How Do I Buy Property in the Dominican Republic?

Buying property in the Dominican Republic is typically an “all cash” deal with funds being transferred for the sale to the lawyer’s escrow account in a US Bank, and later disbursed by your local LLC. attorney, to the seller.

While mortgages do not exist in the country for foreigners or in special cases only, there are occasions where the seller is willing to offer to financing options. There are also situations where we have private lenders who will do short-term financing and usually require a minimum of 50% down and the balance paid in full within 3-5 years (bridge loans). Interest rates at present range from 8-10%.

Dream Property in Sea Horse Ranch

What is the basic procedure to buy a house in the Dominican Republic?

1. A “Contract of Sale” or “Purchase Agreement” is made and signed by the parties of interest and the required deposit, usually 10%, is placed in the Escrow Account. This will reserve the property for you and in essence, take it off the market
2. Most properties are held in Dominican Corporate names, which gives you two major advantages. One is not having to pay any transfer taxes. You simply transfer the Corporation, which contains the only asset, the property you are buying. The second is the avoidance of any inheritance issues.
3. If a property is not held in a Dominican corporation, you will need to pay a transfer tax. Currently, the tax is approximately 3% of the appraised value. This value is a government calculation and does not necessarily reflect the true value of your purchase (usually far less than the actual cost). It is highly recommended that you have your attorney form a Corporation for you to avoid this tax in the future if you decide to sell and to provide you with the inheritance benefit. The costs today to form a Dominican corporation are approximately US $1,200.00.
4. Closings are normally within 30-60 days depending on the agreement between buyer and seller. All buyers’ funds should be in the Escrow account 3 days prior to closing. On the closing date, both buyer and seller will sign the appropriate documents or someone you appoint can act as your “Power of Attorney” to handle the closing for you.
5. Your attorney will record the sale with the Registrar of Titles and typically it will be in the new owner’s names within 30-45 days. Legal fees are 1% of the actual sales price.

Further information about taxation, permanent legal residency, inheritance taxes, incorporation of a Dominican company and other legal matter, please ask your lawyer.