Buyer checklist

Before you buy land in Palawan

Use this checklist before you buy, sign, or trust what a seller says.

LandProof helps organize property checks, but it does not guarantee the title is real and correct or replace legal advice.

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Do not pay just because a listing looks good

A clean-looking property page is not the same as a safe purchase. Before you buy, check the title, proof the seller can sell, taxes, boundaries, road access, land type, and whether the property can be legally transferred.

Main checks

Start with these checks

1. Check the property papers

  • Ask what kind of ownership document the property has.
  • Check if it has a land title, tax declaration only, rights-only claim, mother title, or CLOA/CARP-related document.
  • Ask for a Certified True Copy of Title if titled.
  • Ask for the latest tax declaration, tax receipt, and tax clearance.
  • Ask for a survey plan, lot sketch, or boundary document.
  • Ask about road access or right of way.

2. Check the seller and broker

  • Make sure the seller name matches the title, or ask for written proof they can sell.
  • If someone is selling for the owner, ask for an SPA or other proof of permission.
  • If a broker or agent is involved, ask for their PRC license or proof they are allowed to sell it.
  • If the owner is deceased, ask for estate, heir, or settlement documents before moving forward.

3. Check the land itself

  • Ask if anyone is living on the land.
  • Ask if the land is being farmed, occupied, disputed, or used by someone else.
  • Confirm the boundaries on the ground match the documents.
  • Ask if the property has road access.
  • Ask if the land use fits what you want to do with it.

4. Check water and power

  • Ask if the property has electric power already.
  • Ask if power is from the grid, solar, generator, or none yet.
  • Ask if the property has water already.
  • Ask if water comes from city water, deep well, spring or mountain water, delivered water, or none yet.
  • Ask how far the nearest electric line is.
  • Ask if internet or phone signal works on the property.
  • Ask what it may cost to bring in water, power, road access, or solar.
Warnings

Stop and check these warning signs

Seller name does not match the title

Tax declaration only

Rights-only claim

No clear road access

No confirmed water source

No confirmed power source

Power line is far from the property

Water requires a well, spring line, or delivery

Seller says easy to connect but has no proof

No phone signal or internet if buyer plans to live, rent, or build there

No survey or unclear boundaries

Broker has no proof they can sell

Dead owner with no estate papers

Coastal, island, or beachfront land with unclear government checks

Farm land with DAR questions

Ancestral land concerns

You are being pushed to buy fast

Money already requested before documents are reviewed

Lawyer help

When to ask a property lawyer

  • Foreign buyer questions
  • Rights-only property
  • Tax declaration only property
  • Seller name mismatch
  • Dead-owner or heir issues
  • Coastal, island, agricultural, or ancestral-domain concerns
  • Boundary disputes or occupancy problems
  • Any pressure to buy before documents are checked

If any of these apply, do not rely on verbal promises. Get legal help before buying or signing.

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Utilities FAQ

Water and power questions

What if the property has no power or water?

Many rural or remote properties may not have grid power or city water already connected. Ask how water is supplied and how power will be handled before buying. Some properties may need a deep well, spring or mountain water line, water delivery, solar, generator, or other off-grid setup.

Does LandProof check utility connection costs?

LandProof can record what the seller provides and show whether water or power is confirmed. Buyers should still check installation cost, distance to power lines, water source, permits, and local service availability before buying.

Should I buy land without power or water?

It depends on the price, location, intended use, and cost to add utilities. If water or power is not confirmed, treat it as something that needs review before buying.

Keep it together

Use LandProof to keep everything in one place

Create a property file, upload documents, track warnings, and ask questions before you move forward.

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