Real Estate Due Diligence in the Philippines › Due Diligence Checklist

Due Diligence Checklist for Buyers and Investors

A consolidated checklist of every verification step required before committing to a resale property purchase in the Philippines. Use alongside the detailed guides linked from each item.

This checklist consolidates every due diligence step covered across the guides in this series into a single reference. It is designed for use during an active transaction — work through each item before signing any binding contract or making any significant payment. For explanation of why each item matters, follow the links to the relevant sub-guide. All items apply to resale transactions. Developer transactions require a modified scope — see the notes at the end of each section.

The Complete Due Diligence Checklist

Section 1 — Title Verification See full guide →
☐	Obtained a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the title directly from the Registry of Deeds
☐	Confirmed registered owner name on CTC matches seller’s verified identity
☐	Checked back of title for encumbrances: no active mortgages, adverse claims, or lis pendens
☐	Verified technical description matches property being sold (area, boundaries, location)
☐	Confirmed seller has physical possession of the owner’s duplicate copy of the title
Section 2 — Seller Authority See full guide →
☐	Confirmed seller is the registered owner OR has a valid, notarized, and current SPA
☐	If SPA: confirmed not expired, covers this specific transaction, and authenticated if signed abroad
☐	If inherited property: confirmed formal estate settlement with registered title transfer to selling party
☐	If co-owned: confirmed all registered co-owners are signing or have authorized via valid SPAs
☐	If seller is married: confirmed spousal consent is documented (Marriage Contract obtained)
Section 3 — Tax & Government Compliance See full guide →
☐	Obtained current Real Property Tax (RPT) clearance from the LGU Treasurer’s Office
☐	Confirmed Tax Declaration reflects current registered owner’s name (not a previous owner)
☐	Verified current BIR zonal value with the relevant Revenue District Office
☐	For condominiums: obtained association dues clearance from the condominium corporation
☐	For developer purchases: confirmed License to Sell with DHSUD
Section 4 — Physical Inspection & Contract Review See contracts guide →
☐	Inspected the actual property in person at different times of day
☐	Confirmed physical area and boundaries match the title’s technical description
☐	Had a licensed lawyer review the Contract to Sell or Deed of Absolute Sale before signing
☐	Confirmed tax and cost allocation (CGT, DST) is documented in writing in the contract
☐	No unresolved red flags remain — or all identified issues have been professionally reviewed

Key Takeaways

How to Use This Checklist

– Complete all items before signing any binding contract or making any significant payment — not after.

– Each section links to a detailed sub-guide — use those guides when an item requires clarification or when a result is unexpected.

– Independent verification at the relevant government agencies is required — seller-provided documents are a starting point, not confirmation.

– Any item on this checklist that cannot be completed or confirmed is a reason to pause — not proceed.

– For complex transactions — inherited properties, co-owned properties, mortgaged titles — engage a licensed lawyer throughout the process.

Go Deeper — Due Diligence Sub-Guides

How to Verify a Property Title Full process for Sections 1 checklist items	→
Checking for Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Restrictions What title annotations mean and how to assess each one	→
Verifying Seller Authority and Ownership Rights Full process for Section 2 checklist items	→
Tax Clearances and Government Checks Before Buying Full process for Section 3 checklist items	→
Understanding Deeds of Sale and Contract Risks Full process for Section 4 checklist items	→
Red Flags That Should Stop a Property Deal Warning signs across all four checklist sections	→

Need Help Working Through Due Diligence?

Due diligence on a specific property requires access to government offices, professional document review, and interpretation of findings. Reach out if you need guidance on any step.

This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Laws, regulations, and government fees change. Always consult a licensed real estate broker, lawyer, or tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

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