Santo Tomas, Batangas: Houses South of Metro Manila

Santo Tomas lies on the expressway corridor linking Metro Manila to Batangas, with industrial parks and subdivisions around it. Nearby markets are Calamba and Cabuyao in Laguna, Lipa in Batangas, San Pablo and Tagaytay, the cool hill resort near Silang in Cavite. These are the more realistic comparisons for commuters and lifestyle buyers.

The Philippines does not allow foreigners to own land. A foreigner can own a condominium unit, as long as foreigners hold no more than 40% of the project, and may lease land, generally for 25 years renewable once, with 99 years only for approved investment projects. A house-and-lot listing therefore usually has to be held by a Filipino, a Filipino spouse or a company with Filipino majority; take local legal advice. Read the Philippines guide and financing.

Ask the registry to confirm the title, and check subdivision rules, association dues and flood or landslide maps. Many homes here sit in gated villages; check that roads and drainage have been turned over. Because foreigners cannot hold land, any plan using a Filipino partner should be written down with legal advice. Keep an eye on traffic along the expressway and rail plans.