Frequently asked questions about buying property in the Dominican Republic

Yes, with the same rights as a Dominican citizen. The Constitution and Law 108-05 on Real Estate Registration guarantee foreigners the right to buy, register, sell, mortgage and inherit property. There are no restricted zones and no limit on the number of properties.

No. You can buy and register the property in your name with a valid passport, without residency or a special visa. You will need a tax ID number from the DGII and the funds for the purchase and closing costs.

Yes. Foreign Investment Law 16-95 allows the free repatriation of invested capital and profits. If you sell at a gain, you can transfer that money abroad.

Yes. Property is inherited normally under Dominican law, regardless of the heirs' nationality.

Between 4% and 5% of the price for a cash purchase: 3% transfer tax, 1% to 1.5% in legal fees and a few hundred dollars in registration. On a US$200,000 villa that is about US$8,300 to US$9,600. With a mortgage, add the mortgage registration tax and bank fees.

It is 3% of the purchase price or of the value the DGII has on record for the property, whichever is higher. The buyer pays it unless the contract says otherwise, and it must be paid before the title can be registered in the buyer's name.

The IPI (Impuesto al Patrimonio Inmobiliario) is an annual 1% tax applied only to the value above the exempt amount, which in 2026 is RD$10,695,494. If your property is worth less than that according to the DGII, you pay no IPI.

It is Tourism Development Law 158-01. In projects approved under this law, buyers can be exempt from the 3% transfer tax and from IPI for up to 15 years. The seller's word is not enough: always ask for the project's approval resolution.

No. A foreigner pays the same taxes as a Dominican buyer and has the same property rights.

There is a tax to register the mortgage, calculated on the loan amount. Under Law 30-26 it drops from 2% in 2026 to 1% in 2027 and is eliminated from 2028. Add the bank's own costs: appraisal, insurance and origination fee.

The real estate commission, any overdue IPI and maintenance fees. Since June 2026 the seller also pays 10% on the capital gain, with exemptions when reinvesting in another main residence within 6 months or when a seller over 65 sells their main residence.

That the title is in the seller's name at the Title Registry, that it has no mortgages, liens or lawsuits, and that the survey (deslinde) confirms the property's actual boundaries. Do it before reserving or paying any money.

Yes, it is essential. The lawyer does the due diligence, drafts the contract, notarizes the signature, pays the taxes and registers the title in your name. Hire one who represents only you, not the seller's lawyer.

Reserving or paying before validating the legal status and without calculating the total cost of the property. The legal and technical review should always come before any financial commitment.

Cabrera is a town on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, in María Trinidad Sánchez province. It has about 14,559 residents (2022 census) and combines beaches, mountains and low density, with less tourist saturation than Punta Cana, Cabarete or Las Terrenas.

It can be for buyers with a long-term horizon, a second home or retirement in mind, because some areas are still priced well below their potential. It is not the best market for quick flips or if you need short-term liquidity.

It is a good option if you want tranquility, nature and a slower pace of life. Before buying, plan for at least 24 months of total costs (housing, taxes, health and transport) and visit the area several times.

It depends on your goal. A finished house allows immediate use with less uncertainty. Land offers development potential but requires more planning, time and checks on access and documents.

Real vehicle access, a clean title and survey, the micro-area, the feasibility of what you want to build and who would buy it from you in 5 years. For land, access usually matters more to future liquidity than a low price.

The Dominican Republic is exposed to tropical cyclones and heavy rainfall. Before buying, check drainage, the land's elevation and the condition of the construction, and consider property insurance.

We are a real estate advisory in Cabrera led by Jeffrey Seda. We only work with properties we know well and, if what you want is not in our inventory, we help you find the best alternative in the area. We work in English and Spanish.

Yes. Send us the link or photos, the asking price and your buying goal on WhatsApp, and within 24 hours we will reply with the risk alerts and the recommended next step.

Normally the seller pays it, not the buyer.

We evaluate the property, set the price with real comparables and market it in English and Spanish with professional photography and presence on the main portals. There is no upfront cost: our fee is charged only at closing.

By WhatsApp or phone at +1 829-968-0060, or by email at jseda@sedarealtydr.com.