Buying a Condo? Here’s How to Transfer the Condominium Title (CCT) in the Philippines

Geneva Rose Morata
Jul 25
3 min read

Purchasing a condominium unit in the Philippines is an exciting investment, but the process doesn’t end with payment. One vital step in finalizing your ownership is transferring the Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT) to your name. This ensures your legal rights are recognized and documented under Philippine law. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide on how to transfer your condo title smoothly and legally.

Understanding the Condominium Title (CCT):

The Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT) is the official document that proves ownership of a condominium unit. Unlike a Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT), which applies to land, a CCT covers individual units in a condominium building. Transferring the CCT updates government records to reflect the new owner, ensuring you have full legal rights over your condo unit.

Step 1: Prepare and Conduct Due Diligence

Verify that the seller holds a clean and valid title, free from any liens or legal encumbrances.

Obtain necessary clearances and certifications, such as:
- Management Certificate – A document issued by the condominium’s administration office confirming unit ownership and that the property is in good standing.
- Certificate of No Dues – Issued by the condominium association to certify that the seller has no unpaid condominium dues.
- Real Property Tax Clearance – Issued by the local government to confirm that all real property taxes on the unit are fully paid.

Step 2: Execute and Notarize the Deed of Absolute Sale (DOAS)

Prepare a notarized Deed of Absolute Sale that legally transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer.

Ensure that the document is signed by both parties and notarized by a licensed Philippine notary public.

Step 3: Pay Required Taxes

Seller responsibilities:

Capital Gains Tax (CGT): 6% of the selling price, zonal value, or fair market value, whichever is higher.
Buyer responsibilities:
- Documentary Stamp Tax (DST): ₱15 per ₱1,000 of the selling price, zonal value, or fair market value, whichever is higher.
- Transfer Tax: Typically 0.5% to 0.75%, depending on the local government unit (LGU).
Once taxes are paid, the seller or his representative secures the Certificate Authorizing Registration (CAR) from the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Step 4: Register the Deed of Absolute Sale

A key document needed for the transfer is the original Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT). You have two options to obtain a Certified True Copy (CTC):

Option 1: Online via the LRA eSerbisyo PortalThe Land Registration Authority (LRA) offers the convenient eSerbisyo portal (eserbisyo.lra.gov.ph) where you can request a CTC anytime and anywhere. You can pay online, track your request, and have the document delivered to your preferred address.
Option 2: In-person via the Anywhere-to-Anywhere (A2A) Service

You can request the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the title from any Registry of Deeds (RD) office nationwide through the Land Registration Authority’s Anywhere-to-Anywhere (A2A) service. This allows you to request (CTC) of the title at any computerized RD without going to the RD having custody of the title.

Step 5: Secure the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Condominium Title

After successfully registering the Deed of Absolute Sale, you will obtain a new Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT) that reflects your ownership. This document is vital as it serves as the official proof of your ownership.

It’s advisable to store the CCT in a secure location, as it will be required for any future transactions involving your condominium unit.

Step 6: Update the Tax Declaration

Once the new CCT is issued, update the tax declaration at the local Assessor’s Office.
This ensures real property tax notices are addressed to the new owner.

Tips for a Smooth Transfer

Hire a trusted lawyer or real estate professional for assistance.
Keep copies of all documents and official receipts.
Double-check the authenticity of titles and documents.
Coordinate with the condominium association to settle any pending dues.
If the unit was inherited, review estate tax obligations and settlement procedures.