Davao City Service Guides

Property & Payments

Building a home, managing property taxes, or paying city fees? Find clear guides to permits, property assessments, and official payment services in Davao City.

What You’ll Find Here

Explore Property & Payment Services

Five practical guides covering property-related applications and city payment procedures.

01

Building Permit

Construction and renovation approvals.

02

Occupancy Permit

Requirements before occupying a building.

03

Real Property Tax

Property tax assessment and payment.

04

Property Assessment

Tax declarations and property records.

05

Online Payments

Available city payment channels.

Good to know: Davao City Portal is an independent information website. Applications, assessments, and payments are handled by the appropriate government offices and official systems.

Find the Right Service

Which Property Service Do You Need?

Choose a service to understand what it covers, which city office handles it, and where to begin your transaction.

Select Your Service
Construction & Development

Building Permit

Planning a new home, commercial building, extension, or major structural alteration? A building permit helps ensure your proposed work meets applicable construction and safety requirements.

Who Should Use This Service?

Property owners, developers, and authorized representatives preparing construction or alteration projects that require a permit.

What You May Need
  • Property ownership or authorization documents
  • Building and engineering plans
  • Required zoning and technical clearances
Responsible Office

Office of the City Building Official (OCBO), Davao City.

Before applying: Permit applications, property assessments, and tax payments follow different procedures. Choose the service that matches your transaction and follow the instructions from the responsible Davao City office.

Getting Started

How Property & Payment Services Work

Not every property transaction follows the same process. Here’s how to begin, where your documents go, and what happens before approval or payment.

Know Your Starting Point

Building permits begin with OCBO. Property records go through the City Assessor, while real property taxes are processed by the City Treasurer.

Process 01 / Construction

Applying for Building & Occupancy Permits

Building approval starts before construction. Occupancy approval is handled separately when the completed building is ready for inspection.

Office of the City Building Official (OCBO)
01

Prepare Plans

Work with qualified professionals to prepare the required plans, forms, and property documents for your proposed project.

02

Submit & Review

Apply through the OBPS portal. Upload documents, monitor assessment updates, and correct any deficiencies.

03

Pay & Get Approval

Submit printed documents if OCBO requests them, settle assessed fees, and obtain the approved permit before starting regulated work.

A completed building may require inspection and an Occupancy Permit before it can be used.

Open Building Permit Portal
Process 02 / Property Records

Requesting a Property Assessment

New assessments, updated tax declarations, and ownership record changes are processed through the City Assessor’s Office.

City Assessor’s Office (CASSO)
01

Visit the Assessor

Go to the CASSO queuing counter and obtain the request form for your specific property transaction.

02

Submit Property Records

Present the required title, tax declaration, identification, and authorization or supporting papers, as applicable.

03

Complete Assessment

CASSO reviews and verifies the records, conducts appraisal when required, and processes the updated assessment or tax declaration.

Fees, required records, and collection arrangements depend on the type of assessment or document requested.

Process 03 / Taxes & Payments

Paying Real Property Tax & City Charges

The City Treasurer handles real property tax assessment and collection. Online payment is available for supported transactions.

City Treasurer’s Office (CTO)
01

Get Your Statement

Present your tax declaration or property reference at the Real Property Tax Division or a CTO district office for account assessment.

02

Settle the Payment

Pay the assessed amount at the authorized collection counter or through an approved online payment facility when available.

03

Keep Your Receipt

Retain the official receipt or electronic confirmation. Request a tax clearance or certification separately if your transaction needs one.

For other eligible city payments, obtain an Order of Payment from the designated office when required.

Official Payment Instructions

Check Requirements Before Visiting

Bring your valid ID, relevant property reference numbers, and supporting documents. Some transactions can begin online, while others require in-person verification. Always follow the responsible office’s instructions before paying or submitting records.

Official Government Offices

Where to Get Property & Payment Assistance

Contact the right Davao City office for building permits, property assessments, and tax payments. Here are the main departments and their contact details.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Find straightforward answers to common questions about building permits, property records, taxes, and payments in Davao City.

Have a Specific Concern?

Requirements can vary by property and transaction. Contact the responsible city office if your situation needs further assessment.

01 Do I need a building permit to renovate my house in Davao City?

A permit may be required, especially for structural changes, extensions, major repairs, or alterations affecting building safety. Minor work may be treated differently depending on its scope.

Before starting, confirm your proposed work with the Office of the City Building Official (OCBO).

02 Can I apply for a building permit online?

Yes. Davao City provides the Online Building-Related Permit System (OBPS), where applicants can submit plans, monitor assessments, and receive application updates.

OCBO may still require printed documents, technical verification, or an in-person appointment before final approval.

03 Is an Occupancy Permit different from a Building Permit?

Yes. A Building Permit authorizes the proposed construction or alteration work, while an Occupancy Permit is required before a completed building is used or occupied.

OCBO reviews compliance and applicable inspection requirements before granting occupancy approval.

04 Where can I request or update a property tax declaration?

Visit the City Assessor’s Office for tax declarations, assessment updates, and property records.

Prepare your Property Index Number (PIN), valid identification, and relevant supporting documents. Representatives may need an authorization letter or Special Power of Attorney.

05 When should I pay my Real Property Tax in Davao City?

Real Property Tax is an annual obligation. For 2026, Davao City allows full payment or four installments due on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31.

The city’s 2026 notice also provides a 20% discount for full payment by March 31, or a 10% discount for installments paid within their respective deadlines. Late payments may incur interest.

06 Can I pay property taxes and other city fees online?

Yes, for supported transactions. Davao City provides electronic payment channels for eligible taxes and government charges.

Some payments require an Order of Payment (OP) from the responsible office first. Confirm that your transaction is eligible before using the city’s official payment system.

Where to Go Next

Next Guide: Building Permit

Planning to build or renovate in Davao City? Learn who needs a building permit, which documents to prepare, and how to complete the official application process.