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  • Writer's pictureZiggurat Realestatecorp

What Is A Residential Free Patent?

Updated: Sep 11, 2023

What law governs the residential free patent?


The Residential Free Patent in the Philippines is governed by Republic Act No. 10023, also known as the "Residential Free Patent Act." This law was enacted on March 9, 2010, and it provides the legal framework for the acquisition of residential lands and properties through the free patent system.


Under Republic Act No. 10023, qualified individuals who have been in continuous and exclusive possession of a residential land for at least ten years, or five years in case of alienable and disposable lands of the public domain, are eligible to apply for a Residential Free Patent. The law outlines the requirements, procedures, and criteria for the application, evaluation, and granting of Residential Free Patents.


In addition to Republic Act No. 10023, other related laws and regulations, such as the Public Land Act (Commonwealth Act No. 141) and the regulations of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), may also apply to the acquisition and registration of residential lands through the free patent system.

What is a Residential free patent? And what does is mean on a title?


A Residential Free Patent is a legal document or title issued by the government that grants ownership rights to an individual or entity over a residential land or property. It is commonly used in the Philippines and is part of the country's land registration system.

The Residential Free Patent is a mode of acquiring public land that is primarily used for residential purposes. It allows qualified individuals, typically those who have been in continuous and exclusive possession of the land for a certain period of time, to apply for ownership and secure a title from the government. The process involves the conversion of public land into private land.

Once the Residential Free Patent is granted, it signifies that the recipient has been officially recognized as the owner of the residential property by the government. The title is an important legal document that proves ownership and provides protection against any claims or disputes over the property.


Having a Residential Free Patent on a title means that the property was acquired through this specific process, indicating that the land was previously public land and has been successfully converted into private ownership. It assures potential buyers or interested parties that the property has undergone the necessary legal procedures and has been registered under the name of the current owner.


Can a property with 'Residential Free Patent' on the title be sold ?


Yes, property with a "Residential Free Patent" on the title can be sold. Once the Residential Free Patent has been granted and the property has been registered under the owner's name, they have the legal right to sell or transfer the property to another person or entity.

When selling a property with a Residential Free Patent, it is important to follow the standard procedures for property transactions, such as preparing a deed of sale, conducting due diligence, and ensuring that all necessary documents are in order. The buyer will typically require a copy of the title with the Residential Free Patent annotation to verify the property's ownership and legality.

It's worth noting that selling a property involves a transfer of ownership, and it is essential to comply with the applicable laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.


Consulting with a legal professional or licensed real estate broker familiar with the local regulations can help ensure a smooth and legally compliant transaction.


Source: Ziggurat Real Estate


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1 comentario


Chesel
Chesel
19 ago

Good day. Do residential free patent title expire or just the same with certified land title. As long as you are paying your land taxes every year. Thank you.

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