Will D Posted October 8 Posted October 8 Good day to all! I am new on this forum and looking for advice, connections and friends. I have been to the Philippines three times with my family. Trying to figure out the best area to move to in central Visayas. My wife's family is from Bohol and for all apparent reasons she wants to buy and build back in Bohol. I am not sold on Bohol yet. My last trip was for 21/2 months back in May of 2024 and was not successful. Had some land prospects but prices quickly inflated after skin tax. As usual I am trying to get the best bang for my buck. Location, price, good neighbors and peace and quiet. I am hoping to be fully moved by July 2026. My past visits and some research (YouTube channels, Internet) has giving me a base. I feel relatively versed on the pros and cons of living there and want to build a home for my family. If there is an expat community in Bohol, I may reconsider. I am also Looking at Negros or Davao. Hope to hear something. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum Support Mike J Posted October 8 Forum Support Posted October 8 Welcome to the forum Will. I think you will find us a friendly bunch. Bohol was on our short list when moving to the Philippines and we liked the area around Panglao but we ended up near family in Moalboal. Living near family has can have its benefits and challenges but I expect you know that based on your research. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrettGC Posted October 8 Posted October 8 Welcome to the forum Will. If you do a search on Facebook, there's probably a Bohol expats group, more than likely a number of them. We're sort of half-looking for land ourselves right now - not Bohol - I send my wife in for the first couple of enquiries. I've found the long-nose tax to be pretty rare these days; things may be changing, or it may be down to we've changed the areas we're looking at. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will D Posted October 9 Author Posted October 9 Much appreciated for the welcome. I will search a little on facebook. Hopefully I am successful. From time to time, I will post questions. Thanks! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum Support Old55 Posted October 10 Forum Support Posted October 10 Welcome to the forum Will. Renting before buying in a specific area is something to consider. The "Three Island Rule" is also something to consider. 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy F. Posted October 10 Posted October 10 (edited) We have a house in the Dauis part of Panglao Island, which we occupy from December thru April. We were fortunate enough to get the land 12 years ago. Prices have been going nowhere but up, but that could change since tourist arrivals are down 30% this year. I've been amazed at the number of huge new resorts the last few years. The place is in "overdeveloped" territory these days, on it's way to becoming another Boracay. There are lots of foreigners in the area and they are generally quite friendly. My favorite hangout is the A9 Restobar just off the central highway. My gang meets there Saturday nights and has group meals at the Steak Garden Saturday and Mahalo at Alona on Wednesdays. There are Panglao and Bohol Facebook groups but I quit Facebook more than a year ago. Edited October 10 by Guy F. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will D Posted October 15 Author Posted October 15 I suspect the "three island rule" means renting say Bohol for awhile, pick up and try Negros and if nothing works out try Mindanao for a time? Not necessarily in that order but I get it. I'll try one of the Facebook groups based in Panglao and feel it out. Hopefully I can find some land prospects. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrettGC Posted October 15 Posted October 15 53 minutes ago, Will D said: I suspect the "three island rule" means renting say Bohol for awhile, pick up and try Negros and if nothing works out try Mindanao for a time? Not necessarily in that order but I get it. I'll try one of the Facebook groups based in Panglao and feel it out. Hopefully I can find some land prospects. Cheers It actually means 3 islands from your wife/partner's family lol. Works for some, but personally I really like my wife's family and some are my neighbours. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hk blues Posted October 15 Posted October 15 7 hours ago, Will D said: I suspect the "three island rule" means renting say Bohol for awhile, pick up and try Negros and if nothing works out try Mindanao for a time? Not necessarily in that order but I get it. I'll try one of the Facebook groups based in Panglao and feel it out. Hopefully I can find some land prospects. Cheers I wouldn't put that much store in the three island rule - plenty of money transfer options nowadays! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy F. Posted October 15 Posted October 15 (edited) The three island rule is: You and the wife live on one island, her family lives on another island, and make sure there is a third island between those 2. Keep in mind that internet prices for real estate are a lot higher than face-to-face prices. Agent fees are negotiable and can be split between several participating individuals. In the US 6% is standard. We paid 5% on our last deal in the Phils. Cheaper real estate can be found in places like Anda, but you'd be far from malls and decent hospitals. Edited October 15 by Guy F. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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