to buy a plot of land outside somewhere and get a builder in to construct your house without the fear of getting robbed as soon as they find out there is a foriegner living in it? Home security is obviously high on the list but the idea of living in suberbia really winds me up. I like to have space.

I've just been looking at the houses in portofino, alabang and have my heart set on a Michelangelo model house. Just google it, its amazing.

[pennybarry]

Morning all

I was just sitting here contemplating the fluff in my naval thinking about when we're due to emigrate to the phils hopefully next year. After looking at various properties on sulit.com and the mad prices that seem to be asked for now especailly for houses around the laguna / tagaytay area. It seems alot of these are built in sub divisions, so is it advisable / possible to buy a plot of land outside somewhere and get a builder in to construct your house without the fear of getting robbed as soon as they find out there is a foriegner living in it? Home security is obviously high on the list but the idea of living in suberbia really winds me up. I like to have space.

I've just been looking at the houses in portofino, alabang and have my heart set on a Michelangelo model house. Just google it, its amazing.

IMHO, I prefered to buy in a subdivision because it's peaceful and quiet with more security and not much polluted.

My Nanay house is along the road in the hi-way and I grew up there. I have also experienced to live inside second class subdivision and I like there. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

http://www.cityofsantarosainformation.com/

[RickyR]

Would highly recommend you find a good impartial real estate advisor, property in the Philippines is like a black art, and prices aren't always what they seem. Also if you bought in the newest subdivision, you could find yourself with a depreciating asset, and living in a neglected half built sub division 10 years later.

You do see very nice houses outside subdivisions, particularly in the country or by the sea. You do lose your supposed security that you have in the subdivision.

[subseastu]

THanks both of you. I'll have a look later at your website pennybarry. RickyR, do you own property out in the phils? I know what you mean about these half developed sub divisions. I can remember going through the malls in manila a few years ago being offered houses on these new divisions. Go back a few years later and theres two houses on them and naff all else. I'm just worried about it cos after looking at sulit website for the type of house I would have in the area I'm thinking about its the same if not more than UK prices. Obviously there is negotiation room etc but it all seems a bit expensive. Obviously it doesn't help with the poor exchange rate.

By the way am I right in remembering you go to sea for a living?

[stevewool]

hi there i too am looking at buying one day out there a lot of house but need to save some more first, where in the east mids are you

[subseastu]

Steve

I'm in the centre of the universe for all things grand and beer like........................Ashby de la Zouch. (The beer thing is cos the family is from Burton on trent). Bass and Pedi, you can't beat it!

Where are you?

[stevewool]

not to far from you really, derby itself, beer and marmite then both from burton

[subseastu]

I'll take the beer you can keep the marmite!!! Go into derby quite alot to the westfields centre, two 4 one wednesdays at the flicks!

[stevewool]

hahah na keep it there the smell driffs over here and boy that stinks, so when are you planning the move and what part too

[Englishman2010]

I'm just down the road from you guys in Leicester

[stevewool]

hi there a small world we and why are we blokes all in on a friday night how things change

[Englishman2010]

hi there a small world we and why are we blokes all in on a friday night how things change

Yes it's very sad staying in on a Friday night. TBH I hardly ever go out anymore, I'd rather save the money I would waste in the pub and put it towards my travelling costs and make sure I have a great time when I see my g/f.

[David House]

We have bought a new house within a sub division in Minglanilla, Cebu after taking a long look at all the options, including buying a lot and building ourselves. We have spent 9 months in Cebu in the last 2 years so have a deal of experience now. Everyone and his uncle has a lot to sell but I don't trust anyone completely, not even the closest family member. It appears that ripping off the foreigner is considered perfectly acceptable behaviour as all they feel they are doing is getting you to share your "blessings" and cannot understand why you are reluctant when asked.
We thought of building our own place, behind a high wall and with onsite permanent security in place but rejected it for the certainty of the sub division we found. It offers not only security but peace. No chickens, goats, cattle or pigs. A tidy and finished environment.
Our place was ready last October but due to my health problems we have not yet seen it. We hope to by this October.
Please remember that whilst getting money into the Phil is quite easy, getting it out again is almost impossible. Therefore be very careful before you actually send money out there and if you have the slightest doubt that you will really get all the value out of the place then rent first. There are plenty of nice places to rent and with availability high and demand low you can pretty well name your own price.
If you want to take a look at the sub division we have chosen go to www.paramount.ph

[stevewool]

same here englishman save save save done all the out stuff long ago, its not the drink this week or month i am intrested in but that drink on the deck with the view in a few years time i am intrested in

[stevewool]

its good to hear news from others about buying or renting david house, its true what you say rent first, it gets so much keep on looking does my head in sometimes so many places and the prices too

[Englishman2010]

Out of interest what would it cost to rent say a small newly built furnished 2 bed place in a sub division in one of the provinces? or south of Manila and Makati?

