Foreigners Beware: We Paid the Deposit, Then Our Property Deal Fell Apart

Buying property in the Philippines can be an incredible opportunity — but there are risks that many foreigners only discover after money has already changed hands. In this video, I share exactly what happened when we agreed on a property price, paid a deposit, hired a lawyer, commissioned floor plans, and publicly committed to a deal… only for the price to suddenly change. Not because of paperwork. Not because of a mistake. But because I’m a foreigner. This isn’t a rant and it’s not an attack on the Philippines. We love living here and we’re still planning to build. But there’s a pattern many long-term foreigners quietly recognise — often referred to as the “white tax” — where prices shift once a foreign buyer is involved. In this video, I cover: • What happened to our property deal step by step • Why price changes happen to foreigners more often than people realise • The legal reality of foreigners buying land in the Philippines • Capital gains tax, agent fees, and who is actually meant to pay them • How sellers are often shocked by selling costs — and how that affects buyers • Practical ways foreigners can reduce risk when buying property here This video is for anyone considering buying land or building a home in the Philippines — especially foreigners married to or buying with a Filipino partner. ⚠️ This is not legal advice. Always speak with a qualified lawyer before purchasing property. In the next video, we’ll talk about what happens when relationships break down, what protections do exist for foreigners, and what the law actually says when disputes end up in court. 🪴 If you enjoyed this video, give it a like, drop us a comment (we’d genuinely love to hear from you), and subscribe if you’re curious about living a slower, more intentional life — one that’s a little more connected to nature, community, and what actually matters. 🌏 Stay Connected with The Grounded Nomads: Website ➤ www.thegroundednomads.com Email ➤ [email protected] Instagram ➤ @thegroundednomads Facebook ➤ www.facebook.com/TheGroundedNomads 🌿 Work With The Grounded Nomads If you’re planning to buy land, build a home, or move to the Philippines, here’s how we can help: 📘 Our Book — “A Foreigner’s Guide to Building a Home in the Philippines” Practical lessons, real numbers, and mistakes we made so you don’t have to. 👥 Join the Private Builder Community Monthly Zoom calls, real-world meet-ups, downloads, shared contacts, and a closed group of people building in the Philippines. 👉 https://www.thegroundednomads.com/cop... 🏡 Consultations & Property Support Online or in-person consults, land-finding help, and build-report reviews for overseas buyers. 📩 Get 17 Free Tips Before You Build Subscribe on our website to receive 17 practical tips on land, building, and life in the Philippines. 👉 www.thegroundednomads.com #BuyingPropertyPhilippines, #PhilippinesProperty, #ForeignerInPhilippines, #LivingInThePhilippines, #PhilippinesExpat, #BuildingInThePhilippines, #PhilippinesRealEstate, #ExpatLifePhilippines, #OffGridPhilippines, #TheGroundedNomads