How Much Does It Cost to Build A House In The Philippines?

Many prefer a house to a condo or apartment. It is much cheaper to build a house in the Philippines than in many nations. Labor costs and building materials are not the only factors to consider.

[@daddybob6096]

We bought our already built house in northern Cebu, of concrete construction for NZ $35,000, = P1.3000,000 pesos, its a large two story, dwelling with three double bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms. We experienced both the typhoon of 2013 and the earthquake you mentioned Rod. I was impressed at how our house stood up to the destructive winds, no problem, our family all felt very safe during the storm coming in from the Pacific. Our house suffered no damage from the earthquake whatsoever.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing all of that information Bob. I have experienced hurricane Hugo in 1989 when visiting the Carolinas and have a new appreciation for typhoons. It sounds like you have a very nice and well-built house there.

[@daddybob6096]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 That was a big one from my recollections Rod, i was 49, at that time.

[@pvmoore1154]

Daddybob, Myself, my wife and daughter (4yrs old) will likely be looking to buy or build in the area of Cebu within 18-24 months. Years ago, (Prior to my wife coming to the US and starting a family) I made a motorcycle trek several times a week to a little cafe just north of Carmen (possibly Hilltop, not sure unless I were to see it again) while my wife worked at Lear Corp on Mactan. What a beautiful road for a motorcycle, once I got out of Cebu. My question is, wanting to stay within an hour of major hospitals (including traffic) and within 30 min of the best schools, how far north do you feel is reasonable to consider, for either a home or land? Thanks in advance. Pete

[@daddybob6096]

@@pvmoore1154 Hi Pete, sorry for late reply, just saw your comment today. Firstly, Hilltop is between Carmen and Catmon Daan, though closer to Catmon Daan. In regard to your question, there are various local hospitals up north of Cebu such as in our area, Sogod, though, generally they do not undertake major surgical or other serious ailments which city hospitals do. My advice would be, if you want top schools or the better hospitals you should look to settle closer to Cebu City, as you suggest, at least half an hour away. Our town is one hour 20 minutes away, depending on city traffic jams which are common particularly through Mandaue, just before Cebu City. A reliable modern car is essential in that part of the world. Goodluck with that Pete. Regards, Bob Wilson.

[@reneronquillo753]

You should have made video as you have experience. This guy who makes video has no experience. Lol.

[@wuhan827]

not only this targeted for foreigners who want's to settle down in the Philippines this is also quite a huge informational help for Filipinos who wants to start building their home especially OFW.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Kevin. It was an interesting research project. Some spend less and some much more.

[@maayongaga729]

Thanks for the info. I'm Pinoy planning to renovate the house left by my late parents. This is very helpful. No offense but I want to make sure I don't get scammed by the construction workers and my own family.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Good luck with your project Mauli. I think it is important to have good oversight and supervision of building anywhere in the world as contractors can take "shortcuts" to make more profit or take much longer than needed. Province workers are often paid less than city workers also.

[@truthhurtsalways4u]

I learned of a canadian balikbayan ,who decided to retire at his own house in quezon city ,which he let family members habitate it,prior to his permanent return .well,he was killed by his own family member,when he told them it was time to move out .this happened before as well to another balikbayan .make sure your family members know their limitations.

[@maayongaga729]

@@truthhurtsalways4u Thanks for the headsup. Yes it looks like I'm starting to have the same issue. I left the country when I was 22yo. I was the youngest of the 6 siblings. For the entire 30 yrs of my life I've been sending money to my Mom/Dad. They were still living that time everytime I went home I saw 3 holes in our roofs, walls, bathroom. The house was robbed several times by neighbors which most likely relatives too. Now my own siblings rushing to claim ownership of whats left over of my parents property. Sad to say they did not left any Will. Same with my ancestors...my father told us my lolo/lola did not left any will too. One of the property has already a mall standing and on my motherside has an airport standing(Iloilo Airport). I was told my uncle sold those properties and forge my Mom's signature. There's actually 4 uninvited houses standing in our own ancestral house. How to get rid of them? That's my headache. I told my siblings if they're afraid I will burn them myself. I'm not sure if it's only in the Philippines. I have house and a yard in the States Nobody touch it when I go somewhere. Ibang klase dyan.

[@maayongaga729]

@Jerry Clarin Salamat po...Money the Root of Evil. You're right , many of us OFW have the same story when we go on break.

[@noeminoemi1350]

@@maayongaga729 if they didn't leave a will then you have to split it evenly with your siblings unless your siblings voluntarily forfeit their share.

[@bobnewhart4318]

I found this video 3 years later I can just imagine how much the prices have skyrocketed

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

True. With inflation, energy and transportation costs rising, and many products imported, the costs have surely gone up substantially Bob.

[@robertkubrick3738]

Yeah, it's huge. 100% up on gravel in my area. Land is getting nuts. Reasonably good placed lots in my city are 12k to 16k pesos per square meter.

[@neilmartin4187]

I’m building a house in Mindoro, land is inherited. The house interior size is 150sqr meters, 80sqr meter roof deck and 20sqr meter balcony. It’s a 3br 3bth house. I did some upgrades like narra hardwood floors and doors, tempered glass railing on the balcony and upvc stackable door. I also have hot water throughout. The cost will be between 5.5-6m pesos. My rates for the workers are 400 laborer, 550 for skilled worker and 650 for the foreman which was a discount as family friend. Breakfast and lunch is included. I hope this helps other people since it was a learning experience for me as well.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing that Neil and good luck with your project.

