FAQs on Buying Real Estate in Balanga City

Not everyone is well-versed when it comes to real estate. There are so many rules and laws that a lay person cannot possibly know it all. This article aims to answer most, if not all, of your frequently asked questions when buying real estate in Balanga City, especially if you are a former natural-born Filipino citizen.

• Can a natural born citizen who’s changed citizenship own land in Balanga City?

Yes, a natural born citizen can still own private land in Balanga, as long as it doesn’t exceed 5,000 square meters of urban land or three hectares of rural land. This also applies to married couples.

• Can I purchase several lots in different cities as long as the total area of the lots don’t exceed 5,000 square meters?

Unfortunately, former natural-born Filipino citizens can only acquire up to two lots located in different places. Again, the total of these lots cannot exceed 5,000 square meters for urban land or three hectares for rural land.

• Can I own one rural land and one urban lot, as long as they don’t exceed the specified total area?

No. Though you are allowed to own up to two lots, you cannot own both a rural and urban one. Once you purchase one kind, you cannot purchase the other.

• Is there a way to own more than the total area limit?

Fortunately, there is. You are allowed to own more than 5,000 square meters of urban land or 3 hectares of rural land if you reacquire your Filipino citizenship. Then there is no limit to how much land you can buy.

• My children aren’t born in the Philippines. Can they still inherit any property I buy in Balanga City?

Yes, children of Filipinos can still inherit property in Balanga City, provided they inherit it through intestate succession, meaning that the child is a legal heir under Philippine law. Naming someone an heir in a will or testament alone will not grant them the right to inherit the property.

• I know my American spouse can’t own land but can he own a condominium with the title in his name?

Yes, as long as the condominium is 60% Filipino owned, a foreigner can own a unit in his or her name. This is provided that the total floor area owned by all the foreigners in the building does not exceed 40% of the total floor area of the building.