🏡 6 Essential Steps to Take Before Buying Land in the Philippines
Thinking of buying land? Before you dive in, make sure you follow these 6 crucial steps to avoid costly mistakes, legal hiccups, or unnecessary stress. Whether you’re investing for the first time or adding to your real estate portfolio, these tips will help you move forward with confidence. 🫰👇
1. Ask for a Copy of the Title
Never skip this! As soon as a property is offered to you—by an agent, broker, or direct seller—your first move is to request a copy of the land title.
📍 Why?
To check if the property is clean and free from encumbrances (like loans, liens, or legal claims).
📍 How?
Go to the Register of Deeds and verify the title. Make sure it matches the original record exactly. Any inconsistencies or annotations should raise red flags.
2. Get a Relocation Survey Done
Next, hire a licensed Geodetic Engineer to perform a relocation survey.
📍 Purpose?
To confirm the actual boundaries of the land and to ensure no neighboring structures or fences are intruding on it. This protects you from future disputes with adjacent property owners.
3. Sign a Deed of Sale (Properly!)
If everything checks out, it’s time to formalize the deal. Draft and sign a Deed of Sale, also called a Contract of Sale.
📍 Important:
Both parties (buyer and seller) must sign this document, and it must be notarized to make it legally binding.
4. Pay the Documentary Stamp Tax
Here’s a deadline you shouldn’t miss:
📅 Within 5 days from the notarization of the Deed of Sale, the buyer must pay the Documentary Stamp Tax (DST).
📍 Why it matters:
Delays can cause issues with the BIR and title processing. It's a small step, but skipping it causes big problems.
5. Capital Gains Tax – Seller’s Responsibility
The Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is paid by the seller—but it's important for the buyer to follow up and make sure it’s settled.
📍 When?
It should be paid within 30 days from the date of notarization of the sale.
📍 What you’ll get:
The BIR will issue a Certificate Authorizing Registration (CAR) once CGT and DST are paid. This certificate is needed for title transfer.
6. Title Transfer & Transfer Fees
Finally, with the CAR in hand, you’re ready to complete the transfer.
📍 Go to the Register of Deeds, pay the Transfer Fees, and submit all required documents.
📍 Heads-up:
Title transfers don’t happen overnight. Be prepared for processing delays and follow up regularly to avoid long wait times.
✅ Final Tip: Be Patient but ProactiveBuying land is a big move, so it pays to be thorough. If you follow these six steps and stay on top of your paperwork, you’ll avoid surprises and enjoy peace of mind knowing your land is 100% yours—legally and securely.
📌 Bookmark this guide or share it with someone who’s planning to buy land soon!
1. Ask for a Copy of the Title
Never skip this! As soon as a property is offered to you—by an agent, broker, or direct seller—your first move is to request a copy of the land title.
📍 Why?
To check if the property is clean and free from encumbrances (like loans, liens, or legal claims).
📍 How?
Go to the Register of Deeds and verify the title. Make sure it matches the original record exactly. Any inconsistencies or annotations should raise red flags.
2. Get a Relocation Survey Done
Next, hire a licensed Geodetic Engineer to perform a relocation survey.
📍 Purpose?
To confirm the actual boundaries of the land and to ensure no neighboring structures or fences are intruding on it. This protects you from future disputes with adjacent property owners.
3. Sign a Deed of Sale (Properly!)
If everything checks out, it’s time to formalize the deal. Draft and sign a Deed of Sale, also called a Contract of Sale.
📍 Important:
Both parties (buyer and seller) must sign this document, and it must be notarized to make it legally binding.
4. Pay the Documentary Stamp Tax
Here’s a deadline you shouldn’t miss:
📅 Within 5 days from the notarization of the Deed of Sale, the buyer must pay the Documentary Stamp Tax (DST).
📍 Why it matters:
Delays can cause issues with the BIR and title processing. It's a small step, but skipping it causes big problems.
5. Capital Gains Tax – Seller’s Responsibility
The Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is paid by the seller—but it's important for the buyer to follow up and make sure it’s settled.
📍 When?
It should be paid within 30 days from the date of notarization of the sale.
📍 What you’ll get:
The BIR will issue a Certificate Authorizing Registration (CAR) once CGT and DST are paid. This certificate is needed for title transfer.
6. Title Transfer & Transfer Fees
Finally, with the CAR in hand, you’re ready to complete the transfer.
📍 Go to the Register of Deeds, pay the Transfer Fees, and submit all required documents.
📍 Heads-up:
Title transfers don’t happen overnight. Be prepared for processing delays and follow up regularly to avoid long wait times.
✅ Final Tip: Be Patient but ProactiveBuying land is a big move, so it pays to be thorough. If you follow these six steps and stay on top of your paperwork, you’ll avoid surprises and enjoy peace of mind knowing your land is 100% yours—legally and securely.
📌 Bookmark this guide or share it with someone who’s planning to buy land soon!
Pampanga Properties is a real estate platform operated by Pampanga-Properties.com, offering a diverse selection of properties for sale. Our listings include residential houses and lots, townhouses, condominiums, shophouses, and lot-only options across various locations in Pampanga, Tarlac, Bataan, and Zambales.
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