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What are condo monthly fees in Philippines?

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Condo monthly fees in the Philippines typically range from PHP 1,500 to PHP 10,000 for most units, calculated at PHP 30 to PHP 70 per square meter. These fees cover security, cleaning, amenities maintenance, and common area utilities, but exclude individual unit utilities like water, electricity, and internet which are billed separately.

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How much do condo monthly fees typically cost in the Philippines?

Condo monthly fees in the Philippines range from PHP 1,500 to PHP 10,000 for most standard units as of June 2025.

In Metro Manila, you can expect to pay between PHP 30 to PHP 70 per square meter for mid-range condominiums. For a typical 50-square-meter unit, this translates to monthly dues of PHP 1,500 to PHP 3,500.

Luxury buildings command significantly higher fees, with premium developments charging PHP 96 per square meter or more. High-end condos in Makati, BGC, or Ortigas can reach monthly dues of PHP 20,000 to PHP 55,000 for larger units with extensive amenities.

Budget-friendly condominiums typically charge PHP 1,000 to PHP 3,000 monthly, but these buildings offer fewer amenities and basic services compared to mid-range or luxury properties.

It's something we develop in our Philippines property pack.

What exactly is included in the monthly condo dues—security, cleaning, amenities, or utilities?

Monthly condo dues cover essential building operations and shared facility maintenance.

Security services include 24/7 guards, CCTV monitoring, and access control systems for the building. Cleaning services encompass janitorial work for lobbies, hallways, elevators, and all common areas throughout the property.

Amenities maintenance covers swimming pools, fitness centers, function rooms, gardens, playgrounds, and parking areas. The fees also include salaries for building staff such as receptionists, maintenance workers, and property management personnel.

Utilities for common areas like lobby lighting, elevator power, and water for shared facilities are included in your monthly dues. Minor repairs and regular maintenance of shared infrastructure such as plumbing, electrical systems, and building exteriors are also covered.

Individual unit utilities including water, electricity, internet, and cable television are billed separately and not included in condo dues.

Are monthly condo fees calculated per square meter, and if so, what's the average rate?

Yes, condo fees in the Philippines are calculated per square meter of your unit's floor area.

The calculation includes your unit's interior space plus any owned parking slots. Standard condominiums charge PHP 30 to PHP 70 per square meter monthly, while luxury buildings can charge PHP 96 per square meter or higher.

For example, if you own a 60-square-meter unit in a mid-range building charging PHP 50 per square meter, your monthly dues would be PHP 3,000. This per-square-meter system ensures fair distribution of common expenses based on unit size.

The rate varies depending on the building's amenities, location, and management quality. Buildings with extensive facilities like multiple pools, tennis courts, or concierge services charge higher per-square-meter rates.

Some developments may also factor in the unit's floor level or view when calculating fees, with penthouse or premium-view units paying slightly higher rates.

Do fees vary significantly between Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao?

Condo fees vary considerably across these three major Philippine cities, with Metro Manila commanding the highest rates.

City Average Fee Range (PHP/month) Cost Comparison
Metro Manila 1,500-55,000 Highest (baseline)
Cebu 1,200-8,000 25% lower than Manila
Davao 1,000-6,500 12% lower than Cebu
Metro Manila (luxury) 20,000-55,000+ Premium tier
Cebu (luxury) 15,000-25,000 Moderate luxury pricing
Davao (luxury) 10,000-20,000 Most affordable luxury
Budget condos (all cities) 1,000-3,000 Minimal variance

What additional charges can be expected on top of standard dues—like parking, internet, or garbage collection?

Several additional charges are typically billed separately from your monthly condo dues.

Parking fees are charged separately if you own or rent a parking slot, ranging from PHP 1,500 to PHP 5,000 monthly depending on the building's location and parking availability. Internet and cable services are contracted individually with service providers, costing PHP 1,500 to PHP 3,000 monthly for high-speed plans.

Water and electricity for your unit are metered separately, with typical monthly costs of PHP 1,000 to PHP 3,000 for water and PHP 2,000 to PHP 6,000 for electricity, depending on usage and unit size. Some buildings itemize garbage collection fees separately, though many include this in standard dues.

Special assessments may be levied for major building improvements, repairs, or upgrades not covered by regular dues or the sinking fund. These can range from PHP 5,000 to PHP 50,000 per unit depending on the project scope.

Move-in and move-out fees, typically PHP 2,000 to PHP 10,000, are charged when transferring ownership or relocating.

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How often do condo associations increase the monthly fees, and by how much on average?

Condo associations typically review and adjust monthly fees annually during their general assembly meetings.

Most buildings implement fee increases of 5% to 10% per year to account for inflation, rising operational costs, and improved services. These increases require approval from the condo board or homeowners' association during the annual meeting.

Factors driving fee increases include rising security costs, utility rate hikes, staff salary adjustments, and enhanced amenities or services. Buildings in prime locations or those adding new facilities may see higher percentage increases.

Some associations maintain stable fees for 2-3 years if they have sufficient reserves, while others may implement larger increases if they've deferred maintenance or upgrades. Emergency increases outside the annual review are rare but can occur for urgent repairs or regulatory compliance.

As we reach mid-2025, many condominiums are implementing 8% to 12% increases to offset post-pandemic operational cost adjustments and inflation impacts on building maintenance expenses.

Is there a sinking fund included, and what percentage of the fee usually goes into it?

Yes, Philippine condominium associations are required to maintain a sinking fund as part of monthly dues.

