Documentation Reference

Real Estate Documentation Guide

A complete checklist of the documents, fees, and steps involved in buying, selling, and leasing property in the Philippines.

Documents Required from the Seller

Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT)

Original owner's duplicate copy of the TCT or Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT).

Tax Declaration

Latest Tax Declaration for the land and improvements, issued by the Assessor's Office.

Real Property Tax Receipts

Updated RPT receipts (last 3 years) showing zero outstanding balance.

Government-Issued IDs

Two valid IDs of the registered owner(s); spouse's ID if married.

Marriage Certificate / CENOMAR

To establish civil status of the seller for spousal-consent purposes.

Special Power of Attorney

If the seller is abroad or represented — must be notarized and apostilled if signed overseas.

Documents Required from the Buyer

Two valid government-issued IDs
Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
Proof of billing address
Proof of funds / bank certification
Loan pre-approval (if financing)

Standard Fees & Taxes

Fee / Tax	Rate	Paid By
Capital Gains Tax	6% of selling price or zonal value (whichever is higher)	Seller
Documentary Stamp Tax	1.5% of selling price or zonal value	Buyer (typically)
Transfer Tax	0.5% – 0.75% (varies by LGU)	Buyer
Registration Fee	Per LRA schedule (~0.25%)	Buyer
Notarial Fee	1% – 2% of selling price (negotiable)	Buyer
Broker's Commission	3% – 5% of selling price	Seller

Note: CGT and DST must be paid to the BIR within 30 days from notarization to avoid penalties and surcharges.

Step-by-Step Transaction Timeline

Day 1–7: Reservation Agreement signed, reservation fee paid, due-diligence period begins.

Day 7–14: Title verification at the Registry of Deeds; tax dec & RPT clearance verified.

Day 14–30: Deed of Absolute Sale prepared, notarized; full payment / loan release.

Day 30–60: CGT and DST paid to BIR; Certificate Authorizing Registration (CAR) issued.

Day 60–90: Transfer Tax paid to LGU; new title issued in buyer's name at Registry of Deeds; new tax declaration issued.

Documents for Lease Transactions

Lease Contract

Notarized written agreement specifying rent, term, deposit, and house rules.

Tenant IDs & Proof of Income

Two valid IDs plus pay slips, COE, or business registration.

Post-Dated Cheques / Auto-Debit

Standard for Metro Manila condo leases — typically 12 PDCs.

Move-In Permit

Issued by the building admin; required before occupancy in most condos.

Real Estate Documentation Guide

Real Estate Documentation Guide

Documents Required from the Seller

Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT)

Tax Declaration

Real Property Tax Receipts

Government-Issued IDs

Marriage Certificate / CENOMAR

Special Power of Attorney

Documents Required from the Buyer

Standard Fees & Taxes

Step-by-Step Transaction Timeline

Documents for Lease Transactions

Lease Contract

Tenant IDs & Proof of Income

Post-Dated Cheques / Auto-Debit

Move-In Permit

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