Reviews of Real Estate Projects

Foreigners have the same property rights as Dominicans. The process includes: choosing the project, signing a reservation contract, paying the down payment (usually 10-30%), completing payments during construction, and receiving the title of property. No residency or special visa is required to buy. We recommend working with a real estate attorney to verify the titles and permits of the project.

Prices in Punta Cana vary by location and type: studios from USD 65,000, 1-bedroom apartments from USD 85,000, 2 bedrooms from USD 120,000, and villas from USD 250,000. Projects beachfront or in Cap Cana can exceed USD 500,000. Most offer direct financing with down payments of 10-30% and installments during construction.

The CONFOTUR Law (Tourism Promotion Council) is a Dominican tax incentive that exempts qualified projects from paying: Real Estate Transfer Tax (3%), Property Tax (IPI) for up to 15 years, and ITBIS on the purchase. This can represent a savings of 5-15% on the purchase price. Most new projects in tourist areas qualify for CONFOTUR.

The DR has one of the most stable real estate markets in the Caribbean, with an average GDP growth of 5% over the last decade. The keys to a safe investment are: verifying that the developer has a proven track record of deliveries, confirming construction permits with the local municipality, ensuring that the property title is surveyed and registered, and working with a real estate attorney. Our reviews evaluate these factors for each project.

The areas with the highest appreciation in Santo Domingo are: Naco and Piantini (3-5% annual appreciation), Bella Vista and Los Prados (established areas with excellent rental demand), Serralles (growing premium market), and the University Zone (high student demand). For medium-term investment, developing areas like Alma Rosa and Los Ríos offer more accessible prices with potential appreciation exceeding 5-8% annually.

ROI varies by area and model: properties for tourist rental in Punta Cana generate between 8-12% annual net on consistent occupancy. Long-term rental apartments in Santo Domingo yield 5-7% annually. Appreciation (value increase) adds another 3-8% annually depending on the area. Projects purchased off-plan typically appreciate 15-25% between purchase and delivery (2-3 years).

Off-plan project: purchased before construction begins, lower price (15-25% less), higher risk, delivery in 2-3 years. Under construction: progress can be visited, intermediate price, delivery in 6-18 months. Ready for delivery: the finished apartment can be visited, higher price but no risk of delays, immediate move-in. We recommend off-plan projects only with developers who have a proven track record of timely deliveries.

There are several options: direct financing from the developer (the most common, with a down payment of 10-30% and interest-free installments during construction), bank mortgage loans (rates from 9-12% annually, requires local credit history or collateral), and cash payment (some projects offer a 5-10% discount). Foreigners can access bank financing with additional guarantees or through international banks with a presence in RD.