Marikina houses and condos: eastern Metro Manila market guide

The city is known for its river park, cycling lanes and orderly, village-style subdivisions, and it has LRT-2 stations that link to Manila and Quezon City. The Marikina River has flooded badly in past typhoons, notably in 2009, so check the flood history of any plot and ask for the elevation and drainage record.

Nearby cities: Quezon City, Pasig, Cainta, San Mateo, Antipolo and San Juan.

Ask for the transfer certificate of title or condominium certificate, the tax declaration and the latest real property tax receipts. In the Philippines the buyer typically pays capital gains tax and documentary stamp tax splits are negotiated, so agree who pays what in writing. Visit during a heavy rain if you can, and talk to neighbours about flooding and subdivision association dues.

Foreigners cannot own land in the Philippines. They may own condominium units up to a 40% foreign cap per project, and can lease land, typically for 25 years renewable once. Houses on land are therefore usually off-limits unless held through a Filipino spouse or a long lease. Confirm title (TCT or CCT) with a Philippine lawyer. See the Philippines guide, financing options and the country page.