There have been recent requests for info. from any residents who've built their own homes. I posted this information a year or so back but I guess it might help more recent members. All costs quoted are PHP. Land cost (1,800 sq. metres) 300,000 Architect drawings and permissions 20,000 Landfill 200,000 (was low-lying riceland) Walling land - materials & labour 60,000 Building house - materials & labour 2,800,000 The house is a 160 sq. metre bungalow with lounge, diner, kitchen, bathroom, shower room, study, workshop, porch, car-port, drive, gates wrought-iron work etc. all western standard under a welded steel-frame roof with enamelled steel panels. All floors ceramic tiled.

Mita and I will try to be on for a time between 1800-2200 MST on Saturday 1 Feb 03, US time (which is 0900 to 1300 Sunday, 2 Feb 03 Philippines time). For those LinP members who only get the messages by email, the chat is at the main LinP site on Yahoo. Just go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/livinginthephilippines1 and select 'Chat"" from the menu on the left side. If you haven't used the Yahoo chat previously it may take a few minutes to load, but it typically works for all, after a bit of waiting and/or fiddling. You don't need any special equipment (cam or sound system) most of us chat in text mode. But audio and video conferenceing _is_ available via Yahoo for thos who prefer it. Last week we had a very lively group, and the neat part of the chat is, we get both regulars from the list here and a number of other folks who seldom post in the list, so there is always something new to chat about.

moderator , this is off topic I know but if I were in the cut off areas in the RP I would hope someone on this link with others and the world would make mention of major news topics . Please let this go out to those who receive mail and delete it from the archives . Larry The space shuttle Columbia has gone down in pieces over Texas on its approach to land 7 were on board .

I do not know the answer to your question. I have been in contact with Rotary International. They have an active chapter in Subic that runs a program that I am interested in. Perhaps you could go to the Rotary website, under international and get some input from the Subic group. Generally, people in Rotary are connected with other movers and doers in an area.

I built a house (cottage for my mother in law around 1992, house was a simple one with hollow block walls finished and painted with ceiling, sm bath room, septic tank, tiny kitchen and tiny bedroom. GI sheeting (painted for roof) and hundred gallon water tank and porch and sm living room total of 40 square meters. Total cost was about 95000 pesos or $3700.00 dollars at the time, I think the exc rate was 40 to one. Then in 97 I built a house for our younger brother. Cost of land was 80000 pesos. Cost to put up a 60 square meter house was 250000 pesos or about $4200.00 dollars can not remember what the exc rate was then. But this last house was only shell. Meaning not complete, no doors, windows or finishing of the walls, so I think another 250000 would finish it very nice. It had a lot of design, hollow block walls, GI sheeting for the roof. Hope this help. These are of course low budget homes.

My wife just purchased a ticket at Northwest Airlines through their world perks program, cost her 10,000 world perk miles and $520.00 dollars from Minneapolis MN to Manila and return.

First, I thought inflation was addressed by the savings portion of Budd's budget. Using your reasoning, inflation and currency fluctuation, it seems prudent to invest a portion, perhaps a large portion of savings in the Philippine sector. Since the inflation, at least in the US, is generally below interest rates it seems that may also hold true in the RP. I am one of those looking into the future; a couple of years before I am there. By watching the budget info over the next couple years will allow me see the trends. This is my current thinking. I am not an economist so I will be watching and learning. I appreciate your thoughts.

I have not read this as yet, Larry, but will. This is indeed a tragety. And we appreciate your concern, all of humanity, I am sure. But if someone in a ""cut off areas of the world,"" or of the RP, they would be have Internet or be subscribed to Living in the Philippines. Please stay on topic. This post should not have been let through. I am sure it was done so by accident.

Although P2000 may sound low, once you get out of the major cities the cost of many things often drops considerably. I know of an american living in a plain but nice beachhouse with 5 hectares on Bohol. His rent is P2500. In the provinces, often the biggest expenses are phone and electricity.

The exchange rate as I recall has slowly increased sense I have been keeping up with it in 1989 it was about 21p to $1 us , 1995 27p to $1 us , 1999 38p to $1 us . 2001 50p to $1 us . I think 40 to one in 1992 is not a good estimate .

Thanks for the site. I checked it out. It will be of great use when my family and I get there this summer. One question though, was your roof made of concrete or tin? If concrete, would you recommend a tin roof to save on costs? Or would it be risky considering the typhoons in the area?

