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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the geographic location? How can you describe these tropical island properties? These subdivision parcels are located at the center of the Philippine archipelago in San Jose Island (formerly known as Carabao Island), Romblon, Philippines. San Jose Island is found at the southernmost tip of Romblon, strategically located between the famous Island Resort of Boracay and Tablas Island.
Carabao Island - it is how Boracay once was. Parcel I is located in the Village of Tipok-pok near the town of San Jose east of the island, and Parcel II is in the Village of Lanas west side of the island facing the resort island of Boracay. The two parcels are approximately 3.5 miles apart and accessible by boat, hiking, bicycle or motorbike. The two parcels does not constitute the whole island.
San Jose Island is measuring only 28.9 square kilometer, this island does not look any different from the other islands of Romblon. From afar it looks like one flat islet with no heights to boast of. True enough, the highest peak is only 218 meters, but its beauty more than compensates for its size.
The beauty of San Jose is in its coastlines - it has the most beautiful beaches of the whole of Romblon. Perfect spot are the beaches in Brgy. Lanas, Bignay and the whole length of shoreline in the town proper. Of powdery find white sands, these beaches have clear, warm waters with gradually sloping ocean floors. The beachfront in the town proper spans more than a kilometer with a shore width of 15 meters during high tide becoming as wide as 25 to 30 meters during low tide. In Brgys. Lanas and Bignay, shorefronts measure five meters widening to about 10 meters in some areas. Those big boulders so common in the ocean floors on the islet of Alad, Logbon and Cabrador are also found in San Jose.
Can American citizen or foreign nationals own properties in the Philippines?
You can own a land in the Philippines with the following limitations and restrictions: you will need a Filipino partner. Basically this means that either both share the property with the Filipino owns 51% or more, and the foreigner owns 49 % and less. If one is married to a Filipino citizen or former Filipino citizen, then it become simple. Please be advised to consult an attorney for any legal advise regarding acquiring real estate properties in the Philippines; and latest local & national laws and regulations.What is the typical size of the lot?
30,000 Square Meter or Approximately 7.5 Acres.Are the properties surveyed and titled?
These properties were surveyed (cadastral survey) and each lot is individually titled. The Titles are clean and free of any encumbrances.Where is the source of water?
In Parcel II, water supply comes from a pipe distribution from a natural spring on top of the properties. In most cases, artesian well is very common. Water is pumped up (electric-powered) into elevated concrete or fiberglass tanks.Is there power and electricity?
Power and electricity is available nearby subdivision provided and services by a cooperative operating in the island.What type of sewerage and drainage are used?
You will need to build septic tank on each lot.What type of roads?
Main roads within San Jose town proper and the villages of Lanas are paved (concrete). Secondary roads could be well described as dirt roads and bike trails. In the subdivision many roads in the area are a combination of grass and gravel.Zoning?
Rural, residential. Nipa hut/cottages is allowed, you can have the resorts of your dream or the mansion you can afford.Telephone?
By cellular phone. Very common in the cities and most villages including islands like the Boracay and the Carabao.Are there facilities, businesses, schools in the island?
Cooperative is providing electricity, Police department provide security in the town of San Jose. You will find Dakal-Dakal Restaurant. They also rent out rooms in a house at the north end of San Jose beach. In Lanas, there are two resorts: Carabao Dive Lodge has six simple attractive cottages (all fan-cooled double rooms), a restaurant for in-house guests, and a swimming pool. Activities offered are windsurfing and SCUBA diving. Room rates are usually based on packages that include diving (with or without diving lessons), accommodation, meals, and transfers to/from Boracay. Carabao Beach Resort has 3 bamboo and rattan cottages, a restaurant, and a small orchid garden. Activities include a 1-hr hike to an Aeta (native Filipino islanders) village, game fishing, and motor boat (banca) rental. San Jose National Agricultural High School is located at Poblacion (Agcogon), San Jose, Romblon, Philippines. Carabao does not have yet the assortment of restaurants, the lively night life, nor a golf coarse. Perhaps in the next couple of years or so.Why some lots cost more than others?
The prices vary depending upon the lot location and features. The ocean front lots cost a little higher than inner lots. Parcel II lots prices are higher, yet very much below market value, where the beach quality is excellent. Prices are based on the quality of beaches and general characteristics of the land and its business potentials. Plus its proximity to already well established prime resorts island of Boracay.What type of recreational activities are there in the island?
SCUBA Diving (world class, big time), mountain biking, island hoping by motorboat, sailing, wind surfing, kayaking, deep sea fishing, skin diving, start gazing and anything you could possibly imagine under the sun.Other terms?
Title transfer will be buyer's responsibility. The seller will assist in the process. Please find a brief summary and steps for processing land title transfer.Is there an airport on San Jose (Carabao Island)? Is Kalibo the closest one?
