For many Filipinos, the dream of owning a home can often feel like a distant goal. Rising property prices and the ever-increasing cost of living have made homeownership seem less attainable, especially as wage growth remains slow. Yet despite these challenges, owning a home is still very much within reach—provided you take thoughtful, measured steps toward making it a reality.
Angelo Elipse, Vice President for Business Development at Dolmar Land, offers a reassuring perspective: “It’s true that a few years ago, qualifying for bank financing was easier due to lower income requirements. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible today. The key lies in setting clear goals and taking purposeful, strategic actions to achieve them.”
Dolmar Land, a trusted name in mid-range housing with over 50 years of experience and more than 7,000 homes delivered, understands that the journey to your first home starts with practical, doable steps. With decades of expertise in bridging Filipino families to their ideal homes, the company shares these five important things you can do now to prepare yourself for homeownership in 2026.
- Establish a Realistic Budget and Manage Your Expectations
Understanding your financial capacity is the first essential step toward buying your first home. Current market trends show that most Filipino buyers are looking at properties priced between ₱2 million and ₱6 million, placing them firmly in the mid-income housing segment.
Angelo Elipse advises that being clear about your budget early on can save you time and frustration. “When you have a defined price range, you can focus your search on homes that meet your needs without stretching your finances,” he explains. “Location plays a major role in the value you get. For example, a ₱3 million property in growing provinces such as Bulacan, Pampanga, or Cavite often offers more space and better long-term appreciation potential compared to a similarly priced home in Metro Manila.”
Setting a realistic budget not only helps you narrow down your options but also gives you a clearer picture of the features and amenities you can prioritize. This clarity is crucial as it keeps your home search focused and grounded in what you can comfortably afford.
- Find a Developer Who Understands Your Lifestyle Needs
Your home is more than just an investment it’s the foundation of your daily life and future. Every buyer’s definition of a ‘home’ varies, depending on their lifestyle and family needs. Some might prioritize a peaceful neighborhood with easy access to work, while others may look for community amenities that support an active family life.
Dolmar Land focuses on creating communities that cater to diverse lifestyles. Their developments in areas like Pampanga and Bulacan come with shared facilities such as clubhouses, multipurpose halls, basketball courts, parks, and swimming pools, all within gated, secure environments.
Elipse emphasizes, “Choosing the right home is about finding a place that fits the life you want to build, not just the price. We want to help buyers find homes where they feel safe, comfortable, and connected to a community.”
By identifying what matters most to you—be it proximity to schools, recreational spaces, or convenience to urban centers—you can better select a developer whose projects align with your lifestyle vision.
- Explore Financing Options, Especially Pag-IBIG Housing Loans
Financing is often one of the biggest hurdles for first-time buyers. Fortunately, the Pag-IBIG Fund remains one of the most accessible and affordable sources of housing loans in the Philippines. With interest rates starting as low as 5.75% per annum and repayment terms that can stretch up to 30 years, Pag-IBIG loans can make monthly payments more manageable.
To take advantage of this, start by checking your Pag-IBIG membership status and loan eligibility through their official website. Use their online calculators to get an estimate of monthly amortizations based on different loan amounts and terms. Knowing what you can afford helps you set realistic expectations.
Prepare all necessary documents early—proof of income, valid IDs, and other requirements—so you can act promptly when you find a suitable property.
Dolmar Land has been recognized by Pag-IBIG Fund as a top developer in North Luzon, reflecting their commitment to making homeownership accessible. Besides Pag-IBIG, they also collaborate with major banks to offer flexible financing solutions tailored to different buyers’ needs.
According to Elipse, “Understanding and exploring all available financing options early equips buyers with confidence and clarity for long-term affordability.”
- Start Saving Now for More Than Just the Down Payment
Buying a home involves more than the sticker price. Additional costs such as documentary stamp taxes, registration fees, notarial fees, and moving expenses quickly add up. There may also be costs specific to your chosen location, like permit fees, utility hookups, or landscaping requirements.
Elipse recommends setting a clear savings goal that goes beyond the down payment to cover these extra expenses. “Start saving early by determining how much you need to put aside monthly to meet your target,” he says. “This proactive planning helps prevent unexpected financial strain later.”
Breaking down your goal into manageable monthly targets can make the savings process less daunting. This disciplined approach also prepares you for the realities of homeownership beyond just the purchase—helping ensure you’re financially ready for the journey ahead.
- Take Action Early to Secure the Best Opportunities
Real estate values tend to appreciate over time, particularly in growing regions like Central Luzon. This means that acting sooner rather than later can lock in prices at today’s rates, offering better value in the long run.
Dolmar Land continues to enhance its pre-buying assistance programs to help first-time buyers navigate the process with confidence. From providing clear information to offering flexible payment schemes, their goal is to empower Filipinos to make responsible homeownership decisions.
“Owning a home is a lifelong investment,” Elipse stresses. “It’s about securing your family’s future. We see it as our responsibility to guide buyers toward choices that match their long-term goals—whether that means picking the right location or finding a home that suits their lifestyle.”
A Trusted Partner for Your Homeownership Journey
For over five decades, Dolmar Land has earned the trust of thousands of Filipino families by delivering quality homes that balance affordability, accessibility, and lasting value. Their portfolio of thriving communities in Bulacan and Pampanga continues to grow, reflecting their commitment to creating safe, vibrant neighborhoods for families to thrive.
If you’re planning to buy your first home in 2026, there’s no better time to start preparing. Visit Dolmar Land’s official website and follow their social media channels on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Explore available properties and upcoming developments, and discover how they can help turn your dream of homeownership into reality.
Owning your first home is a significant milestone. With the right planning, a clear budget, understanding of financing, and a trusted developer by your side, you can confidently take steps today to make 2026 the year you unlock the door to your new home.
