You know that exact moment when your stomach drops? It usually happens right after you think you’ve won. You finally found the perfect lot. I mean, the price is right, the location is strategic, and the paper (the title), it all checks out. You’re already mentally designing that sleek, small apartment complex, or maybe that…
A property owner with a valid title finds informal settlers on their land. The owner wants their property back, while the settlers need a place to live. This is more than a private dispute; it’s a serious legal and social issue. Your title versus their need for a roof. This isn’t just about ownership; it’s…
Why You Need to Know Your Rights Now Renting a home in the Philippines, whether it’s a sleek Makati condo or a cozy Cebu house, comes with its own set of worries. The biggest one? Getting blindsided by a vague lease or unfair rule. Will your landlord keep your security deposit for no good reason?…
In the Philippines, land use conflicts often arise from misunderstandings about the legal status of occupants on residential properties. It is crucial to clearly differentiate between a free lease arrangement, commonly known as “katiwala,” and squatting, as these have vastly different legal implications and protections. Executive Summary By Sheila Viesca, Ph.D.With insights from John Riad,…
By Sheila Viesca, Ph.D.With insights from John Riad, CEO of HousingInteractive Imagine this*: You’re ready to buy your first home or sell a property you’ve held for years. You find what looks like the perfect listing online and send an inquiry. Within minutes, you’re hit with a barrage of messages: not from one, but from…
Executive Summary By Sheila Viesca, Ph.D.With insights from John Riad, CEO of HousingInteractive Investing in real estate can seem intimidating, but it’s a proven path to building significant wealth and securing your financial future. Unlike volatile stocks or other abstract assets, real estate is a tangible asset that you can see, touch, and even live…
Executive Summary By Sheila Viesca, Ph.D.With insights from John Riad, CEO of HousingInteractive When you’re ready to make a major purchase like a new home or an investment property, a mix of excitement and anxiety is completely normal. The prospect of finding your dream space is thrilling, but the real estate market, especially in the…
Executive Summary By Sheila Viesca, Ph.D.With insights from John Riad, CEO of HousingInteractive Many people jump into the real estate industry in the Philippines, lured by the promise of high returns and the glamor of big deals. But the journey is full of potential, and also common pitfalls. Without the right preparation, it’s easy to…
Executive Summary By Sheila Viesca, Ph.D.With insights from John Riad, CEO of HousingInteractive During a real estate crisis, selling a home is incredibly difficult. However, by understanding the market and its key drivers, you can navigate these challenges effectively. The housing market is a powerful economic force that directly impacts your personal wealth. A crisis…
Executive Summary By Sheila Viesca, Ph.D.With insights from John Riad, CEO of HousingInteractive The Philippine real estate market is under attack. A surge of unlicensed individuals, operating as so-called “real estate agents,” are preying on unsuspecting Filipinos. These aren’t just small-time hustlers; they are a dangerous, unregulated force that poses a direct threat to your…
Executive Summary By Sheila Viesca, Ph.D.With insights from John Riad, CEO of HousingInteractive Investing in Philippine real estate is a solid opportunity, but it’s crucial to understand the rules. The primary legal hurdle is simple: foreigners cannot directly own land in the Philippines. This restriction is embedded in the country’s constitution. However, this doesn’t mean…
Executive Summary By Sheila Viesca, Ph.D.With insights from John Riad, CEO of HousingInteractive Infrastructure projects under the government’s “Build Better More” (BBM) program are fundamentally reshaping the Philippine real estate landscape. These high-impact projects, ranging from new expressways and railways to digital backbones, serve as a direct catalyst for significant property value appreciation in previously…