Why would a CENOMAR be necessary when buying property?

Hey! That’s actually a really good question, and it surprises a lot of first-time buyers.
Yes, some developers or financing institutions do require a CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage Record). Here’s why:

What is a CENOMAR?
CENOMAR stands for Certificate of No Marriage, issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). It’s an official document that confirms you’ve never been legally married in the Philippines.

Why is it needed when buying property?
1. To verify civil status for ownership records
* If you’re single, the property is registered solely under your name.

* If you’re married, Philippine law considers property acquired during marriage as conjugal, unless proven otherwise, so they need to know your marital status to determine how the property should be titled.

2. For financing or housing loan purposes
* Lenders (banks, Pag-IBIG, or developers with in-house financing) need accurate information for credit evaluation and legal documentation.

* It helps avoid disputes later on, especially in cases involving inheritance or property sharing.

3. For legal clarity and protection
* It protects both the buyer and the seller from future legal issues involving misrepresentation or incorrect ownership claims.

So, is it always required?
Not all developers ask for it, but many do, especially when the buyer declares they’re single. It’s also commonly required when applying for a housing loan, since it forms part of the borrower’s profile.

If you’re planning to buy property soon and you’re single, it’s a good idea to request a CENOMAR ahead of time from the PSA, either online or at their branch, so you’ll have it ready when needed. It’s a simple step, but it clears a lot of paperwork down the line.