With picture-perfect beaches, a thriving economy, and a large English-speaking population, the Philippines has become a top expat destination. Legally, a foreigner can own a condominium unit provided that foreign ownership in the given condo development does not exceed 40 percent.

If you’re a foreigner thinking of moving and settling in the Philippines, here are a few things to consider before buying your condo.

Your Short and Long-term Plans
Do you plan to raise your family in the Philippines, or are you just staying for a few months? Practically, it is better to buy a condo than rent one when you plan to stay for more than a few years. And, if you are looking for an additional steady source of income; a condo unit can be a rewarding investment. Rent it out in the long term and collect monthly rent with minimal to zero effort.

Set a budget
Before you start the search, set a budget you are willing to work with. If you plan to take out a home loan, ask reputable banks about their mortgage options for foreigners.

Aside from the Total Contract Price of the condo unit, take note of the transaction fees and taxes you need to settle. Adding these to your computation will help you set a sensible budget.

Location, Location, Location
The neighborhood you choose to live in can either further or get in the way of your lifestyle. A condo within or near the central business district will mean that your work, elite schools, upscale malls, and fancy restaurants are within your reach. Plus, condos in prime locations appreciate faster.

A Support Network
If you are coming to the Philippines for the first time, it may be wise to settle in an area with a significant expat population. Filipinos will treat you like family and make you feel at home, but it is natural for expats to seek communities that they can truly identify with. Business districts like Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City have expat clubs that will show you the ropes and help you settle in.

Outside the capital, you will find the areas of Clark, Subic, Cebu City, and Davao City have a sizeable number of foreign residents.

One Wilson Square in Greenhills, San Juan City is an upscale condominium that offers spacious and well-appointed ready for occupancy units that provide full access to an enhanced level of luxury.

Track record of the developer
If you are planning to purchase a condo unit in its pre-selling phase, it is important to choose a developer with a solid track record of delivering your unit as promised. Federal Land, Inc. is a reputable developer that has handed over thousands of condo units to satisfied homebuyers.

Local help
As a foreigner, you might not be familiar with the ins and outs of real estate acquisition. To protect you and your purchase, get the right, qualified local help to guide you. A lawyer can help you verify the authenticity of the property title and make sure everything is legal. A licensed broker or a trusted property specialist will guide you through the acquisition process.

Final Check
Before you finalize the sale, do a final check on the property. Carefully check the unit’s condition, size, amenities, and electrical and water connections. Ask for the condominium house rules and make sure you are comfortable with them.

Valencia Hills Tower E in New Manila, Quezon City is an upcoming vertical residence that sits in a quietly elegant residential enclave along N. Domingo and Valencia Streets.

Like in any property purchase, gather all the facts before deciding. Do your due diligence and choose a reliable developer with a solid track record of building high-quality properties like Federal Land, Inc.

Prime real estate developer, Federal Land, Inc. has been creating properties built on the values of trust, reliability, and integrity. It is the developer of many large-scale developments: residential condominiums, office buildings, retail and commercial centers, mixed-use townships and master-planned communities.

To know more about pre-selling and RFO condos for sale, email invest@federalland.ph.

As one of Philippine’s pioneer real estate developers, Federal Land Inc. is known for iconic projects and world-class aspirations. A proud member of GT Capital Holdings, Federal Land demonstrates the passion of a trailblazer and innovator tempered by the strict disciplines of banking and finance.

Now on its 47th year, Federal Land has dedicated itself to developing properties that are faithful to the aspirations and expectations of its residents. Each project is truly considered and built to be of topnotch quality. Federal Land, Inc. creates properties anchored on the values of trust, reliability, and integrity through its masterbrands, Federal Land and Horizon Land.

Humble Beginnings


Soler Tower, Tytana Plaza, and Mandarin Mansion are the first projects of Federal Homes, Inc. in 1970s

Federal Land Inc. began in 1972 as Federal Homes, Inc. In the same year, it launched the Soler Tower to cater to the Filipino-Chinese community in Binondo, Manila. This was immediately followed by the launch of Tytana Plaza, Mandarin Mansion, Escolta Twin Towers, Dasma Corporate Center, and Federal Tower.

The success of Binondo projects and the increasing investor confidence led to an expansion in Pasay. In 1990, Federal Land launched Bayview International Towers along Roxas Boulevard. The project was one of the first prime developments in Pasay. After the reclamation of Manila Bay, Federal Land acquired 40 hectares to start a master-planned integrated community: Metro Park.

