Buying real estate in the Philippines?

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What is the average house price in Philippines?

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The Philippines residential property market offers diverse opportunities for both investors and homebuyers, with average house prices ranging from ₱3.5 million to ₱27 million depending on location and property type. As of June 2025, the market shows continued strength in key urban centers while offering attractive entry points in emerging provinces with significant infrastructure development planned.

Metro Manila remains the most expensive market with prices per square meter reaching ₱203,000 in central business districts, while provincial areas offer more affordable options starting at ₱30,000 per square meter. The market outlook remains positive for the next decade, driven by strong economic fundamentals and ongoing infrastructure projects across the archipelago.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in the Philippines, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At BambooRoutes, we explore the Philippines real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

What's the current average house price in the Philippines?

The average house price in the Philippines as of June 2025 sits at approximately ₱75,000 per square meter, though this figure varies dramatically based on location and property specifications.

Small to medium-sized houses ranging from 80 to 150 square meters typically cost between ₱3.5 million and ₱5 million. For larger family homes spanning 200 to 400 square meters, expect to pay between ₱10 million and ₱20 million. Luxury mansions and custom estates command prices exceeding ₱100 million, particularly in exclusive enclaves within Metro Manila.

The construction cost component averages ₱10,919 per square meter for standard residential builds, though this can reach ₱25,000 per square meter for high-end custom homes with premium finishes and materials.

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How do house prices differ between Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and rural provinces?

Metro Manila commands the highest property prices in the Philippines, with prime locations in Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Ortigas reaching ₱115,000 to ₱203,000 per square meter.

Cebu City, as the second major urban hub, offers more moderate pricing at ₱80,000 to ₱150,000 per square meter, making it attractive for investors seeking growth potential without Manila's premium pricing. Davao City presents even better value at ₱60,000 to ₱120,000 per square meter while maintaining strong economic fundamentals and development prospects.

Rural provinces offer the most affordable entry points at ₱30,000 to ₱60,000 per square meter, though infrastructure and amenities are naturally more limited. Emerging areas like Santa Rosa in Laguna, Pampanga, Iloilo, and Bacolod represent middle-ground opportunities with infrastructure projects driving future appreciation potential.

The price differential between Metro Manila and rural provinces can exceed 500%, highlighting the significant impact of location on Philippine property values.

What's the cost difference between condos, townhouses, single-family homes, and luxury villas?

Condominiums show the widest price range, from ₱32,000 to ₱203,000 per square meter, with studio units starting at ₱2 million and penthouses exceeding ₱30 million in prime locations.

Property Type Price per sqm Total Price Range
Condominium ₱32,000-₱203,000 ₱2M-₱30M+
Townhouse ₱25,000-₱120,000 ₱792,000-₱44M
Single-Family Home ₱75,000-₱115,000 ₱3.5M-₱27M
Luxury Villa ₱150,000+ ₱100M+
Entry-Level Provincial ₱30,000-₱50,000 ₱1.5M-₱4M
Mid-Range Urban ₱60,000-₱100,000 ₱5M-₱15M
Premium Metro Manila ₱120,000-₱200,000 ₱15M-₱50M

What are the typical price ranges per square meter for each property type?

Metro Manila's central business districts represent the premium tier at ₱203,360 per square meter for luxury condominiums, while standard residential construction averages ₱12,182 per square meter with standard finishes.

Provincial towns offer significantly better value at ₱30,000 to ₱60,000 per square meter, making them attractive for budget-conscious buyers and investors seeking higher rental yields. Custom builds typically range from ₱20,000 to ₱25,000 per square meter for two-storey houses with quality finishes.

The price per square meter often includes land value in townhouse and single-family home purchases, while condominium prices reflect the unit only, with common areas and amenities factored into the building's overall pricing structure.

What's included in the total purchase price and what additional costs should I expect?

The total purchase price extends beyond the negotiated property price to include various closing costs and transfer fees that typically add 3% to 7% to your investment.

Buyer's closing costs include Documentary Stamp Tax at 1.5%, Registration Fee at 0.8%, Transfer Tax ranging from 0.5% to 0.8% depending on local government unit, and Notarial/Lawyer fees between 2% and 3%. Title Transfer Processing Fees typically range from ₱35,000 to ₱50,000 regardless of property value.

Seller's costs include Capital Gains Tax at 6% and standard Broker/Agent fees at 5% of the sale price. Many of these fees are negotiable between buyer and seller, particularly in competitive markets or high-value transactions.

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How do property taxes and ownership fees compare across different cities and property types?

Real Property Tax rates vary significantly between Metro Manila and provincial areas, with Metro Manila charging 2% of assessed value annually while provinces typically charge 1% annually.

The assessed value used for tax calculation typically represents 20% to 60% of market value, depending on the local government unit's assessment methodology. This means your annual property tax burden is often much lower than the headline percentage suggests.

Additional ownership fees include homeowners' association dues for condominiums and subdivisions, ranging from ₱2,000 to ₱15,000 monthly depending on amenities and location. Insurance, maintenance, and utility connections add further ongoing costs that should be factored into your total ownership budget.

