Housing in Davao
Ever since I’ve lived in Davao, I have noticed that finding a house to rent here is usually not too easy. There has actually been a shortage of places available for rent over the years. At the times that we have been looking to move, it has usually been a relatively intense search to find a place that fits our needs.
For us, we need a big place. We have a large family, a number of nieces and a nephew who live with us, and also I operate my business from my house. So, a small place just won’t cut it for us. Of course, needing a large place makes finding the right house even harder in our situation. When we first moved to Davao, we ended up renting a smaller house, because we could not find a place that suited our needs. I rented a second house nearby for my office. It worked out OK, but not great. We were honestly not too happy with the arrangement. It lead to stress for us, even bickering between Feyma and I. After about 6 months in that house, we found a much better place that was very large, and cheaper than renting two small houses. We moved right away! It really lead to a happier life for us, because we were much more comfortable.
In the last 6 months or so, i am seeing improvement in the housing market in Davao. Within walking distance from my house, there are about 5 or 6 new apartment buildings that have been completed in recent months, or are nearing completion. And, I am not talking about tiny places, or low budget places, but nice apartments that I would be quite comfortable in myself. So, this is a huge improvement in the City, and I think it makes Davao even more inviting than it already was. There is even one place not far from where I live where there was an older apartment building, which the owner tore down to build a new complex. That was quite surprising to me, as most property owners here let their places go until they are practically crumbling before making such a move.
So, maybe it is good economic times in Davao right now. New people moving into these places should sustain the economic boom here. We have new call center businesses moving into town, so there are decent jobs opening up in Davao too.
I am quite happy with my life here in Davao!
Well if anyone is interested, my landlady has a 1br efficiency apartment open. P8,500/month. If you pay 1 year up front you get one month free rent. Pictures available upon request, just e-mail me @ brspiritus@(nospam)yahoo.com Remove the (nospam) obviously.
Bob - I know this column is about rental but am wondering how would you rate the architects and builders there. In your estimation, is the quality of the new housing getting better and perhaps more attuned to western hemispehe style that you as an American and Europeans may be more accustom to. Do you have any house builders and architect referral you can provide or anyone else for that matter that you have building confidence in. If for example you were going to start building you Samal house today who would you use. Anyway good news that Davao continues to set itself apart as a city of progress.
Bob,
I too have noticed the building boom. On Bacaca road near Diversion there are many new 3 story townhouses and more being built.
Also out near SM mall there is a building of 6 story Condos being built.
So I guess you are correct always feeling the Heart Beat of Davao.
Hi Louis - Thanks for the tip! I hope that your landlord finds a renter as soon as possible! Given the market in Davao, it should not be too much of a problem!
I’m pretty sure she would know! 
Hi Bruce - Well, I would certainly not claim that I am “always correct” on anything, none of us can claim that with any degree of accuracy. I sure hope that I am right more times than I am wrong though! If you wanted to know if I am ever wrong, just ask Feyma!
Yes, I have been keeping an eye on those condo units near SM. They seem quite expensive to me (almost P3m for a 60 sq. meter unit), so I am quite interested to see how they sell. I am not fully convinced that Davao is ready for something like that, although I think that it is possible.
Interesting report, Bob. Here in my little town, where as I have mentioned, there is certainly no shortage of single-home style rental properties (mostly all smaller and older) there are several new private enterprise new builds/rebuilds going on, just in the past few months. Most of these projects are not what the average foreigner is looking for, but increases in supply help the strength of the entire market, I think.
One factor I haven’t seen much mention of that may help drive a construction increase is that there is both new home financing and rehabilitation loan financing much more readily available now. Banks are actively advertising long-term mortgages, 20 or even 25 year terms, somehting relatively unheard of just afew years ago.
any idea on how much and how many bedrooms those apartments rent for Bob?
Hi Dave Starr - Yes, I do see some banks starting to offer mortgages and such, but the interest rates are quite high compared to what you would get in the west. I feel that as things like home financing and such grow, it could help the Philippines reach a better economic status in the world, offering Filipinos a chance at home ownership and other economic benefit.
Hi Brian - I know some such apartments. One that I know of is a fairly nice 3 bedroom apartment with 2 1/2 bathrooms and rents for about P16,000 per month. Prices vary with things such as location, amenities and such, of course.
Hi Bob! Thanks for leaving a comment in my blog site. My friend living near SM Davao rents a 2-br house for P8,000. Apparently, rentals in Davao are almost the same as the rates in Metro Manila.
Have a nice day!
