QUESTION & ANSWERS

The following are frequently asked questions we have received by interested buyers worldwide along with our responses.

Question:
I am a foreigner interested in buying a lot in Palawan. Can a foreigner acquire land in Palawan?

Answer:
The short answer is yes. Through the involvement of your lawyer a contractual agreements can secure your interest and control over property here in Palawan. This will give you the ability to build, subdivide, sell and/or pass the property to your inheritors. to accomplish this we can either help you establish a corporation here to own the property or the property is put under a Filipino's name. We have successfully sold many properties to foreigners over our 10 year history.    

Question:
What is the difference between a Titled and a Tax Declaration property?

Answer:
Settlement in Palawan has largely taken place over the last 30 years, and much of the land remains untitled. Settlers  who have come here have, in many instances, settled on and improved land. In so doing they have also declared the land for tax purposes, and taxes have been charged as if the occupant were an owner of a titled property. Such a property can be sold, so long as the owner has proper documentation, and is referred to as a Tax Declaration property.

A titled property is a more secure purchase, being more fully defensible in law, and the title is fully documented at the Registry of Deeds. That security is usually reflected in the price. For those seeking to buy with the greatest security, a titled property is recommended. However, Tax Declaration properties are less secure and some such properties can be titled later, but it depends on the classification of the land. It is always prudent to seek the advice of a qualified real estate lawyer here in Palawan.

Question:
I leave the country twice a year for over a month at a time. Who reliable can I get to look after my property and vehicle while away?

Answer:
Traditionally a foreigner would trust this responsibility to his partner/wife's family or native workers, however we have heard many complaints over the years from these kind of arrangements. A more reliable alternative is to hire a Property Management company to make site visits and email you pictures while away. They can pick up your rent, deposit your money and even pay your bills while you are away. There fees are usually reasonable and is a small price to pay for peace of mind. One such company in Palawan can be found at www.palawanpropertymanagement.com they may not cover all of Palawan so I would contact them.

Question:
Who reliable can I use to maintain my property until I am ready to build after I buy it?

Answer:
You should hire a professional landscaper while you are away or all year round. There are many months during our summer where we see low amounts of rain. There are many horror stories of whole gardens, flower beds and farms dehydrated and dead due to poor or unknowledgeable gardeners who accidentally destroy the property's vegetation. A professional landscaping service can clear, maintain and plant all types of tropical vegetation. They should even be able to email you progress update with attached pictures or video. One such company in Palawan can be found at www.palawamlandscape.com and can be contacted as an alternative to leaving your property to chance.      

Question:
I've seen some Palawan beachfronts for sale on the internet listed with official sounding names. Do all beaches in Palawan have a name and why do none of your listings have names?      

Answer:
Most beaches do not have official names unless they are a part of a cove like Nagtabon Beach located in one Barangay (neighborhood) of Puerto Princesa City or a popular tourist destination like Long Beach in San Vicente located across several Barangay. What you are referring to sounds like a marketing gimmick and I would be wary of brokers/agents anywhere who make up phony names for titled property in Palawan and cannot produce to you the name registration certification. If they misrepresent in the little things, they may also on the bigger things when it comes to your investment.   

All of our beach properties are clean titled and most are back by a money back guarantee. Our real estate team can also perform the following services; documentation processing, title and transfer service, property tax remittance, supply local business address for mail, take and forward phone messages, Check-up on your property, vehicle storage and maintenance while you are away and much much more.

When you purchase through us you are also buying peace of mind… We guarantee it.

Question:
I see many Islands on sale in Palawan. Some have cottages on the water. How can an Island and the water be titled and what happens if it is washed away or falls back into the ocean?

Answer:
Most Islands in Palawan are only under a tax declaration. The few Islands that are titled have had applications made and approved for an official certificate of title. large Islands are made up of many separate titled lots and can have many different owners from around the world. An owner can apply for a Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) and if approved will give them special permission to lease the water in front of the property for various uses. If those structures are washed out, callapse or are otherwise destroyed due to stormy weather, then that is the risk/cost of doing business. However, Palawan is uniquely positioned in the South China Sea to avoid most typoons, tsunamis or earthquakes.

Question:
I want to buy a beachfront in Palawan for the purpose of setting up a resort. Can I stop people from selling goods on my beachfront and can I build structures on the beach?

Answer:
All beaches in Palawan are considered public land. The Government has gone to great lengths to protect the coast line from private owners obstructing the beachfronts for their own private uses. I would suggest negotiating with one or two venders for exclusivity in setting up a small beach souvenir outlet hut at one corner of your lot. In exchange for this privilege they can pay a monthly rental fee and keep your beachfront free from the wondering 'salesman'.

Beachfronts in Palawan have a 20 meter salvage zone. This means that all permanent structures cannot be build closer than 20 meters from the highest tide. Some establishments in El Nido, for instance, have come into conflict with the Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR) for building their resorts on the beachfront. This lowers the resalable value of their businesses as at any time the government could demand the removal of the structure. You can put us temporary structures like bamboo benches umbrella tables that are anchored into the sand but are movable.      

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