Real Estate in the Dominican Republic
Last updated on Aug 10, 2025
Summary:
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 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 person in Santo Domingo.
"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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Santo Domingo.
"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," explained one person living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.
"One of the best ways to find a place to live in the Dominican Republic is to use online resources such as websites and classifieds. You can also search for rental properties in local newspapers or contact real estate agents in the area. Additionally, you can ask friends and family who live in the Dominican Republic for recommendations. Finally, you can also visit the area in person to get a better feel for the different neighborhoods and find a place that suits your needs," said one expat in Dominican Rep.
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InsideDR ConciergeBecause we've done it and we understand what it’s like to move to the Dominican Republic, our goal is to ensure that you and your family feel secure and supported throughout this new adventure. We’re here to welcome and guide you every step of the way.
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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in the Dominican Republic?
"Expat homes and apartments in the Dominican Republic tend to be modern and comfortable, with air conditioning, cable TV, and internet access. Many expats choose to live in gated communities, which offer a range of amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and tennis courts. Expat homes and apartments often come with a maid and gardener, and many have private terraces or balconies with views of the Caribbean Sea," said one person in Dominican Rep.
"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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to 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 person living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.
"I live in a furnished rental. I would certainly say that this is the way for anyone to plan to come here first and stay for a year or so and see if they really like it. There are not a lot of expats yet in the neighborhood but I predict that there will be. It is the older elegant but sort of run down section of town, but one can walk to everything. It is a lot like NYC," said one expat in Santo Domingo.
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.
"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.
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," remarked one foreigner 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 expat 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," said one person 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," explained 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 expat in Dominican Rep.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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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