Blog | Nook

The Nook home loan blog

Clear, jargon-free guides to buying a home and getting a home loan in the Philippines — from pre-qualification and requirements to OFW loans and refinancing. Written by the team that does the whole application for you, for free.

Home Loans

Getting a home loan in the Philippines

How approval really works, what banks look for, the documents you'll need, and how to land the sharpest rate across 20+ lenders.

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Your guide to buying a home in the Philippines

The complete walkthrough — from saving a deposit to getting the keys, and where a home loan fits in.

5 steps to get pre-qualified for a home loan

See your borrowing options in about 3 minutes before you fall in love with a property you can't finance.

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10 documents you need for a home loan application

The exact paperwork most Philippine banks ask for, for employees, the self-employed and OFWs.

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Requirements for a bank housing loan

Income, age, employment and property requirements that lenders use to decide your application.

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5 types of home loans in the Philippines

Acquisition, construction, improvement, home equity and refinancing — which one fits your plan.

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Best home loan interest rates in the Philippines

How rates are set, why they differ between banks, and how comparing lenders gets you a sharper deal.

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How much house can I afford?

A simple way to work out a comfortable budget before you start shopping for a home.

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How banks decide how much you can borrow

Inside the lender's view — income, obligations and the numbers that set your loan ceiling.

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Debt-to-income ratio: why it matters

The single number that can make or break your approval — and how to improve it before you apply.

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7 common home loan application mistakes to avoid

The slip-ups that delay or sink applications — and how to sidestep every one of them.

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What is a mortgage broker?

What a broker actually does, and why using Nook is free for you while saving weeks of legwork.

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Mortgage broker vs applying direct to a bank

Why comparing 20+ banks through one broker beats walking into a single branch.

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OFW home loan guide: requirements & process

Everything overseas Filipino workers need to buy a home back home, without flying in.

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The best home loan options for OFWs

OFW-friendly lenders and products, and how Nook runs the whole application remotely.

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Is a Pag-IBIG housing loan best for me?

How the Pag-IBIG option compares to bank home loans, and when each one makes sense.

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Home equity loans in the Philippines

Turn the value you've built in your home into funds for renovations, education or business.

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How to refinance your home loan: complete guide

Step by step on moving off yesterday's rates — Nook handles the entire takeout, for free.

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6 reasons to refinance a housing loan

Lower repayments, a shorter term, cashing out equity — the signs it's time to switch.

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How to cut years off your home loan

Practical strategies to pay your mortgage down faster and save on total interest.

Common questions

Home loans in the Philippines, answered

The questions Filipino buyers and OFWs ask us most — answered plainly.

Is it free to use Nook?

Yes. Nook is 100% free for borrowers. Banks pay Nook a commission once your home loan is released, so there is no cost to you for the brokering, comparison or application support. You get expert help across 20+ lenders at zero charge.

What is the difference between a mortgage broker and applying directly to a bank?

When you apply directly to one bank you only see that bank's offer and you do all the legwork yourself. A mortgage broker like Nook compares 20+ banks at once, matches you to the lender most likely to approve you at the sharpest rate, and then completes the entire application for you. It is the same effort to get one quote as it is to get the best of many — and with Nook it is free.

Ready to put it into action?

Get pre-qualified in 3 minutes, or chat to a live Nook agent for free advice. We compare 20+ banks and do the whole application for you.

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