The Philippines’ New Real Estate Tax Reform Bill is a proposed legislation aimed at overhauling the country’s property tax system. This new bill seeks to streamline the property valuation process and introduce a more uniform and standardized approach to determining property values. If passed, the bill would require property owners to submit accurate and complete information about their properties to help assessors determine their true value. The new valuation process on a property for sale would also make use of advanced technologies and data analytics to ensure that properties are valued more accurately and equitably.
What Is Real Estate Property vs Real Properties?
Real estate
Real estate consists of a plot of land and any either manufactured or natural by individuals that are related to it or that have been added. Natural features such as plants, water, precious mineral resources, and oil are a part of the land. Fences, sidewalks, and structures were all artificial enhancements.
Real estate designated for residential use by a single family or several families is known as residential real estate. Although real estate can either be rented or owned by its current owner, the term “residential real estate” most frequently refers to leased property.
Commercial use and focus are present in commercial real estate. Office buildings, shopping centers, eateries, and other similar establishments are included in this property class. It is possible to lease or purchase commercial real estate.
Real property
Although the term “real property” is less frequently used, its meaning is also less frequently understood. Real property is a more general term that refers to both the actual land and any structures or other improvements that are affixed to it. It also includes any changes to the land as well as the rights to use and enjoy the land. Despite having the right to occupy land or buildings, real property consideration renters and leaseholders cannot own these items.
How Do Property Owners Invest?
Although it takes time and money, investing in real estate and becoming a landlord can be a fantastic way to make money. Ongoing upkeep is necessary after picking the ideal property, preparing the unit, and locating trustworthy tenants. Your rental income may be impacted by upkeep and maintenance charges. An emergency, like a damaged roof, is always possible. For maintenance, investors should budget 1% of the value of their property.
Rental property owners have two options for managing their properties: either they manage it themselves or employ a property manager, who normally costs between 8% and 12% of the rent received. A property manager can arrange maintenance and repair work, screen potential renters, and deal with late rent payments, among other things, despite the expense.
A city or area where the population is increasing and a restoration plan is in place frequently provides a possible investment opportunity. A greater pool of tenants might be present in a community with a low crime rate, simple access to public transit, and a developing job market. When selecting a lucrative rental property, seek for an area with reasonable property taxes, a decent school district, and a variety of attractions, such as cafes, shops, retail, pathways, and playgrounds.
Residential land vs Residential House
Residential land
Residential property is land that will be utilized to build private homes for families and people. Residential land can be used to construct both solitary and multiple dwellings. Apartments and condominiums fall under this. Residential zoning is a type of planning, and its specifications and permitted uses are very different from those for buildings classified for commercial, industrial, or agricultural use.
Subdivisions are frequently constructed in residential areas during real estate development. Homes are constructed on each of the numerous lots that make up the site. Residential land is what you ought to be looking for whether you intend to construct your ideal home, build a home that you will rent out, or create an apartment complex.
Residential House
Areas that have been created for habitation or are capable of doing are referred to as residential property. It is generally forbidden to use residential property for commercial reasons. A procedure called zoning determines whether a piece of property is often classified as commercial or residential. A dwelling is not required to be present on residential property. Residential zones can be applied on vacant land. This indicates that it can only be used for household purposes.
A residential area may contain a wide variety of home types. They consist of apartments, single-family dwellings, and mobile homes. On residential property, condominiums and townhouses may also be built. This does not imply that construction is unconstrained. In general, there are a lot of rules that apply to construction on residential property.
It is possible for residential and commercial property to coexist. Urban areas frequently have this. Homes and businesses may be connected or located nearby. If this is the case, property owners may be able to decide how they’d like their land to be used. The owners might not have the authority to change the use of their properties, even when a commercial property may occasionally be adjacent to a residentially zoned one.
How Does Fair Market Value Work?
The cost an item would sell for on the marketplace, assuming that both the buyer and the seller are fairly informed about the asset, are acting in their own best interests, are not subject to undue pressure, and are given a reasonable amount of time to complete the transaction, is known as fair market value.
Due to the fact that it takes into account the principles of economics of open and free market activity, the phrase “fair market value” is purposefully different from other terms like “market value” or “appraised value.” The value of an asset in the market, on the other hand, is referred to as market value. Hence, whereas a home’s market price can be easily obtained on a listing, fighting out the true value is more challenging.
The FMV of the family’s property is frequently used to determine how much municipal property taxes will be. The gap between the purchase price and the home’s FMV might be significant, depending on the length of time the homeowner has owned it. The FMV of a home is calculated by qualified appraisers using standards, rules, and local and federal laws. FMV is frequently applied in the insurance sector. For instance, when an insurance company is submitted following an automobile accident, the insurance provider typically pays damages up to the FMV of the owner’s vehicle.