There is no airport in San Jose at this time. The nearest airport is in Caticlan, in Panay Island, directly south of Boracay Island. Caticlan is less than an hour by motor boat from San Jose. Kalibo is the nearest airport that can accommodate bigger jet planes. Kalibo is about 2-3 hours travel from Boracay. Boracay to San Jose is about 30 to 45 minutes. San Jose Island is norteast of Boracay. Parcel one is at the north of San Jose island while parcel 2 is at the east facing Boracay. There are smaller commercial establishment in the island. Bigger ones are in the neighboring islands. Residents make major purchases in Kalibo or some towns in Tablas island Romblon. Tablas island is about an hour away by boat. Residents travel between islands mainly by boat only which available about twice daily.What about Security on island?
Security in the island is as in Boracay. Local and foreign tourists are in and out of Boracay on daily basis. No worry there. These islands are located mid of the Philippine archipelago far North of Southern tip of the Philippines.
Is there access to any medical facilities?
In Carabao Island there is a municipal health clinic which can handle minor health problems. In Caticlan, nearest town to Boracay in the Panay mainland there is an emergency hospital. In Kalibo which is about 1-1/2 hrs. away from Boracay, there are public and private hospitals there. Health services are available.
How are things transported to the island?
By motorboat.Are there any current commercial establishments?
There are small stores in the island. Bigger stores are at nearby islands which are just about an hour boat ride. Building materials are supplied from the main islands, transported by ferry boat and/or motor boat. There are local contractors and skilled building and construction laborers in the island and nearby islands.How to get there? Take a flight to Manila. After arriving at Manila International Airport (or Ninoy Aquino International Airport NAIA), you will transfer to Manila's Domestic Airport Terminal Area. Check general information at the airport. There are domestic flights to Caticlan or Kalibo Airports.
Asian Spirit have domestic flights from Manila direct to Caticlan (See flight schedule). ASIAN SPIRIT, Manila, Tel. Nos. (02)840-3811 to 16 or 840-1712 to 13 / 819-2827.
You can fly Philippine Airlines from Manila Domestic Airport to Kalibo Airport. Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Air Philippines, Manila, PAL: Tel. Nos. (02)855-8888, 855-7888, Fax No. (02)853-8344; AirPhils: Tel. No. (02)855-9000, Fax no. (02) 851-7922. The flight takes 30 minutes. and costs about Pp 3,000 (Philippine pesos) round trips.
From Kalibo Airport, take the air-conditioned bus to Caticlan. The bus trip takes an hour.From Caticlan harbor, take a motor boat (banca) to Boracay. The boat takes around 20-30 minutes. The bus trip and the boat costs around Pp 140.
From Boracay, take a motor boat to the town of San Jose/Carabao Island. Or direct from Caticlan, one-way fare to San Jose usually Pp 25. A chartered (Special trip) motor boat costs around Pp 500; usually the hire from Boracay to Carabao is more costly. The best source for information on the latest boat schedules from Boracay is at the boat stations. Many people who work on Boracay are originally from Carabao.
From Boracay, they can disembark directly to Lanas (parcel II) or Tipok-pok (parcel I). In fact these two sites are much nearer to Boracay than San Jose. San Jose town proper is at at the east opposite side of Carabao island. Carabao island has paved road from San Jose to Lanas. By foot, mountain bike, motorbike, Tipok-pok could be reached from both places.San Jose town and its beautiful coastline of white sand, clear azure water, and coconut trees fringing the beach. San Jose is a good swimming beach with powdery sand and gradually sloping floors. The town is clean and pretty and its residents are friendly. From the town proper you may mountain bike or hike over the hills (the highest peak is around 218 m) to the other side of the island.
Perhaps the best time to visit San Jose Island is during the southwest monsoon which is usually October-June. San Jose faces east.
What is the procedure and steps for the Transferring Land Titles?
Step 1. Pay the transfer tax to the Assessor's Office (Local City Government) to City / Municipal Assessor's Office where land lies where to Procure Realty Tax Clearance : Local Treasurer's Office
Requisites :
Xerox copy of title
Xerox copy of most recent tax declarationStep 2. PAY THE B.I.R. (Bureau of Internal Revenue) Pay the capital gains and documentary stamp taxes and secure the Certificate Authorizing Registration(CAR).Go to the BIR office which has jurisdiction over the city / municipality where the property is located.
Taxes to be paid:
Capital Gains Tax
Documentary Stamp Tax - Imposed on all legal documents executed in the Philippines.Step 3. Submit all relevant documents to the Register of Deeds office which has jurisdiction over the city where the property is located.
For registration in Registry of Deeds
Where : Local Registry of Deeds where land lies
What to Procure : New Transfer Certificate of Title in the name of the Buyer
What to pay : Other fees, See schedule of fees in 1.13Step 4 SECURE NEW TITLE. Return old title and secure new title(TCT) under the name of the buyer. Carefully verify all entries on the new title for any omission or misspelling on the name and all technical details to avoid any problem in the future.
