What if the rules of the game suddenly changed in your favor? A Game Changer That’s what happened with Republic Act No. 12252 (RA 12252). This new law makes a fundamental change to how foreign entities can lease private land in the Philippines. It’s a major update, especially if you are considering large, long-term investments…
In the real estate business, where the industry is highly competitive and every detail matters, consistency and trust are the keys to standing out and achieving long-term success. You know that moment when you’re preparing a home for an open house? The pressure is on. If you’re the agent, as many real estate professionals do,…
Squatting and Illegal Settlers: Rights of Landowners and Legal Process of Ejectment by Atty. April Aidearlin DG. Carelo
You know that moment when a family member passes away, and instead of mourning, everyone immediately starts whispering about the mana? It’s tough. It’s messy. And honestly, it’s one of the biggest sources of family conflict in the Philippines. But here’s the thing: that conflict usually happens because people didn’t plan, or they just didn’t…
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…
That Knot in Your Stomach You know that moment when you’re signing the Deed of Sale, and the agent asks, “Are you married?” And suddenly, that whole celebration, that feeling of owning your dream home, feels like a legal trap. The core worry isn’t about love, right? It’s about security. It’s about the future: What…
You know that feeling, right? You’ve been hunting for months, maybe years, and then you see it: the dream lot. The price is perfect, the size is manageable, and you start visualizing the house you’ll build, the garden you’ll finally have. You land the deal, feeling great. But then reality hits hard. You can’t actually…
You know that feeling when you see a photo of El Nido or a quiet spot in Cebu? It hits you like a warm breeze; a deep gut feeling saying, “I could actually live there.” You imagine a life upgrade, market mornings, and flip-flops every day. That’s the dream. Then you Google, “Can a foreigner…
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…
Imagine this common scenario: Your parents have passed away, leaving the family home to you and your siblings. Or perhaps you and your co-buyers, including your partner, have decided to invest in a condominium together. Split ownership through a co-buying arrangement is becoming increasingly popular, especially as more young homebuyers seek affordable ways to enter…
Congratulations! Owning real estate in the Philippines is a monumental achievement, whether it is a small family home or a major commercial development. But with ownership comes a non-negotiable annual duty: fulfilling your Property Tax Obligations. Ignoring this responsibility, even for a short time, exposes your investment to severe penalties and, eventually, the risk of…
Setting the Stage for Real Estate Ownership Imagine you’ve found the perfect investment: a brand-new condo or maybe a house and lot. You’re ready to sign the papers, but then you encounter the terms “freehold property” and “leasehold property.” What do they mean for your future? Do you own the land? Can you pass it…