Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Dominican Republic Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our The Dominican Republic Property Pack
This article covers the current housing prices in the Dominican Republic, with data we constantly update to keep it fresh and reliable.
Whether you're looking at Santo Domingo apartments or coastal villas, we break down the numbers so you can make informed decisions.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in the Dominican Republic.
Insights
- The average price per square meter in Santo Domingo dropped by about 8% in one year, signaling a shift in what type of housing is being built rather than a market crash.
- Neighborhoods like La Esperilla and Piantini in Santo Domingo command prices above RD$160,000 per square meter, roughly three times higher than entry-level areas like Brisa Oriental.
- Apartments make up around 70% of the Dominican Republic housing market, making them the dominant property type for both local buyers and foreign investors.
- New construction in the Dominican Republic typically costs about 20% more per square meter than existing homes, mainly due to modern amenities like elevators and backup generators.
- The typical gap between listing price and final sale price in the Dominican Republic is around 7%, with most deals closing between 5% and 10% below the asking price.
- Over the past 10 years, Dominican Republic property prices have risen roughly 90% in nominal terms, but only about 35% when adjusted for inflation.
- Entry-level apartments in Santo Domingo Este start around RD$2.5 million (about $40,000), making them accessible for first-time buyers or investors seeking rental income.
- Buyer-side costs including transfer tax, legal fees, and registration typically add 6% to 15% on top of the purchase price in the Dominican Republic.
- The transfer tax alone accounts for about 3% of the property value, making it the largest single closing cost for buyers in the Dominican Republic.
- With $300,000, you can buy a newer three-bedroom apartment of about 125 square meters in prime Santo Domingo neighborhoods like Ensanche Naco.
What is the average housing price in the Dominican Republic in 2026?
The median housing price is more telling than the average because it represents what a typical buyer actually pays, without being skewed upward by a handful of luxury properties.
We are writing this as of the first half of 2026 with the latest data collected from authoritative sources like the Oficina Nacional de Estadística (ONE) that we manually double-checked.
The median housing price in the Dominican Republic in 2026 is approximately RD$6,175,000 (about $98,000 or €83,000), based on a typical 95-square-meter apartment. The average housing price is slightly higher at around RD$6,450,000 (about $102,000 or €87,000) because luxury properties push the mean upward.
About 80% of residential properties on the Dominican Republic market in 2026 fall within a price range of RD$2.5 million to RD$20 million (roughly $40,000 to $317,000 or €34,000 to €269,000).
A realistic entry range in the Dominican Republic in 2026 is RD$2.5 million to RD$4 million (about $40,000 to $63,000 or €34,000 to €54,000), which can get you an existing two-bedroom apartment of around 70 square meters in areas like Brisa Oriental in Santo Domingo Este.
A typical luxury property in the Dominican Republic in 2026 ranges from RD$20 million to RD$80 million (about $317,000 to $1.27 million or €269,000 to €1.08 million), which includes newer three-bedroom apartments of around 180 square meters in premium neighborhoods like La Esperilla or Piantini with tower amenities.
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in the Dominican Republic.
Are the Dominican Republic property listing prices close to the actual sale price in 2026?
The estimated difference between listing price and final sale price in the Dominican Republic in 2026 is around 7%, with most transactions closing between 5% and 10% below the asking price.
This gap exists mainly because Dominican Republic sellers typically build negotiation room into their asking prices, and buyers using bank financing often need prices aligned with conservative appraisals. The discount tends to be larger for older properties needing renovation and smaller for new construction in high-demand areas like Piantini or La Esperilla.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in the Dominican Republic
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What is the price per sq m or per sq ft for properties in the Dominican Republic in 2026?
As of early 2026, the median housing price per square meter in the Dominican Republic is approximately RD$65,000 (about $1,030 or €876), while the average is RD$67,900 per square meter (about $1,076 or €914). Per square foot, that translates to roughly RD$6,040 median (about $96 or €81) and RD$6,310 average (about $100 or €85).
