2026

Thinking about buying a villa, condo or vacation home in the Dominican Republic? For many Americans, the North Coast is an appealing place to start. Sosúa, Cabarete and Puerto Plata offer very different lifestyles, and the right property depends on how you plan to use it. I’m Piet Schenkels of buyDRproperty.com. I have lived in the Dominican Republic since 1990 and help international buyers compare...

Can a foreigner open a bank account in the Dominican Republic? This practical 2026 guide explains the usual documents, account options, compliance checks and banking considerations for expats and property buyers in Sosúa, Cabarete and Puerto Plata.

Is Sosúa safe? It is one of the first questions asked by people considering a vacation home, retirement property or permanent move to the Dominican Republic’s North Coast. The honest answer is more useful than either extreme: Sosúa is neither crime-free nor a place where foreigners should expect constant danger. Thousands of Dominicans and international residents go about their daily lives here,...

Moving to Sosúa or Cabarete with children? Choosing the right school is often just as important as choosing the right home. Fortunately, the North Coast of the Dominican Republic offers several international, bilingual and private education options for families relocating from the United States, Canada, Europe and other countries. This 2026 guide covers some of the main school options in the Sosúa and...

The Essential Guide to Maintenance Fees for Buyers & Investors One of the most frequent questions we receive at buyDRproperty.com is: "What are the HOA fees in the Dominican Republic?" In 2026, understanding these costs is more important than ever for calculating your ROI and monthly carrying costs. Below is our comprehensive 2026 North Coast HOA Master List, based on current market data, public...

Many of our clients at buyDRproperty.com choose to invest in the Dominican Republic not just for the lifestyle, but to secure legal residency. Under Law 171-07, the government offers a 'Fast Track' to permanent residency for investors. The Investment Threshold: To qualify for the Investor Visa, you must make a minimum investment of $200,000 USD in real estate. This can be a single property or a...

One of the most frequent questions we receive at buyDRproperty.com is: 'Can I get a mortgage as a foreigner?' The answer is yes, but the process is different than in the US, Canada, or Europe. Local Bank Financing: Major Dominican banks (like Banco Popular or Banreservas) offer mortgages primarily to citizens of the USA, Canada, and the UK, as well as Dominican nationals. If you are from one of these...

Buying property in a foreign country is exciting, but a single mistake can be costly. With 30 years of experience on the North Coast, we have identified the 7 most common pitfalls for international buyers: Skipping the Deslinde: Never buy land without a clear, modern GPS-mapped title. Not Using an Independent Lawyer: Always hire your own legal counsel, not the seller's. Ignoring the...

Investing in Dominican Republic real estate is not just about a lifestyle; it’s about a strong return on investment (ROI). The North Coast is currently one of the highest-performing rental markets in the Caribbean. Expected Rental Yields: In popular gated communities in Sosúa and Cabarete, investors can expect an annual net rental yield of 6% to 10%. Properties in beachfront locations or luxury...

Understanding property taxes is essential for any investor. In the Dominican Republic, the tax system is very favorable, especially with the CONFOTUR law. The Two Main Taxes: Transfer Tax: A one-time fee of 3% of the property value to transfer the title into your name. Annual Property Tax (IPI): A 1% annual tax on the total value of all properties owned by an individual, but only on the...