Five Things You Can Do Now So You Can Purchase Your First Home In 2026

“Owning a home was much easier a couple of years ago when monthly income requirement for bank financing approval was much friendlier. But that doesn’t mean that it has become impossible today. The key is setting a concrete goal and taking purposeful steps toward it. Buying your first home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Dolmar Land, we hope to help Filipinos navigate the process with learnings we’ve gained from decades of experience bridging the community to their future homes. Finding the right home isn’t just about price, it’s about discovering a place that fits the life you want to live. Helps buyers set clearer expectations and make more confident decisions, especially when it comes to long-term affordability. Owning a home is a lifelong investment, at Dolmar Land, we understand that this decision goes beyond property, it’s about securing your family’s future. That’s why we see it as our responsibility to guide homebuyers toward making the right and responsible choices, from choosing the right location to finding a home that fits their long-term goals.” ~Angelo Elipse, Dolmar Land’s Vice President for Business Development

For many Filipinos, owning a home seems increasingly unachievable.  On the one hand, living expenses and real estate prices continue to rise. Earnings remain essentially unchanged in the interim.

One of the leading developers in the mid-range house market, Dolmar Land has been building communities for over 50 years. The company, which has built more than 7,000 homes for Filipinos, is aware that the road to homeownership begins with small, achievable steps.

1. Set a realistic budget and manage expectations accordingly

Current trends indicate that Filipino buyers choose homes in the mid-income housing market, which is priced between ₱2 and ₱6 million. Knowing how much you can spend while keeping in mind the features or amenities that are most essential to you helps speed up your search and focus on residences that actually match your needs.

A defined budget at the start of the process could have a big influence, according to Elipse. Knowing your price range makes it easier to narrow down your options.   Since location frequently determines the return on your investment, start there. For instance, a ₱3 million house in Bulacan, Pampanga, or Cavite can sometimes offer more space and long-term value than a comparable property in Metro Manila.

2. Choose a developer that offers properties that fit your lifestyle needs

Regarding what constitutes a "home," every buyer will have distinct needs. For instance, young families might prioritize amenities for developing children, professionals might want a more peaceful setting, while others might prefer an urban design that provides both the peace of a community and easy access to everyday necessities.

You can concentrate on homes that fit your budget and the type of life you want to lead by being aware of these objectives. With common areas including a clubhouse, multipurpose rooms, basketball courts, parks, and swimming pools, all contained within a gated community, Dolmar Land offers more than just a house—it's a home and community. Dolmar Land promises genuine value for money while keeping your demands in mind in places like Pampanga and Bulacan.

3. Explore financing options such as Pag-IBIG housing loans

Pag-IBIG is still one of the simplest ways to finance a home.   It simplifies monthly payments for first-time buyers with payback terms of up to 30 years and interest rates as low as 5.75% per year.

To make the most of this option, check your Pag-IBIG membership status and loan eligibility on their website.   Next, use their online house loan calculator to estimate monthly amortizations to see how much you can afford.   After you've decided on your budget, prepare the necessary documentation, such as a legitimate ID and proof of income, so you can apply as soon as you find a property that suits your needs.

Dolmar Land, which was named one of the Top Developers in North Luzon at the Pag-IBIG STAR Awards H1 2025 by Pag-IBIG Fund (HDMF), understands the need of easily available financing and continues to strengthen its alliances to support Filipino homeowners.   Dolmar Land works together with many major banks in addition to Pag-IBIG to provide a range of financing options, helping more Filipino families fulfill their dream of owning a home.

4. Start saving early on

Moving costs, registration fees, and documentation stamp taxes are additional expenses associated with buying a home.   It's crucial to start saving as soon as you can because of this.   Setting a clear goal for your down payment is the first step towards securing the home of your dreams.   It will therefore be crucial to figure out how much you would need to set aside each month to achieve that goal.

It is also advantageous to plan for location-specific expenses, like as permits, electrical installations, or landscaping needs.   Being aware of these factors early on will ensure that financial strains can be reduced as much as possible and help you better plan your budget.

5. Act as early as possible

Property values rarely decline in the real estate market; this is particularly evident in important growth regions like Central Luzon, where residential land prices have increased steadily over the previous ten years.  This implies that you can secure today's rates and reap future benefits sooner if you invest now.

Acknowledging this, Dolmar Land is stepping up its pre-buying assistance programs to help first-time homebuyers even more, making sure Filipinos feel empowered and informed when they buy their first house from Dolmar Land.

For more than five decades, Dolmar Land has been a trusted name in affordable to mid-range housing, building communities that balance affordability, accessibility, and lasting value.

 

Start your journey toward owning your dream home. Visit Dolmar Land’s official website,  Facebook, Tiktok, Instagram, and YouTube to explore thriving communities in Bulacan, and for inquiries or announcements o the upcoming development in Pampanga. See how Dolmar Land can help turn your homeownership dream into reality.

For over 50 years, Dolmar Land has been a trusted partner in helping Filipinos achieve their dream of owning value for money, quality homes. With more than 7,000 homes delivered across Metro Manila and Central Luzon, the company remains committed to building communities that meet the needs of hardworking Filipinos. Driven by passion, integrity, and determination, Dolmar Land continues to fulfill its promise: Sa Presyo at Serbisyo, Lamang ka sa Dolmar Land!