In the Philippines only Filipinos can own land. Consequently it is
almost impossible for foreigners to own a house and lot. However,
there are no restrictions on condominiums or apartments. A foreigner
buying a condominium will receive a freehold deed of ownership,
exactly the same as a Filipino. There are no restrictions on you
occupying or renting. If you decide you wish to sell at some time in
the future you are free to export your money with no restrictions.
A common problem with buying a house and lot is where a Filipina
is married to a foreigner and the house and lot is bought in the
Filipina wife's name. On the death of the Filipina the property
cannot pass to the husband, as he is not a Filipino national, nor to
any children they may have that have foreign nationality, and the
property has to pass to Filipino relatives of the wife's family.
This is not a problem with condominiums, as they can be passed on to
Non Filipino nationals.
Another problem can arise with house and lots where both husband
and wife are Filipinos. If they are working abroad and have children
who gain citizenship of another country, then these children are
unable to inherit the parents property in the Philippines.
Here again, this is not a problem with condominiums, as they can be
passed on to Non Filipino nationals.