[@Eclectic_RN]

69,000/month for laborer? Isn't that more than school teachers make?

[@julesnagbunga1204]

As an Aussie living in the Philippines, I have some tips that may help. It's very hot and humid here so steer clear of double storey houses! Hot air rises and you will find upstairs like an oven! An open plan square bungalow style home with an enclosed porch all around works brilliantly. An outdoor shower is also refreshing! Make sure the roof is white to reflect the heat! Plant lots of shade trees. We Aussies know how to build houses in hot climates!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing that good advice Jules.

[@antoinefigafetta6405]

The type of roof that you will use will also make a whole lot of difference. Using Asbestos roof ( as opposed to any metal ) will prevent the sun rays to penetrate the house thereby stopping the heat to be trapped inside the house.

[@djperryboy]

1. You can have a vertical (foldable) roof outside. 2. You can have curtains 3. You can have AC 4. You can have window blinds 5. You can have some type of "window doors"

[@2000ViperGTSsubscribe]

@@calmingmodechannel3091 Only if disturbed like cutting it up. It is all over the place, and does no harm. All Navy ships were using it forever and are not an issue UNLESS you are ripping it apart or getting it into the air by destroying it.

[@josebernal9969]

Where your house?

[@robertkubrick3738]

If you are building new, I can give you a few pointers that won't cost much compared to what it will save you. If you are building a slab building, upsize all drains by one inch or more. I put a 3 inch drain in for my mothers kitchen sink and you could put anything you want down it and it wouldn't clog other than the 1.5 inch trap which is easily remedied. 4 inch sewer. Bring your water in above ground and run it through the ceilings and drop it down inside walls. Insulate for cold water. Use no 90 degree angles in your water supply pipes to avoid water hammer. You can get regular small tank water heaters that will make enough hot water for washing dishes, sterilizing hot. Have a receptacle under the cabinet connected to a switch above the sink, as there is no sense heating 2-5 gallons of water to 140F continuously when it will get there in 10 minutes anytime you flip the switch. You could stack about three of the instantaneous heaters in line for a 15 degrees Fahrenheit each one, but why? If you want to do something with solar? Running it to an ordinary water heater with a filament is a good way to use solar with no battery, no grid tie, no inverter.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks and good points Robert. I think 80% of ventilation piping in the US is undersized so I always believe in doing it right and oversize where possible.

[@robertkubrick3738]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 Worst case, an oversized drain is easy to clear, just punch a hole in the clog and add water.

[@edwardaustin9046]

1100 square feet 3 bed 2 bath cement house built 3 years ago in southern Philippines all in stay to finish with land 10k usd. Good enough for me.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing that. I was sure there were much lower prices than what I found online. It comes down to the specific requirements, types of materials and labor, and availability.

[@edwardaustin9046]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 totally agree. My place is basic and deep province. Thanks for all you do. Great job

[@edwardvoss3367]

Inspired Retired that's what I want simple life in the province with a small basic house . I love raising animals and planting . I retire next year

[@natemcdaniel2139]

@@edwardvoss3367 We are doing just what you are talking about. I hear these expats talking about all this crap in Angeles or even Cebu city. High costs, hassles, pollution.... no thanks! We are outside of a small town on Bohol...Friendly, cheap and pretty safe. I'm enjoying seeing various plantings go in in addition to about 200 coconut trees, mango and banana. We have fish on the property as well as the ocean a couple miles away. When we are done, our essential living costs will be around $500 per month..

[@FelixPavlov]

@@natemcdaniel2139 Can you kindly say us how much cost land at your place in Bohol?

[@dongalo7353]

Our house in Las Pinas City is almost finished this August 2023. Its a 3bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage bungalow with a dirty kitchen and washing machine area outside. The total cost was almost 5M pesos. The 240 sq meter lot not included in the cost. We bought the lot for 1.5M last 2005

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Cool! Thanks for sharing Don.

[@EvolvedApe]

I'm building a pretty big house. it will cost about P6 million. It's about 260 square meters, 2 story with a rooftop terrace. Mine cost a little more, but I used premium materials and American standards on building codes. I did build a little 2 bedroom house on the back of the land and it cost about P400,000. So you can go cheaper as well.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing that info Z Phish. I think you made a good choice in choosing the better materials and standards. Look out for the termites though. I was in a newer subdivision recently and went to open the back door and it fell off of the hinges because of termites.

[@EvolvedApe]

No worry about termites. The whole thing, including floors and roof are high psi concrete. Windows are aluminum & Doors are aluminum w/ steel core and frames are steel. I learned my lesson on my little first house in the back of the property. They ate the door in about 5 years. I also had a little coco wood cabana that they ate. I'm from Kansas, these are like terminator termites compared to the ones I'm used to haha.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

LOL. Good luck with all of your plans.

[@EvolvedApe]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 Thanks, you too. I would also say, that one of my biggest pains in building is not being there all the time. Maybe pass that on to your viewers in your next building a house video. Wife and I live on Guam and go back every few months, but we have found it very difficult to translate an American standard attention to detail. Maybe do a video about expectations and reality, so expats don't assume they are going to get the high degree of craftsmanship as if they were building a million dollar house in Vegas. It's just not going to happen.