Typically, 10% of your total monthly dues is allocated to the sinking fund, though this percentage can vary by building and is determined during the annual general meeting. For a PHP 3,000 monthly fee, PHP 300 would go into the sinking fund.

The sinking fund is specifically reserved for major capital expenditures such as roof replacements, elevator overhauls, building repainting, structural repairs, and significant equipment upgrades. These funds cannot be used for regular operational expenses.

Buildings with extensive amenities or aging infrastructure may allocate 12% to 15% of dues to the sinking fund to ensure adequate reserves for future major repairs. Luxury condominiums often maintain larger sinking funds to preserve their premium standards.

It's something we develop in our Philippines property pack.

Are utility bills (water, electricity, internet) usually separate or part of the monthly dues?

Utility bills for individual units are almost always billed separately from monthly condo dues in the Philippines.

Water consumption is metered per unit, with monthly bills typically ranging from PHP 800 to PHP 2,500 depending on usage and family size. Electricity is also individually metered, with average monthly costs of PHP 2,000 to PHP 6,000 for typical condo units.

Internet and cable services require separate contracts with telecommunications providers like PLDT, Globe, or Sky, costing PHP 1,500 to PHP 3,500 monthly for broadband packages. Some buildings have bulk internet arrangements that may offer discounted rates to residents.

Monthly condo dues only cover utilities for common areas such as lobby lighting, elevator power, pool filtration systems, and security lighting. This separation allows for fair billing based on individual consumption rather than flat rates.

Gas connections, where available, are also billed separately through providers like Solane or Petron, typically costing PHP 500 to PHP 1,500 monthly for cooking and hot water needs.

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How do condo fees in high-end buildings compare with mid-range or low-cost ones?

Condo fees vary dramatically between building categories, reflecting the quality and extent of services provided.

Building Category Monthly Fee Range (PHP) Typical Amenities
Low-cost 1,000-3,000 Basic security, minimal cleaning, small lobby
Mid-range 1,500-10,000 Pool, gym, landscaped gardens, 24/7 security
High-end 20,000-55,000+ Multiple pools, spa, concierge, valet parking
Ultra-luxury 50,000-100,000+ Private elevators, butler service, exclusive amenities
Budget per sqm 20-30/sqm Maintenance-only services
Premium per sqm 96-150+/sqm Full-service lifestyle management
Corporate-grade 40-80/sqm Business center, meeting rooms, professional services

Are foreigners subject to any extra charges or different rules when owning a condo in the Philippines?

Foreigners face no additional monthly charges or different fee structures when owning condominiums in the Philippines.

Foreign condo owners pay the same monthly dues, calculated at the same per-square-meter rates as Filipino citizens. All residents, regardless of nationality, are subject to identical building rules, regulations, and fee structures.

The only restriction for foreigners is the ownership limitation: foreign ownership in any condominium building cannot exceed 40% of the total units. This rule affects purchasing eligibility but doesn't impact monthly fees or charges.

Foreigners enjoy the same rights to use all amenities, participate in homeowners' association meetings, and vote on building matters proportional to their unit ownership. They're also subject to the same late payment penalties and special assessments as local owners.

Some buildings may require additional documentation for foreign owners during the purchase process, but this doesn't translate to ongoing fee differences or discriminatory charges.

What penalties apply for late payments, and how strict is enforcement?

Late payment penalties for condo dues typically range from 1% to 5% of the monthly dues amount for each month of delay.

Most condominium associations enforce a fixed penalty structure: 2% monthly interest on overdue amounts plus a flat late fee of PHP 200 to PHP 500. For example, a PHP 3,000 monthly due would incur a PHP 60 monthly penalty plus the flat fee.

Enforcement varies by building management but generally becomes strict after 60-90 days of non-payment. Initial consequences include written notices and restricted access to non-essential amenities like pools and gyms.

Persistent delinquency beyond 6 months can result in utility disconnection for common services, denial of parking privileges, and restriction from using all building amenities. Legal action for collection, including filing cases with the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), occurs after 12 months of non-payment.

As of June 2025, most associations have become more aggressive in collections due to financial pressures from the pandemic period, with some implementing automated penalty systems and faster escalation procedures.

Can you negotiate condo dues or get exemptions—for example, if you don't use the amenities?

Condo dues are generally non-negotiable and exemptions are rarely granted, regardless of amenity usage.

Monthly fees are calculated based on your unit's proportional share of building expenses, as mandated by the Master Deed and By-Laws. These legal documents require all owners to contribute to common expenses, whether they use the amenities or not.

The principle of shared ownership means you're responsible for maintaining the building's common areas and services that benefit all residents, including security, structural maintenance, and property value preservation. Non-usage doesn't exempt you from these obligations.

Limited negotiation may be possible in cases of financial hardship, where associations might offer payment plans or temporary deferrals, but the total amount owed remains unchanged. Some buildings allow owners to temporarily suspend certain services like parking if they're traveling long-term.

It's something we develop in our Philippines property pack.

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. Manila Average Condo Prices
  2. Vista Residences - Condo Association Dues
  3. RichestPH - Cost of Condo Living
  4. DMCI Homes - Common Condo Fees
  5. Now Realty - Understanding Condo Dues
  6. Respicio Law - Negotiating Condo Fees
  7. DMCI Online - FAQ
  8. Asterra - Condo Dues Guide
  9. Cebu Daily News - Cost of Living Comparison
  10. Numbeo - Cebu vs Davao Cost Comparison