[stevewool]

when i was there at xmas in cavite my gf was saying there are places that could be rented long term ranging upto £100 a month thats for a 3 bedroom furnished place in a comunity, the trouble is i would want space outside space to sit and chill and that seems to cost more

[David House]

I have no experience of the Manila area only of Cebu. There I think you could expect to pay around 15,000 to 20,000 per month, exclusive of bills, for a 2 bed place in a upmarket sub division, but much less if you come down market a little. Depends what you want and how hard you negotiate.

[stevewool]

i have been told cebu is a very nice area looking round the serounding area it looks very beautiful and they say not hit by bad weather like manila too , thats what they say

[RickyR]

We haven't yet bought, and have been so close to it on many occasions. The issue is that buying in the Philippines isn't an investment, and should not ever be compared to the UK housing market. Nor should you ever think that buying is the same, the haggling and agreeing over prices, I have known people in Manila who have managed to argue prices down to 2/3 and even on one occasion 1/2 of the offering price. I don't think this is just a foreigner thing, I truly believe this is a complete different culture, with different beliefs on what is normal and right.
Having taken a lot of research, and been inches of paying deposits on two condos and being part owners of a house in Cebu, we still aren't sure.

The more we look, the more complex it gets, but we will buy eventually.

[stevewool]

hi there rickyr well not looking for a investment just a home and also a future for my wife and family when i have gone, its finding the right place and the right cost too, hope to be over there full time before i hit 60, its just saving hard so i dont have to come back here

[David House]

My wife's family live on Bohol, which is really lovely, but no sub divisions and Cebu is 2 hours away by fast ferry. Close enough to visit but not close enough for them to "pop round" every day! I cannot stand Manila and would rather live in Salford. Cebu is a nice compromise. Good facilities, almost no typhoons and pretty countryside very near. Our place is 15 kms south of the city, but accessed by a motorway class road so we can be there in less than 30 mins. We have beach frontage and hill views behind. It's a nice place.
i have been told cebu is a very nice area looking round the serounding area it looks very beautiful and they say not hit by bad weather like manila too , thats what they say

[stevewool]

wow sounds great just like what we are looking for , haha the thing about the family so its true then far away but not to close they say, it was my first visit to the phils at xmas had 4 weeks here 2 in borocay then 2 in manila

[SteveL]

When we were first deciding the buy a house -v-build a house, we looked at sub divisions in Dipolog (my baby's hometown) but to call them over priced shoeboxes is an insult to shoeboxes everywhere. So we decided to buy a plot and build.
Our first foray was a disaster - everytime white face here turned up the asking price was always 1000 peso per sqm so Rebella went looking on her own. Found a beautiful plot , 10,000 sqm 30 mins drive from the centre of Dipolog and agreed 35 peso per sqm!!!! And that's not the best part......the best was seeing the sellers face when I arrived afterwards hehehe.
Building a house comes next, my best advise is to trust your darlings family to arrange labourers, builders, buy materials etc as then it will be "local cost", in other words a fraction of what it costs here to build.
As for security, thats easy, we've arranged with an older brother that when were not there he and his family live in and when we are there they will stay in a guest bungalow were going to build first.
Like any marriage to a Filipino, with the bride comes the family. Its upto you to decide if thats a blessing or a curse. For me, its a blessing as they are all great people :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[stevewool]

thanks for the advice SteveL what sort of cost all in all the plot and a medium size house, i know its a on going plan to build but for starters

[pennybarry]

Would highly recommend you find a good impartial real estate advisor, property in the Philippines is like a black art, and prices aren't always what they seem. Also if you bought in the newest subdivision, you could find yourself with a depreciating asset, and living in a neglected half built sub division 10 years later.

You do see very nice houses outside subdivisions, particularly in the country or by the sea. You do lose your supposed security that you have in the subdivision.

I will give advices as a freelance agent.:D

If you want to be the first buyer, then you can purchase a property from Developer.
All payments should be direct into Developer's name.
Most Developers do the filing of Land Transfer or they may ask you if you want the one to do this.
This is easier for me and I can save from lawyers fee.
You only need to go to local municipality for Tax Declaration payment, BIR(Bureau of Internal Revenue) to pay Capital Gains Tax, VAT, etc. and Registry of Deeds to be officially recorded.