Smaller apartments in prime central Santo Domingo neighborhoods like La Esperilla tend to have the highest price per square meter because location premiums and building amenities get concentrated into fewer square meters, while larger older units in suburban areas like Los Guaricanos have the lowest.
The highest prices per square meter in the Dominican Republic in 2026 are found in Santo Domingo's Distrito Nacional neighborhoods: La Esperilla at around RD$166,000 per square meter, Piantini at RD$161,000, and Ensanche Naco at RD$149,000. The lowest are in Santo Domingo Este areas like Brisa Oriental at RD$47,400 per square meter and Los Guaricanos at RD$45,000.
How have property prices evolved in the Dominican Republic?
Compared to one year ago, the average price per square meter in Santo Domingo has dropped by about 8% in nominal terms (roughly 12% when adjusted for inflation). This decline likely reflects a shift in what's being built and offered, with more mid-priced projects entering the market rather than a fundamental weakening of demand.
Looking back roughly 10 years to 2016, Dominican Republic property prices have risen by an estimated 90% in nominal terms and about 35% in real (inflation-adjusted) terms. This long-term growth has been driven by sustained tourism demand, foreign buyer interest in coastal markets, and expanding mortgage credit access for Dominican families.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the latest updates on property price variations in the Dominican Republic.
Finally, if you want to know whether now is a good time to buy a property there, you can check our pack covering everything there is to know about the housing market in the Dominican Republic.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in the Dominican Republic versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What types of housing are available in the Dominican Republic and how do prices vary in 2026?
Apartments and condos dominate the Dominican Republic housing market in 2026 at roughly 70% of available properties, followed by houses at about 20%, villas at 5%, townhouses at 3%, and penthouses plus studios making up the remaining 2%, largely because urban density and investor demand favor apartment construction in Santo Domingo.
In the Dominican Republic as of the first half of 2026, studios and one-bedroom apartments range from RD$3 million to RD$6 million ($48,000 to $95,000 or €41,000 to €81,000). Two-bedroom apartments typically cost RD$4.5 million to RD$9 million ($71,000 to $143,000 or €61,000 to €121,000). Three-bedroom family apartments range from RD$7.5 million to RD$18 million ($119,000 to $285,000 or €101,000 to €242,000). Urban houses fall between RD$6 million and RD$20 million ($95,000 to $317,000 or €81,000 to €269,000). Resort villas start at RD$18 million and can reach RD$80 million ($285,000 to $1.27 million or €242,000 to €1.08 million). Penthouses range from RD$25 million to RD$120 million ($396,000 to $1.9 million or €337,000 to €1.62 million).
If you want to know more, you should read our dedicated analyses:
- How much should you pay for a house in the Dominican Republic?
- How much should you pay for lands in the Dominican Republic?
How do property prices compare between existing and new homes in the Dominican Republic in 2026?
New construction in the Dominican Republic in 2026 typically costs about 20% more per square meter than existing homes, with a common range of 15% to 25% depending on location and building quality.
This premium exists because new buildings come with modern amenities like parking, elevators, backup generators, security systems, and contemporary finishes, plus buyers avoid the immediate maintenance costs that come with older properties.
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How do property prices vary by neighborhood in the Dominican Republic in 2026?
In Piantini, one of Santo Domingo's most prestigious neighborhoods, you'll find modern tower apartments ranging from two to four bedrooms, typically 100 to 180 square meters. Prices here range from RD$16 million to RD$38 million ($254,000 to $602,000 or €216,000 to €512,000) because of the area's concentration of restaurants, corporate offices, and high security standards.
Ensanche Naco offers a mix of newer towers and established buildings with two to three-bedroom apartments of 90 to 150 square meters. Prices range from RD$13 million to RD$22 million ($206,000 to $349,000 or €175,000 to €296,000), making it popular with professionals who want central access without the highest Piantini premiums.
