What is the reason of making the Building Permit merely as a post requirement to the License to
Sell?
It has been brought to the attention of the Board that due to the continued malaise on the housing
industry, the requirement of the Building Permit for application of the License to Sell has become
impractical and expensive because it will prevent the developers to conduct preliminary selling activities
to test the market viability of their projects, which is a test required by financial institutions prior to
approval of any developmental loans. As a good business practice, the developers usually conduct these
preliminary test before they fully invest on the condominium. If the market testing will show that the project
is not viable, they can stop or limit the project. But by already paying the expensive Building Permit, the
developers will be forced to continue the whole project even if later, market studies would show that the
project is not viable or marketable. This will result to loss of funds which might be invested to more viable
condominiums.
Erratum: The word subdivision project previously mentioned on the above paragraph was changed to
condominium.
Is there anything new that the HLURB can help the governments housing programs?
The HLURB is currently revising its Rules of Procedures. The purpose of such revision is to make the
agency more accessible to the public, especially, the complainants against erring developers. To be more
accessible, the Board is emphasizing the summary nature of the proceeding before it, so that the public or
any person who has a complaint can readily claim protection from unscrupulous developers, even without
any lawyer.
Also, the Board is updating its Rules on the Registration of Homeowners Association and its monitoring.
Upon assumption of jurisdiction of HLURB on HOAs, it has been the concern of the Board on the lack of
compliance by the HOAs on the documentary requirements. Thus, it is trying to simplify the requirements
so that it would be easier for them to comply with the same as well as for the Board to monitor their
activities.
If the Building Permit has been made a post requirement, how will the HLURB ensure that the
condominium project or the housing units are structurally sound?
Upon application by the developer, the HLURB will issue a Temporary License to Sell which is valid for six
months, thereafter, the developer must submit the required Building Permit. The six months period for the
temporary license is jus the period given by HLURB wherein the developer can undertake preliminary
marketing activities to test the market.
By not requiring the DAR Conversion Clearance for the application of the License to Sell and
Certificate of Registration, does this mean that there is no need to submit this Clearance anymore?
No, the developer must still comply with the law, requiring the DAR Conversion Clearance. However,
instead of submitting it upon application for the LS/CR, the HLURB allow the submission of the same as a
post requirement.
Is the relaxation of the requirement to submit the DAR Conversion Clearance applicable to all
projects?
The exemption only applies to residential projects and farmlots. The purpose of the relaxation is to
minimize the red-tape on approval of subdivision and condominium projects, which are recognized as
pump primers of the economy.
Does the Board have jurisdiction over ejectment cases?
As a rule, jurisdiction over ejectment cases rests with the regular courts , particularly the metropolitan and
municipal trial courts.
However, in one case, the Supreme Court has ruled that it is the Housing and Land Use Regulatory
Board (HLURB) that has such jurisdiction , where the controversy involves the determination of rights and
obligations between the seller and buyer of real estate in a subdivision or condominium project;
Does the Board have jurisdiction over ejectment cases?
As a rule, jurisdiction over ejectment cases rests with the regular courts , particularly the metropolitan and
municipal trial courts.
However, in one case, the Supreme Court has ruled that it is the Housing and Land Use Regulatory
Board (HLURB) that has such jurisdiction , where the controversy involves the determination of rights and
obligations between the seller and buyer of real estate in a subdivision or condominium project;
Are owners/developers of the columbariums required to secure License to Sell?
Yes, Construction and/or development of columbariums and crematoriums, including the sale thereof to
the public is subject to HLURB Rules and Regulations for Memorial Parks and Cementeries. Thereof, the
owner/developer thereof is required to secure the necessary license to sell for selling the columbarium
units to the public.
Is pre-selling allowed?
No. Pre-selling which is disposing for valuable consideration of subdivision lots or condominium units I a
subdivision or condominium project to the public prior to the issuance of Certificate of Registration and
License to Sell is a violation of PD 957.
What is the liability of the subdivision owner if he sold subdivision lots without license to sell? What is
the effect of the sale?
The sale is valid but the subdivision owner is liable to pay administrative fine for unauthorized selling.
While, the buyer may opt to rescind the contract and demand for a refund or proceed with the sale.
Where can a prospective buyer check whether a subdivision project has a Certificate of Registration
and License to Sell ?
He can check it with the Regional Office Of the HLURB which has jurisdiction of the place where the
project is located.
Where can 20% compliance to balanced housing requirement be located?