If you want to purchase from individual, and the property is under mortgaged from PAG-IBIG Fund, Bank Loan, In-House Financing and other financing Institution, you need to sign in a Conditional Sale agreement if you want to continue mortgaged payments until the end of contract period. But if you want to pay cash to the property, you'll sign in a Deed of Absolute Sale Agreement.
But before you buy it, check how much is the arears and interest.
You can do the checking by enquiry from where it mortgaged.
Ask for a copy of the Title and apply for a Certified True Copy at Registry of Deeds.
This will show that title is genuine, under mortgaged, and history of the Title.
It cost only £2 and you'll get it on same day.
You need to be very careful as some sellers are not in good faith in selling their property.
Venue of Payment should be infront of Lawyer and everybody must be present.
The Buyer, Seller and at least 2 witnesses.

If the property is purchase through Realtor/Realty.
They may ask you Reservation fees to put your property on hold for usually 30 days.
Don't pay until you have fully realised it is the property you really really want because once you cancel it, you'll get no refund.
You can pay directly to Developer's Office and not at Realty office. This is much better.
Check if the property is convinient for you, free from flood with nice environment.

Do not buy ancestral property as much as possible. If the name of the Title is under the name of ancestors and if died for ages, you'll discover how much you'll pay for Inheritance Tax. And if they died without Will of testament, all children will be the heirs and usually this is the cause of being complicated.

Foreigners can only own 49% and 51% for your wife.
But then owning of houses or buildings is possible as long as the foreigner does not own the land on which the house is build.
Foreigners may enter into a lease agreement with Filipino landowners for an initial period of up to 50 years, and renewable for another 25 years. This is good if you have girlfriend and if you want to buy under her name and enter into an agreement.

Properties? Click here (http://www.cityofsantarosainformation.com/house_lot_for_sale.html) :):heartshape1:

[bornatbirth]

you will find that many will sell for cheaper as they want the money quickly, so get to know about the seller :)

[subseastu]

My excuse is I'm at work on a dive support ship out in egypt. Another 2 weeks here then I'll be down the local.

When I used to get off the train in burton it always depended on which way the wind was blowing. From the marmite factory - minging, from Bass brewery - lovely!!

[subseastu]

hahah na keep it there the smell driffs over here and boy that stinks, so when are you planning the move and what part too
Think I hit the wrong reply button on my first reply. I'm at the computer on weekend night cos I'm working on a dive support vessel out in egypt, but I'm off in 2 weeks so it'll be straight down the local.

Regards to moving out there, its all dependant on when I finish renovating the house here in the uk and if the exchange rate ever improves. But basically I've told the missus april / may next year.

[subseastu]

hahah na keep it there the smell driffs over here and boy that stinks, so when are you planning the move and what part too

Forgot to say where we're going to look, haven't got my head on right today. Too busy moving the boat round oil platforms!!

I'm thinking of somewhere south of Manila, mainly because of being fairly close to the airport for work and on the south side it looks like the property is better. Also the wife has some family in cavite but we'll be far enough away to prevent the "just pop round for a couple of days, do you mind if we move into your back bedroom" situation. A niece in theory will stay when I go to work for 5 weeks then disappear when I come home.

She's from Samar originally, about 45min from tacloban but theres not really enough there to interest me.

[subseastu]

We have bought a new house within a sub division in Minglanilla, Cebu after taking a long look at all the options, including buying a lot and building ourselves. We have spent 9 months in Cebu in the last 2 years so have a deal of experience now. Everyone and his uncle has a lot to sell but I don't trust anyone completely, not even the closest family member. It appears that ripping off the foreigner is considered perfectly acceptable behaviour as all they feel they are doing is getting you to share your "blessings" and cannot understand why you are reluctant when asked.
We thought of building our own place, behind a high wall and with onsite permanent security in place but rejected it for the certainty of the sub division we found. It offers not only security but peace. No chickens, goats, cattle or pigs. A tidy and finished environment.
Our place was ready last October but due to my health problems we have not yet seen it. We hope to by this October.
Please remember that whilst getting money into the Phil is quite easy, getting it out again is almost impossible. Therefore be very careful before you actually send money out there and if you have the slightest doubt that you will really get all the value out of the place then rent first. There are plenty of nice places to rent and with availability high and demand low you can pretty well name your own price.
If you want to take a look at the sub division we have chosen go to www.paramount.ph

David
Thanks for the advice. Renting is definately the way to go at the start then you can see all areas through both wet and dry season, so you can check for flooding and traffic etc. I now think I'm leaning towards a lot on a sub division as like you say atleast there is permenant security so there is piece of mind when I go to work and leave the missus.