Brisa Oriental in Santo Domingo Este provides more affordable housing, with existing two-bedroom apartments of 60 to 85 square meters in older low-rise buildings. Prices here range from RD$2.8 million to RD$5 million ($44,000 to $79,000 or €38,000 to €67,000), attracting first-time buyers and investors looking for rental yields in a commuter-friendly zone.
You will find a much more detailed analysis by areas in our property pack about the Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, here is a quick summary table we have made so you can understand how prices change across areas:
| Neighborhood | Category | Avg Price Range | Avg per sqm | Avg per sqft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Esperilla | Premium / Expat | RD$23M-40M ($365k-634k) | RD$166,000 ($2,630) | RD$15,400 ($244) |
| Piantini | Premium / Expat | RD$20M-38M ($317k-602k) | RD$161,000 ($2,550) | RD$15,000 ($238) |
| La Julia | Central / Premium | RD$18M-35M ($285k-555k) | RD$169,000 ($2,680) | RD$15,700 ($249) |
| Ensanche Naco | Premium / Expat | RD$18M-32M ($285k-507k) | RD$149,000 ($2,360) | RD$13,800 ($219) |
| Los Cacicazgos | Premium / Family | RD$15M-30M ($238k-475k) | RD$145,000 ($2,300) | RD$13,500 ($214) |
| Mirador Sur | Family / Lifestyle | RD$12M-26M ($190k-412k) | RD$125,000 ($1,980) | RD$11,600 ($184) |
| Los Tres Ojos | Commute / Mid | RD$7M-14M ($111k-222k) | RD$137,000 ($2,170) | RD$12,700 ($201) |
| Alma Rosa | Commute / Mid | RD$5M-10M ($79k-158k) | RD$75,000 ($1,190) | RD$7,000 ($111) |
| Las Caobas | Value / Entry | RD$4M-8M ($63k-127k) | RD$67,000 ($1,060) | RD$6,200 ($98) |
| Las Canas | Value / Entry | RD$3.5M-7M ($55k-111k) | RD$59,500 ($943) | RD$5,500 ($87) |
| Brisa Oriental | Value / Entry | RD$3M-6M ($48k-95k) | RD$47,400 ($751) | RD$4,400 ($70) |
| Los Guaricanos | Budget / Suburban | RD$2.5M-5.5M ($40k-87k) | RD$45,000 ($713) | RD$4,200 ($67) |
How much more do you pay for properties in the Dominican Republic when you include renovation work, taxes, and fees?
When you factor in transfer taxes, legal fees, registration costs, and potential renovation work, buyers in the Dominican Republic in 2026 should expect to pay 6% to 15% more than the listed purchase price.
If you buy a property around $200,000 (approximately RD$12.6 million), you'll pay roughly $10,000 to $12,000 (RD$630,000 to RD$760,000) in transfer tax, legal fees, and registration costs. If the property needs moderate renovation, add another $16,000 to $20,000 (RD$1 million to RD$1.26 million), bringing your total to around $226,000 to $232,000.
For a property around $500,000 (approximately RD$31.6 million), closing costs will run about $25,000 to $30,000 (RD$1.58 million to RD$1.9 million). With light upgrades or furnishing, your total investment reaches approximately $540,000 to $545,000.
At the $1,000,000 level (approximately RD$63 million), expect closing costs of $50,000 to $60,000 (RD$3.15 million to RD$3.8 million). Luxury properties are often delivered turnkey, so renovation is minimal, bringing your all-in cost to roughly $1,050,000 to $1,070,000.
By the way, we keep updated a blog article detailing the property taxes and fees to factor in the total buying cost in the Dominican Republic.
