Securing land
Ownership and purchase considerations, title and tax-declaration questions, site selection and the pitfalls to investigate before committing.
The GroundedNomads
The full eBook · US$7.99
A Foreigners Guide to Building in the Philippines.
A practical, straight-talking guide by Matt Straight, informed by buying land and building a home with April in Bohol.
From checking a potential property to planning the spaces you’ll live in, the book brings the decisions around land and building into one place. It combines Matt’s experience with his research into Philippine architecture and construction.
PDF eBookSix chaptersUpdated October 2025
Checkout — US$7.99
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Inside the book
From finding land to making a home.
Construction and materials
Planning and design, permits, construction stages, building techniques and material choices for a tropical home.
Managing the build
Project planning, scheduling, contracts, working with your building team and keeping an eye on costs.
Spaces you can live in
Interior layouts, climate and comfort, outdoor living and practical choices for everyday use.
Technology and sustainability
Smart-home ideas, modern building approaches and sustainability considerations.
Filipino architecture
Architectural heritage and the environmental design principles that shape homes in the Philippines.
For your planning stage
Read first. Ask better questions.
If you’re considering land or a build in the Philippines, this is a way to get familiar with the process before discussing your own project with professionals.
The book’s edition is dated October 2025. Confirm current legal, permit and technical requirements with the qualified professionals advising your project.
Want to discuss your specific plans? Our consultations are arranged personally. Property visits and build monitoring are available in Bohol only.
Talk through your plans