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Before you go
- Run a HazardHunterPH report for the project location
- Get the price list and a sample computation for the units you will view
- Ask for the site development plan so you can locate available lots
- Schedule on a weekday if you can, and ideally after a rain
- Bring: phone, tape measure, small level or marble, notebook, a companion
The model house: separate standard from upgrades
Model houses in the Philippines are usually fully furnished and upgraded. Ask the salesperson to point out exactly what comes with your turnover:
- Bare, semi-finished, or complete turnover? Is there tiled flooring, painted walls, ceiling, a kitchen counter, toilet fixtures, and doors?
- Are window grilles, screens, a water tank, a kitchen sink, and cabinets included?
- Floor area vs. lot area, and how far the house sits from the property line (expansion room)
- Ceiling height and ventilation: does air flow through, or will you rely on aircon?
- Number of electrical outlets and the circuit breaker capacity
Take photos and ask for the turnover specification sheet in writing.
Your actual lot
- Walk to the exact block and lot, not just the model house
- Orientation: west-facing fronts get the hot afternoon sun; east and north are usually cooler
- Elevation compared with the street and neighbors, and where rainwater flows
- What is beside and behind it: open land (future construction), a creek, a wall, the clubhouse, a basketball court (noise)
- Corner or inner lot, and the premium for each (see corner vs inner lot)
- Distance to the gate, guardhouse, and amenities
The community
- Road width: can two cars pass, and is there parking for visitors?
- Drainage canals: size, cleanliness, and covers
- Perimeter fence, guards, CCTV, and controlled entry
- Amenities: completed or just planned? Who maintains them, and how much are HOA dues?
- Occupancy: are people actually living in earlier phases? Talk to them.
- Street lights, garbage collection, and the noise level at night
Utilities
- Water: from the local water district, a developer deep well, or a centralized system? Ask about pressure and interruptions.
- Electricity: which distribution utility serves the area, and the connection cost and timeline after turnover
- Internet: which fiber providers already serve the subdivision?
- Mobile signal inside the house
Outside the gate
- Time the drive or commute to the nearest school, palengke, hospital or clinic, church, and your work
- Public transport: tricycle terminal, jeepney or bus routes, and costs
- Access road condition and whether it floods
Questions to ask before leaving
- What is the License to Sell number for this phase?
- When is the target turnover date, and what happens if it is delayed?
- How much are HOA dues, and when do they start?
- What are the renovation and expansion rules (setbacks, firewalls, approval process)?
- Are miscellaneous fees and VAT included in the price shown?
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for during a house viewing?
Your actual lot and its position, what is included at turnover versus model-house upgrades, drainage and elevation, road width and security, water and electric supply, and real commute times to school, market, and work.
Should I visit more than once?
Yes. Visit once on a weekday and once on a weekend, ideally once after heavy rain. Different times show different things: traffic, noise, water pressure, and flooding.
Should I bring someone with me?
Yes. A second person notices what you miss and helps you stick to the checklist rather than being swayed by the model house.
Is tripping free?
Most developers and accredited salespersons offer free site viewings, often with transport. You should not be charged just to view a project.
Related buyer guides
- House Turnover Checklist: What to Inspect Before Accepting Your New Home
- How to Check if a Property Is Flood-Prone Before Buying
- Subdivision Amenities That Actually Matter
- Corner Lot vs Inner Lot, Which Should You Choose
Official sources and further reading
Reviewed for accuracy on October 4, 2026. Rates, fees, thresholds, and agency procedures change. Confirm transaction-specific details with the issuing agency, your lender, or a lawyer before you pay or sign.
About the author: Jeremiah Villagomez is a PRC-accredited and DHSUD-accredited Real Estate Salesperson based in San Pablo City, Laguna. He helps first-time buyers, OFWs, and relocating families buy house and lot homes with Pag-IBIG, bank, or cash financing. More about Jeremiah · Call 0976 302 6551
Have a specific situation? Call or text 0976 302 6551 and I will run the numbers for your exact unit, budget, and financing route for free.