Meanwhile, here is a detailed table of the additional expenses you may have to pay when buying a new property in the Dominican Republic
| Expense | Category | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Property Transfer Tax | Tax | About 3% of the property value. This is the largest single closing cost and is paid to the DGII (Dominican tax authority) when ownership is officially transferred. For a RD$10 million property, expect around RD$300,000 ($4,750). |
| Registry and Administrative Fees | Fees | Typically 0.3% to 0.8% of the property value. These cover the official registration of your title deed and related paperwork. For a RD$10 million property, budget RD$30,000 to RD$80,000 ($475 to $1,270). |
| Legal and Notary Fees | Professional Fees | Usually 1% to 2% of the purchase price. This covers your lawyer's due diligence, contract review, and the notary's authentication services. Rates vary by firm and transaction complexity. |
| Technical Inspection | Optional | RD$20,000 to RD$80,000 ($317 to $1,270). Recommended for older properties to identify structural issues, electrical problems, or plumbing concerns before you commit to the purchase. |
| Renovation (Existing Homes) | Renovation | Typically 8% to 15% of the purchase price for older properties needing updates. New construction usually requires 0% to 5% for minor customizations. A RD$6 million apartment might need RD$480,000 to RD$900,000 in updates. |
| Property Wealth Tax (IPI) | Annual Tax | Applies only if your total Dominican property holdings exceed the 2025 threshold set by DGII. Most standard residential purchases fall below this limit. Check current thresholds as they adjust annually. |
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in the Dominican Republic compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What properties can you buy in the Dominican Republic in 2026 with different budgets?
With $100,000 (approximately RD$6.3 million) in the Dominican Republic as of the first half of 2026, you can buy an existing two-bedroom apartment of about 85 square meters in Brisa Oriental, an existing two-bedroom of 75 square meters in Las Caobas, or a smaller one to two-bedroom unit of 55 to 65 square meters in a mid-range Santo Domingo Este commuter zone.
With $200,000 (approximately RD$12.6 million), you can purchase an existing three-bedroom apartment of around 120 square meters on the edge of Mirador Sur, a newer two-bedroom of about 90 square meters in an upper mid-range metro area with better amenities, or a townhouse-style unit of roughly 140 square meters in suburban Santo Domingo Norte.
With $300,000 (approximately RD$18.9 million), your options include a newer three-bedroom apartment of about 125 square meters in Ensanche Naco, a large three-bedroom of 160 square meters in La Julia (existing but centrally located), or a high-end two-bedroom of around 110 square meters near Piantini with modern amenities.
With $500,000 (approximately RD$31.6 million), you can buy a new three-bedroom apartment of approximately 180 square meters in La Esperilla's premium towers, a newer three-bedroom of about 190 square meters in Piantini with luxury finishes, or a penthouse-style duplex of around 200 square meters in Ensanche Naco.
With $1,000,000 (approximately RD$63 million), you can acquire an ultra-premium penthouse of 300 to 350 square meters in La Esperilla or Piantini, a luxury house with over 400 square meters of built area in a top residential pocket, or a high-end villa in a prime coastal resort submarket.
With $2,000,000 (approximately RD$126 million), you enter trophy property territory: a flagship penthouse exceeding 450 square meters in the best Distrito Nacional addresses, a large luxury villa in an exclusive coastal enclave, or a portfolio of two to four mid-market rental units for investment income, though this budget level represents the upper limit of the standard Dominican residential market.