[subseastu]

when i was there at xmas in cavite my gf was saying there are places that could be rented long term ranging upto £100 a month thats for a 3 bedroom furnished place in a comunity, the trouble is i would want space outside space to sit and chill and that seems to cost more
Steve

Seems we're after the same sort of thing. Trying to find a house with a lot thats got some sort of a garden seems to be fairly difficult. I think it due to the fact that most filipino's don't really like spend too much time outside in the heat and sun, where as I want to sit out in it and bbq, drink, relax. So it seems that a garden is a waste of usable space to them so why not make your house bigger to use the available space.

100 quid a month for long term rental sounds very good, a lot I've looked at on the net seem to be 20000 /month.

[jimeve]

Steve

Seems we're after the same sort of thing. Trying to find a house with a lot thats got some sort of a garden seems to be fairly difficult. I think it due to the fact that most filipino's don't really like spend too much time outside in the heat and sun, where as I want to sit out in it and bbq, drink, relax. So it seems that a garden is a waste of usable space to them so why not make your house bigger to use the available space.

100 quid a month for long term rental sounds very good, a lot I've looked at on the net seem to be 20000 /month.

100 quid a month, 2000/ month, thats some difference.

[subseastu]

When we were first deciding the buy a house -v-build a house, we looked at sub divisions in Dipolog (my baby's hometown) but to call them over priced shoeboxes is an insult to shoeboxes everywhere. So we decided to buy a plot and build.
Our first foray was a disaster - everytime white face here turned up the asking price was always 1000 peso per sqm so Rebella went looking on her own. Found a beautiful plot , 10,000 sqm 30 mins drive from the centre of Dipolog and agreed 35 peso per sqm!!!! And that's not the best part......the best was seeing the sellers face when I arrived afterwards hehehe.
Building a house comes next, my best advise is to trust your darlings family to arrange labourers, builders, buy materials etc as then it will be "local cost", in other words a fraction of what it costs here to build.
As for security, thats easy, we've arranged with an older brother that when were not there he and his family live in and when we are there they will stay in a guest bungalow were going to build first.
Like any marriage to a Filipino, with the bride comes the family. Its upto you to decide if thats a blessing or a curse. For me, its a blessing as they are all great people :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Sound like your a lucky bloke and your wife's family aren't taking the mickey. Good luck to you. You're right about getting the missus to sort things. When we where in olongapo looking for various places to rent I'd have to stay in the tricycle round the corner until LIza had sorted the rent amount, then a quick shout and I'd appear all white and shiny. The look on the faces of the landlords.............priceless.

I think its always going to be a tricky business building in the phils, even more so if they find out about the foreigner who's paying for it all.

[subseastu]

I will give advices as a freelance agent.:D

If you want to be the first buyer, then you can purchase a property from Developer.
All payments should be direct into Developer's name.
Most Developers do the filing of Land Transfer or they may ask you if you want the one to do this.
This is easier for me and I can save from lawyers fee.
You only need to go to local municipality for Tax Declaration payment, BIR(Bureau of Internal Revenue) to pay Capital Gains Tax, VAT, etc. and Registry of Deeds to be officially recorded.

If you want to purchase from individual, and the property is under mortgaged from PAG-IBIG Fund, Bank Loan, In-House Financing and other financing Institution, you need to sign in a Conditional Sale agreement if you want to continue mortgaged payments until the end of contract period. But if you want to pay cash to the property, you'll sign in a Deed of Absolute Sale Agreement.
But before you buy it, check how much is the arears and interest.
You can do the checking by enquiry from where it mortgaged.
Ask for a copy of the Title and apply for a Certified True Copy at Registry of Deeds.
This will show that title is genuine, under mortgaged, and history of the Title.
It cost only £2 and you'll get it on same day.
You need to be very careful as some sellers are not in good faith in selling their property.
Venue of Payment should be infront of Lawyer and everybody must be present.
The Buyer, Seller and at least 2 witnesses.

If the property is purchase through Realtor/Realty.
They may ask you Reservation fees to put your property on hold for usually 30 days.
Don't pay until you have fully realised it is the property you really really want because once you cancel it, you'll get no refund.
You can pay directly to Developer's Office and not at Realty office. This is much better.
Check if the property is convinient for you, free from flood with nice environment.

Do not buy ancestral property as much as possible. If the name of the Title is under the name of ancestors and if died for ages, you'll discover how much you'll pay for Inheritance Tax. And if they died without Will of testament, all children will be the heirs and usually this is the cause of being complicated.

Foreigners can only own 49% and 51% for your wife.
But then owning of houses or buildings is possible as long as the foreigner does not own the land on which the house is build.
Foreigners may enter into a lease agreement with Filipino landowners for an initial period of up to 50 years, and renewable for another 25 years. This is good if you have girlfriend and if you want to buy under her name and enter into an agreement.

