Various properties in the Philippine islands, such as those in Negros, can be used for different reasons. In a place as naturally rich and properly developed as Negros, one can find a piece of property that has multiple potentials. A single lot can have the necessary features and proper location to be turned into a nature park, a plantation, a commercial area, an industrial site, a residential lot or a seaside hotel.

For foreigners and foreign corporations, there are laws that govern land ownership and property rental. There also rules for Filipinos who are now naturalised citizens of another country and have not availed of a dual citizenship status. Foreigners might find such legal restrictions to be prohibiting and frustrating. However, there are many ways to own real estate on Philippine soil without disobeying the law.

Foreigners are not allowed to completely own properties in the Philippines. At least 51 percent of the property must be owned by a Filipino partner. Many foreigners solve this dilemma by marrying a local and placing the land’s title under their wife’s name. However, the foreigner’s name may still be included in the contract of sale. Those who worry about losing their property in case of a split-up enter into contracts that stipulate that their wife or Filipino partner cannot do anything to the property without the foreigner’s explicit consent. In cases of business properties, a corporation must be 60 percent Filipino-owned. When it comes to houses, condominium units or townhouses, foreigners can only own the structure. The land on which the structure stands must be owned by a Filipino, but it can be leased to the foreigner. Rental of properties by foreigners is good for a 50-year period. The lease agreement can be extended only once for another 25 years.