Thanks for the additional information, Larry. In the past few days I have seen more useful information on prices than in the past 6 months. However, I'm amazed at a few of the posts in response to people taking the time and trouble (and voluntarily having their privacy invaded) to post quite detailed expense information. If someone wnats to know current prices and people respond with their own budgets, why on earth question them? Someone just recently posted a response that was simply one line: ""how can you build a house of xxx square feet for yyy dolars""? I'm sure it was well intentioned, but it almost seemed to call the original poster's veracity into question. For those folks who have not been to the Philippines, let me assure you, you _can_ build homes as cheaply as people report here, and you _can_ quite easily live within the budgets I have recently seen people share. I'd suggest folks temper their incedulity with more specific questions or comments, rather than appearing to challenge the poster, especially when people take the time to post details of their personal lives.

I checked the Yahoo Group LinP Calendar and notice you have not posted your arrival notice there yet - please do this as it makes organising events so much easier. You will see we have a Get Together planned on the 23rd and all all welcome to come along tp Ratskys on that Sunday from 2pm tp 6pm for the Drink All ... Eat All... for Php 99. Yeh too good to be true - but it is! I am contemplating organising some additional event before the 18th so we can say farewell to Billy Reese - an LinP Moderator normally residing in USA but visiting Cebu since 20th Jan. I am sure Don and others would like to have a drink with Billy before he goes. I will discuss with some others what is best date and venue and post on the Calender with an announcement notice. Also still considering something like March 9th - again watch the Calendar for details of such events. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/livinginthephilippines1/calendar? Anyone wanting a more interactive social life should consider joining Cebu HHH - they meet every Saturday afternoon. Anyone living in Cebu or visiting can contact me and my asawa Sha- Sha for more information on social events.

Hi glad to hear your imput. My block wall is currently running me about 1000 to 1100 pesos per meter. It is a serious wall at about 8 ft. tall. I was just curious as to how you did your's so cheaply. I figure if your lot is 1800 sq. mtr. then your fence line should roughly be about 180 running mtrs. so this would be about P333 a meter in cost. Just curious and thanks for your input.

I just got off the telephone with Vic, and dear friend for many years. I read this to him. He had not read it yet. Vic or ""Marlon,"" as his childhood friends call him, since did or does look like a young Brando then, did write this ""private,"" letter to Chief Garcia. He wrote it when the police were getting a lot of flack about shooting someone. And he did at on time ask his superiors for an M-16. At that time he was prosecuting a very popular NPA top ranking leader a murder charge and feared for his life. As usual, he won the case. That was some time ago. This just hit days Philippine Daily Inquirer, ""the,"" national news paper here, though there are others.

CEBU CITY -- The prosecutor who had earlier requested that he be armed with an M-16 rifle with 150 rounds of ammunition for his alleged safety this time supports the ""shooting of criminal elements."" In his Jan. 30 letter to Chief Supt. Rolando Garcia, regional police director for Central Visayas, controversial Assistant Provincial Prosecutor of Cebu Vicente Mañalac even proposed that more criminals ""be shot by the police lawfully in the interest of public service."" ""May there be many more criminals to be shot by the police lawfully in the interest of public service. As a slogan: 'shoot them all in the interest of public service,'"" the letter read. His unsolicited reaction was in response to newspaper reports about the recent spate of shooting of thieves, robbers, drug pushers and other criminals by Cebu City policemen. Since Jan. 15, policemen have shot eight suspected criminals in Cebu City, killing four and wounding four others. Garcia had defended his men, saying those criminal elements were killed or wounded in legitimate operations. He denied insinuations that there was an order to summarily execute suspected criminals, saying the policemen were just doing their jobs. The series of shootings had worried human rights activists in the city. But Mañalac felt the opposite. ""I am sure the public feels good about the actions of your men, as well as I. They shot those criminals and disabled some of them rightfully and justifiably in accordance and in the spirit of self-defense of themselves and the public they are sworn to protect,"" Mañalac told Garcia. The prosecutor said criminals will not fear but instead will ridicule the police should they hesitate to draw their guns. ""The police should learn to use those guns, not merely display it as an ornament . . . Sometimes gunfire is the only language criminals understand,"" he said. Mañalac said he did not only appreciate but also supports ""personally and in my official capacity"" every member of the Philippine National Police who does not hesitate to shoot when duty calls. ""For every bullet fired it is a victory for the public who benefits from every criminal disabled or terminated,"" he pointed out. Garcia, when sought for reaction, appeared amused with Mañalac's letter. He however quickly assured the public that the PNP follows the rules of engagement. ""In the PNP, we use progressive application of force in subduing (a) subject. If shot at, then shoot him. The ideal situation is to immobilize the suspect. But you know that in a situation like this, adrenaline works fast,"" Garcia explained. While the letter of support would make the police feel good, Garcia said his men were always reminded to be circumspect in the use of their firearms. Acting Cebu City police director Supt. Josephus Angan also assured that the use of a firearm against a suspected criminal is the last course of action, when the police have exhausted all other peaceful means. ""Shooting criminals should be governed by what is in the law -- doctrine of self-defense and in the defense of a stranger,"" he said.

