United States is a federal republic in North America that serves as the top destination country for Filipino emigrants and the largest source of OFW remittances to the Philippines.
The US hosts approximately 4 million Filipinos, making it the country with the largest Filipino diaspora worldwide. This population represents a significant market for Philippine real estate developers targeting overseas buyers.
Market Profile
Key statistics on Filipino presence in the United States:
- 1.47 million CFO-registered Filipino emigrants bound for USA (1981-2018)
- 60.54% of all Filipino emigrants choose the USA as their destination
- 35,000-40,000 Filipinos emigrate to the USA annually
- $38.3 billion total OFW remittances in 2024 (BSP data), with USA as the top source
Top US States for Filipino Emigrants
| State | Share of Filipino Emigrants |
|---|---|
| California | 43.09% |
| Hawaii | 9.65% |
| Illinois | 3.53% |
| New York | 3.53% |
| New Jersey | 3.53% |
| Texas | 3.53% |
Time Zone Considerations
The United States spans multiple time zones, creating a 12-16 hour difference from Philippine Standard Time (PST/GMT+8):
- Pacific Time (California): 15-16 hours behind
- Mountain Time: 14-15 hours behind
- Central Time (Texas, Illinois): 13-14 hours behind
- Eastern Time (New York, New Jersey): 12-13 hours behind
This significant gap means Filipino-Americans browsing Philippine properties often do so during evening hours in the US, which falls during early morning or business hours in the Philippines.
Key Regulations for US-Based Buyers
Filipino citizens residing in the USA can legally own:
- Condominium units (up to 40% foreign ownership per building under the Condominium Act)
- Land (full ownership rights as Filipino citizens, regardless of residence)
- House and lot packages (through direct purchase or Pag-IBIG overseas financing)
Financing Options
- Pag-IBIG Overseas Program - Available to active Pag-IBIG members working abroad
- Bank financing - Select Philippine banks offer housing loans to OFWs
- Developer in-house financing - Flexible payment terms with equity payments via remittance
Relevance to Philippine Real Estate
US-based Filipinos represent the most active overseas buyer segment for Philippine properties due to:
- Higher purchasing power from USD-denominated income
- Family reunification goals driving property investments back home
- Retirement planning with preference for Philippine retirement destinations
- Investment diversification through Philippine real estate investment
Real estate platforms serving this market must account for time zone differences when scheduling property viewings, virtual tours, and agent consultations.
Related Terms
References
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