moving to Cebu shortly

[johnboy999]

Thanks for the advice Graham. I'd already decided that buying isn't an option and that is why I was asking about rentals. I know as a foreigner I can't own a house here and that is why I want to rent. But.... who knows about the future? If I'm still happily married here a few years down the line and decide we definitely want to stay in a certain area I won't rule out purchasing eventually.

I know it's very very hard to sell properties here and there is always a risk in that it's not in my name, but, we only get one life. I could just as easily have set up a house in the UK with a western woman and lose far far more than I would ever lose in the Phills.

So, at this stage, my question remains about rentals. I'm not too sure how you find a reputable, trustworthy realtor here in the Philippines so that was why I was asking for advice from anyone who has already found one

[Terpe]

Thanks for the advice Graham. I'd already decided that buying isn't an option and that is why I was asking about rentals. I know as a foreigner I can't own a house here and that is why I want to rent. But.... who knows about the future? If I'm still happily married here a few years down the line and decide we definitely want to stay in a certain area I won't rule out purchasing eventually.

I know it's very very hard to sell properties here and there is always a risk in that it's not in my name, but, we only get one life. I could just as easily have set up a house in the UK with a western woman and lose far far more than I would ever lose in the Phills.

So, at this stage, my question remains about rentals. I'm not too sure how you find a reputable, trustworthy realtor here in the Philippines so that was why I was asking for advice from anyone who has already found one

I can't help you with agents, but I suggest you let your wife do the work. Try a much as you can to keep yourself out of the loop and not let anyone know it's a rental for foreigner.

Most of my friends have advised me to just ask around or drive to around taking a good look. It may take a while.
If your really looking for something fast then make sure it's a short term rental and be careful about up-front payments.

Good luck

[johnboy999]

Thanks Terpe,
We were already planning to drive around the area looking for likely properties and the g/f would be making all the calls. Prices would be discussed over the phone and that way we would know when we went to see them if we were being ripped off if the prices suddenly went up!

At the minute, we are renting a small house in Carcar, but we decided that it's too close to her family and we fancy living near the white sand beaches at Alcoy. Alternatively, I know Dalaguete is nice too. So, we are not in a desperate rush - it's not as if we need to be in the new place tomorrow or anything. But ultimately, we want more kids and this house here is too small.

[Terpe]

Thanks Terpe,
We were already planning to drive around the area looking for likely properties and the g/f would be making all the calls. Prices would be discussed over the phone and that way we would know when we went to see them if we were being ripped off if the prices suddenly went up!

At the minute, we are renting a small house in Carcar, but we decided that it's too close to her family and we fancy living near the white sand beaches at Alcoy. Alternatively, I know Dalaguete is nice too. So, we are not in a desperate rush - it's not as if we need to be in the new place tomorrow or anything. But ultimately, we want more kids and this house here is too small.

Just take you time then and enjoy the looking around.

[johnboy999]

Just take you time then and enjoy the looking around.

hehehe I'm already on Filipino time...... haven't worn a watch since I landed here 1 week ago