What mortgage options are available for foreigners and locals, and what are the current interest rates?

Local Filipino buyers enjoy the widest range of financing options, including bank mortgages, government-backed Pag-IBIG loans, and in-house developer financing with typical down payments of 10% to 20%.

Foreign buyers can access bank loans specifically for condominium purchases, which they can legally own directly, but face higher down payment requirements of 20% to 30%. Foreigners cannot directly finance land purchases since land ownership is restricted to Filipino citizens or corporations with majority Filipino ownership.

As of June 2025, fixed mortgage rates range from 6.4% to 6.7% for 30-year terms, with foreigners typically receiving loan terms of 10 to 15 years compared to locals who can secure up to 20-year financing. Required documentation includes proof of income, tax identification, and residency or visa status for foreign applicants.

What would be the monthly payment for a ₱5 million house with a mortgage?

For a ₱5 million house with a ₱1 million down payment (20%), the remaining ₱4 million loan at 6.5% annual interest over 20 years would result in monthly payments of approximately ₱29,800 to ₱30,500.

This calculation excludes property insurance, real property taxes, and homeowners' association dues, which can add ₱3,000 to ₱8,000 monthly depending on the property's location and amenities. Total monthly housing costs including all fees typically range from ₱33,000 to ₱39,000 for this price point.

Foreign buyers with higher down payment requirements (30%) would finance ₱3.5 million, reducing monthly payments to approximately ₱26,000 to ₱27,000 before additional costs.

infographics rental yields citiesthe Philippines

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in the Philippines versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

Which areas are considered high-end, which are up-and-coming, and where can I find good deals?

High-end areas center around Metro Manila's business districts, particularly Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Rockwell, where luxury properties command premium prices and attract affluent professionals and expatriates.

Up-and-coming areas show strong growth potential, including Cebu IT Park and Mandaue in Cebu, Davao City's central business district, and emerging destinations like Iloilo City, Bacolod, and select areas in Palawan where tourism and business development drive demand.

Good deals can be found in Metro Manila's outskirts including Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna provinces, where infrastructure improvements and proximity to business centers offer appreciation potential at lower entry costs. Pampanga and Bulacan also present value opportunities with ongoing development projects and improving connectivity to Metro Manila.

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What's the best investment strategy for living, renting out, or reselling?

For owner-occupants, prioritize areas with established infrastructure, quality amenities, and clear future growth trajectories, focusing on locations with reliable utilities, transportation access, and proximity to business centers or schools.

Short-term rental strategies work best in tourist hotspots like Metro Manila's business districts, Cebu's urban centers, and developing tourism areas in Palawan where business travelers and tourists provide consistent demand for quality accommodations.

Long-term rental investments should target business districts, university towns, and industrial zones where steady employment provides reliable tenant pools. Resale-focused investments perform best in up-and-coming areas with planned infrastructure projects or proximity to new commercial developments that drive appreciation over 3 to 7 year holding periods.

How have property prices changed over the past 5 years and 1 year?

The Philippine property market experienced a pandemic-related dip in 2020-2021 but has since rebounded, though growth has moderated compared to the rapid appreciation seen in the 2010s.

Over the past five years (2019-2025), the market has shown resilience with overall positive trends, though Metro Manila luxury condominium prices declined 0.7% year-over-year in Q1 2025, marking the first decline since 2022. This reflects market maturation rather than fundamental weakness.

In the past year, average construction costs decreased 1.5% year-over-year, providing some relief for new construction projects, while overall residential property prices increased 6.74% year-over-year as of December 2024, indicating continued underlying demand strength across most market segments.

What's the real estate market outlook for the next 1, 5, and 10 years, and how does it compare to other Asian markets?

The one-year outlook remains bullish for key urban centers including Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao, driven by strong demand fundamentals and continued new development activity in strategic locations.

Five-year projections show continued growth potential, particularly in areas benefiting from infrastructure projects including Laguna, Pampanga, Cebu, and Iloilo, where government investment in transportation and utilities should drive property appreciation above national averages.

The ten-year outlook positions the Philippines favorably for both local and foreign investors, supported by robust economic growth projections, ASEAN integration benefits, and ongoing infrastructure modernization programs. Compared to regional markets, Philippine property offers more affordable entry points than Singapore, Hong Kong, or even Thailand, though rental yields may be lower than some neighboring countries. Price-to-income and price-to-rent ratios indicate moderate affordability compared to other major Asian property markets, making it accessible for middle-class investors and expatriates seeking regional diversification.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

  1. Investasian - Philippines House Cost Guide
  2. Pinoy Builders - Construction Cost 2025
  3. Global Property Guide - Philippines Price History
  4. Buy Sell Lease - Best Investment Locations
  5. GMA Network - Property Market Outlook 2025
  6. The Chronicle - Real Estate Growth 2025
  7. Manila Bulletin - Property Investment 2025
  8. Cebu BAI - Property Taxes and Fees
  9. N90 Asia - Foreign Home Loans Philippines
  10. Trading Economics - Philippines Property Prices