Cavite Property Taxes & Buyer Costs Explained (2025 Guide)

Buying a property in Cavite, whether a house & lot, a residential farm, or a commercial development, doesn’t end at the selling price.
There are several taxes and fees that buyers must prepare for before the transfer of ownership is completed.

This guide breaks down every cost you’ll encounter when buying property in Cavite, with updated numbers for 2025.

✅ Who Pays What?

In the Philippines, costs are traditionally split like this:

⚠️ Important: Terms may still be negotiated depending on the seller.

🧾 Buyer’s Expenses (Exact Fees Explained)

1️⃣ Transfer Tax

• Rate in Cavite: 0.75% of selling price or zonal value (whichever is higher)
  
• Paid to: Local Government Unit (LGU)
  

📌 Example:
₱5,000,000 × 0.75% = ₱37,500

2️⃣ Documentary Stamp Tax (DST)

• 1.5% of selling price or zonal value
  
• Paid to: BIR
  

📌 Example:
₱5,000,000 × 1.5% = ₱75,000

3️⃣ Registration Fee

• Paid to: Registry of Deeds
  
• Based on a sliding scale set by LRA (Land Registration Authority)
  

📌 Approx. Range:
For a ₱5M property → ₱8,000–₱20,000

4️⃣ Notarial Fee

• Covers Deed of Absolute Sale authentication
  
• Around ₱3,000–₱10,000 or 1% of selling price (max cap applied)
  

5️⃣ Taxes for Developers (if Pre-Selling Property)

Some developers charge additional:
✅ Move-in fees
✅ Water/electric meter installation
✅ HOA membership
✅ Other community fees

📌 Ask for a complete breakdown before signing.

🧮 How Much Should a Buyer Budget?

Rule of Thumb:
Prepare 5–7% of the property price for taxes & title transfer.

This estimate keeps you safe from unexpected expenses.

🏠 What About Real Property Tax (Amilyar)?

After the title transfer, the buyer becomes responsible for annual real property taxes.

Cavite RPT Rates:

• 1% of the assessed value
  
• Assessment level varies based on use:
  
  • Residential: 20%
    
  • Agricultural: 40%
    
  • Commercial: 50%
    
  • Industrial: 50%
    

📌 Example for a ₱5M residential home:
₱5,000,000 × 20% × 1% = ₱10,000 per year

✅ Checklist Before Buying in Cavite

✔ Check zonal value (affects taxes)
✔ Verify clean title (no encumbrances)
✔ Confirm seller identity & authority
✔ Get an official cost breakdown
✔ Work with a licensed real estate professional

Avoid deals that are “too good to be true.” Low price might mean high risk.

🎯 Final Advice

Cavite offers some of the best real estate value near Metro Manila — but only if buyers prepare for the full cost of acquiring property.

Before signing anything, make sure:
✅ All taxes are accounted for
✅ Title transfer process is handled professionally
✅ You know exactly what you’re paying

📩 Need help estimating taxes or verifying a property in Cavite?
Arak International Properties provides transparent pricing and verified listings only.

Send us a message! We’d be glad to guide you through the process.