[@borjastick]

My filipina wife and I had a has built for us in 2009 on Bohol. The land was almost free at 100 pesos per sq meter. The house cost roughly 20,000 per square all in including kitchen, painting and gates, cement driveway and electric etc paid on. It also included a septic tank and all fees. I did the project management and spent many hours and days seeking out the right windows, kitchen, doors etc. We had a fabulous plot about 2kms back from the sea and at 230ft above sea level with a 160 degree sea view. Total spend was about 2.8m all in everything.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Sounds like a nice place borjastick. Thanks for sharing your information.

[@JohnsRetirementTravelVlog]

Thank you another through video. The couple of things that I would add are one drainage. I have looked at lots that have a lot fo siting water when it has not rained much in a while. That might be hard for a septic system to work in. Also in heavy rains make sure your house is high enough if the water level raises. The other is if you are not going to be there full time. Someone I know in California pays a relative $300 US a month to live in their house in the Philippines to make sure things are secure.

[@robertkubrick3738]

I have two helpers looking after my place, it costs me $100 a week, but worth it while I'm gone.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Good points John. It is best to avoid those kinds of built in problems before building or remediate if possible. There are always "other cost of living" and security would be one important item.

[@neothinkmaki2113]

Those labor rates I think are for larger commercial buildings. Most places they do pakyaw. That's a daily rate. Usually 300 to 400 per day per man.

[@raycuizon8226]

Thanks for the info its really helpful. I'll be 55 in two years and plan on retiring back in the Philippines where I grew up. Planning to build two houses in the Philippines. One in Cebu City where my Dad left me a 800 sq meter lot. The other in Carcar City 40km south of Cebu City where my Mom left me a 7 hectare farm. Luckily for me my Father in law is a contractor. Still its nice to know the in and outs of building a house in the Philippines.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Ray and good luck with your plans.

[@clydeseaside345]

All very interesting----I started researching buying a house in my fiance's name for her to have a Philippines base and for her family to live in---the number of people who dont have a title to the property they want to sell or who havent paid their taxes for so many years is incredible . It was suggested to us that we should buy land and build---but buy the land at the public unpaid taxes auctions conducted by the local Government Authority at greatly reduced prices----but even buying from a government authority does not guarantee that you will get a clear free title. Even buying a condo can have an expiry date----many of the condo buildings are still governed under strata titles by the original builders who have the right after a period of years, to demolish the building and you own a piece of sky.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

The Philippines has some catching up to do in regards to land titles and I don't think it will happen very quickly Clyde. There is risk involved so one has to try to do as much "homework" as possible before buying.

[@josebernal9969]

Where you stay?

[@craiggoldsberry633]

Clyde Seaside thanks for the information bro... important..... Craig Goldsberry /O'Briant

[@ofwkirogvlogs8347]

I have also land for sale with didof sale titled..if you but we're in Luzon erea. interested please let me know..in I have my contact number 09978429055

[@dennisdesmarais3778]

I rented a house years ago and after 1 month I looked out my window and there was 100 roosters in my neighbors yard. The mayor owned them all and I packed up and bailed asap. Sometimes renting has it's advantages.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

LOL! Good point Dennis.

[@dennisdesmarais3778]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 hey rod. I've been in the Philippines for 25 years and never been to cebu. Can you believe that.

[@dennisdesmarais3778]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 hey Rod. Hope all is well. You show great apts for rent. It seems like the apts are always furnished. I live here and I have complete furnishings. I know apts are cheaper when not furnished. I always look for unfurnished places. What the situation on unfurnished condos for rent. Do they offer options with different price ranges. Thanks man.

[@pvmoore1154]

Great video with practical numbers, variables and resources. Thank you.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching PV Moore.

[@wallycleaver1320]

Great video Rod just getting ready to build a house will use your information thanks for the help.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Wally and good luck with your project.

[@patricklee780]

Check with Brian T. Smith on Facebook, he can possibly help you cut costs. He did it on an island near Bohol.

[@robertkubrick3738]

I suggest you increase all pipe size by 50%, water supply and drains. If you have a break on the water supply, you can probably slide a new pipe through the old. Oversize drains are hard to plug and easy to clear.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Interesting thought Robert. One should supervise and check the construction materials if possible. I know of many cases in the USA where contractors bid off of blueprints and materials lists but supply smaller inferior product to make more profit. Everything from exhaust fans, ducting to fasteners and nails.

[@grantellis3046]

Thanks Rod. I’m planning on being there in March or April, hopefully international travel will be opened then

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Grant and good luck with your plans.

[@richardroberts8341]

Thank you for this great video. Moving to Mindanao from Canada hopefully next year. Your video gave me a lot to think about.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Robert. It was an interesting research project. I have a subscriber who built a house a ways from CDO, Cagayan de Oro, and they said the cost of transportation increased their outlay.

[@josebernal9969]

Where part? I have mindanao south and north family we can be friend i helping to you

[@craiggoldsberry633]

Richard hope it's working out for you.... I am moving to Mindanao too for my Pinay..... Craig Goldsberry/ O'Briant

[@craiggoldsberry633]

Amazing Philippines thanks for so much for this info bro.... Craig Goldsberry/ O'Briant

[@craiggoldsberry633]

Jose Bernal hope it's going good for you there.... I should arrive in October.... Craig Goldsberry /O'Briant

[@mattgustafson2516]

I seem to remember learning about the dust bowl in the central states back in the 30s. It was a drought that did much the same thing. The once rich farmland was rendered useless for many years. After a period of time the normal rains resumed after having a great impact on the people who were living there.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Weather and climate changes over time can disrupt lives Matt and it has happened since the beginning of time. I have experience both droughts and too much rain growing up on a farm and you lose much of your crop. There is some crop insurance in much of the USA so it helps a bit though.