Properties? Click here (http://www.cityofsantarosainformation.com/house_lot_for_sale.html) :):heartshape1:

Excellant advice Penny, thanks

[subseastu]

100 quid a month, 2000/ month, thats some difference.

Steve
Meant 20000peso / month. Forgot to put that in. My middle finger typing can't keep up with my brain!!!

[jimeve]

Steve
Meant 20000peso / month. Forgot to put that in. My middle finger typing can't keep up with my brain!!!

20000 peso/month thats internet prices, best let your wife go there in person and if she likes the place negotiate with a wad full of cash. Then watch the owners knee buckle.

[subseastu]

20000 peso/month thats internet prices, best let your wife go there in person and if she likes the place negotiate with a wad full of cash. Then watch the owners knee buckle.
I think so as well Steve, well I hope is. Yep I think the best way is for me to hide round the corner and jump out shouting "think what you could've charged me for rent!"

[RickyR]

Great advice Penny, this is one of the most interesting posts in a while.

[pennybarry]

Great advice Penny, this is one of the most interesting posts in a while.

Thanks Ricky.
It's all about based on my experience as freelance agent for a decade.
I am usually the one who do the transferring of title in behalf of my buyers.
I also do the checking of arears and interest at PAGIBIG office for my buyers.
I enjoy both selling and helping them to aqcquire property they dream!
That's always their bonus if they buy my properties to sell.
I had 2 friends in Holland who bought properties close to mine.
Another friend in Holland now is interested to buy in the same village where I live and it's under negotiation.
It's just bit hard in selling online.

To those who want to buy, verification of title is really needed.
Don't just be satisfied in one tripping or one visit to property.

It is more easier and affordable to buy property now in the Philippines thru PAGIBIG financing.
Processing of loans is much quicker now and seems they have more funds now than before.
Non working spouse can avail Pagibig loan as well.
As long as they pay contributions voluntarily at least 12-24 months then they can apply a housing loan with spouse as co-borrower.

They can pay voluntary lump sum contribution for 12 months. And after that, they can apply even millions cost of property.

Pag-IBIG savings program is a fast, easy and affordable way of saving for a member's future needs.
I think i need to make an article to explain more and help others to achieve their dream in easiest way.
Here's Pag-ibig Amortization Calculator http://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/pop/amort_calc/input.asp

Happy to help and giving info for your dream.:xxgrinning--00xx3::heartshape1::):D

[stevewool]

hi penny so what advice would you give really , buy a lot then build or buy a place already done, say i have 30,000 pounds to spend

[subseastu]

Penny

Thanks for all the advice you've put on this thread so far. I think its answered a lot of questions myself and evidently a few other members have had as well.

Steve

It seems to me that if you buy a lot and build you can do it for maybe 60% or so of the cost of buying an already built house. That would obviously be dependant on what materials you use to construct and for your fitting etc though. We'll see what Penny has to say though

[pennybarry]

hi penny so what advice would you give really , buy a lot then build or buy a place already done, say i have 30,000 pounds to spend

IMHO and honest answer for that is to buy a lot then build the house of your dream.
But you need to be there as well to monitor everything whilst under construction.

Buy house and lot if developers has good reputation in their projects done.
Zobel de Ayala family has the best reputation among all developers.
Some of their projects are Ayala Malls, Ayala Center where Greenbelt is located.
Makati was part of Rizal Province before.
Ayala made the greatest contribution to Makati to become a city ages ago.
Ayala also developed Ayala Alabang, Santa Rosa and other parts of Philippines.
They are well known for its upscale residential projects as well.
But then other developers also agrees to change their materials in favour of buyers.
The advantage of being first buyer is you can change some housing materials whilst under construction.

With your £ 30,000, You can buy 160 lot close to Tagaytay and build 3 bedrooms simple bungalow with your money.

Or you can buy first class house and lot property with that amount.

You have two choices which I can offer you both. :laugher::Rasp::icon_lol:

[pennybarry]

Penny

Thanks for all the advice you've put on this thread so far. I think its answered a lot of questions myself and evidently a few other members have had as well.

Steve

It seems to me that if you buy a lot and build you can do it for maybe 60% or so of the cost of buying an already built house. That would obviously be dependant on what materials you use to construct and for your fitting etc though. We'll see what Penny has to say though

Thanks Substea!
Are all british are meticulous buyer?:omg::bigcry:

[pennybarry]

