As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, a season that puts love in the spotlight, it’s worth remembering that real romance is not only found in grand gestures, but in the quiet decisions to build a life together. Because while dating can be quite scary and getting into a relationship comes with risks, the beauty of finding the right person brings a steady kind of confidence—the assurance that everything will be alright. True commitment can easily be seen and felt through slowly building a future together. It transforms “me” and “you” into “us”.
Whether you are married, engaged, or partners for life, here’s what you need to know to turn your romantic vision of a future together into a secure reality with your first home.
Legal safety net
Before you start picking out the tiles or arguing over paint colors, you should understand how Philippine law views your property relationship.
● For Married Couples: You are generally governed by the Absolute Community of Property, meaning what you buy is automatically co-owned unless you have a pre-nuptial agreement.
● For Unmarried Couples (Capacitated to Marry): If you can legally marry but choose not to (e.g., live-in partners), Article 147 of the Family Code applies. Property acquired while living together is presumed to be co-owned equally, provided both of you contributed to it.
● For Same-Sex Couples (and others with impediments): Under the recent Supreme Court ruling, same-sex couples are now explicitly recognized under Article 148 of the Family Code.
Tips for unmarried couples:
● Unlike married couples, there is no automatic presumption of 50/50 ownership. You are co-owners only in proportion to your actual contribution.
● Keep receipts. If one partner pays for the downpayment and the other pays for renovations, document it. A simple “Acknowledgement of Contribution” signed by both partners can help keep you from getting into future misunderstandings.
Be honest about finances
Romance is great, but transparency is better. Before signing the Deed of Sale, schedule a serious “finance date” with your partner.
● What is Your Financial Health?: Be absolutely honest with your partner. Discuss credit scores, existing debts, and spending habits. You don’t want to find out about a partner’s hidden debt after you’ve just applied for a joint loan.
● Decide on the “Share”: Will you split costs 50/50? Or pro-rate it based on income? This is especially crucial for Article 148 couples, as their ownership share legally depends on exactly how much they paid.
Put everything in writing
While this sounds unromantic, it’s still the smart way to go about things. For unmarried couples, a Co-Ownership Agreement is essential.
What to include:
● Identify who pays for what (mortgage vs. utilities), what happens if one person wants to sell, and how you will handle a breakup.
● Ensure both parties are on the Transfer Certificate of the Title (TCT) or Contract to Sell. If only one name is on the title, the law might presume exclusive ownership unless you have strong proof otherwise.
Building is a test of partnership
If you are constructing a house from scratch, take this process as a dry run for marriage or a long-term partnership.
● Compromise is Key: You might want a modern industrial look while your partner wants a traditional Filipino design. Finding a “third style” that both of you love is the first test of your ability to build a life together.
● Budget for “Hidden Costs”: Construction often costs more than the initial quotation. Agree with your partner beforehand on a “contingency fund” so that an unexpected plumbing issue doesn’t turn into a fight about money.
A home is more than an asset
Be clear on why you and your partner are doing this. A house becomes a home not because of the investment potential, but because of the shared history you build within its walls. It is the sanctuary where you will retreat from the world, the space where you will care for each other, and the physical legacy of your love.
With the law not on the side of all couples, there has never been a better time to take that leap. Invest in a property together, yes, but more importantly, invest in the person you are building it with.
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