[@MrMunjacake]

ur videos are getting better and better alla time Rod....!...really benefit from your efforts

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Matteo. It help to keep me out of trouble. LOL.

[@AmericanExpatInThePhilippines]

It doesn't pay to skimp on labor. Talk to other people that have hired carpenters, preferably other expats, and get suggestions on where to find reliable workers.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Good suggestion John. I have tried "supervising" groups of untrained people and you can't watch or train them all at once properly.

[@mapleleaf6420]

AS always ROD your home work is great. the information is very well laid out in all areas //and good accurate information .. Lot of great information from comment section .. Glad i stopped by , a good day to you ..

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thank you very much Maple Leaf.

[@pinaysaparisvlogbeth4268]

Very informative Rod. I am building my house in San pablo Laguna. Construction materials are very expensive now and labor

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching and good luck with your project Beth.

[@babyeandmommyv5392]

We are planning in Laguna as well. Good luck in your build, I know as well the materials and labor are rising too....

[@josebernal9969]

Your western husdband money pay for making house?

[@robertkubrick3738]

If you are building a slab dwelling, you want your slab to extend at least 4 feet beyond the walls of your building. Think of the earth as a plastic. You place something fairly heavy in comparison to the footprint it will slowly sink. Think of it as putting a snowshoe under your foundation to spread out the weight, the heavier the structure, the bigger the snowshoe you need. Not to mention, the extended slab stabilizes the ground moisture which can't evaporate in the dry season if it's covered by concrete. This works in Texas, just they same. If I built a structure on a slab, the slab would extend 8 feet beyond the walls, literally a raft, sitting on the earth.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Interesting points Robert. I have seen some building sites that don't look like the ground has been properly "tamped" down or what ever the technical term is.

[@robertkubrick3738]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 Absolutely Rod. Compaction is very important. Plus the ground needs to be dry when they test it, but it almost never is. If the ground is wet it gives a false reading. But as I said if your slab extends beyond your walls, it reduces the ground pressure and your building can float like a raft. It's not like that extra concrete won't be useful, especially if your roof overhangs, which will shade your walls from the Sun, making your house cooler, you will have the ability to store things outside, have dirty kitchen, laundry area, drying area, shade for plants and bugs don't like concrete, they would wish it was grass all the way to your house.

[@michaelspencer6523]

It depends on what kind of house to build and if you are contractor on job every day, hire each one personlly. All houses cost different on alot you want. And it depends on how it built and with on taxes you must pay every year.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Very true Spencer. Thanks.

[@michaelspencer6523]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 your welcome, i built 3 in iloilo, philippines , and all 3 very different in prices because the land and materal cost, the labor vost about the same.

[@mystuff7544]

Love this video. Thanks a bunch. No one I have found covers these topics like you did

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thank you very much my Stuff.

[@clausmller3190]

Very informative maps concerning typhoons and earthquakes. Thx for sharing those :)

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Some of those islands facing the Pacific can take a beating from typhoons Claus. I did a couple of previous videos about weather and typhoons also and here is one of the links. kzbin.info/www/bejne/on_cp2Svlrh7h9k

[@FatboySE103]

I’ll buy a land as big , u can add on the house but not on the land, in a location that I like and have a good architect draw out the plans. Have it drawn so it can be built in stages and have it built according to your budget . I may just build a 500k php kubo first then the main house next. A good architect is the most important in building .

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Sound like a good plan. Good luck.

[@myparadiseonbantayanisland9030]

I'm getting ready to build a house maybe coconut wood on concrete pillars, so the cost may be about 1/2 of the cost for concrete. You did a great job researching and presenting the data. You covered all the real necessary data to estimate costs. Thanks for this timely info!😀

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks. I am pretty sure I met you at Travellers Restobar in JMall a couple of years ago. I was on Bantayan a couple of weeks ago and asked around about your contact info but didn't get much help. The owner of HR bar in Santa Fe thought you traveled out of the area often. Take care and enjoy your new project.

[@myparadiseonbantayanisland9030]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 Yes we met at travelers, i live in madrodejos and saw your bantayan videos. If you google maps for Sunset Beach Bantayan it will show you where I am.

[@ralphstewart4025]

Great job as always, Rod. I admire your work ethic and your ability to produce results.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Ralph. It was an interesting research project.

[@JackTheExplorer]

Thanks Rod I will bookmark that website, will be building there soon .

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

That is a good place to start Jack. There are a few sites offering information. Good luck with your project.

[@patricklee780]

Brian T. Smith, an American expat had a nice single story concrete block house built on an island near Bohol. The land he had put in his girlfriends name. If I remember right it took about a year and a half to build because Brian was having it built in stages to fit his budget so perhaps you could have it built faster with less constraints. It was mainly two Filipino guys who did everything from the house build to the well and septic. I am guestimating he had it built for well under 18k USD. Brian is on FB but not you tube.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing that info Patrick. One needs to stay within their budget and I have seen a number of homes with only a couple of workers working on it.

[@willdouglas1300]

Great video! My wife is from Borbon and we want to build a bit north of there. I'll have to look you up when we are able to come over.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Will and good luck with your plans.