Hi luna miranda - Actually, these days, finding a place to rent for P8k is difficult in Davao. You can find something for 10k, but not easily. For most foreigners, they should budget P15k to find a decent place, in my estimate.
Nice website you have there! I’ll visit again soon!
Hi Bob, Marlou’s family (Estuarts/Marforis) just held a huge family reunion in Davao. From the pictures we received about 100+ plus families were represented. The majority of these families came from the U.S. and the majority of those from California. Many of them bought homes while on this reunion trip and some are financing or building apartments in Davao. I think you will see more of this over the next few years. The Filipino baby boomers are cashing in their 401s, selling their homes and returning to retire. I think its great since they will only improve the quality of life in Davao for everyone. Ron and Marlou
I notice to that they have started to build Condos in Davao I think its a very good move im just surprized that they have never done it before. I agree with Bob though they look a bit pricey and almost Manila prices. Shame that they have come in so high, i would of thought come in low and build the prices up. Samal would be nice to build Condos but really need the bridge to be built 1st, if ever!
talking about rentals
I hope to be back in Davao late February(this month) and looking for small appartment circa 10k to rent(1 yr) ive tried many of the websites but i think they over inflate the prices. Still looking if anyone knows anywhere will be much ablidged
grahamuk1@yahoo.co.uk i think i be forced to rent aparatelle for a month 1st then look.
Hi Bob — i did some research on that new condo plans after reading about it here. The units seem pretty small, but for those who are used to small urban living, it seems intriguing. I’ve come to prefer condo living here but i know there will be huge differences (separate laundry rooms?). But it sure piqued my interest.
Here is a link to that Filinvest property: http://oneoasis.wordpress.com/2008/01/14/one-oasis-davao-condominiums/
Stumbled into this link as well while doing the research. It has the front facade layout and a mention of other Davao plans (like an Ayala mall — another mall? actually quite a scary thought in regards to added traffic). http://kymoie.multiply.com/journal/item/10/2008_would_be_a_prosperous_year_for_Davao_-_you_should_read_this_guys
Many websites do overinflate their prices, I know of a couple western style apartments for rent on Lea’s website, but those rent in the 12-13k/month range.
Hi Ron LaFleur - Sounds like a great reunion! I really believe you are correct that a lot of Filipinos are retiring, or at least dipping into their retirement funds in order to finance a return home and putting those dollars at work here. It’s a good sign for the Philippines.
Hi Graham - I think it will be hard to find that place for P10k, but I hope you can!
Hi macky - Yeah, I have been aware of the Ayala development that is coming in Bajada. I’m pretty excited about it, because I like Ayala, generally better than SM. It will add something new to Davao, and hopefully won’t bring too much more traffic to the area!
Hi Louis - very true!
Condos in Samal?!? the current amount of development is already frightening. Water/Sewage/Electricity could become interesting in the chinese sense, within just a few years….
Hi Bob,
It is interesting to note that the apartments here aren’t much more expensive than those in Davao. And that the BPOs and call centers have extended their reach outside of Metro Manila (like in Davao, Cebu, etc.) This makes the south even more inviting! Let’s just hope the building of infrastructure does not compromise the preservation of nature.
Thanks for sharing! Cheers!
Hi Alan Mark - I just got home from a journey to Samal. There is indeed a lot of development going on there, but there is plenty of room for it too. Feyma and I were talking while we were there that it seemed to be in line to be the next Boracay. That has good sides and bad sides.
Hi Migs - If you don’t mind my asking, when you say “here” where are you talking about? In other words… where are you based? Based on the things you mentioned, I suspect that you are in Manila, but am not certain.
Oh, sorry about that, Bob. Yes, I am in Manila, the city I schizophrenically love.
Hi Migs - Thanks for filling me in. You love the place? Well, somebody has to I guess!
Just kidding… Manila is just too big and too busy for my taste, I just hope that Davao doesn’t end up there too!
Vicki,
I am an Architectural Project Manager from the States living in Davao. If you ever want a house designed in American Functionality, Filipno or any combination I would glad to help you design it. I could also look for a builder to work with to get it built for you. Just email me through my sites
I wrote somehting abouit this recently on on eof myown sites, but got no comments … I thought I’d toss it out to this group, especially becuase Bob has several real estate professionals who read/contribute regularly:
When we say ‘condo’ everyone thinks of a (typically) small apartment in a high rise building.
But condominium is also a legal form of property ownership where a corporation owns the physical assets and sells the rights of use to the ‘owners’. That’s what you get when you ‘buy a condo’ in a high risse … the rights of use only, the condominium corporation owns everything except the air and the door key.