We have bought a new house within a sub division in Minglanilla, Cebu after taking a long look at all the options, including buying a lot and building ourselves. We have spent 9 months in Cebu in the last 2 years so have a deal of experience now. Everyone and his uncle has a lot to sell but I don't trust anyone completely, not even the closest family member. It appears that ripping off the foreigner is considered perfectly acceptable behaviour as all they feel they are doing is getting you to share your "blessings" and cannot understand why you are reluctant when asked.
We thought of building our own place, behind a high wall and with onsite permanent security in place but rejected it for the certainty of the sub division we found. It offers not only security but peace. No chickens, goats, cattle or pigs. A tidy and finished environment.
Our place was ready last October but due to my health problems we have not yet seen it. We hope to by this October.
Please remember that whilst getting money into the Phil is quite easy, getting it out again is almost impossible. Therefore be very careful before you actually send money out there and if you have the slightest doubt that you will really get all the value out of the place then rent first. There are plenty of nice places to rent and with availability high and demand low you can pretty well name your own price.
If you want to take a look at the sub division we have chosen go to www.paramount.ph


Sorry to hear that David.
I have also a friend who bought lot but her white husband trusted her wife to be assigned in all materials needed and they both made a house plan. But they hired contractor to build their house so no much problems about family members.
The house and materials are all classy inside.
Beautiful!
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae307/pennypinay/Santa%20Rosa%20Heights%202010/friendhouse.jpg

[stevewool]

hi there hope the waves are not rocking and spilling that bottle,yes a plot with a view is a must and just build can always add on when we want too and when there is more money too tagatay where its cooler i think sounds good but if i had more a sea view would be nice

[stevewool]

thanks penny for all your advice, lots there to think about , one more question, buying a lot near tagatay what are the pricing like big enough for a good garden too, i could buy the plot now then wait a few more years to build our place

[jimeve]

If I had my way again, would not have bought land in Philippines again.

Better buying a condominium, much easier and safer.

[triple5]

This is something I'm looking to do a long way down the line, only when a) we're married and I know I can trust her with my life :icon_lol: I'm already lucky in the fact that her family aren't gold diggers so I feel I'm on the right track. b) find the right location. I think I have, but security could be an issue. Plenty of nice estates round here but would perefer somewhere closer to the beach. The place I've got in mind I have no idea of the locals. If you're not careful could be a nightmare spending a fortune on a lot and home then finding the locals don't take to you. Anyway, for now its just a pipe dream, but definitely something I will consider further down the road, thats more of a plan than us settling in UK.

[stevewool]

can you say why is that jimeve

[stevewool]

Tripple5 we all start from pipe dreams, i am at that age where i can chose were my final days will be and just a few more years at work, i need england for work but retire early and enjoy whats left , well thats my plan, love to be on the beach but its money and thats got to last me a long time how long wish i had a crystal all for that

[jimeve]

can you say why is that jimeve

Steve, the hassle of getting the title transferred is still taking place after two years, and the cost of the transfare costing more than the lands worth.

Plus the neighbors, if you don't get on with them they can make life hell.

Then theres the trust in your wife, I'm lucky with that thou.

Hard to sell if you want to move on.

[triple5]

Almost everywhere I've lived, mainly in the UK, there's been issues with the neighbours :rolleyes: Be nice if you could move in somewhere for a trial period :Erm:

[stevewool]

thanks for that so just like here then with the neighbours,so realy rent first then if you are lucky buy or go the condo way, i was looking at long term lease too, theres something in them i like

[jimeve]

What ever you guys do, be extra careful, do your research, rent near the place you like before you buy , get to know your neighbors buy them some rice and fish. And get a bloody good Attorney.

[jimeve]

Almost everywhere I've lived, mainly in the UK, there's been issues with the neighbours :rolleyes: Be nice if you could move in somewhere for a trial period :Erm:

Do you have roosters and barking dogs near you. :rolleyes:

[stevewool]

thats all we can do really, changing the subject now whats this rep power????

[stevewool]

just dogs and cats :action-smiley-081:in the garden

[subseastu]

thats all we can do really, changing the subject now whats this rep power????

I was looking at that as well. I've got 2 little green dots and 18 Rep power. Confused.

[subseastu]

Sorry one little green dot

[stevewool]

not sea sick are you with them dots mate, i think its when you leave a good responce and someone comments on it but i may be wrong

[triple5]

Do you have roosters and barking dogs near you. :rolleyes:

Before. Different time, different country. The neighbours poisoned the dog and then stole the roosters :rolleyes:

[pennybarry]

Steve, the hassle of getting the title transferred is still taking place after two years, and the cost of the transfare costing more than the lands worth.

Plus the neighbors, if you don't get on with them they can make life hell.

Then theres the trust in your wife, I'm lucky with that thou.

Hard to sell if you want to move on.

How come you paid bigger amount in transferring title under your wife's name?

The most expensive in transferring is the capital gains tax which is 6% of total cost of property.
Other payments such as VAT, stamps Real Property tax are only small amount.
There are also some ways to reduce capital gains tax and it's legal as long as you'll not go below the assessment value of your local municipality market value.:xxgrinning--00xx3:
But if you found greedy lawyer, they may charge you big amount.

