How to Sell Propertyin the Philippines
Your step-by-step guide to successfully selling property in the Philippines. From preparation to closing — everything you need to know.
Selling property in the Philippines involves multiple steps — from preparing your home and gathering documents to marketing, negotiating, and closing the sale. Whether you're selling a condo in Manila, a house and lot in the provinces, or vacant land, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every stage of the process.
Pro Tip for OFW Sellers
If you're selling from abroad, you'll need a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) to authorize someone in the Philippines to act on your behalf. Have this notarized and authenticated at the Philippine Embassy in your country.
Prepare Your Property
Get your property ready for the market to attract more buyers and better offers.
Declutter and Deep Clean
Remove personal items, excess furniture, and clutter. A clean, spacious-looking home photographs better and allows buyers to envision themselves living there.
Make Minor Repairs
Fix leaky faucets, broken tiles, chipped paint, and other small issues. These minor investments can significantly impact buyer perception and price negotiations.
Enhance Curb Appeal
First impressions matter. Clean the exterior, maintain landscaping, and ensure the entrance is welcoming. For condos, ensure common areas are presentable during viewings.
Tips for This Step
- Consider professional staging for high-value properties
- Fresh paint in neutral colors appeals to more buyers
- Fix all lighting fixtures — good lighting makes spaces feel larger
Gather Required Documents
Having complete documentation speeds up the sale and builds buyer confidence.
Property Documents
Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) for land, or Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT) for condos. Ensure the title is clean with no encumbrances or annotations.
Tax Documents
Tax Declaration from the local Assessor's Office, Real Property Tax (RPT) receipts for the last 3 years, and Tax Clearance proving no outstanding obligations.
Other Requirements
Updated floor plans, association clearance (for condos), utility bill history, and any renovation permits or documentation.
Tips for This Step
- Request certified true copies of all titles
- Check for any liens or mortgages that need to be settled
- Get tax clearance early — it can take 2-4 weeks
Price Your Property Right
Strategic pricing is crucial — price too high and it sits, too low and you lose money.
Research Comparable Sales
Look at recently sold properties in your area with similar size, features, and condition. This gives you a realistic market value range.
Check BIR Zonal Values
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) publishes zonal values that serve as minimum selling prices for tax purposes. Your price should not be below this value.
Consider Market Conditions
Is it a buyer's or seller's market? Factor in current economic conditions, interest rates, and local demand when setting your price.
Tips for This Step
- Properties priced right from the start sell 50% faster
- Leave room for negotiation — most buyers expect to negotiate 5-10%
- Use Housal's free Zonal Value Finder to check BIR rates
Market Your Property
Great marketing attracts more buyers and can result in faster sales at better prices.
Professional Photography
High-quality photos are essential. Shoot during golden hour, use wide angles, and capture all key areas. Consider drone shots for houses with lots.
Write Compelling Descriptions
Highlight unique features, neighborhood benefits, and lifestyle advantages. Mention proximity to schools, hospitals, malls, and transportation.
Multi-Platform Listing
List on Housal to reach local and OFW buyers. Share on social media and consider targeting Filipino communities abroad.
Tips for This Step
- Include a video tour — listings with videos get 403% more inquiries
- Highlight OFW-friendly features like rental income potential
- Update your listing regularly to stay visible in search results
Handle Inquiries & Viewings
Professional handling of inquiries builds buyer confidence and moves sales forward.
Respond Promptly
Reply to inquiries within 2 hours during business hours. Quick responses keep interested buyers engaged before they move on to other properties.
Pre-Qualify Buyers
Ask about their timeline, financing (cash or bank loan), and if they've already spoken with a bank. This helps prioritize serious buyers.
Prepare for Viewings
Schedule viewings when the property looks best. Ensure it's clean, well-lit, and you can answer questions about utilities, maintenance costs, and the neighborhood.
Tips for This Step
- Create an information packet with all property details
- Be honest about any issues — disclosure is legally required
- For OFW buyers, offer video call tours and flexible scheduling
Negotiate Offers
Skilled negotiation ensures you get the best possible price and terms.
Review All Terms
Price isn't everything. Consider payment terms, timeline, contingencies, and inclusions. A slightly lower cash offer might be better than a higher bank-financed one.
Counter-Offer Strategically
If the offer is too low, counter with a price closer to your asking. Include justifications like recent upgrades, market comparables, or unique features.
Get Everything in Writing
Once you agree on terms, immediately formalize with a signed Letter of Intent (LOI) or Reservation Agreement with earnest money.
Tips for This Step
- Don't reject low offers outright — they're starting points
- Consider the full package: price, payment schedule, and timeline
- An experienced agent can help negotiate up to 10% better terms
Close the Sale
The closing process involves legal, financial, and administrative steps.
Draft the Deed of Sale
Engage a lawyer or notary public to prepare the Deed of Absolute Sale. This document legally transfers ownership from you to the buyer.
Pay Seller Taxes
Sellers are typically responsible for Capital Gains Tax (6%), Documentary Stamp Tax (1.5%), and any unpaid real property taxes.
Complete the Transfer
The buyer handles the title transfer at the Registry of Deeds and pays Transfer Tax and registration fees. Ensure smooth handover of keys and documents.
Tips for This Step
- Use a reputable escrow service for large transactions
- Keep copies of all signed documents
- Don't hand over keys until full payment is verified
What Sellers Pay in the Philippines
Understand the costs you'll incur when selling your property.
| Cost | Rate | Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital Gains Tax (CGT) | 6% | Selling price or zonal value (whichever is higher) | Primary tax obligation for sellers |
| Documentary Stamp Tax (DST) | 1.5% | Selling price or zonal value (whichever is higher) | Sometimes split with buyer |
| Agent's Commission | 3-5% | Final selling price | Only if using an agent |
| Notarial Fees | 1-2% | Selling price | For Deed of Sale notarization |
Common Mistakes Sellers Make
Learn from others' mistakes to ensure a smooth sale.
Ready to Sell Your Property?
Now that you know the process, take the first step. List for free and reach thousands of buyers.