How to Check a DHSUD License to Sell Before Buying a Preselling Property

Ask for the project documents before the reservation

For a preselling subdivision or condominium offer, ask the developer for the project’s Certificate of Registration and License to Sell. Record the legal developer name, exact project name, location and license reference. A sales brand, company registration or agent’s accreditation does not replace the project-specific document.

DHSUD’s buyer guidance advises checking these documents and verifying project claims rather than relying only on the salesperson. The agency’s regulatory materials distinguish registration from permission to sell. Ask the relevant regional office to confirm the applicable status and coverage for the project you are considering.

Match the license to the phase or tower offered

Compare the document with the specific phase, building or unit in the reservation form. Where a development has several stages, ask which approval covers the proposed offer. A valid-looking license for another phase should remain a question to resolve, not evidence that every future building is covered.

Use the agency’s official contact and service routes for verification. Save the question asked and the dated response, including any limits on the confirmation. If the advertising name and licensed developer name differ, ask for the documentary connection instead of assuming that similar branding establishes the relationship.

• Record the CR and License to Sell references.
• Match developer, location, project and relevant phase.
• Verify unclear coverage with the appropriate DHSUD office.
• Keep the response date and supporting documents.

Read the reservation and contract-to-sell terms

After the regulatory check, review the actual unit description, price, payment schedule, completion terms and cancellation provisions. Ask which amounts are reservation payments, equity instalments or charges outside the quoted price. Have consequential terms explained before signing rather than after a financing deadline arrives.

Ask what happens if the bank approves a smaller amount, the project timetable changes or the purchaser wants to cancel. A license to sell does not determine your mortgage eligibility or guarantee the investment’s resale value. Financing and contractual remedies need their own assessment based on the agreement and applicable law.

A fictional phase-coverage check

This example describes a verification question, not a report on a developer.

Combine project checks with a realistic shortlist

Use Philippines listings to compare location, housing type and the stated stage of development. Ask whether the offer is preselling, ready for occupancy or a resale, because the document and transaction questions differ. For each preselling offer, request the same project evidence before comparing instalment promotions.

Continue land-title, construction and seller-authority checks appropriate to the purchase. A listing page or marketing rendering does not verify approval or delivery. MarkMyProperty links you to advertised property locations and listers; official license confirmation comes from the relevant authority.