The fair market value applies to more than simply real estate transactions. Actually, every existing homeowner needs to keep informed on the FMV of their property because it influences a range of prospective financial issues, including taxes and insurance, as well as their personal wealth and the asset’s value.
Real Property Tax Guide Before Leasing or Renting
A real property tax is a direct tax levied in the Philippines on the ownership of real estate, including any structures or other improvements. Regardless of whether the property is used or not, the local authority imposes and collects it.
A tax on real estate ownership is known as the RPT. Therefore, it is the owner’s responsibility or the responsibility of the individuals whose names are on the deed or proof of ownership. In the Philippines, the property owner is typically personally liable for real estate taxes. Only when the owner of the property is exempt from RPT payment may it be enforced on those who have profitable use of the land. (condo tenant).
A tax declaration, which must be the property’s current and fair market value as established by the declarant, is a sworn statement stating the true value of the asset. The declaration offers a thorough description of the asset, which will make it easier for the assessor to locate it for the purposes of assessment.
What is Political Subdivisions?
A local government body known as a political subdivision is one that the state established in order to carry out its duties. Even yet, the definition’s main guidelines are inclusive and cover all political bodies in jurisdictions with a lesser geographic scope than a state. Municipalities, districts, towns, villages, and divisions like water, parks, airports, and schools are a few examples.
Environment Protection Can Save the Planet
Environmental protection laws have been developed to safeguard various ecosystems as a result of the increased worry over the environment in recent years. The people today created these regulations to encourage a better environment for future generations. We can ensure a secure and prosperous future for our children and their children by preventing dangerous behaviors and pollution control.
Increasing data suggest that environmental concerns, such as air quality, are having a greater impact on how prospective purchasers and even insurance determine a property’s value. In order to increase buyer interaction with real estate listings and establish trust over time, real estate companies can leverage environmental information in a variety of ways.
The general building of new properties and the areas where it is allowed and prohibited can be covered by certain environmental protection legislation. For instance, there can be restrictions that forbid developers from constructing a condominium complex where there is a sizable quantity of woodlands in a region that is sparsely forested. Due to the dearth of forested land and efforts to establish a “green” zone with a beneficial supply of plant life for the locals and the environment.
Building on property that is in jeopardy is forbidden by environmental protection legislation. The laws defending the preservation of wetlands are one of these examples. This is directly related to the advantages wetlands offer to wildlife, our air quality, and the environment as a whole. All living things in the larger environment will benefit from maintaining a high number of existing wetlands. Because they didn’t exist, people in the past disregarded things like environmental protection regulations.
Our water supply’s quality is guaranteed by the Clean Water Act, which also prevents its tampering, pollution, and contamination. People throwing chemicals into the water and specific property features that potentially contaminate a neighboring water source are examples of contamination. Strict fines can be levied on individuals or companies for their contaminating a water supply, depending on the seriousness of the infringement.
Contemporary homebuyers are growing less prepared to make compromises on aspects like air quality as they grow more concerned about the environment. According to some realtors, properties with similar qualities and characteristics in areas with superior air quality can have their value reduced by up to 15%.
Effects of the Tax Reform Law on Real Estate Investors
Property owners are responsible for paying real property tax, a type of tax imposed by the local authorities on properties. Land, a building, any improvements made to the building or the land, and the machinery are all considered taxable properties.
Land taxes must be paid in the Philippines by anyone whose name appears on titles and certificates of property or who owns real estate, whether it is used for residential or commercial purposes. Republic Act 7160, usually referred to as the Local Government Code, was passed in 1991. According to this law, local administrations have the power to generate and collect their own sources of income to pay for public expenses. Taxes on real estate are one of these sources of income.
For real estate, any property that is transferred from one individual to another, whether through sale, inheritance, or charity, will be subject to a 6% estate tax.
Also, the measure established a basic education of up to P5 million, which entitles any net estate worth at P5 million and below to tax exemptions, as well as agricultural properties with a maximum size of 3 hectares. Also, it stated that families would no longer be required to submit a death notice to the Bureau of Internal Revenue within one month of a family member’s passing. The Senate committee also stated that the existing six-month payment deadline for estate taxes can be changed to one year.
When it comes to land value in the Philippines, there are specific criteria in place to guarantee consistency, impartiality, and transparency. The location and ease of access to economic activities are also taken into account when valuing land. As opposed to isolated and more secluded ones, lots that are more easily accessible, close to city centers, and in densely populated, commercialized regions are worth more.
Tax collection will undoubtedly decrease after the government slashed income tax rates for both households and businesses without a proportionate rise in tax compliance and stronger economic activity.
Reforming property valuation is urgently required, there is no disputing that. Instead of boosting land taxes rates countrywide uniformly, the goal is to increase the revenue base of local government entities and as a result, increase their tax collection from property owners.
Related Blog: What Will an Adjustment of Real Estate Tax Do to Your Investments?