[@kbird529]

Great Vlog Rod, very informative, I think my wife and I will rent there, we plan on staying in PI for 3-4 months then the rest in the US or traveling

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks kbird. I appreciate all of your comments. I think you have a good plan to travel a bit also. I have hoped to do more of it but one gets a bit settled in.

[@djperryboy]

WOW! This is great information! Thanks a lot!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks djperryboy.

[@islandlifephilippines6816]

Just finished my custom house in Panglao Island. Pretty small 75sq meter 1 bedroom with open concept livingroom/ kitchen. Designed it and furnished it myself. So I saved a little there. The land I bought from family, so I REALLY saved alot there. However, it was a 3rd lot, so I had to buy my right of way(pretty expensive) But my whole expense building my house from start to finish and furnishing was a little over 2.3M

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing that info. 75 sq meters is a decent sized house, very livable I think.

[@islandlifephilippines6816]

Amazing Philippines just perfect size for me. Awesome for 1. Comfortable for 2.haha

[@airvilleleenmae]

Congratulations I am currently building mine as well it’s a 100sqm house 2bd one bath, will build an additional outdoor bath once everything is finish. You’re very lucky to be in Panglao. 😀

[@islandlifephilippines6816]

Mae Fundador Thanks Mae. But I think it doesn’t matter where you’re at as long as you’re living the Island life :)

[@airvilleleenmae]

TheIslandLife PH Indeed! The reason why I said you’re very lucky is because to me Boholanos are the friendliest. 😀

[@WengStansWorld]

I currently have a 1700 sqft. home in America, and it cost me $128,000.00 USD. My fiance owns land in Butuan, Anini-y, Antique, Philippines on Panay Island. So, to build a house equal to mine, figuring around $30.00 per sqft. would come to about $51,000.00 USD. so round up to $55,000.00 USD. I'M GAME !!!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks and good luck with your plans.

[@M_Ladd]

There are two different prices! There is the Philippino price and then there is the right price that you need to pay in order to have all the amenities you are used to in a normal livable house!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks M Ladd. True.

[@winter7946]

I have a good friend who lives in Tabango, Leyte, which is a small town. She wrote to me today telling me of the man she hired to work on her house. This is what she says: " the new carpenter show up this morning and finish the bathroom bamboo wall and the door. Skilled carpenter get pay of 400 pesos not include lunch only snack." So this comes out to about one dollar per hour for a skilled carpenter in Leyte.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

That sounds about right Michael. Wages are very low in the cities and even lower in much of the countryside. If you are skilled and in demand, you might be able to get paid a bit more. Minimum wage in Cebu City is 386 pesos/hour. It is closer to 594 I think and some provinces below 300.

[@dennisb7930]

Wow great video Rod you really did your homework,I'm very familar with housing developements I often thought about it if I was to ever marry a filipina woman.Thank you Rod

[@camotesislandgirl9900]

Sir Dennis B. I'm pretty sure you can afford it as well, to build a house anywhere in Asia.. I, myself alone i built a bungalow type of house with 3 standard bedrooms , 1 toilet plus 2 small terrace in Camotes island for the cost of 1.5M pesos including the wide enough property and could even have still space for a farm 😆. And That all cost me are only my own expences as i worked as OFW. So i want my American fiancee would being feel comfortable of his stay when we were in Philippines.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Dennis. I know people who spend less than these amounts and much more also depending on many factors.

[@Affordableframe]

As usual, your information is the best!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Steve. Doing the research was interesting and I am also learning a lot from the comments here.

[@rudolfolotho2644]

thanks so much, this video is very informative for my family who is planning to build one over at Cagayan valley

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Rudolfo and good luck with your plans.

[@josebernal9969]

I know Cagayan i have many friend there i visit to you when you make house

[@patrickevans801]

in the remote province where my wife is from (Romblon) labor is as follows.... skilled labor is p500 per day & non skilled labor is p300 per day plus you do have to feed all the workers lunch.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing that Patrick. You do want to pay the workers properly and keep them happy.

[@josebernal9969]

Mr evans your wife take your name? I hear you name i think my friends know to her

[@seattle40]

Awesome, be there on my 60th B-day.. I have about 10 years left..

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Scott and good luck with your next 10+ years.

[@daveforgot127]

Your maps are great and I'm glad you talked about groundwater availability

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Dave. It is important to do the "due diligence" when planning a project like this. Groundwater is a major concern in some areas as we had a drought in 2015 and 2019 drying up many wells.

[@werner-focusonprogress5853]

Thank you for the interesting video and map links. Seems Cebu City area is a quite good location 😉

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Werner & Mary. Cebu is an interesting city. Traffic and pollution are important issues that will take a long time to improve.

[@anitakania2882]

Nice and blessed to have own land and just build a home self ..thats dream come true when comes home..as God priveledge i His time Praise God !

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching and commenting Anita.

[@stevef5812]

Wow Rod, another great video. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Glad you enjoyed it Steve.

[@lifeinchrist77]

Here in Nueva Ecija central Luzon the labour cost is; Labourer 400 peso per day, trades man 500 peso per day.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing that Brian.

