A House
in the Philippines
Frequently Questions - our
Answers
Question: Is a foreigner allowed to own real estate in the Philippines?
Although plans are discussed since several years, to allow foreign ownership of real estate, right now it is only legal for Philippine citizens. We offer our customers a leasing contract with the legally allowable maximum duration (25 years, prolongation option for another 25 years). This contract includes the right to transfer the property anytime to any third party, to sell or to register on the own name, as far as legally allowed. There will be no additional charges from our side.
Question: Why did you settle in Alcoy, 100 km south of Cebu City? Aren't there beautiful places elsewhere?
Of course one may argue about preferences and personal taste excessively - or not at all. The advantages of the island Cebu (International Airport, excellent medical and educational facilities) I already mentioned. The climate is constant about 25 to 32 degrees Celsius. The scenery is marvelous, lonely beaches, islands like fairy tales. Charms and natural friendliness of the people simply make me feel happy. Urban Cebu City offers great shopping opportunities within two hours drive, but I do not consider the urban area a place for permanent living. Spending more than three months looking for the right area for my own future home I know many beautiful places in Cebu. In summary Alcoy is ideal, because the distance between the National Road and also the native buildings to the seashore is far enough to live undisturbed in idyllic environment directly by the sea. Not like other places where direct access to the sea is disturbed by buildings, steep coast, mangroves or fishponds ans. It is also important, that there are no typhoons south of Cebu City, protected by the geographical position of the surrounding islands!
Question: All day long only sun and sea? Are there other ways to keep busy? What about TV and phone?
There are no limits to your initiatives. Fruit and vegetable farming, poultry, chess tournament, dog breeding (I breed Rottweiler), boating, just to mention a few examples. Phone can be installed on short notice, also to be used for Internet. Satellite TV is available offering also digital quality, in Cebu City also cable.
Question: Why don't you offer certain standard houses? It would make it more easy for customers to select in advance!
Such "standard houses" are - from our experience - only the second best solution. Every customer has individual preferences, that can hardly be fulfilled using pre designed offers. It would be an unnecessary restriction and a waste of the opportunities in this beautiful environment. We start by selecting the appropriate lot, then we design accordingly - using computerized support - floor plan and views. Finally we detail the construction specification - based on three variants (standard, comfort or luxury) - by defining every position. Our customer may select for example the materials for ceiling, doors or floor according to his preferences.
Only by following this procedure we can secure to our customers the home they wish for. A visit at our place is inevitable and also worthwhile, the future home is not an article, that should be selected "by catalogue". To give you in advance just an image of our prices: we offer a house of 100 square meters living area in European standard on a lot of 1 000 sqm directly by the sea for 70 000.- US$.
Question: How secure is my money with your company?
Your contractual partner is an orderly registered personal corporation, owned by my Philippine wife. Since June 98 she also is First Counselor in our city with 20 000 habitants. Our contracts require payments depending on the progress of the project, which we document by detailed pictures. Beside our reference on site with Citibank we also have a bank account in Germany for over 30 years with Deutsche Bank.
Question: I am afraid to rely on a company in a faraway country. Why don't you have your company located in Germany?
Our whole family enjoys the life in the Philippines. We live here for permanent. An additional company location in Germany or elsewhere would cost money, which we would have to add to our prices. Our customers are our future neighbors, we want to be in good relationship also in the future. We are sure, that our presence on the spot offers the best guarantee for permanently satisfied customers.
Question: What are the rules for permanent visa?
Foreigners married to Philippine citizens may apply for permanent residence certificate. Else it is possible to apply for permanent retirement visa (PRA): a deposit of 50 000.- US$ (50 years of age) or 75 000.- US$ (below 50 years) for the time of six months is required. This money may be withdrawn after six months. Finally, the usual way, smooth extension of a visitors visa for three months repeatedly. We will gladly assist you in procuring. All these procedures can be done in Cebu City, it is not necessary to visit Manila.
Send us your E-Mail!
