Best Places to Buy Property in the Dominican Republic in 2024

Key Takeaways

Punta Cana: Premier destination for beachfront properties with many resorts and amenities. Jump to section

Bavaro: Affordable luxury in a prime location near Punta Cana airport. Jump to section

Cap Cana: Pinnacle of luxury living with marinas, golf courses, and more. Jump to section

La Romana: Rich culture and seaside golf resorts like Casa de Campo. Jump to section

Sosua & Cabarete: Lively expat communities with beaches, surfing, and nightlife. Jump to section

Las Terrenas: Serene natural beauty with charming towns and beaches. Jump to section

Santo Domingo: Vibrant capital city with history, culture, and opportunities. Jump to section

Punta Cana

Punta Cana along the eastern shore boasts miles of pristine white sand beaches, gentle seas, and upscale resorts that attract visitors from around the world. For buyers seeking vacation homes or investment properties, Punta Cana offers premier access to the stunning turquoise waters and carefree lifestyle of the Caribbean.

Numerous condominium developments dot the Punta Cana coastline with amenities like designer pools, restaurants, spas, and golf courses. Many of these beachfront condos function as turnkey rentals managed by resort companies, making Punta Cana real estate a potentially lucrative hands-off investment. The continual influx of tourists provides built-in demand, especially during high winter season.

Gated communities farther inland provide increased privacy and security, some with private beaches, equestrian facilities, fine dining, and other elite amenities. From beach bungalows to extravagant villas, Punta Cana welcomes buyers with varied interests and budgets. The region’s resort infrastructure, international airport, and popularity among tourists enhance property values and contribute to higher occupancy rates for rentals.

• Miles of pristine beaches and gentle seas
• Upscale resorts attract visitors
• Condos function as rentals with amenities
• Gated communities offer increased privacy
• Variety of properties to match budgets

Bavaro

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Just south of Punta Cana, Bavaro shares the same stretch of coastline starting from Macao Beach until Uvero Alto. This area offers easy access to Punta Cana International Airport along with lower prices compared to its glitzy neighbor to the north. Bavaro appeals to value-driven buyers who still want proximity to luxury amenities.

Beachfront condos remain the most popular in Bavaro thanks to their scenic settings and income potential. Many function as part of all-inclusive resorts with on-site amenities. Farther inland, more locals live in Bavaro than tourist-centric Punta Cana, lending an authentic Dominican flavor. However, a high-end mall and championship golf courses are drawing luxury developers as well.

With its lower costs, resort infrastructure, and high tourism demand, Bavaro real estate purchases can pay off through capital appreciation, rentals, and more. From modern condominiums to private villas, Bavaro offers the Punta Cana lifestyle for less.

• Shares coastline with Punta Cana
• Lower prices but easy airport access
• Beachfront condos are popular
• More locals live here than Punta Cana
• High-end mall and golf courses attract luxury developers

Cap Cana

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Cap Cana marks the pinnacle of luxury living in the Dominican Republic situated on the eastern tip of Punta Cana. This exclusive master-planned community spans over 30,000 acres with extravagant estates, resort marinas, restaurants, beaches, golf courses, and a full-service marina. The Cap Cana Marina can accommodate luxury yachts up to 250 feet.

Compared to most Caribbean resort communities, Cap Cana emphasizes privacy, building density regulations, and harmony with nature. Gated villas have access to resort-style amenities like beach clubs, equestrian facilities, fine dining, and the renowned Punta Espada Golf Course. The natural landscape weaves throughout with conservation areas and sweeping fairways.

From seaside condominiums to custom estates, properties in Cap Cana cater to ultra high-net-worth buyers. With relatively few ownership opportunities compared to other Dominican communities, Cap Cana real estate also holds excellent future value. As the enclave continues developing, select ownership ensures increasing exclusivity.

• 30,000 acre exclusive community
• Luxury estates and world-class marina
• Emphasizes privacy and harmony with nature
• Gated villas have resort-style amenities
• Limited ownership opportunities
• Increasing value expected as development continues

La Romana

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The La Romana region offers a vibrant culture with plenty of leisure amenities centered around the Chavón River on the southeast coast. Most famous is Casa de Campo established in the 1970s as one of the Caribbean’s first luxury resort communities with a legendary golf course designed by Pete Dye. Casa de Campo set the standard for high-end leisure in the Dominican Republic.

In addition to Casa de Campo, other premium communities in La Romana include Altos de Chavón, a Mediterranean-style hillside village above Chavón River. Upscale buyers can choose from exclusive beachfront condos and villas, equestrian estates, golf course fairway homes, private island getaways accessible by yacht, and more.

La Romana also provides convenient access to Caribbean islands like Catalina and Saona as well as attractions like Altos de Chavón School of Design and Dominicus Americanus. The region blends rich cultural experiences with luxury in an idyllic tropical setting.

Luxury Communities

• Casa de Campo
• Altos de Chavón
• Private islands

Lifestyle Amenities

• Championship golf
• Equestrian estates
• Caribbean island access
• Rich cultural experiences
• Tropical paradise setting

Sosua & Cabarete

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On the north coast, Sosua and Cabarete represent dynamic expat communities known for fantastic beaches, surfing, nightlife and a laid-back Caribbean vibe. Both areas emerged as havens for international transplants looking to enjoy island living at an affordable cost. Today Sosua and Cabarete are thriving towns infused with residents and visitors from all corners of the world.

In Sosua, development centers around the beautiful Playa Sosua, where condos and houses overlook the azure waters. Venturing farther inland, gated projects appeal to retirees and families seeking full-time Caribbean living. The surrounding countryside features waterfalls, Imbert Lake, and mountain vistas.

