Deeds of Sale, Donation & Land Transfer

The documents that move property in the Philippines — deeds of absolute sale, vehicle deeds, donations, contracts to sell and waivers — with the full text on the page, the taxes explained, and a free generator.

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Step 1 — What do you need?

Property changes hands in the Philippines through a small set of notarised instruments, and the difference between them decides who owns what and when. A deed of absolute sale transfers ownership now. A contract to sell reserves it until the last instalment. A deed of donation gives it away and triggers a 30-day tax deadline. A waiver gives up a claim — and, drafted carelessly, creates a tax bill nobody expected.

This hub gives you each document with the complete text visible on the page, the taxes and deadlines that follow signing, and the step-by-step route through the BIR, the LGU treasurer, the Register of Deeds and the assessor. Draft yours below, free.

From signed deed to a title in your name

Step 1
Notarise the deed
Every page, both parties, two witnesses
Step 2
BIR
Classify the asset; the return within 30 days; DST by the 5th of the next month; then the eCAR
Step 3
LGU treasurer
Local transfer tax within 60 days of the deed (RA 7160 sec. 135)
Step 4
Register of Deeds
A new Transfer Certificate of Title issues
Step 5
Assessor
Update the tax declaration to your name

Documents & templates

Full sample text, then generate your own.

Deed of Absolute SaleDeed of absolute sale sample for the Philippines with the complete deed text on the page, the taxes and deadlines after signing, and a free generator producing a print-ready PDF or Word file.Read →Deed of Sale of Motor VehicleDeed of sale of motor vehicle sample for the Philippines with the complete text on the page, the LTO transfer requirements and fees, and a free generator. Works for cars and motorcycles.Read →Deed of DonationDeed of donation sample for the Philippines with the full text on the page, the acceptance requirement under article 749, donor's tax at 6% and the 30-day deadline, and a free generator.Read →Contract to SellContract to sell sample for the Philippines with the full text on the page, how it differs from a deed of absolute sale, and the buyer's rights under RA 6552 (the Maceda Law). Free generator.Read →Waiver of RightsWaiver of rights sample for the Philippines with the full text on the page, when a waiver is valid, and the tax consequences of waiving hereditary rights. Free generator.Read →

The law

What the rule actually says, in plain English.

Contract to Sell vs Deed of SaleThe legal difference between a contract to sell and a deed of absolute sale in the Philippines: when ownership passes, what happens on default, the Maceda Law, and which document fits your transaction.Read →Donor's TaxDonor's tax in the Philippines after the TRAIN Law: the flat 6% rate, the ₱250,000 annual exemption, BIR Form 1800, the 30-day deadline, exemptions, and how it compares with estate tax.Read →

How to

The steps, the offices, the fees.

How to Transfer a Land TitleStep-by-step guide to transferring a land title in the Philippines after a sale: BIR taxes and the eCAR, the local transfer tax, the Register of Deeds, and the assessor. With costs and realistic timelines.Read →

Frequently asked questions

+Does a deed of sale need to be notarised?

For it to be registrable, yes. An unnotarised deed is valid between the parties but the Register of Deeds will not register it and no new title will issue.

+How much does it cost to transfer a land title?

It has to be costed item by item, because the components vary: the BIR tax on the transfer (6% only where the property is a capital asset), 1.5% documentary stamp tax, the local transfer tax at whatever rate the province or city actually imposes under RA 7160 secs. 135 and 151, the LRA's graduated registration fee, clearances and a negotiated notarial fee.

+When is capital gains tax due on a property sale?

Where the property is a capital asset, within 30 days of the sale — meaning the date of the notarised deed — on BIR Form 1706. Where it is an ordinary asset there is no capital gains tax; the buyer withholds creditable withholding tax on the transaction and the seller reports the gain in the income tax return. Late filing draws a surcharge and interest, reduced for qualifying micro and small taxpayers under RA 11976 and RR 6-2024, and the eCAR cannot issue until the tax is settled.

+How much is donor's tax?

6% of total net gifts made during the calendar year in excess of ₱250,000, filed on BIR Form 1800 within 30 days of the donation.

+What is the difference between a contract to sell and a deed of sale?

A deed of absolute sale transfers ownership on execution and delivery. A contract to sell reserves ownership with the seller until the price is fully paid, and is followed by a deed of absolute sale at the end.

+How long does a title transfer take?

Two to six months is typical, with the BIR's electronic Certificate Authorizing Registration the usual bottleneck.

+Can I sell property with only a tax declaration?

You can sell whatever rights you actually hold, but a tax declaration is not proof of ownership and there is no title to transfer. The land has to be titled before a registered transfer is possible.

+Does my spouse have to sign?

If the property is conjugal or community property, yes — the disposition requires both spouses' consent. An absent spouse executes a consularised or apostillised SPA.

🏡Deeds of Sale, Donation & Land Transfer