Step 5. SECURE NEW TAX DECLARATION. Local Assessor's Office for new Tax Declaration in the name of new owner.
Where : City / Municipal Assessor's Office where land lies
What to procure : Tax Declaration in name of New Owner
What to pay : Unpaid taxes for improvementsRequisites:
-Copy of new title
-Copy of old title (xerox)
-Tax declaration of previous owner
-Deed of conveyance (xerox)Is it possible to have a docking area for Lot 1494-A? Yes.
On Carabao Island itself, where are the parcels located?
Parcel I at the North while Parcel II is the west side of the island.Where are the parcels relation to Boracay? North of South of Boracay? What is the distance?
Northeast of Boracay, and could be reached by motorboat in 30-45 minutes.What is about Lot 1494-L, in Parcel I?
Lot 1494-L is about 20 meters wide that is segregated from other lots for environmental bank protection and that no permanent structure shall be allowed unless intended for erosion control or to enhance the esthetic qualities of the area. If they choose any of lots 1494-A/B/C/D/K, portion of 1494-L is theirs too at no cost.Who is your contact in the Philippines?
We can coordinate and arrange the site visit to these excellent investment properties in the Carabao Island near the already world-class and known to local and foreign tourist - Island Resorts of Boracay if you let us know and you give us a call.Why invest in the Carabao island?
This is the time to invest in the San Jose Island (Carabao Island). Why? Click on: http://www.reed.com.ph/reed/projects/hambil.html
Parcel I is an ideal place for a golf course that when fully developed could be comparable to golf courses found in Hawaiian islands. The waters below is best for snorkling and/or SCUBA diving. An airstrip for small airplanes could be built on the site, too.
This is a rare opportunity to own tropical island paradise in the Carabao Island, a sister island of Boracay, as low as PhP 100.00 per Sq. M. Developers, what are you waiting for? This is it. See for yourself the great potentials of these properties. Check it out. This one is a bargain, a "steal". With these prices, it's not going to last long. Just give a call.
200 meters (656 Feet) white coarse sandy beach front, excellent spring water available all year round, 3 Hectares of Riceland, about 70% coconut land, gentle sloped terrain, a haven for snorklers and scuba divers.
If you like the scenic views, the white beaches, the beauty of nature, you are going love this promising properties in the Carabao Island almost in its virgin status where Aetas - the original Filipinos still live. If you want to escape the crowded Boracay, this is the place. Peaceful, quiet, sea breeze and the air are always refreshing.
The world renowned Boracay Island, which is just a few minutes away by motorboat, will need supplemental source of drinking water. On the mountain just above parcel II, there is a natural spring that is good source for drinking water.
The place to find real estate for sale, and investment business opportunities including, but not limited to, future beach resorts, villas, cottages, and golf coarses. All year round spring water - a potential bottling business to supply fresh water demand of Boracay Island and neighboring communities. Carabao Island is definitely an extension to already crowded island resorts of Boracay.
In the Carabao Island, you will find white beaches and coves in its natural status. In a beautiful pure virgin white sand beach, Caraboa Island is a place where children can play and enjoy the natural beauty of an island paradise, a place where men and women can be children again. And, most importantly Carabao Island is the ideal place for tropical dream vacations: Water sports galore, ideal for diving and learning to dive, mountain biking, tennis, golf, horse-back riding, island hopping and lots of sunshine.
The perfect hideaway for those who prefer quiet and solitude, a few minutes away from Boracay beach crowd. The place is also a haven for snorkeling and SCUBA diving, as a few steps from the shore is a seaweed and coral gardens. Tipok-pok can be reached from Lanas by hiking, mountain biking or motorbike. Cottages or bamboo huts could be built comfortably perched on the rocky cliffs. Both places offer a spectacular view over deep blue sea to Boracay, Panay and Tablas islands, and even as far away as Mindoro island on a calm day.
Are there legal restrictions in buying land properties in the Philippines?
Yes. These are some laws, rules and regulations regarding property. Here are a couple of fairly simple rules that tend to impact most people:
Please note, regulations can change and buyers are recommended to obtain legal advice regarding their own specific situation.
1. Foreigners or non-Filipinos cannot own land or houses: It is common for a couple (one foreigner the other Filipino) to purchase a property in the name of the local wife.
2. Foreigner or non-Filipinos have no restrictions on renting a property. Nice and simple!
3. Typical Transaction Costs - Purchases from Individuals: Capital gains tax 6% of actual sale price. This percentage could differ if the property asses is being used by a business or is a title owned by a corporation, in this case the percentage is 7.5%. Document stamp tax 1.5% of the actual sale price. Transfer tax 0.5% of the actual sale price Registration fee 0.25% of the actual sale price.
Carabao Island Realty reserve all rights to change the information contained herein as deemed necessary throughout the implementation process.