Setting its sights on producing more quality projects for its customers, Federal Land dedicated itself to building self-sustaining communities in Manila, Makati, Cavite, and Cebu. Early 2000 saw the rapid introduction of prime real estate projects such as Bay Garden Club Residences, Oriental Garden Makati, Florida Sun Estates, Valencia Hills, The Grand Midori Makati, Riverview Mansion, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, and the landmark GT Tower International.

Since then, Federal Land has continued to build and deliver high-quality properties that are tailor-fit to the communities it chooses to serve. The Four Seasons Riviera in Binondo is designed with feng shui sensibilities. The Peninsula Garden Midtown Homes is intended to be a kid-friendly garden enclave ideal for starting families. The Quantum Residences is strategically located in between Manila’s university belt and Makati Central Business District to cater to young adults transitioning from students to professionals. Marquinton Residences, Tropicana Garden City, and Siena Towers gave Marikina citizens a new option aside from the traditional house and lot living. Mi Casa in the Bay Area brings in the modern tropical paradise streamlined for contemporary living. These projects stand as testimonies to Federal Land’s unrelenting commitment to building structures and communities that contribute to the progress of society.


President Rodrigo Duterte leads the unveiling of the Grand Hyatt Manila Marker with late Federal Land Chairman George S.K. Ty.

Global Alliances
Not resting on its laurels, Federal Land continues to advance its vision of building exceptional properties through its alliance with renowned global brands.

In Cebu, Federal Land partnered with Marco Polo Hotels of Hong Kong to develop the five-star Marco Polo Plaza and the first branded residence, Marco Polo Residences.

In 2008, Federal Land partnered with Orix Corporation, a top real estate company in Japan, for the Grand Midori Makati on Legazpi Street. The partnership fused Filipino artistry and Japanese ingenuity and created a Zen oasis in the heart of the city. In 2012, Federal Land formed the Bonifacio Landmark Realty and Development Corporation, a joint venture with Orix Corporation, to bring the iconic Grand Hyatt Manila and Grand Hyatt branded residences to North Bonifacio Global City.


Eiji Kutsukaka, Chairman of Nomura Real Estate Development; Toshihiko Sugie, President of Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings; George Ty, GT Capital Chairman; and Alfred V. Ty, Federal Land Inc. unveils the scale model of The Seasons Residence.

Launched as a closing highlight to 2018, The Seasons Residences is a $400 million development project in partnership with leading Japanese firms, Nomura Real Estate Development, and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings, Inc. The development will have four upscale residential towers and the country’s first Mitsukoshi Mall.

Excellence in Execution


Federal Land, Inc. General Manager Thomas Mirasol and Vice President for Sales and Marketing John Cabato receive the 2019 Top Developer Award from BCI Asia.

Federal Land’s track record of quality, reliability, and integrity did not go unnoticed, with the company receiving numerous accolades over the years. The latest among its achievements is the 2019 Gold Award for Outstanding Developer from Fédération Internationale des Administrateurs de Biens et Conseils lmmobiliers (FIABCI) for the Grand Hyatt Manila Residences in BGC, Taguig.

Other notable awards collected are the 2019 Top Developer Award from BCI Asia for The Seasons Residences; the 2019 Brand Leadership Award from CMO Asia; the Best Luxe Condo of the Year from The Outlook 2018 by Lamudi for the Grand Hyatt Manila Residences; the 2017 Gold Award for Outstanding Developer from Fédération Internationale des Administrateurs de Biens et Conseils lmmobiliers (FIABCI) for The Grand Midori Makati; and the 2007 Developer of the Year Award from Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Association (CREBA) for Marquinton Residences in Marikina.

The Legacy Continues

Designed by world-renowned architecture firm Foster + Partners, the Estate Makati is envisioned to be the crowning jewel of Makati Skyline.

This 2019, Federal Land is slated to launch several projects including the Hawaiian-inspired development in the Bay Area, Mi Casa; and the company’s first foray in Ortigas CBD, The Grand Midori Ortigas. Federal Land is also scheduled to publicly launch the ultra-luxurious condominium project in partnership with SM Prime Holdings. Designed by world-renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners, The Estate Makati is set to be the crowning jewel of the Makati skyline and is expected to put the Philippines on the map of modern architectural marvels.

Federal Land celebrates its 47th year of transforming the skyline and reimagining the country bearing the theme “Excellence in Execution: Delivering What is Promised.” The theme underscores Federal Land’s commitment to create and develop enriching communities on par with the rest of the world. The values of accountability, ownership, and urgency serve as the company’s guiding principle to ensure Federal Land’s legacy of excellence will continue not only for 2019 but for the years to come.