Professional Fee
A guide to understanding professional fees in Philippine real estate. Learn who you pay, how fees are calculated, and why they are a crucial investment in your property.
Taxes & Fees
One of the biggest surprises for first-time homebuyers is the extra costs involved beyond the property’s selling price. To budget accurately and avoid shock, it’s essential to understand the various real estate taxes and fees in the Philippinesthat are part of every transaction.
This guide provides a clear breakdown of all the government taxes and administrative fees you will encounter when buying a home. From the seller’s Capital Gains Tax to the buyer’s Documentary Stamp and Transfer Tax, we explain who pays for what and when. Use this resource to prepare your finances and ensure a smooth, transparent property purchase in Bulacan. Explore the terms below.
Commission
A guide to real estate commission in the Philippines. Learn the standard rates for brokers, how it’s calculated, and who is responsible for paying it in a sale.
Holding Period
A guide to the 30-day holding period when buying a new home in the Philippines. Learn what you need to do during this crucial time to avoid forfeiting your reservation fee.
HOA Dues
HOA Dues are the mandatory fees homeowners in a subdivision pay to fund community services like security, garbage collection, and amenity maintenance. Governed by RA 9904, these dues are essential for preserving property values.
Assessed Value
Assessed Value is the monetary value assigned to a property by an LGU in the Philippines for the sole purpose of calculating the annual Real Property Tax (RPT). It is derived by multiplying the property’s Fair Market Value by a set Assessment Level.
Special Education Fund (SEF)
The Special Education Fund (SEF) is a mandatory 1% tax on a property’s assessed value, collected with the basic Real Property Tax. These funds are used exclusively to support local public schools, directly impacting community quality and property values.
Real Property Tax (RPT)
Real Property Tax (RPT), or “amilyar,” is the annual tax property owners pay to their LGU. Understanding this is crucial for responsible homeownership as it funds community services and is legally required to transfer a property title.
Transfer Tax
Transfer Tax is a local tax in the Philippines paid to the city or municipal Treasurer’s Office on the sale of real property. This guide explains the tax rates based on the Local Government Code, the 60-day payment deadline, and why it’s a mandatory step for the title transfer process.
Zonal Value
Discover what Zonal Value is and why it’s a critical number in any Philippine real estate transaction. This 2025 guide for homebuyers explains how the BIR uses this official valuation to compute property taxes like CGT and DST, and how it can differ from the market value. Be a well-informed buyer and budget accurately.
Documentary Stamp Tax (DST)
Learn about Documentary Stamp Tax (DST), a key expense when buying property in the Philippines. Our 2025 guide explains the 1.5% rate on the sale, who pays it, and the separate DST you need to pay on your housing loan mortgage. Budget accurately and avoid surprises with our expert advice.