Hi....my husband is a member of your site, he emailed your site to me so i can check it out.What a great site!He want's to retire in the Philippines so bad, whenever we come for vacation, he does not want to comeback.You are right, living in the Philippines is very cheap...like the first time he came to Philippines...he wondered how my parents can afford to have 3 maids....and my father is just a retired teacher, and a Municipal Councilor...but with his salary of 12 thousand pesos , and his land..(he has several tenants in his rice farm)..he was able to send all of us (8 children) to college, and still live a good life.With the high cost of living here in the USA, he says he can't afford to live comfortably...but if we move there.. then he can live like a King! I wish we will meet you there! Good luck!

These 'Get Togethers' are open to anyone who is a Member of LinP and/or who wants to consider becoming a Member. Other than this, just come along to Ratsky in Ayala Centre in Cebu on the last Sunday of the month (Feb 23rd this month). This Bar/Restaurant/Nightclub is open to anyone anyway and this Drink All ..., Eat All... for Php99 is available everyday. We just found Sunday was best to accomodate the majority and has proved to be popular (Over 35 at January Get Together - the best yet!) All you have to do is bring yourself along and the Php99! As Don posted, please feel free to introduce yourself to others when you arrive in Ratsky. Dont be shy - we dont bite (only the Pizzas!). The 'tradition' (such that it is) is just to be friendly, socialise, and enjoy the occasion. Eat the Pizza, drink the draft SMB (or Root Beer, Iced Tea of soft drinks if you prefer), 'chill out', relax and have fun. What more is there to do? Look forward to meeting you on the 23rd Dee. Steve Ford, and his wife Neng will be there for their first LinP Get Together at Ratsky also (and their two young daughters?).

Could you tell me what recourse there is in the Philippines against an atty who takes your money to do a job and then you find out the atty is not able to do work on your particular Island. The amount is minimal but I am a little angry on how it was done.

Hi just thought I would put my 2 pesos in. If you are concerned with cost go with GI galvanised steel. I think this is what you are referring to as a tin roof. If you are also referring to a cement tile roof they are very expensive. For cement tiles, first you need steel trusses which are approximately 4-5 times the cost of wood trusses, second you have to lay hardflex which is close to the same cost as GI steel. Then you lay your cement tiles which are very expensive again. If you go GI just build your treated wood trusses to hold the roof DOWN for strong wind and use plenty of nails. In a lot of places around the world they design roof trusses to hold the weight UP for snow. With cement tiles again you have to build to hold the weight UP. I'm hopeing to get 20 years out of my roof and when it needs replacing it will be a good excuse for me to go lay on the beach at Malapascua and listen to some more of Perry's stories. Just figure the return on the money you saved for 20 years. #1 rule for Phil.: KEEP THINGS SIMPLE. One nice thing about cement tiles is they are good looking. Just my 2 pesos worth for what it's worth,

How ""long"" a term are you looking for? Do you need Cebu City or is the province alright, about 60 clicks from the city?

I just finished an hour long search of the internet to find prices on buying/leasing homes in the Philippines. I was surprised to find homes for rent for as little as $85 American a month. I saw pics and was even more surprised to find some decent looking places for around $130-$175 a month. In fact a couple of these homes looked rather large and well kept. I saw homes that would cost you $1200 a month here in the states. I checked on building homes also. I was blown away, by the fact that you can build a very nice 4 bedroom home for $20,000 dollars. You can build a simple 2 bedroom no frills dwelling for $5000. No joke. 5 grand for a small 2 bedroom home. My apartment here in the states costs me $6000 a year/or $500 a month. Now don't get me wrong, I also saw some homes that cost $60,000 dollars. And even a few that cost $100,000. However I might add, that it was too much home for my tastes. Also the area in which you build has a lot to do with it. My only problem is the fact that I have to be Filipino to own land there. Is there any way to buy a home without being Filipino? What if I leased some land for 50 years, and then built a small house on it? Can I do that legally? I know I'd have to give the thing up after 50 years, but perhaps I could have an option to renew lease or maybe the laws will have changed by then? I'd really like to own a small house, but it seems hopeless if I'm not related to a Filippino.