The 20% socialized housing requirement can be located within the same city or municipality as the main
project. In cases where this is not feasible, the compliance project may be located in any city or
municipality within the same region or in any city or municipality within the regions adjacent to it.
How do we get copies of the new IRRs for PD 957 and BP 220?
Copies of the IRRs for PD 957 and BP 220 are available at the HLURB Library, Ground Floor of the
HLURB Central Office, Kalayaan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon city. Requesting parties are charged P200 per
copy to cover cost of printing.
Are the revised IRRs for PD 957 and BP 220 already in effect?
The revised IRRs which were approved per Board Resolutions No. 699 and 700, Series of 2001 took
effect last 06 May 2002. Amendments approved per Board Resolution No. 725, Series of 2002 took effect
on 26 July 2002.
The current price ceilings as set by the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC)
as per MC No. 5 Series of 2007 Re: Redefinition of Loan Ceilings/Packages are as follows:
Socialized housing = PHP 400,000.00 and below (per HUDCC MC No. 1, Dec. 11, 2008);
Low Cost
Level 1 = above PHP 300,000.00 to PHP 1,250, 000.00 (BP 220 standard);
Level 2 = above PHP 1,250,000.00 to PHP 2,000,000.00 (PD 957 standard);
Medium cost = PHP 2,000,000.00 up to PHP 4,000,000.00;
Open Housing = above PHP 4,000,000.00
On the Design Standards and Guidelines, What are the latest minimum design standards ?
Minimum lot area
Single Detached 72 sqm for economic housing; 64 sqm for socialized housing
Duplex/Single Attached 54 sqm for economic housing; 48 sqm for socialized housing
Rowhouse 36 sqm for economic housing; 28 sqm for socialized housing (per BR 824, s. 2008)
Minimum floor area
22 sqm for economic housing; 18 sqm for socialized housing
Under PD 957
Minimum lot area
Single Detached 120 sqm for open market housing; 100 sqm for medium cost housing
Duplex/Single Attached 96 sqm for open market housing; 80 sqm for medium cost housing
Rowhouse 60 sqm for open market housing; 50 sqm for medium cost housing
Minimum floor area
42 sqm for open market housing; 30 sqm for medium cost housing
What are the Costs per volume?
Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
Volume 4
Volume 5
Comprehensive Land Use Planning
Guidebook
Comprehensive Land Use Planning
Guidebook
Comprehensive Land Use Planning
Guidebook (GIS)
Model Zoning Ordinance
Planning Strategically
= PHP 400.00
= PHP 500.00
= PHP 450.00
= Not Available
= PHP 200.00
How many volumes are the guidelines ?
Five (5) in all
Revocation of Registration as Brokers and Salesmen
Registration may be refused or any registration granted be revoked by the Board, if, after reasonable
notice and hearing, it shall determine that such applicant or registrant:
1.
Has violated any provisions of Section 11 of PD 957 or any rules or regulations being
implemented;
2.
Has made a material false statement in his application for registration;
3.
Has been guilty of a fraudulent act in connection with any sale of a subdivision lot or
condominium unit;
4.
Has demonstrated his unworthiness, to transact the business of broker or salesman, as the
case may be.
In case of charges against salesman, notice thereof shall also be given the broker employing such
salesman.
Pending hearing of the case, the Board shall have the power to order the suspension of brokers or
salesmans registration provided that such order shall state the cause for the suspension.
The suspension or revocation of the registration of a broker shall carry with it all the suspension or
revocation of the registrations of all his salesmen.
In cases, the licensed brokers or salesmen decided to voluntary cease from further engaging in the real
estate business, the broker or salesman shall surrender his Certificate of Registration to the Board and
his/her name shall be cancelled from the Books of Register.
Voluntary Cancellation of Registration
In case the broker or salesman decided to discontinue his practice as a real estate agent, the broker or
salesman may apply in writing with the Board for the temporary cancellation of his registration provided
that said broker or salesman must renew his/her license for the current year. If this was undertaken, and
the broker or salesman decided to continue his/her practice after a period of time, shall not be penalized
by the Board and/or the DTI for his/her non-renewal of registration.
Who will pay for the electric consumption for street lights before the same are donated to the LGU?
The new IRR of PD 957 and BP 220 provide for the proportionate sharing by the subdivision owner and
subdivision buyers.
What is the period of time to complete the facilities as advertised?
Refer to Sec. 20 of P.D. 957
Is a subdivision owner bound by each advertisement even though the facilities advertisers are not
included in the approved plan?
Yes.