[@petercavanaugh4959]

Good information, we bought 2 lots last year to build our home lots 6,500 us. Paperwork legal to get the title 1500 us. ( long wait for this we will get the title finally this May. Plans for our house Architect, structural engineer, Electrical Engineer, Plumbing Engineering including septic design, 1000 us.d I estimate the building cost to be around 30 to 35 us per sq ft. We do have water service and Electric power to the subdivision with paved concrete roads. Limited sources of building materials and no ready mixed concrete . We are looking forward later this year to get started. Always enjoy your informative videos

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing your experience Peter and good luck with your plans. It sounds like you are covering the bases well in planning, design, and construction.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I know construction stopped on 2 new Persimmon condo towers for a couple months as they fired one construction company and brought in a whole new crew. Not sure of the details, but one would be advise to do close supervision if possible.

[@airvilleleenmae]

Colin Woods I agree. I am building a house now but didn’t hire any contractor cuz I am only sending money I can afford every week to get the construction going.

[@johnharris4635]

Hi Peter i have just seen this and the cost you say 1500us for paperwork is so far over the top you say septic design ? here septic are basic 2/3 channel depends on size of house, I think you are being over charged { from Bohol }

[@airvilleleenmae]

john harris digging for septic in PH is quite different from America or anywhere else, I’m guessing the same amount for mine, I’m about to do all my water line and everything including the septic probably next month or so.

[@I.can.do.8]

Good information as always. Have fun

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching Sili.

[@scottwood5098]

my 50 square meter house in siargao i think im getting close 750k. its all concrete .

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for the info Scott and enjoy.

[@keinlieb3818]

I'd be afraid to get a lease for 25 years and build a house and then 25 years go by and they don't allow you to renew the lease and you lose your house.

[@whatwedotogethermattersmost]

We LOVE Bohol. Just reunited and decided to stay here. #TheVFamily

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I enjoyed my trips to Bohol also.

[@anthonykeller5120]

Good informative vlog Rod. I’m considering building a place I can use as a base and then travel around the islands and ASEA. I really like the thumb nail. In Portland we had what’s called a Portland Square - most efficient house I’ve ever lived in, and your thumbnail kinda looks like it.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Anthony. Very little thought is given to efficiency here and little use of insulation for some odd reason. Good luck with your plans.

[@josebernal9969]

Let me know you arrive to here

[@coffeesandcocktailslife7901]

We're moving to the Philippines and we can't wait

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Good luck with your plans.

[@jensen0818]

Great info Rod, needed this for future project. 😄

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Jennifer and good luck with your project.

[@donaldhubbs4399]

THANKS ROD...GREAT INFORMATION...

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching Donald. It was an interesting research project.

[@noemiangeles481]

You're so right about lack of good skilled workers, very hard to find. Beware of contractors too, some just abandon the project. There's no way of litigation either.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Noemi. There are risks involved in these projects.

[@TheMostHighest69]

I have a spouse that's a Filipina, and is a naturalized US Citizen. Since she was born in the Philippines she can own up to 1000 Sq meters of land.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks and good luck with your plans.

[@billyquinn1864]

I had a 3600 sqf home built and the cost of land and the house was 10000usd that was 10k and I own it in Digos

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Sound like a very nice place Billy. Enjoy!

[@jasonwright8546]

Billy Quinn Can you post contact info for the builders you used? Thanks.

[@2000ViperGTSsubscribe]

@Am Fil 2000 sq foot for $8K is a foundation and some walls. That is NOT a home-really that is misleading as can be., I spend $50K on a kitchen alone, so what you call a "home" for 8K is somewhere around a tent or a bamboo hut.

[@2000ViperGTSsubscribe]

@Am Fil LMAO your idea of beautiful for an $11K kitchen with appliances in the US does not agree with the norm being $150 a square foot WITHOUT appliances. Do your research there as I am an experienced property owner. I run a double convection oven and 5 burners in cast-11K will buy decent appliances and that is it unless you want to run tto Lowes and get a $7K package and that sure is not "beautiful" unless you are lacking standards. Really, where do you think that is beautiful-you live in a trailer park in America? Really, 11K for a beautiful kitchen and appliances, either you a teenager posting or you grew up in a trailer park.

[@2000ViperGTSsubscribe]

@Am Fil Really, go back to your mom's home there kid. "Midrange - still focuses on cosmetic appearances-new cabinets, cabinet door handles, paint, new countertops, building a kitchen island, light fixtures, tile backsplash, tile or vinyl flooring. The design of the kitchen isn’t changed. A midrange, major kitchen remodel costs about $29,000-$64,000." homeguide.com/costs/kitchen-remodel-cost

[@douglasljdunn]

Informative. The construction cost in 2019 in Legazpi City, Albay for my "elegant" two story 220 sq m with complex footings was PHP22,700/sq m, which fits with your cost numbers. NB this did not include land.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing that Doug and enjoy your home.

[@manilamartin1001]

I think your prices a little low per square foot because most americans would not be happy with that quality. Please advise most americans that looking at the elegant price is probably what they would prefer. Nice info and the BOM is accurate.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Martin. I have had some tell me they have spent less and some more than these figures. There seems to be quite a few expats who are happy with the lower cost Filipino style house in the province.

[@thomaskane4121]

Thank you for posting this

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching Thomas.

[@barneygoogle2720]

Interesting. Do you have information about costs of leasing land for a house? With the prospect of increasing rents over time, have you considered leasing a house or leasing land and building a home for yourself?

