Santo Dominigo, Dominican Republic

Real Estate in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Apr 14, 2023

Summary: The average cost of a nice 2 bedroom home in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep is around $150,000 USD. A nice 3 bedroom home in Santo Domingo is around $200,000 USD. These properties typically include modern amenities such as air conditioning, hot water, and a kitchen. Some may also include a pool, terrace, and/or a garden. Foreigners are allowed to own property in Santo Domingo, however, they must obtain a residency visa in order to do so. The best way for an expat to search for a home to buy in Santo Domingo is to use a real estate agent or search online. There are many websites that list properties for sale in the area. The most desirable neighborhoods in Santo Domingo are Piantini, Naco, and Gazcue. These areas are known for their high-end shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.

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How do I find a place to live in Santo Domingo?

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

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Santo Domingo?

"There are no expats here. I have a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom single storey house with a large garden. It is a typical house for a middle class Dominican," explained one expat living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

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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.

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What is the average cost of housing in Santo Domingo?

If you are thinking about moving to Santo Domingo, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"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," explained one person living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

"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," said one expat in Santo Domingo.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Santo Domingo?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Santo Domingo, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"Whether you should buy or rent a home in Santo Domingo depends on your individual needs and preferences. Buying a home can be a great investment, as it can provide you with a stable place to live and the potential for appreciation in value. However, it also requires a large upfront investment and ongoing maintenance costs. Renting a home can be a more affordable option, as it requires less of an upfront investment and no maintenance costs. Additionally, it can provide more flexibility if you are not sure how long you will be living in the area. Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy or rent a home in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic should be based on your individual needs and preferences," said one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

What do I need to know when buying property in Santo Domingo?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Santo Domingo, they said:

"1. It is important to research the area you are interested in buying property in, to ensure it is safe and secure. 2. It is also important to research the local laws and regulations regarding property ownership and taxation. 3. It is advisable to seek legal advice from a qualified lawyer before making any property purchases. 4. It is important to ensure that the property is free from any legal disputes or encumbrances. 5. It is also important to ensure that the property is properly registered with the local government. 6. It is advisable to obtain a survey of the property to ensure that it is in good condition and that all boundaries are clearly defined. 7. It is important to ensure that all necessary permits and licenses are obtained before any construction or renovation work is undertaken. 8. It is also important to ensure that all necessary taxes and fees are paid in a timely manner. 9. It is advisable to obtain a title insurance policy to protect your investment," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Santo Domingo.

Are foreigners allowed to own property in Santo Domingo?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Santo Domingo, they said...

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Santo Domingo. The country's laws and constitution provide equal rights to both locals and foreigners when it comes to property ownership. However, there are certain restrictions on owning properties near the border or the coastline. Foreigners are required to obtain a government permit to purchase property within these restricted areas. Additionally, it is essential for foreign buyers to hire a local attorney to help navigate the property registration process and ensure all legal requirements are met," said one foreigner living in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Santo Domingo 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 Santo Domingo, rental properties typically include a refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, washing machine, and dryer. Additionally, some properties may include air conditioning units, dishwashers, and other appliances," said one foreigner living in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic.

Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Santo Domingo:

We asked foreigners in Santo Domingo 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 looking for homes in Santo Domingo, often start their search by browsing online real estate websites and local classifieds to get an idea of the housing market. They may also join expat forums and social media groups to seek advice and recommendations from fellow expats who have already gone through the process. Another common approach is to engage the services of a local real estate agent who is familiar with the area and can help navigate the local market. Expats may also ask for referrals from friends, colleagues, or acquaintances who have experience in the Santo Domingo housing market. Visiting neighborhoods in person is also an essential part of the search process, as it allows expats to get a feel for the area and determine which neighborhoods best suit their needs and preferences. While exploring, they may come across "For Rent" or "For Sale" signs on properties that may not be listed online. Additionally, networking with locals and other expats can be helpful in finding housing opportunities that may not be advertised publicly. Attending local events, joining clubs, or participating in community activities can be a great way to make connections and gather information about available homes in Santo Domingo," explained one foreigner living in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic.

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.

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InsideDR Concierge provides comprehensive relocation assistance in the Dominican Republic. We help you and your family secure ideal housing, health insurance, transportation, schools, legal documentation, and more, ensuring a smooth and thoroughly supported transition.
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InsideDR Concierge provides comprehensive relocation assistance in the Dominican Republic. We help you and your family secure ideal housing, health insurance, transportation, schools, legal documentation, and more, ensuring a smooth and thoroughly supported transition.
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