Property
Philippines — Property: Mortgage Availability
Mortgage-availability in the Philippines is uncertain for non-residents; domestic banks offer mortgage options to Filipino citizens, but strict credit checks and significant down payments are required.
VerifiedPrivate source: Expat Focus — not a government sourcePhilippines - Property Financing - Expat FocusLast reviewed: 2026-09-09
Why this matters
Relocating foreigners interested in property ownership should be aware of the potential difficulties in securing a mortgage.
Key facts
- Foreigners can own property in the Philippines but face restrictions.
- Domestic banks offer mortgage options to Filipino citizens, with significant down payments and strict credit checks.
Steps
- Obtaining a Mortgage as a Filipino Citizen — 1. Check credit score and history; 2. Gather required documents (e.g. ID, income proof); 3. Apply to a bank for a mortgage.
Costs
- Down payment: typically 20-30% of the property value
Timelines
- Mortgage processing time: uncertain, can be lengthy
Required documents
- ID
- proof of income
- credit history report
Common mistakes
- assuming foreign ownership is allowed in all areas