If you will live in a first class village, you'll surely feel it's quiet.

[pennybarry]

thanks penny for all your advice, lots there to think about , one more question, buying a lot near tagatay what are the pricing like big enough for a good garden too, i could buy the plot now then wait a few more years to build our place

Links:
one (http://s982.photobucket.com/albums/ae307/pennypinay/?action=view&current=backoflotfacingeast.jpg)
two (http://s982.photobucket.com/albums/ae307/pennypinay/?action=view&current=Clubhouse.jpg)
three (http://s982.photobucket.com/albums/ae307/pennypinay/Santa%20Rosa%20Heights%202010/?action=view&current=Pool.jpg)
:icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol:

[subseastu]

not sea sick are you with them dots mate, i think its when you leave a good responce and someone comments on it but i may be wrong

Tend not to get seasick, but if I do feel a bit green its nothing a cup of tea and a nice greasy fried egg sandwich can't sort out. The best bit is watching the faces of all the folk that are seasick as I eat it, grease and yolk dripping out. THey tend not to like it.........................could really do with a fried egg banjo right about nowthinking about it!!!

[fred]

Personally I would not buy a house that was designed by a Filipino in a sub division (anywhere)..Not only are they usually poorly designed,they have incredibly bad plumbing and are electrical death traps!! They are also poorly insulated and cost a fortune to keep cool..
Far better to buy a titled lot within a sub division and build your own IMO.. Lots of planning and as much local construction knowledge as possible required.
Construction material`s are going up up up on sometimes a weekly basis and in certain areas...So is land...
Also never forget the fact that we as foreigners cannot own land here in the P.I. and at the end of the build it will NOT be yours!!
Cheers,
Fred.

[David House]

Of course we all have a view but this is not mine.
I have bought from a developer of a high end sub division. They have a great reputation which they need to protect. The builder they used to actually do the work wants more contracts so was not going to mess about. I asked an expat friend, who has built places all over SE Asia to make unscheduled visits to check everything. All was perfect. Much better than risk trying to do things yourself, unless you are very experienced and onsite all the time. Builders can short you on the cement in the concrete, the steel in the rebars etc. Everything was specified, including the electricals and plumbing, all to a good standard and all specs were met.
In my opinion this is a much safer way to deal with buying than trying to do it yourself. It's probably more expensive but the rip off potential is much less. The Philippines just does not work as we are used to and only the locals know where the mines are. It is true that as foreigners we cannot own land but I have arranged for the developer to retain it and I will lease it from them. I will own the house. I have an irrevocable agreement that once the law changes and we can own land that it will be transferred to me without further cost. Until then I pay 1 peso per annum.
Personally I would not buy a house that was designed by a Filipino in a sub division (anywhere)..Not only are they usually poorly designed,they have incredibly bad plumbing and are electrical death traps!! They are also poorly insulated and cost a fortune to keep cool..
Far better to buy a titled lot within a sub division and build your own IMO.. Lots of planning and as much local construction knowledge as possible required.
Construction material`s are going up up up on sometimes a weekly basis and in certain areas...So is land...
Also never forget the fact that we as foreigners cannot own land here in the P.I. and at the end of the build it will NOT be yours!!
Cheers,
Fred.

[fred]

Well that was a good idea to lease your property from the contractor David ! At least thats something you can own for the next 50 years and Im sure that you employed your own brief to prepare the lease and not the attorney of the contractor!.
I must point out though (for members info) that leasing directly from a spouse is not to be recommended as any such lease can and will be rendered null and void in the event of a separation in a Filipino court.
Im glad that you are happy with your build David..Couple of questions if you dont mind though in regards building specs?
1st.. loft/roof insulation..If any.
2nd, Wall insulation,including cavity wall. If any.
3rd, Are your consumer units and electrical outlets properly earthed? Did they fit an earth leakage device?
Cheers,
Fred.