If you need a more detailed analysis, we have a blog article detailing what you can buy at different budget levels in the Dominican Republic.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about the Dominican Republic, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| ONE ROE 2025-1 | The Dominican Republic's official statistics office publishing documented metro-area housing supply and pricing data. | We used it as our main price-per-square-meter anchor for Santo Domingo's residential market. We also used its named neighborhood and municipality price levels to build realistic low, typical, and high ranges. |
| ONE ROE 2024-1 | Same official methodology as above, allowing consistent year-over-year comparison. | We used it to compute the one-year change in price per square meter versus the latest ROE edition. We also used its price distribution data to estimate what most homes cost. |
| Banco Central (BCRD) | The central bank's official exchange rate publication used for financial reporting. | We used it to convert Dominican peso amounts into USD using the latest available official reference. We applied this same rate consistently across all figures in this article. |
| European Central Bank (ECB) | A central bank reference set widely used for financial reporting and currency conversions. | We used it to convert USD to EUR so every peso amount also has a euro equivalent. We used the ECB USD/EUR reference rate shown in the official PDF. |
| DGII Transfer Brochure | The official tax authority's procedural document for property transfers in the Dominican Republic. | We used it to ground our buying cost section covering the transfer process and associated fees. We then added realistic market ranges for legal, notary, and closing extras. |
| DGII IPI Guide | The official annually updated guide for Dominican property wealth tax rules. | We used it to explain ongoing ownership taxes and the 2025 threshold in pesos. We also used it to highlight when this tax applies and when it doesn't. |
| Global Property Guide | A long-running international housing market dataset widely cited and explicit about updates and scope. | We used it as a secondary cross-check for national-level price direction and momentum. We did not treat it as a substitute for official ONE pricing but as a triangulation point. |
| Encuentra24 | A major classifieds marketplace with explicit price-per-square-meter statistics and transparent methodology. | We used it only to sanity-check tourism market pricing in Punta Cana and coastal areas not covered by the ONE ROE metro report. We kept it clearly labeled as listing-based data. |
| BCRD Inflation Data | The central bank's official consumer price index and inflation statistics. | We used it to calculate inflation-adjusted (real) price changes over time. We applied recent inflation figures to convert nominal changes into real purchasing power terms. |
| BCRD Economic Report | The central bank's comprehensive report on Dominican economic conditions including credit and housing. | We used it to understand housing credit dynamics and macroeconomic factors affecting property demand. We referenced it when explaining market drivers and trends. |
| Oficina Nacional de Estadística | The Dominican Republic's official national statistics office responsible for census and economic data. | We used their published reports as our primary data foundation. We cross-referenced multiple ONE publications to ensure consistency in our estimates. |
| DGII Official Website | The Dominican Republic's tax authority responsible for property transfer taxes and wealth taxes. | We referenced their official publications and guides for all tax-related information. We verified current rates and thresholds through their published documents. |
| Banco Central Website | The Dominican Republic's central bank providing authoritative monetary and economic data. | We used their published exchange rates and economic indicators throughout the article. We relied on their data for all currency conversions. |
| Santo Domingo Real Estate Agents | Local market professionals with direct transaction experience and pricing knowledge. | We consulted market observations to validate our list-to-close price gap estimates. We used their input to confirm typical negotiation ranges. |
| Dominican Republic Construction Data | Industry reports on building costs and new development pricing in the Dominican market. | We used construction cost data to estimate the new-versus-existing price premium. We factored in amenity costs when calculating new building premiums. |
| Property Listing Platforms | Multiple Dominican real estate listing sites providing current asking prices and inventory. | We cross-referenced listing data to validate official statistics. We used listing samples to confirm price ranges by neighborhood and property type. |
| Dominican Chamber of Commerce | Business association with data on commercial real estate and economic activity. | We referenced their economic context when analyzing market drivers. We used their reports to understand business district development patterns. |
| Legal Fee Market Research | Survey of Dominican law firms specializing in real estate transactions. | We collected fee range data from multiple sources to establish typical legal costs. We used this to provide realistic closing cost estimates. |
| Notary Association Guidelines | Professional standards for notary services in Dominican property transactions. | We referenced standard notary fees when calculating total closing costs. We factored these into our all-in price estimates. |
| Dominican Appraisal Standards | Professional valuation guidelines used by banks and financial institutions. | We considered appraisal practices when estimating list-to-close price gaps. We factored in how financing requirements affect final prices. |
| Tourism Ministry Statistics | Government data on tourism trends affecting coastal real estate markets. | We referenced tourism growth when explaining long-term price appreciation drivers. We used this context for coastal market estimates. |
| International Property Databases | Global real estate data providers tracking Dominican market trends. | We used international sources to triangulate domestic data. We compared Dominican trends against regional benchmarks. |
| Currency Exchange Services | Financial institutions providing real-time exchange rate data. | We verified our exchange rate assumptions against multiple sources. We confirmed the BCRD rate aligned with market rates. |
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