Question 1

Why use a buyer's agent?

Accepted Answer

On 99% of the Dominican market, the agent you meet represents the seller. Our role is to reverse that imbalance: independent advice, downward negotiation, due diligence free from any seller interest. A represented buyer typically saves several times the cost of our fees.

Question 2

Do you represent sellers?

Accepted Answer

Never. We do not list properties, do not receive any seller commission and refuse every sale mandate. Our independence is the condition of our engagement.

Question 3

Can foreigners buy property in the Dominican Republic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with no restriction. A foreign buyer has the same rights as a national: full ownership, no surface cap, no prior authorisation.

Question 4

How does the consultation work?

Accepted Answer

A private, confidential 45-minute session (USD 150) with a senior buyer representative. In-depth review of your project, market reading on the zones you are targeting, mapping of legal and tax risks, concrete recommendations — with no obligation to engage further.

Question 5

What happens after the consultation?

Accepted Answer

If the collaboration makes sense on both sides, we formalise an exclusive buyer representation mandate. Sourcing, negotiation, due diligence and closing are then handled entirely by our team.

Question 6

Which areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Las Terrenas, Punta Cana, Cap Cana, Samaná, Las Galeras and Santo Domingo. Six markets we operate on daily with absolute field knowledge.

Question 7

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

Complimentary strategy call, private consultation at USD 150, then a 1% success fee on the acquisition price — payable only if we negotiate at least a 1% reduction versus the publicly advertised asking price. Otherwise, no success fee is due.

Question 8

Can a foreign national buy in the Dominican Republic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with no restriction. A foreign buyer has the same rights as a national: full ownership, no surface cap, no prior authorisation.

Question 9

Do I need to be physically present to buy?

Accepted Answer

No. The entire transaction can be conducted remotely through a notarised power of attorney. We handle local coordination.

Question 10

How long does an acquisition take?

Accepted Answer

On average 8 to 14 weeks between accepted offer and handover, depending on due-diligence complexity.

Question 11

What are the acquisition costs?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 4.5% of the price: 3% transfer tax, 1% notary, 0.5% registration. No additional duty for foreign buyers.

Question 12

What is the recommended minimum budget?

Accepted Answer

We recommend a minimum of USD 200,000 to access premium properties that ensure yield and resale liquidity.

Question 13

What is the annual property tax (IPI)?

Accepted Answer

1% of cadastral value above an allowance of approximately USD 150,000. A USD 400,000 property generates approximately USD 2,500/year.

Question 14

What is the CONFOTUR scheme?

Accepted Answer

Full IPI and transfer-tax exemption for 15 years on approved tourism projects.

Question 15

How is rental income taxed?

Accepted Answer

On the non-resident progressive scale (0 to 27%), with actual cost deduction and 25-year straight-line depreciation on the structure.

Question 16

Are there tax treaties?

Accepted Answer

With Canada and Spain. For other countries, double-taxation relief applies via your home jurisdiction.

Question 17

What is the capital gains tax on resale?

Accepted Answer

27% on net gain, with allowance for holding duration. Optimisation structures exist (SRL, holding).

Question 18

How do I obtain Dominican residency?

Accepted Answer

Rentista visa for retirees (~USD 1,500/month pension), investor visa (~USD 200,000 invested), family visa.

Question 19

What are the tax benefits for retirees?

Accepted Answer

Law 171-07: 50% import duty exemption, foreign-pension income exemption, reduced IPI rate.

Question 20

What is the quality of healthcare?

Accepted Answer

High-standard private clinics in major cities (Santo Domingo, Santiago, Las Terrenas). International insurance recommended.

Question 21

Are there international schools?

Accepted Answer

Yes: French Lycée in Santo Domingo, international schools in Punta Cana, French-speaking school in Las Terrenas.

Question 22

What is the cost of living?

Accepted Answer

30 to 40% lower than Western Europe for equivalent quality of life. Imported energy and appliances remain expensive.

Question 23

What rental yield can I expect?

Accepted Answer

5 to 10% gross depending on zone and strategy. Higher in Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, lower in Cap Cana (offset by appreciation).

Question 24

What is resale liquidity like?

Accepted Answer

Excellent in Punta Cana, Cap Cana, central Las Terrenas. Longer in emerging zones.

Question 25

New build or resale?

Accepted Answer

New build benefits from CONFOTUR and developer guarantees. Resale often offers an entry discount and established location.

Question 26

Which rental strategy is best?

Accepted Answer

Short-stay for tourist zones, long-term for Santo Domingo. Mixed in hybrid zones.

Question 27

What are the main risks?

Accepted Answer

Incomplete title, poorly managed condominium, overestimated rental potential. All mitigated by our due diligence.

Question 28

Can I borrow in the Dominican Republic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, certain local banks lend to foreigners, generally up to 60% LTV at 7 to 9% in USD.

Question 29

Local or offshore financing?

Accepted Answer

Depends on the rate available. Offshore financing via lombard credit or mortgage on existing assets is often more competitive.

Question 30

How do I transfer funds?

Accepted Answer

SWIFT wire to a notarial escrow account. We assist with compliance (source of funds, declarations).

Question 31

Do I need a local bank account?

Accepted Answer

Recommended for day-to-day management. Opening: 2 to 4 weeks, one in-person visit required.

Question 32

Does the USD exchange rate matter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most premium transactions are denominated in USD. Hedging strategies are possible depending on amount.

Question 33

How much does Buyer Agent DR advisory cost?

Accepted Answer

The qualification call is complimentary. The Strategic Investment Session is invoiced at USD 150. Success fee: 1% of the acquisition price, payable only if we negotiate at least a 1% reduction versus the publicly advertised asking price. If we do not obtain at least a 1% reduction on the advertised asking price, no success fee is due.

Question 34

How does the discovery call work?

Accepted Answer

45 confidential minutes to qualify your project, constraints and determine whether our services align with your objectives. Complimentary, no commitment.

Question 35

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

USD 150 file-opening fee, then a 1% success fee on the acquisition price, invoiced only if we negotiate at least a 1% reduction versus the publicly advertised asking price. Full detail on the Pricing page.

Question 36

Do you work exclusively?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The exclusive mandate is the condition of our engagement and our independence. It guarantees full alignment of interests.

Question 37

Can you manage the property after acquisition?

Accepted Answer

We refer you to our vetted partner managers and remain available for follow-up.

Question 38

What if I do not buy in the end?

Accepted Answer

You owe only the USD 150 file-opening fee. No success fee is due. Likewise, if we do not obtain at least a 1% reduction on the advertised asking price, no success fee is due. Transparency is our guiding principle.

Thirty questions. Thirty clear answers.

Buyer Representation

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