[David House]

The final contract is not written yet but yes I have my own lawyer to check everything. I agree that leasing from your spouse is not acceptable, we investigated this too. My understanding is that the Charter change will, if and when eventually passed, allow the ownership of up to 1000 sq mtrs of land, hence this lease back solution. The usual way is, I know, simply to put it all in the name of your wife, but for a variety of reasons I did not wish to do this. (We already own 2 houses on Bohol held in her name and used by the family).
For sure the insulation standards are not the same as in the UK. There is no cavity wall, but the rooms are high ceilings, and with good overhangs to each window to provide shade. We face the sea and with the usual sea breeze intend to allow this through the house to keep the air fresh. With the windows open there is no point in running too much aircon. In fact we intend to only aircon the master bedroom. The house we rented last year had this arrangement and it worked well.
The electrical system is earthed as the development is high end and this is what their clients expect. The plumbing, both pipework and fittings is all German. I realise that if you want to design a place yourself, specify all the materials and then spend 100% of your time on site supervising the build that you will end up with something more familiar to us. I don't have those skills or time, so I have made compromises to try to find a workable solution. Each to their own situation, if it works for you thats great. This works for me.
Well that was a good idea to lease your property from the contractor David ! At least thats something you can own for the next 50 years and Im sure that you employed your own brief to prepare the lease and not the attorney of the contractor!.
I must point out though (for members info) that leasing directly from a spouse is not to be recommended as any such lease can and will be rendered null and void in the event of a separation in a Filipino court.
Im glad that you are happy with your build David..Couple of questions if you dont mind though in regards building specs?
1st.. loft/roof insulation..If any.
2nd, Wall insulation,including cavity wall. If any.
3rd, Are your consumer units and electrical outlets properly earthed? Did they fit an earth leakage device?
Cheers,
Fred.

[fred]

Glad to hear about your electrical spec standards David!(actually,Im amazed)
The only problem you have now is finding Filipino appliances with a 3 wire cable and a 3 pronged plug!!:Brick:

[pennybarry]

Well, my husband is the same telling :76:we have no such proper housing materials and electrical etc.
I said stop criticising and start buying UK British standard electricals, shower, sockets etc. for our future house and he started buying it but most of the time, I do the winging
as he buys stuffs in the UK but made in China.:laugher::icon_lol:

To be honest, we have some housing material store in Makati if you want high standard materials.
I have seen some houses of rich people in our country and I cannot compare it with Council house here. :D
But I admire the castles here!:D

I have seen house of a filipina married to japanese and most materials came from Japan including solar power generator for electric and it's a marvelous house really. :omg:

We have spanish houses in the Philippines built in 1600 and still in good shape.
So I believe we have proper materials as well.:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[fred]

Penny...I wasnt slagging off Filipino builders as there are some damned good ones..Just greedy Filipino designers with money and time restraints to follow..Also those that build a hollow block oven with fixed window grills (death traps) paint it white and put it on the market for 6 million (nice round figure) knowing that some dumb foreigner will snap it up eventually ...
Happens all the time here!
Value for money comes from a little construction DIY is all Im saying..

Bahala ka!!

Ingat,
Fred.

[fred]

as he buys stuffs in the UK but made in China.http://filipinaroses.com/images/smilies/laugher.gif


The electrical goods imported from China to the UK must adhere to strict British standard codes..
The dangerous crap they send to the Philippines do not..
Although quality material can be found quite easily here,they are expensive and not always utilised by Filipino contractors for one reason or the other!
Buyer beware!


http://filipinaroses.com/images/smilies/laugher.gif

[pennybarry]

Penny...I wasnt slagging off Filipino builders as there are some damned good ones..Just greedy Filipino designers with money and time restraints to follow..Also those that build a hollow block oven with fixed window grills (death traps) paint it white and put it on the market for 6 million (nice round figure) knowing that some dumb foreigner will snap it up eventually ...
Happens all the time here!
Value for money comes from a little construction DIY is all Im saying..

Bahala ka!!

Ingat,
Fred.
It wasn't you! :omg::icon_sorry::Rasp:
Well I agree with some Filipino builders that's why on my first posts, I gave advice to be there to monitor everything whilst under construction and tell them to buy house and lot only if developers are well known for making upscale projects. :xxgrinning--00xx3:
If you will ask me, my dream house is all made of Narra lumber and concrete blocks.Narra lasts for hundred of years because of it's hardwood, beetle and termite resistant with rose-scented. But I am not sure if my husband can afford. :doh

Bahala ka din!


The electrical goods imported from China to the UK must adhere to strict British standard codes..
The dangerous crap they send to the Philippines do not..
Although quality material can be found quite easily here,they are expensive and not always utilised by Filipino contractors for one reason or the other!
Buyer beware!


http://filipinaroses.com/images/smilies/laugher.gif

So British well accepted it as long as it passed through british standard?
But I'm not a british.:D
You maybe right about their electrical goods from that country but to be honest,
we Filipinos still patronize our own product when it comes to electrical goods. You'll see around the street selling electrical stuffs made from china but durable Philippine made can only be found at leading hardware stores but not scattered somewhere in the streets sells by unknown sellers. :omg:

[subseastu]

Is it possible to just turn up at these sub divisions and drive in and have a look a round? I know there where some on the base in OLongapo city that your name had to be at the security gate before they'd let you through.