Understanding real and immovable properties is essential for anyone involved in real estate, property law, or business in the Philippines. The terms "real property" and "immovable property" are often used interchangeably, referring to assets that cannot be moved from one location to another. In Tagalog, real property is called "ari-ariang hindi natitinag" or "ari-ariang hindi naipapalipat".
This topic will explain real and immovable properties in the context of Philippine law, including their definitions, classifications, and examples.
What Are Real and Immovable Properties?
Definition of Real Property
Real property, or "real estate", refers to land and anything permanently attached to it, such as buildings and structures. In Tagalog, real property is translated as "ari-ariang hindi natitinag".
According to the Civil Code of the Philippines, real property includes:
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Land – Lupain
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Buildings and houses – Gusali at bahay
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Roads and constructions attached to the land – Kalsada at iba pang imprastraktura
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Trees and plants that are naturally or permanently attached to the land – Mga punongkahoy at halaman
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Machinery, tools, or installations permanently affixed to a property – Makinarya at kagamitan na hindi na naaalis
Definition of Immovable Property
Immovable property, or "hindi naipapalipat na ari-arian", refers to any property that cannot be moved without altering its nature or structure. In legal terms, all immovable properties are considered real properties.
In Tagalog, an immovable property is often described as "ari-ariang di-magalaw" or "hindi maililipat ng lokasyon".
Types of Real and Immovable Properties
1. Land (Lupa)
Land is one of the most valuable immovable properties in the Philippines. It includes:
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Residential land – Lupa para sa bahay
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Agricultural land – Lupang sakahan
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Commercial land – Lupang pang-negosyo
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Industrial land – Lupang pang-industriya
2. Buildings and Houses (Gusali at Bahay)
Structures built on land, such as houses, offices, and commercial buildings, are considered real property because they are permanently attached to the ground.
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Single-family homes – Bahay para sa isang pamilya
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Apartment buildings – Gusali ng mga paupahan
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Commercial buildings – Gusali ng negosyo
3. Permanent Structures (Imprastraktura)
Examples of permanent structures include:
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Bridges (Tulay)
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Highways (Daan)
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Railways (Riles ng tren)
4. Natural Attachments (Likas na Bahagi ng Lupa)
Any naturally occurring objects on the land that cannot be moved without damaging the property are classified as immovable properties, such as:
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Trees (Mga puno)
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Minerals (Mga mineral sa lupa)
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Bodies of water (Mga ilog, lawa, o bukal sa pribadong lupa)
5. Fixtures and Machinery (Makinarya at Kagamitan na Permanenteng Ikinalakip sa Ari-arian)
Equipment and machinery permanently installed on land or inside buildings are also real properties, such as:
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Water and gas pipelines (Mga tubo ng tubig at gas)
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Electric installations (Mga kable ng kuryente)
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Industrial machinery (Makinaryang pang-industriya na hindi natitinag)
Examples of Real and Immovable Properties in Tagalog
To better understand real and immovable properties, here are some examples in Tagalog:
| English | Tagalog |
|---|---|
| Land | Lupa |
| House | Bahay |
| Farm | Sakahan |
| Office Building | Gusali ng opisina |
| Bridge | Tulay |
| Highway | Daan |
| Trees | Mga puno |
| Machinery permanently installed | Makinaryang hindi natitinag |
Legal Aspects of Real and Immovable Properties in the Philippines
1. Ownership Rights (Karapatan sa Pagmamay-ari)
In the Philippines, real property ownership is regulated by laws such as the Civil Code of the Philippines and the Property Registration Decree. Landowners have legal rights to:
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Use the property (Gamitin ang lupa)
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Sell the property (Ipagbili ang ari-arian)
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Lease the property (Paupahan ang ari-arian)
2. Property Registration (Pagpaparehistro ng Ari-arian)
To prove ownership of real property, it must be registered with the Land Registration Authority (LRA) under the Torrens System. The property owner receives a Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) or Original Certificate of Title (OCT).
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TCT – Ginagamit para sa mga ipinamana o biniling lupa
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OCT – Para sa mga bagong natuklasang lupain
3. Property Taxes (Buwis sa Ari-arian)
Real properties in the Philippines are subject to Real Property Tax (RPT), which is collected by local government units (LGUs). Property owners must pay these taxes annually.
Differences Between Real and Personal Property
Real property is immovable, while personal property refers to movable assets such as furniture, vehicles, and appliances. In Tagalog, real property is "ari-ariang hindi natitinag", while personal property is "ari-ariang naipapalipat".
| Type of Property | English | Tagalog |
|---|---|---|
| Real Property | House | Bahay |
| Real Property | Land | Lupa |
| Personal Property | Car | Sasakyan |
| Personal Property | Furniture | Muwebles |
Understanding real and immovable properties in Tagalog is essential for anyone dealing with real estate or property transactions in the Philippines. Whether buying, selling, or inheriting land, knowing the legal classifications, types, and examples helps protect ownership rights and comply with Philippine property laws.
By recognizing the importance of real and immovable properties, individuals can make informed decisions about investments, land ownership, and property management.