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Leasing costs would vary greatly across the Philippines Barney and I do not have any figures to share. You might do a search online for the area you are interested in. Prices online are probably much higher than you will find if you have a local help you explore land options also.

[@MarioWarKing]

VERY GOOD INFO for future planning

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dennisdesmarais3778]

When you byy the land and finish the house it's hers not yours. If you split up she gets it all. That's the way it works here. Foreigners can own condos but not land unless it's a corporation purchasing the land.

[@brianh9014]

Think of course depends alot the location and if is rural area a barangay or if is in a urban town/city area. Things are much less/ building labor cost in the barangay

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

You are correct Brian, many factors enter in as well as the desires of the owner/builder. Thanks for watching.

[@billjoycebu1481]

Having lived in Cebu province from 2010-late2015, and building a house, this man's information is very very good.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks bill/joy. It was an interesting research project.

[@billjoycebu1481]

God willing and the creek don't rise, will be moving back next summer and starting it all over again. Just think it might be safer living out in the province than back here.@@AmazingPhilippines1

[@1bad67cat]

My girlfriend wants to build a small 2 bedroom house in Cebu province. Any idea what that project may cost? Just a ballpark figure? Thank you.

[@JG-gg9wk]

Lots of useful stuff on this post. I'll bookmark this for future references. Have a question are their inspectors? Does the city come out to check? And home owner insurance is that offered, and is it an expensive extravagance. Oh yes, the sunset photo at the end was spectacular. Did you take that?? Be well, be safe.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I know there are lots of permits required Joe but I am not sure about inspectors. Hopefully, someone with experience can answer this. I did not take that picture. I think I got it from Pixabay which offers free photo use.

[@antoinefigafetta6405]

Very helpful video, I think your figures are fairly accurate and reasonable. I'm planning to build a house there in the future :-)) I think I can save more money by eliminating the Bldg Contractor's cost , as a Civil Engr I can get all the manpower I need and materials on my own and supervise the construction :-D

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I think the best materials and proper supervision are the key to a well built house Klaus. Good luck with your plans.

[@johnharris4635]

I have seen vids about building house here and many are being over charged in many ways. Here they still think you have big money from the agents to lawyers and constructors Normal lawyer fee to purchase land they will ask 10% but will do the same job for 5 to 7% Land agents will up the price near double so always speak to the owner of lot and do not accept the first price given same with contractor { from Bohol ]

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing that John. I think that does happen in many cases. I have been quoted the "kano" price several times.

[@johnnier.o.d4746]

the good thing about buying a house or lot in the philippines is,the price will never go down ... every year the price will go up, that's why a lot of filipino americans, filipino europeans or filipino aussies bought lands in p.i as investments ...... a lot of my relatives/ friends are doing it ..... mabuhay rod !!!!!!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for your thought on this subject Johnnie. Real estate can be a great investment but there can be losses over time as well. An economic recession can dilute demand greatly. I have watched several recessions in the USA where friends have lost many houses to foreclosure. Much the same thing is happening in Australia right now. Home prices are decreasing. It appears the Philippine economy will continue to grow for years to come.

[@delconagher12]

Not if volcano happens.

[@janedudynsky5067]

Hi Rod. I'm planning to build a house in the Philippines once we go home for good. I want it simple but to my standard, the one that we're used to here in the states. No more big house for us, I noticed as we get older our wants and needs are getting smaller and smaller. Nice video Rod. I already have a budget in my mind how far I'm willing to spend to build a house. Take care friend.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing that Jane. I agree, I don't need as much space as I once did but I like to be comfortable also. Good luck with your plans.

[@roseliopalma535]

1 Meter = 3.28 Ft ; 1 SQM = 3.28 X 3,28 = 10.7584 sqsf

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

LOL. Thanks for clearing that up Roselio. I asked google so please advise them of the correct numbers.

[@rdunbar7418]

Skilled labor is 500p per day, geneal labor is 300p per day

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks R Dunbar. It seems there is a major shortage of "skilled" labor here as many go overseas for better pay. My feeling is many general laborers and semi-skilled end up doing much of the work and should be supervised accordingly.

[@rdunbar7418]

I supervised mine. But I had really skilled guys. It helps to be out in the country. Also I paid much better than the rates listed and I provided cooked lunch every day. So its easy to get skilled guys to want to work for me.

[@MrBryanfowler]

HARDEST THING IS THE MATERIALS,TIMBER COMES SRANDARD COMPLETE WITH HUNGRY TERMITES, STEEL AND GI PIPE COMES PRE RUSTED, CONCRETE BRICKS CHECK STRENGTH IF IT HAS ENOUGH CEMENT??? TIMBER DOORS NOT MADE OF GREEN TIMBER, ELECTRICS USE RED AND BLACK NOT JUST ONE TYPE. DEEP WELL AND PRESURE PUMP USE GOOD BRAND. NOT MADE IN CHINA (TANK METAL TOO THIN )

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Good points Bryan. One would want to have some assurance that you are using quality materials.

[@adnansuleiman2052]

Thank you for the helpful information 😊

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@theopinion9452]

The problem really is finding the correct materials and most important,the right workers...the farther out a house is built,the less available workers nearby or willing to travel to your site...another thing;responsible workers.Don't expect any of them to work after Sundays or paydays,they are gonna be hungover,all of them.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I think supervision is key also Mario. You do need a good plan and materials.