To the east in Cabarete, wind and kite surfing culture dominate thanks to ideal conditions off Playa Cabarete. Condos line the beach in the vibrant town center clustered with restaurants and nightlife. Private villas sprawl across the outlying hills and coastline, some with direct beach access.

For buyers seeking community, lifestyle amenities, beaches and value, Sosua and Cabarete are ideal locations on the north shore. Expats can become fully immersed in the vibrant Dominican culture or find their own secluded escape.

• Development centers around Playa Sosua
• Condos and homes overlook the beach
• Gated communities farther inland

Cabarete

• Renowned for wind and kite surfing
• Lively beach town with dining and nightlife
• Private villas span the coastline

Las Terrenas

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Tucked along the rarely developed north Samaná peninsula, Las Terrenas represents the Dominican Republic’s last true Caribbean outpost. Miles of barely touched shoreline with gently swaying palms and colorful fishing villages exude serene natural beauty. The pace of life here feels beautifully unhurried and peaceful.

Las Terrenas attracts more European expats who relish in the tranquil, small-town atmosphere. The walkable downtown features boutiques, bistros, fresh produce markets and art galleries. Fringing coral reefs create calm turquoise waters for swimming and watersports. Lush foliage abounds with waterfalls, hiking trails and vibrant flora and fauna.

While still undervalued compared to other Caribbean destinations, several developers are introducing luxury residential resort communities expected to elevate prices. Las Terrenas provides the rare opportunity to claim a stake in an undiscovered Caribbean paradise poised for growth. From beach bungalows to hilltop villas, Las Terrenas caters to those seeking sanctuary amid exquisite natural splendor.

• Serene beaches along Samaná Peninsula
• Sleepy fishing villages
• European flair attracts expats
• Luxury resort developers eyeing area
• Opportunity to invest in undiscovered paradise

Santo Domingo

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As the vibrant capital and the oldest permanent European settlement in the Americas, Santo Domingo brims with culture, cuisine, music, nightlife, shopping and historic architecture. Today the city is experiencing an exciting rebirth with foreign investment pouring in, especially into the rejuvenated Colonial Zone. Improved infrastructure now connects Santo Domingo to popular tourist zones like Punta Cana as well.

From sleek high-rise apartment buildings to restored 16th century palaces, residential opportunities in Santo Domingo span the spectrum. The historic Colonial Zone appeals to buyers seeking Old World charm along cobblestone streets. Greater Santo Domingo features more modern residences, secure communities, convenient shopping malls, restaurants, and access to beaches along the southern coast.

While the Dominican Republic’s tourism trade drives the broader economy, Santo Domingo holds particular appeal for investors with interests across key sectors like finance, healthcare, education, light manufacturing, renewable energy and more. With major investments in infrastructure and development projects transforming the city, Santo Domingo offers urban excitement and culture steeped in history.

• Vibrant culture, cuisine, music and nightlife
• Historic Colonial Zone revived
• High-rise condos to 16th century palaces
• Key area for business investment

FAQs on Buying Property in the Dominican Republic

Where is the best place to build?

Some top locations to build include Punta Cana for its beaches and resort infrastructure along with Las Terrenas before more development occurs. Cap Cana also offers customized estates.

Is real estate a good investment here?

Yes, real estate in tourist areas like Punta Cana and emerging locales like Las Terrenas is an excellent investment opportunity thanks to the Dominican Republic's economic growth, appeal among foreign buyers and travelers, and currency advantage.

What is the best area to live in the Dominican Republic?

The best area depends on lifestyle interests. Punta Cana offers beaches, resorts and established infrastructure while Santo Domingo features an exciting urban energy. Other top expat areas include Cabarete for its surf culture and Las Terrenas for a peaceful sanctuary.

What is the safest city in the Dominican Republic?

Punta Cana is widely regarded as the safest area thanks to gated resort communities, an established tourism police force, and private security personnel that patrol many complexes. Bavaro also benefits from the nearby security infrastructure created for Punta Cana.

How much can I expect to pay for a beachfront condo?

Beachfront condos average around $250,000 to $500,000 with luxury units in Cap Cana exceeding $1 million. Monthly HOA fees typically run $300 to $500. High season rental rates for a 2-bedroom unit often reach $200+ per night depending on amenities.

What are property taxes like in the Dominican Republic?

The current property tax rate is 1% calculated based on either the property's purchase price, its assessed value, or its self-declared fiscal value, whichever is highest. Capital gains tax applies at a rate of 3% when selling.

Can I get a mortgage as a foreigner?

Yes, several Dominican banks like Banco Popular and BanReservas offer mortgages to foreigners with just a 25% to 30% downpayment on property valued up to $200,000. Interest rates currently range from 10% to 14% for foreign buyers depending on property type and loan amount.

How much income do I need to apply for residency?

The Dominican Republic offers one of the most affordable residency programs in the Caribbean. Applicants can qualify by depositing $200,000 into a local bank or by showing just $1,500 in monthly income from verifiable sources.

Are there restrictions on foreign property ownership?

No, the Dominican Republic places no restrictions on foreigners owning property. The purchase process is relatively straightforward requiring a lawyer to evaluate title documents and execute closing.

What is the process flow to buy property as a foreigner?

• Obtain NIE number
• View potential properties with real estate agent
• Make offer and provide deposit
• Hire an attorney for conveyancing and due diligence
• Sign promise of sale agreement
• Attorney completes title search, drafts purchase agreement
• Execute purchase agreement before notary public
• Apply for property registration and title at government office
• Final foreign ownership registration