Dominican Republic Real Estate 2025: Foreign Ownership, Market Overview & Best Areas
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7/8/2025
✅ Can Foreigners Buy Property in Dominican Republic?
Yes — foreigners have the same property ownership rights as locals with no restrictions on buying land or homes.
🏠 Foreign buyers enjoy full freehold ownership rights, making it one of the most open markets in the Caribbean.
⚖️ Foreign Ownership Laws
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No restrictions on land or property ownership for foreigners
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Clear title systems and property registration with the General Directorate of Cadastre
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Buyers advised to conduct thorough due diligence and use trusted local attorneys
🏙️ Top Cities & Regions to Invest
🔹 1. Santo Domingo
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Capital city, economic hub
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Growing condominium and commercial real estate market
🔹 2. Punta Cana
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Leading tourist destination with booming resort developments
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High demand for vacation rentals and gated communities
🔹 3. Puerto Plata
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Coastal city with growing tourism and affordable properties
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Popular among retirees and holiday home buyers
🔹 4. Samaná
- Emerging market focused on eco-tourism and luxury resorts
🔹 5. La Romana
- Resort community with golf courses and marina developments
💰 Property Prices in 2025
| Location | Avg. Price (USD/sqm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Santo Domingo | $1,000–$2,000 | Urban condos and apartments |
| Punta Cana | $1,500–$3,000 | Resort condos and villas |
| Puerto Plata | $700–$1,500 | Affordable coastal housing |
| Samaná | $900–$1,800 | Luxury eco-resorts |
| La Romana | $1,200–$2,500 | Golf and marina communities |
📈 Rental Yields & ROI
| Location | Long-Term Yield | Short-Term Rental ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Santo Domingo | 5–7% | 6–9% |
| Punta Cana | 7–10% | 10–15% |
| Puerto Plata | 5–7% | 7–10% |
| Samaná | 6–8% | 8–12% |
| La Romana | 6–9% | 8–12% |
🛠️ Buying Process for Foreigners
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Find property and negotiate price
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Conduct due diligence (title, liens, developer reputation)
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Sign Promise to Purchase Agreement with deposit
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Complete transaction at Notary Public
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Register ownership with the Property Registry Office
⏱️ Usually completed within 30–45 days
🧾 Taxes & Fees
| Tax/Cost | Rate/Details |
|---|---|
| Transfer Tax | 3% of the purchase price |
| Property Tax | Low; generally 1% annually |
| Capital Gains Tax | 27% on gains, but exemptions exist |
| Notary & Registration Fees | Approximately 1–2% |
🛂 Residency & Visa
❌ Property ownership does not automatically grant residency or citizenship.
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Investors can apply for residency visas based on investment and financial criteria
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The government offers various programs to attract foreign investors
🏘️ Who Should Invest in Dominican Republic?
✅ Ideal for:
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Vacation home buyers and second-home seekers
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Short-term rental investors focusing on tourism
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Retirees attracted by warm climate and affordable living
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Buyers wanting easy property ownership in a Caribbean market
❌ Not ideal for:
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Buyers seeking high-regulation or fully mature markets
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Those expecting residency purely through property purchase
🔮 2025 Market Trends
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Tourism growth boosting coastal real estate demand
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Increasing developments in Punta Cana and Samaná
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Infrastructure improvements enhancing accessibility
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Growing interest from North American and European buyers
🧭 Final Thoughts
The Dominican Republic offers a welcoming, accessible real estate market with strong rental potential. Its open ownership laws and attractive lifestyle make it a prime choice for investors and holiday homeowners in the Caribbean.
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