[@Astro-q9v]

I found this on my dads playlist we live in dawson creek 💀 ☠️ 💀

[@loyddaez2146]

For me just one small house with 1 bathroom, kitchen and a room that doesn't go up to 100k maybe around like 50k to 70k spend.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Loyd and good luck with your plans.

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

Good video. Mr. Hahn Los Angeles

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Mr. Hahn.

[@rtheprizeisright7323]

MY fiance and her family is from Cebu. My fince's dad is a mason not just block but he also lays tile. she said he makes 500 pesos a day for I believe an 9 hour day. ^ days a week she said he averages 3k a week. This is just my 2 cents good video though.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing that Ron. I just saw a sign on a pole advertising for carpenters for 500+ overtime/day. There is a shortage of skilled workers so maybe the wages will rise a bit here.

[@xrpwatts2116]

Hu Typhoons down south are worse.lived in Angele city for years,typhoons are moderate,

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

That is good news Dennis. You are protected a bit from the mountains to the east.

[@spurlworld]

Excellent information, thanks...

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Spurlin.

[@boognow6728]

I WAS HERE IN CEBU IN 2013 WHEN THE QUAKE HIT BOHOL WHICH IS 60 KILOMETERS FROM CEBU I THOUGHT ME AND THE WIFE WERE GONERS THE GROUND SHOOK HARD OUR WALLS WERE TWO FEET THICK WITH RE BAR IT PUT A CRACK IN THE WALL LIKE NOBODY'S BUSINESS , IF YOU BUILD HERE YOU HAVE TO BUILD FOR A 10 OR BETTER QUAKE.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing that BOOGNOW and I agree about building properly. I don't think many buildings and houses will stand up to an 8+ anywhere in the world.

[@ivanmutch3201]

I know this might sound crazy but what's the whole process to buying land and building a simple house. I want 100 square meter land. Example for dummies please

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

A foreigner cannot buy land here Ivan. You can put the land in your wife, girlfriend, or friends name if they are Filipino. It would be important to get a lawyer to draw up a lease so they cannot throw you off the land you paid for that isn't in your name. You can also form a corporation with 60% owned by Filipinos. Get a good lawyer to do this for you and protect you. You are also supposed to get building plans approved by the local government office. I haven't done this so there are others who have the actual experience.

[@ivanmutch3201]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 thank you. How much would the lawyer cost? I'm planning on putting it into my wifes name

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

That is a good question and I don't know the answer Ivan.

[@traderpusa4004]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 needs to get a usufruct in case of land in name of gf/wife.

[@ofwkirogvlogs8347]

Ivan..Mutch💕💕🌹❤️hii hello..I have lot for sale from Luzon near in Santiago city.. ready for title..if you interested.. very nice place..it is very quait place . velleges..my contact number 09978429055

[@patdig01]

Pricing included utilities installs? Electric, water, a well, sewer, etc.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

It will vary depending on your location, labor rates in that area, and your requirements Pat. I am told these costs are pretty accurate. Some build "basic" homes for less. Other spend much more because of transporting materials up mountains and having to "develop" the site.

[@ronhammar1154]

Very informative! Thanks for taking the time to put this out there.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Ron. It can cost much less or much more depending on your budget, requirements, and location.

[@jensen0818]

Thank you for sharing Rod. Keep safe.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks, you too Jennifer.

[@stan9670]

Thanx Rod very good info, you have lived there for years now would you own a house or would you prefer to rent. It seems like renting a place is better because that way you can always move to another area if you become boared

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Stan. I like to have the freedom to move so renting will be my plan.

[@gemmel3197]

Those hourly rates are amazing and not in a good way.

[@jeffreywhite4091]

Very good vid...thank you

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Jeffrey. It was an interesting project for me.

[@alphafinance6546]

Rod - Excellent informative video, I’m in the market now for location, and type of home. My question is, do you, or any of your followers have suggestions on house building companies, I’m pretty much starting at square 1 here. Everything I’m searching for land or house and land seem to be 6mil and up. Any suggestions, recommendations, thoughts/concerns would be very appreciative.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Good questions Scott. It might depend on what part of the Philippines you are interested in. Subdivision companies can often suggest contractors. We just looked at some homes and lots on Bohol by Camella. They are a large developer with many projects around the Philippines. I found one door of a model full of termites so be sure to check for that in any wood. Hopefully, others may offer you advice also. Good luck with your plans.

[@alphafinance6546]

Amazing Philippines Thank You Rod, still following you, my Target was Tagatay, but my God Man ! It’s like your buying a lot and house on a gold mine. I would love that weather however. Baguio is not much cheaper. I think I will start looking at areas around Cebu

[@josebernal9969]

@@alphafinance6546 i am good connection to Cebu i helping to you house pass papers

[@estelitamartin6793]

Of course it depends, what kind of question it that?

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Estelita.

[@babyeandmommyv5392]

Thank you for the information. Greatly appreciated. We are planning on purchasing a lot in Laguna, and then build our home the way we want our home layout. Enjoy your videos, very full of information for those who are planning to retire there. Anyway, thank you. Keep the videos coming, we are going to retire there, its just when, but it will likely be within the next few years. Holding out for a little bit more in retirement benefits/funds just does not make sense. I am not at full SSN retirement age but close to the early mark. Again..... thanks for the information.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks so much for the nice comments. Retirement funds are very important and you still want to retire early enough to enjoy life. I retired a couple of years early with the smaller SS amount and glad I did. Good luck with your plans.