Real Estate in the Dominican Republic
Last updated on May 17, 2023
Summary: An expat should search for a home to buy in Dominican Rep by researching the local real estate market and consulting with a local real estate agent. It is also important to research the local laws and regulations regarding foreign ownership of property. Homes in Dominican Rep typically include amenities such as air conditioning, hot water, and a kitchen. Many homes also have a pool, terrace, and garden. Foreigners are allowed to own property in Dominican Rep, but there are certain restrictions. For example, foreigners are not allowed to own property within 50 kilometers of the border. Additionally, foreigners must obtain a residency permit in order to purchase property.
How do I find a place to live in the Dominican Republic?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"i have lived in various parts of the country. The first place was a tourist resort on the Caribbean sea, where I went as my job as a scuba diving instructor was there. A small studio came with the job and after a month I moved into a rental apartment. Here you just put the word out you are looking and people come to you with their apartments. Now I live in a little Dominican town, chosen as it was far from tourists and hence much safer and much cheaper. Again just put the word out and found the house," said one expat in Santo Domingo.
"I chose my neighborhood because it is located within walking distance of the Sea and one half block from the Metro/Subway. I found my apartment through a website named Sublet.com," remarked one member in Santo Domingo.
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Abreu & Associates is a law firm practicing exclusively in the area of the Dominican Republic Immigration process and Nationality law. The firm serves as a trusted advisor in all practice areas of immigration law including Visa, Provisional Residency, Permanent Residency, Renewals, Investment Management, Dominican and American Citizenship, and Dominican Driver's License.
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Abreu & Associates is a law firm practicing exclusively in the area of the Dominican Republic Immigration process and Nationality law. The firm serves as a trusted advisor in all practice areas of immigration law including Visa, Provisional Residency, Permanent Residency, Renewals, Investment Management, Dominican and American Citizenship, and Dominican Driver's License.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What is a typical expat home or apartment like in the Dominican Republic?
"Expat homes and apartments in the Dominican Republic tend to be modern and comfortable, with air conditioning, cable TV, and internet access. Many expats choose to live in gated communities, which offer a range of amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and tennis courts. Expat homes and apartments often come with a maid and gardener, and many have private terraces or balconies with views of the Caribbean Sea," explained one expat living in Dominican Rep.
"I live in a furnished rental. I would certainly say that this is the way for anyone to plan to come here first and stay for a year or so and see if they really like it. There are not a lot of expats yet in the neighborhood but I predict that there will be. It is the older elegant but sort of run down section of town, but one can walk to everything. It is a lot like NYC," said one person in Santo Domingo.
Abreu & Associates is a law firm practicing exclusively in the area of the Dominican Republic Immigration process and Nationality law. The firm serves as a trusted advisor in all practice areas of immigration law including Visa, Provisional Residency, Permanent Residency, Renewals, Investment Management, Dominican and American Citizenship, and Dominican Driver's License.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Abreu & Associates is a law firm practicing exclusively in the area of the Dominican Republic Immigration process and Nationality law. The firm serves as a trusted advisor in all practice areas of immigration law including Visa, Provisional Residency, Permanent Residency, Renewals, Investment Management, Dominican and American Citizenship, and Dominican Driver's License.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What is the average cost of housing in the Dominican Republic?
If you are thinking about moving to the Dominican Republic, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"Lower. To rent a standard 3 bedroom house in an expat area is around 600-1500 US$ a month. If you live in a gated community it is more. A similar property in a purely Dominican town or village is around 200 US$ a month," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Santo Domingo.
"The average cost of housing in the Dominican Republic varies depending on the location and type of housing. Generally, renting an apartment in a city can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 per month, while a house in a rural area can cost around $100 to $200 per month. Prices for buying a home can range from $50,000 to $500,000, depending on the size and location," explained one person living in Dominican Rep.
"I live in Boca Chica and rent a 3 bedroom for $440/month. It's on a very good well so no water bill. Electricity here is iffy, but the last 3 or 4 months have been great with no major outages," said one expat in Santo Domingo.
"The monthly cost of rent is $550.00 which includes water, gas for cooking, internet and cable tv, with a 30 year old tv supplied by the landlord. I must pay for electric $30.00 a month unless I use the air conditioner which is also very old and will raise my electric bill to over $100.00 a month. There are ceiling fans in every room. i use them in lieu of the air conditioner. I have a land line home phone from Claro for $30.00 a month for 400 minutes. I just signed up for a bundle package of Phone/cable/internet with Claro for $75.00 a month," remarked one member in Santo Domingo.
Should I buy or rent a home in the Dominican Republic?
If you have not spent a lot of time in the Dominican Republic, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:
"Buying a home in the Dominican Republic can be a great investment, as the country has a booming real estate market. However, it is important to consider the cost of living in the area and the availability of rental properties before making a decision. Renting a home in the Dominican Republic can be a great option for those who are not ready to commit to a long-term purchase, as it allows for more flexibility and can be more cost-effective in the short-term. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in the Dominican Republic should be based on individual needs and preferences," explained one expat living in Dominican Rep.
What do I need to know when buying property in the Dominican Republic?
When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in the Dominican Republic, they said:
"1. It is important to research the area you are interested in buying property in, as well as the local laws and regulations that may affect your purchase. 2. It is recommended to hire a local lawyer to help you with the legal aspects of the purchase, such as title searches and contract negotiations. 3. Make sure to obtain a copy of the deed of sale and any other documents related to the property, such as a survey or title insurance. 4. Be aware that the Dominican Republic has a dual currency system, with both the Dominican Peso and the US Dollar accepted as legal tender. 5. Be aware that the Dominican Republic has a high rate of property tax, so it is important to factor this into your budget when purchasing a property. 6. Be aware that the Dominican Republic has a high rate of inflation, so it is important to factor this into your budget when purchasing a property. 7. Be aware that the Dominican Republic has a high rate of crime, so it is important to factor this into your budget when purchasing a property. 8. Be aware that the Dominican Republic has a high rate of corruption, so it is important to factor this into your budget when purchasing a property. 9. Be aware that the Dominican Republic has a high rate of natural disasters, so it is important to factor this into your budget when purchasing a property. 10. Be aware that the Dominican Republic has a high rate of political instability, so it is important to factor this into your budget when purchasing a property," explained one foreigner living in Dominican Rep.
Are foreigners allowed to own property in the Dominican Republic?
When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in the Dominican Republic, they said...
"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic has a law that allows foreign citizens to purchase and own real estate in the country. The law also allows foreign citizens to obtain a mortgage from a local bank to finance the purchase of a property. In order to purchase a property, foreign citizens must obtain a residency permit, which can be done through a local lawyer or a real estate agency. Once the residency permit is obtained, the foreign citizen can then purchase the property and obtain the necessary documents to register the property in their name," said one in Dominican Rep.
What appliances are typically included in a rental?
We asked foreigners in the Dominican Republic what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:
"In the Dominican Republic, rental properties typically include a refrigerator, stove, oven, and washing machine. Additionally, some properties may also include air conditioning units, dishwashers, and other appliances," said one person in Dominican Rep.
Additional Information about Searching for a Home in the Dominican Republic:
We asked foreigners in the Dominican Republic what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...
"Expats can search for homes in the Dominican Republic by looking online for real estate listings, contacting local real estate agents, and searching for rental properties on websites such as Airbnb. Additionally, expats can look for homes in the Dominican Republic by networking with other expats in the area, asking for recommendations from friends and family, and attending local expat events," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Dominican Rep.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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