CebuRealEstate.infoKNOW CEBU
PROJECT VERIFICATION

How to Verify a Property License to Sell Before You Reserve

For a subdivision or condominium project offered to the public, regulatory verification belongs near the beginning of buyer due diligence—not after money has changed hands.

Updated September 2026KNOW CEBUBuyer protection

What a License to Sell tells you

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development regulates subdivision and condominium projects under the applicable housing laws. A License to Sell is the authority issued for a registered project to be sold to the public. It should be treated as one verification point, not as a substitute for reviewing the contract, title, project status, payment schedule and buyer-specific legal advice.

Match the projectCheck that the project name, phase or tower and developer correspond to what is being offered.
Check the authorityAsk for the relevant Certificate of Registration and License to Sell details and verify them through DHSUD or the appropriate regional office.
Read beyond the numberConfirm the unit, price, payment schedule, promised inclusions and contract documents separately.

Before paying a reservation fee

Request the exact project and unit information in writing. If the offer concerns a particular phase, tower or expansion, make sure the regulatory information you are shown actually covers that portion of the development. Keep copies of the documents and representations used in your decision.

Primary source: DHSUD's current rules state that a registered owner or developer is not authorized to sell subdivision lots or condominium units in a registered project without a License to Sell. See the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development for current verification and regional-office guidance.

What this check does not prove

A regulatory license does not by itself tell you whether a particular unit fits your budget, whether the location suits your plans, or whether an investment assumption will work. Those are separate decisions. Continue with our property due-diligence guide and pre-reservation checklist.

NEXT STEP

Verify first. Compare property second.

Once the project and documents are clear, use CebuPrime for structured project and unit research or CEBOOM to explore relevant Cebu opportunities.