DAVAO CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) XI has urged the public, especially those who are planning to buy a lot or residential unit, to ask for the “license to sell” from a property owner or real estate developer before closing a deal. This precaution will safeguard against illegal developers and ensure the legitimacy of the property transaction.

“Bago mo mopalit og luna — residential lot, commercial lot, or any other lots, bisan memorial lots, pangayua ninyo ang kopya sa ilahang license to sell, dili business permit, dili DTI registration, or dili SEC registration (Before you buy a lot—  residential lot, commercial lot, or any other lots, even memorial lots, ask for a copy of their license to sell, not business permit, DTI registration, or SEC registration),” DHSUD-XI Regional Director Roberto Mauro Miguel T. Palma Gil said.

“Pag naay license to sell na gi-issue ang Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, previously HLURB, legal na siya na project kay ni-agi na siya og mga permit na gi-require sa local government unit kung asa na belong ang project; protektado mo at the same time ensured na ma-deliver ang inyong titulo, ma-deliver ang project 100 percent (If the license to sell is issued by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, previously HLURB,  the project is legal because it acquired permits required by the local government unit where the project belongs. You are protected, and at the same time, ensured that the title will be delivered, the project will be delivered 100 percent),” he added.

“Daghan na kaayo ta’g na monitor, we already launched a joint task force against illegal subdivision developers,… and I’m happy to note that naa puy mga napadal-an nato og notice gi-CDO (Cease and Desist Order) nato nga nag comply napud sa licensing requirement (We have monitored a lot of illegal developers, we have already launched a joint task force against illegal subdivision developers... and I'm happy to note that there are some developers whom we have sent notices  (Cease and Desist Orders) that also comply with the licensing requirement),” he said.

The regional office has already assisted several buyers who fell prey to these fraudulent developers, noting that some have already received their refunds while others are still processing their refunds.

A “License to Sell” is a certification granted to a property developer by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), previously issued by the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) prior to 2020.

This document proves that the developer is legitimate and capable of completing the project. This is also a way of ensuring that the developer is compliant with government requirements and guidelines and that the property’s building plans and specifications have met the standard.

Palma Gil emphasized that developers must obtain permits, such as the development permit from the local government where the property is constructed, prior to being issued the 'license to sell' by the agency.