Is a subdivision owner bound by each advertisement even though the facilities advertisers are not
included in the approved plan?
What can be done when a buyer found out that the size of the lot in the Deed of Restrictions and
Contract to Sell that he originally signed did not match with what is indicated in the title?
If the sale is on a per square meter basis and the area turns out to be smaller, the buyer is entitled to a
reduction of the price. In the same way the area turns out to be bigger, the buyer should pay for the
increase in area.
In other case, the buyer may have opt to rescind the contract if he would not have bought the property
had he known of the difference in the area
Can an owner/developer of a subdivision project impose a height limitation on the house to be
constructed therein?
Yes, in order to preserve the style and uniformity of project but height limitation should not be contrary to
the approved zoning ordinance the same will be deemed inoperative.
Can a Developer sell the subdivisions open space?
No because subdivisions open space is beyond the commerce of man.
Can a chapel be constructed in open space reserved for parks and playgrounds?
No. Open space reserved for parks and playground is non-buildable and chapel as well as other
subdivisions facilities may only be constructed in open space not reserved for parks and playground.
What is a condominium project?
Condominium project refers to the entire parcel of real property divided or to be divided into condominium
units for residential, commercial, industrial or other purposes, including the structure thereon.
What is a subdivision project?
Subdivision project refers to a parcel of land registered under Act No. 496 which is partitioned into
individual lots for residential, commercial, industrial or other purposes with or without improvements
thereon, and offered for sale to the public.
What is the Urban Land Reform Law?
Presidential Decree No. 1517 issued on June 11, 1978 is what is known as the Urban Land Reform Law.
It was a piece of legislation that instituted the Urban Land Reform Program of the government. Briefly, this
program aims to rationalize with due process and through equitable means the existing pattern of
land use and ownership in urban and urbanizable areas. As such, it involves the imposition of certain
limitations on the use by the owner of his property.
Is urban land reform the same as agrarian reform?
No.
Agrarian reform (AR) involves the diffusion of land ownership through the imposition of retention limits for
owners of large tracts of land. It is mandatory in the sense that the landowner cannot refuse not to sell the
agricultural land in excess of the retention limit to the tenants who till the same.
In urban land reform (ULR), on the other hand, a landowner cannot ordinarily be compelled to sell the
land to the tenant. It is only when the land is expropriated that he or she is forced to sell, but only after
due process. In the event, however, that a landowner voluntarily decides to sell the property, the tenant
has a pre-emptive right to buy the property or the right of first refusal before it can be legally sold to
another. The law compels him merely to offer it first to the tenant.
In AR, all agricultural lands are covered although exemptions may be applied for. On the other hand, ULR
applies only to selected parcels of urban land.
Is the right of first refusal available to all urban tenants?
No. PD 1517 limited its application to Urban Land Reform Zones or specific parcels of land later identified
and proclaimed.
What are Areas for Priority Development or APDs?
The term Areas for Priority Development (APDs) was used in the pertinent decrees and proclamations
interchangeably or alternatively with the term Urban Land Reform Zones (ULRZs). From all indications
they have the same meaning. They refer to the 244 areas in Metro Manila specifically described and
identified in Proclamation 1967, and other sites later identified and proclaimed.
How many APDs/ULRZs are there at present?
There are at present 284 APDs / ULRZs.
In addition to the 244 APDs in Metro Manila under Proclamation No. 1967 and Dagat-Dagatan, Tondo
under Proclamation No. 2284, nineteen (19) Slum Improvement and Resettlement (SIR) sites were
included pursuant to Proclamation No. 1810 (Declaring that all sites under the Zonal Improvement
Program (ZIP) and SIR areas shall become ULRZs upon proclamation by the President). These are
located in the regional cities of Bacolod, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Davao. Subsequently, pursuant to
the same decree, the National Housing Authority identified and proclaimed 20 more APD sites 19 in
Metro Manila and one in Cebu City.
In summary:
Number of APDs/ULRZs
By Proclamation No. 1967 244
By Proclamation No. 2284 1
By Proclamation No. 1810 19
By NHA Approval 20
Total 284
What we dont do (1)
We Dont Do the ff:
We do not do the following:
Ejectment Cases
Right of Way
Develop Subdivisions
Sell Subdivisions
Extend Loans
Cases Between Neighbors
For assistance you may approach:
Civil Courts
Civil Courts
Developer/Owner of the Project
Developer/Owner of the Project
Financial Institutions ie. Pag-IBIG, SHFC, SSS, GSIS,
Banks
Civil Courts
