How This Couple Built a Low-Cost House in the Philippines

Good things take time. A middle-class couple in the Philippines, Daverianne and Jean Pacle finally completed their dream home after two years of construction. At last, they’re now enjoying the fruits of their labour: a 33sqm low-cost house, lovingly decorated at every corner.

With the help of their architect ninong, the Pacles designed and built their house for just ₱800,000 — complete with cabinets, an air-conditioning unit, and other appliances. “We are very happy with the outcome of our house — it’s as perfect as we imagined it to be,” Daverianne tells TripZilla Philippines. 

During the building process, the couple went on dates where they’d source materials for their low-cost house. Both of them enjoyed these moments together, as they long shared the dream of living tiny.

“The concept of tiny house living is really perfect for us, a middle-class couple who is just starting a family,” Daverianne says. “Instead of taking out loans and spending on mortgages for a townhouse or a condo unit, we opted to save our money to construct our very own tiny house.”

Also read: Modular Houses Give Filipinos Budget-Friendly and Sustainable Options for Their Homes

Decorating their low-cost house together

Daverianne and Jean take pride in their hand in decorating their low-cost house. To keep things practical, the couple mostly built DIY furniture or sourced affordable items on Shopee.

Even with just 33sqm of floor area, their home appears bright and spacious. Daverianne utilised light-coloured wall stickers to open up their tiny space.

Living with contentment and mastering the art of minimalism

Living tiny undoubtedly transforms a person; but what is the best thing that has happened to Daverianne and Jean since moving into their house? 

Daverianne shares, “The low cost of building a tiny house has helped us enjoy financial freedom.” Beyond their minimal construction expenses, the couple has also learned to spend more wisely on material goods. After all, unnecessary things won’t fit in their space anymore.

“Tiny house living has taught us to live in contentment. Nowadays, before buying something, we always consider and weigh its use and function. It’s not enough to just like something because it’s pleasing to our eyes,” she shares. 

Daverianne shares the three questions Jean and she consider before purchasing an item: Is it something we’ll love for years? Does it serve multiple purposes? Will it take up too much space in our home?

Also read: 5 Reasons to Invest in Property Outside Metro Manila

Investing in what matters most

Because of their practical lifestyle, the Pacles have been able to save money for things that matter the most to them, like travelling. They’ve also been able to put money aside for the next chapter of their life together. As of writing, Daverianne and Jean are expecting their first child soon.

“Next challenge naman samin ngayong magkaka-baby na kami ay kung paano namin mame-maintain na organised at clutter-free ang bahay,” Daverianne shares. She also admits that building a nursery in their tiny space is a challenge, but the couple is excited about what’s to come.

Also read: Homeowners Share the Reality of Tiny House Living in the Philippines

Living tiny in the Pacles’ home means taking everything day by day. Should they buy a crib for their baby? Or should they settle for a makeshift bed? Certainly, there remain challenges in living in their simple, low-cost house.

But at the end of the day, the couple has achieved a dream many Filipinos share — building a house they can call their own. And even after this, Daverianne and Jean continue to dream together: “In God’s will, kapag kaya na namin, we dream to buy a rest house naman.”

All images credited to Daverianne Beltrano-Pacle. Quotes were edited for clarity, style, and flow.