×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Real Estate in Dominican Rep | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Santa Barbara de Samana, Dominican Republic

Real Estate in the Dominican Republic

By Betsy Burlingame

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.

Abreu & Associates Immigration Services
Abreu & Associates Immigration Services
Abreu & Associates Immigration Services
Abreu & Associates Immigration Services

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 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," said one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

"I first came to a beach town but then found that for a single older intellectual woman, the capital was best. I took my time, found the pool, the library, the neighborhood I liked best, then the apartment, not the other way around," explained one foreigner living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

"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 in Santo Domingo.

View More Answers

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers
Get Quote

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote

What is a typical expat home or apartment like in the Dominican Republic?

"I live in a furnished 2 bedroom apartment. This is typical of the expats I have met. My next door neighnor have lived in their unit for ten years. They are from Canada/Germany," explained one person living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

View More Answers

AGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

Learn MoreGet Quote

AGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

Learn MoreGet Quote

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:

"Much lower. My two bedroom apartment with balconies and maid's room is $600 a month. To buy apartments here cost around $150k," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Santo Domingo.

View More Answers

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," said one expat who made the move to 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 person 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," explained one expat 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 foreigner living 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," said one foreigner living in Dominican Rep.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat 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.

Santa Barbara de Samana, Dominican Republic
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Cigna Global HealthCigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Abreu & Associates Immigration Services
Abreu & Associates Immigration Services

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides