04/08/2026
“Notarized man ang deed, Atty.” That matters—but it is not the finish line.
A properly notarized deed ordinarily carries evidentiary weight as to its due ex*****on. But notarization does not automatically establish that the seller owns the land, that every required person consented, or that the property shown to you matches the documents.
Before paying for land:
1. If it is titled, obtain a recent Certified True Copy from the Registry of Deeds or LRA. Check the registered owner, the property description, and every annotation. Do not rely only on an old photocopy.
2. Verify who may legally sell. Ask whether a spouse, co-owner, co-heir, or principal must also sign. If an agent will sign, check whether the written Special Power of Attorney is valid and specific to the sale.
3. Match the papers to the actual land. Compare the lot number, area, technical description, boundaries, and monuments. Visit the property and investigate anyone occupying, cultivating, or claiming it.
4. If the seller presents only a tax declaration, remember: it may support a claim of possession or ownership, but by itself it is not conclusive proof of ownership.
Many land problems are discovered only after full payment, construction, or inheritance. Check while there is still time to require proper documents, correct errors, negotiate terms—or walk away.
Planning to buy, sell, or inherit property in Biliran? Message our page to request an appointment.
Va****so Law Office | Naval, Biliran
This post provides general legal information only. It is not legal advice for any particular case and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
