I'm looking into buying a condo in my own name in the…

Man, it sounds like you've never even been to the Philippines. Do yourself a favor and don't make any hasty decisions until you've been there at least twice. Do your research, reach out to some foreigners living there for advice, look into different areas, and dig deep into visa requirements, the real cost of living, safety, and so on. Don't get me wrong, I'm moving there myself in March 2027. But I've also made 3 separate trips there and done everything I just suggested over the past 3 years. Don't move there just because it's "cheaper." You'll quickly run into a culture that's completely different from what you're used to. If you go, go with a purpose.

Rent

Jesus, how many vultures are circling in here, definitely NOT foreigners living in the Philippines, trying to make a peso as so-called agents? Mate, do yourself a favor and get a good lawyer in the city you're looking at, and don't answer any of these parasites trying to palm off property. There are plenty of pitfalls and catches buying anything in the Philippines. Good luck ✌️

Just money and ID Watch out for brokers, 90% are crooks. I have a spreadsheet to calculate the various taxes you pay (I own 7 condos). Don't pay capital gains tax, that's on the seller, no matter what they tell you. Make sure the real property tax (RPT) has been paid, otherwise the government will ask you to pay it now that you're the owner. ... Like in every country, there are rules, and it's better to know them to avoid problems.

Buying anything in the Philippines as a Western foreigner is always a bad idea. They seem to protect Korean and Chinese buyers and leave them alone.