Housing in Dumaguete

[Nickleback99]

We depart Metropolis Gotham City  here in MNL and Finally land in Dumaguete this Saturday.  We've been exploring housing options (mostly rentals) for months, while starting off in Airbnb rentals first, mostly on FB Marketplace, Lamudi and DOT and have learned via our Philex realtor that a Lot of those on Marketplace are mostly already taken, with some good ones coming open later this year.  Sort of frustrating for sure since unlike some places, can't tell on line when a place is under contract, etc. Every once in a blue moon, one listing will say when property becomes available.  Looking in Duma, Sibulan, Bacong and Valencia with kids' school in Duma.   Does anyone in that area have any other suggestions for finding great housing? ....are there a Lot of good homes not listed on any sites and just by word of mouth, hanging a sign, etc?  Since we'll have mom & dad with us at some point and a couple of nieces to get them out of an untenable situation and better path to success, looking for decent sized place.   Learning as we go....Thanks in advance.

[BrettGC]

29 minutes ago, Nickleback99 said:

We depart Metropolis Gotham City  here in MNL and Finally land in Dumaguete this Saturday.  We've been exploring housing options (mostly rentals) for months, while starting off in Airbnb rentals first, mostly on FB Marketplace, Lamudi and DOT and have learned via our Philex realtor that a Lot of those on Marketplace are mostly already taken, with some good ones coming open later this year.  Sort of frustrating for sure since unlike some places, can't tell on line when a place is under contract, etc. Every once in a blue moon, one listing will say when property becomes available.  Looking in Duma, Sibulan, Bacong and Valencia with kids' school in Duma.   Does anyone in that area have any other suggestions for finding great housing? ....are there a Lot of good homes not listed on any sites and just by word of mouth, hanging a sign, etc?  Since we'll have mom & dad with us at some point and a couple of nieces to get them out of an untenable situation and better path to success, looking for decent sized place.   Learning as we go....Thanks in advance.

We have Filipino friends that own apartments in Sto. Rosoario Heights, Junob.  Nice central location.  They're only 2-bedroom though, so may not be suitable with kids.  Great for a couple or one child only but maybe tight with more. 

• Block of 8 apartments, not townhouses
• 2 bedroom
• Only about 10 years old
• Very well maintained
• AC in main bedroom only
• 2 bathroom, hot water to ensuite only
• Great water pressure
• Unfurnished only
• Covered, secure parking 
• Lease says no pets, but they allow them as long as they're not Great Danes, etc
• 6 or 12 month leases, 1 month deposit, 1 month advance.  They were 15k/month when we moved out in July, but we talked them down to 13.5 (our house finally reached a liveable state).
• 5 mins to Hypermart, 7 mins to Robinsons,10 mins to town (depending on traffic)
• Building manager is a champion - any issues sorted within 24 hours

Given the relatives you'll have with you in the future, this may be a short-term option for you.  I can message the owners and see if they have anything available if you like. 

Edited January 3, 2023 by BrettGC

[Jollygoodfellow]

9 hours ago, Nickleback99 said:

Airbnb rentals first, mostly on FB Marketplace

Book direct on airbnb. If not you might be asked to do a private deal and you wont have airbnb's insurance or backup. 

[Gator]

9 hours ago, Jollygoodfellow said:

Book direct on airbnb. If not you might be asked to do a private deal and you wont have airbnb's insurance or backup. 

Good point to keep in mind. I don’t remember how long ago it was, but I think it was thru Booking.com that was double and triple booking Airbnb’s. Lot of ppl lost out and never got refunded. I can’t imagine flying thousands of miles only find the booking was already taken or bogus in the first place. 

[Nickleback99]

On 1/2/2023 at 6:06 PM, BrettGC said:

We have Filipino friends that own apartments in Sto. Rosoario Heights, Junob.  Nice central location.  They're only 2-bedroom though, so may not be suitable with kids.  Great for a couple or one child only but maybe tight with more. 

Given the relatives you'll have with you in the future, this may be a short-term option for you.  I can message the owners and see if they have anything available if you like. 

Thanks Brett!   That would be great as trying keep all options open for temporary housing, although the no AC in 2nd bedroom might be a no go, although fans have always worked for us most times....Just depends on internal temps in daytime/sun.  Kiddo still adjusting from Pacific NW weather temps, much like Baguio.

[Nickleback99]

On 1/3/2023 at 3:24 AM, Jollygoodfellow said:

Book direct on airbnb. If not you might be asked to do a private deal and you wont have airbnb's insurance or backup. 

Sage advice JollyGoodfellow.  Thanks!

[Nickleback99]

We are booked Airbnb for first two weeks at what Looks like a pretty nice apartment above David's Salon by Cecile Anne.  BUT, we all know perception and reality here can be worlds apart.  The plus for us, having never been to Duma, is it's a block off the Blvd and walking distance to much that we want to explore starting out while we expand it outward.  Two others looking at are on edge of town more, but very nice....one on beach south of airport, run more as a vacation place as has free good daily breakfast regardless length of stay, use of a kitchen and no hidden utility charges added on, run by "Geraldine"   the other is a house nw part of Duma near Judyville, hosted by Neelam.  All of that depends in turn what we find for more perm rentals, since nice house with pool comes open Jan 22 up in Valencia, while another really nice western style house avail end of April in Duma.   As noted in many posts here over years, will thoroughly check out surroundings for all the noise sources, etc.   Getting great service from the builder/realty company we are using by way, run by an Aussia and Filipina with in house attorney, engineer and rental agent, etc....any decision to build or buy & renovate is Way down the road tho.   Forgive all the detail....just giving names in case someone here knows the place or folks involved.  Thanks

[Freebie]

I stayed in a nice airbnb earlier this years.. The property was two one bedroom places , with a shared pool. Owners house was on other side of the pool.  Was just off the main road going up to Valencia. Airbnb now says its " Marites place " but before that it was named as a resort on airbnb. Good price, nice and clean, ok kitchen, good laundry equipment,  and so many birds flying all day long . Was next to Junob school . Well worth a look also.

I looked all over Valencia but could only find old run down properties that were overpriced, or had clearly seen better days. I was ok to buy or rent but couldnt see anything or anywhere that warranted second or even third looks.

Plus the weather in Valancia is so crazily changeable because of the hills. Leave and its sunny and get back soaked. Prepare for rain and its sunny all day.

[BrettGC]

5 hours ago, Nickleback99 said:

Thanks Brett!   That would be great as trying keep all options open for temporary housing, although the no AC in 2nd bedroom might be a no go, although fans have always worked for us most times....Just depends on internal temps in daytime/sun.  Kiddo still adjusting from Pacific NW weather temps, much like Baguio.

They have a north/south aspect so no real sun at all during the day.  Despite that, they did warm up a little in the afternoon if there was no breeze. 

[BrettGC]

2 minutes ago, BrettGC said:

They have a north/south aspect so no real sun at all during the day.  Despite that, they did warm up a little in the afternoon if there was no breeze. 

Oh, we found out the other day that one of the ground floor apartments in the adjacent buildings has been turned into a sari-sari/eatery; could be a good or bad thing depending on you perspective. 

Very little noise, no roosters and few street dogs around.