I’m wondering why, staying strictly within the Philippine legal systems .. 60% Philippine ownership, etc., a corporation couldn’t buy a plot of land, build single family homes on it and sell individual units as condominium units, exactly as if they were apartment-style units in a single building,
Certainly seems to me as if it could be done legally … I’m wondering if this has already been tried or if I am missing something here?
Hi Dave Starr - Interesting observation! It is something that I had never thought about, and I don’t know the answer. I believe that this could be an excellent business opportunity for one of the big development companies.
Hi Bob,
I’m an American married to a Filipina and living in the states. We’re interested in Davao for relocation. Unfortunately the US housing market is falling while, it seems, the Davao prices are climbing, and I need to sell out here to be able to buy or build there.
My question is why are you renting rather than building or buying? I’m not prying into your personal business; I’d just like to get a better understanding of what appear to be some discrepancies between the conventional wisdom that it’s inexpensive for Americans to live in the Philippines, and some of the high prices I’m seeing for houses there.
Thanks,
James
Hi James - Firstly, I am quickly coming to the conclusion that the idea the “conventional” wisdom is no longer that accurate, and I’ll be writing about that soon.
Regarding why I rent, I have addressed that many times on the blog, perhaps you missed those articles. Read here, here and here to get an idea.
That being said, as I have also written repeatedly, Feyma and I bought a piece of land on Samal Island last year, and we plan to build a house there. We won’t live there for about 9 more years, because it does not fit in with plan for our kid’s education (there are no good private schools on the island, and thus we won’t live there until our kids are all in college).
Thanks Bob,
You really did address the rental issue before, and you’ve convinced me it’s wise to rent initially. I think I’ll uncover more info on my own now that I got smart and started to use your Google site search utility.
Thanks,
–James
Hi James - good luck in your search for your ultimate residence. I do think that renting at first is the right move! n Good luck also with the site search!
Hi Bob
Hi Bob
It seem that you are the man (again) to contact in regards to anything DAVAO, thanks for that, anyway, myself and my filipina gf are looking to move to Davao and have so much we need to know,
my biggest problem is knowing where to look for a rental apartment,,and if we are getting a good deal or not, i have never been to davao and have no idea ,we are going to visit and see if we fit in with the life there in april.we are looking forwrad to meeting you to say thanks in person.
Hi Bob
If you have any websites that can give us info on all the little ??s that need answers when moving,like, med insurance, book shops,newspaper ad prices,expat clubs or any one of the dozens of ??s i have,if anyone has this info,,please please let us know, we are looking to start our life over in DAVAO and hope to make some new friends asap.i am from uk,but seems that most in davao are from us,
also, is it allowed for me to work even if i am married to my filipina ,??
as always bob,
thanks,
Hi Steve - Most of the questions that you are asking are already answered here on this site. I will give some cursory answers here, but if you search the site there are detailed posts on nearly every one of these subjects.
1. Medical care is cheap here. We do not have health insurance, because we can easily handle the cost to pay for care ourselves. There are several medical insurance packages available through PhilHealth, Blue Cross and PruLife.
2. Book shops. In Davao, you have basically two choices for books - National Bookstore, and some of the used book kiosks in malls. Choice is very limited. I wrote a whole series of articles on this last month on how and where to get books.
3. Newspaper ad prices - cheap.
4. Expat organizations. There are two that I know of. Friends of Mindanao (do a search on my Mindanao Blog for more info http://www.Mindanao.com) and the other is called “Union of Foreigners.”
5. There are lots of foreigners here in Davao, you should have no problem making new friends here.
Honestly, this site covers nearly every possible aspect of living here in the Philippines. Read the site, do a search for specific topics, it should answer all of your questions.
I’d be happy to meet you when you are in Davao.
im looking for housing in Davao City. I will be visiting there for a month so Im looking for a two bedroom house to rent there for a month starting april 1st. And its just been hard to locate a place any suggestions, advice and or offers will help. Thanks Bob and to all.
Hi Ali King - I’m sorry to say, but I know of no houses that can be rented on a month by month basis. Problem is that every house I know of requires a one year lease. Sorry, if I knew of anything I’d be very happy to assist you.
Hello All,
I am traveling to Davao in November and staying for 4 months and my elderly father is visiting me in January for three months. We each want our own place close to each other with clean air close to the water but also to shopping and such. Is Davao safe for expats and is there nice housing for about 18000p to 20000p??? Any suggestions is greatly appreciated as I have never been in Davao.
Respectfully,
Dave
Hi David Severn- Davao is very safe, and you won’t experience any safety issues here, in my opinion. With the amount you have to spend for housing, you can find a nice place in Davao.
Enjoy your visit!