Thanks for your response, and I really appreciated your input, its discussions like these that are helpful to those of us in the process of transition. and thanks to those whom gave excellent budget analysis..

I am happy to organise a mid-month 'Get Together' at Ratsky on 9th March (as well as sandard default of last Sunday of the month 30th March in this case) I will force myself to drink copious amounts of draft SMB and eat many slices of delicios Pizza, all for Php99 just so those who cant do this on the 30th will have an excuse to meet others. The things I do for LinP!

Q1)Is there any way to buy a home without being Filipino? In short, under current laws - No, unless it was a condominium. You can lease/rent property. If you are married to a Filipina, you can build your own home on her land I understand. Q2) What if I leased some land for 50 years, and then built a small house on it? Can I do that legally? Yes, anyone can lease land and house for 25 years or 50 years and extend for another 25 years making total of 75 year lease. This is also one of the permitted 'investments' under the PLRA SRRV or IR2 Visa.

I know I'd have to give the thing up after 50 years, but perhaps I could have an option to renew lease or maybe the laws will have changed by then? I'd really like to own a small house, but it seems hopeless if I'm not related to a Filippino. Thanks all. It is not hopeless since a 75 year lease is likely to satisfy most people. What is more the Law could well change in that time! Gov Antonio Leviste at the PLTA Briefing indicated there may well be a change in the Law allowing 'foreigners' to own land. Let us hope this does happen.

Shadownseiko and Dave Starr were talking about this Friday. Leasing makes sense if you just want the land as a place to put your house and not for it's emotional security and ""something to leave my children"" value.Most land is overvalued because of this premium put on land ownership,and the owner can have an income while still having something to pass on to his heirs. The same goes for rental houses.That is why owners are willing to lose money in renting out houses.

Hi I am a house builder from Canada. Actually tile roofs are expensive here in Canada, not sure what it costs in Pi though. Depends if thier is alot of plants around driving down prices or not. As far as trusses are concerned you need trusses made out of 2by6""s not 2by""s to hold up the extra weight of the tiles. If you screw the truses down with 6 inch deck screws every half inch were they join the sills of the walls nothing is gonna blow them away. The whole house would have to blow away. The thing about tiles though is that you need a 60 minute paper felt paper under the tiles before installtion of the tiles themselves, due to the fact that it is the felt papaer not the tiles that actually keeps water out of your house. So it is impoortant that you get a good felt paper job or you will get alot of leaks. The felt paper must be overlapped at least 6 inches to avoid water backing up during heavy rains and getting under the paper. The nice thing about tiles is that they keep heat out of your house when it is real hot outside and last as long as 400 years. So tiles may cost more than singles, but will last 10 times longer for only a small increase in price, but you cannot have shingles in Pi due to them retaining heat and being blown away from the fierce winds in PI. If any memebers have questions regarding building your own home in Pi I would be more than happy to answer any questions I can. I have never built a home in Pi but have done so for the last 9 years here in Canada. So i may be able to answer some of your questions. I hope to make a trip in a few weeks to Cebu, and I will be seeing more closely construction methods in Pi first hand.

I fail to understand the point of this post.Is it that you know this ""Dirty Harry"" character personally or what? ""Shooting criminals lawfully"".I suppose it would cut down on his workload as an officer of the court.

The biggest hurdle we found for setting up a N/P Org was putting up a PhP100,000 cash bond. From there on the tape got redder. Board of Directors bios, attorney on call being paid monthly, file complete list of by-laws that cover every/all laws one might encounter.

Could you tell me what recourse there is in the Philippines against an atty who takes your money to do a job and then you find out the atty is not able to do work on your particular Island. The amount is minimal but I am a little angry on how it was done.

Please make the subject reflect the substance of you post. Of course, it is okay to prefix it with a persons name, as I did above. But a only the name, does not tell the substance to those who search the archives] I was on the phone with Atty Vic just after I got this. So I asked him. He said, the best and quickest way was write a letter to the Supreme Court of the Philippines. It must be in the form of a sworn affidavit. He said they usually answer in two days if you are in the Philippines. If there is an investigation, it will take more time, I feel sure, maybe a hearing, etc. My guess is you may have to get an attorney to go after the attorney. Vic did not say that.

As a foriegner, there are some unspoken advantages to leasing the land over purchasing. Yes, in the provinces a reasonably nice place can be leased for what may seem like nearly nothing. Very prime land can be leased for what seems as below nothing. You cannot own the land, but a legal twist is that you CAN build AND own the dwelling on it!