Buying a property in Punta Cana: a complete guide

All sources have been thoroughly verified for credibility. Furthermore, a local real estate expert has reviewed and approved the final article.

Yes, the analysis of Punta Cana's property market is included in our pack

Considering buying a nice property in Punta Cana? You're not alone!

Many people are intrigued by Punta Cana's paradise-like setting and dream of owning a luxurious beachfront villa or a modern condo there.

Still, would it be a smart investment? Are property prices increasing in Punta Cana? Is it expensive? Is it better to invest in Bavaro or Cap Cana? What are the taxes? Which places offer rental yields exceeding 7%?

We have the answers.

At TheLatinvestor, we've thoroughly explored this market. As a matter of fact, we've gathered all our findings in a pack. Get it now.

In the lines below, we'll provide you with helpful information.

How is the real estate market in Punta Cana?

Is the property market doing fine or not? A data-driven analysis will give us the answer.

Types of properties

In Punta Cana, you can find various types of properties for sale, including beachfront condos, luxurious villas, cozy apartments, and spacious residential homes.

These properties offer options for different preferences and budgets, allowing buyers to choose from stunning ocean views, convenient urban living, or serene tropical surroundings.

Whether you're looking for a vacation getaway, an investment opportunity, or a permanent residence, Punta Cana offers a diverse range of properties to suit your needs.

What's better: buy or rent?

(If you're purchasing for personal use and not for renting)

Whether you've already made Punta Cana your home or are contemplating it for the future, you might be considering whether to buy or rent a property in this Caribbean paradise.

Obviously, it's better to buy if you are looking for a long-term investment and want to build equity in the property.

Actually, the property price-to-rent ratio is a good metric to look at for this kind of decision. It's a way to understand how many years of rental income you need to cover the property's current price.

According to Numbeo, the property price-to-rent ratio in Punta Cana is around 6.93, which is one of the lowest in the world.

It means that, on average, you would only need 7 years of rental payments to actually purchase a property. Buying is clearly an attractive option.

Property prices in Punta Cana

On average, according to the last data from Central Bank of the Dominican Republic, purchasing a property in Punta Cana should cost you around $2,100 per square meter.

Naturally, prices are quite spread out. The value of a square meter for a beachfront property in Punta Cana might differ from a condo in Bavaro. You'll get a more detailed in our pack for buying property in Punta Cana and in the Dominican Republic.

To put things in perspective, it means that, instead of buying an apartment in New York, you can get almost 6 properties in Punta Cana.

Also, housing prices in Punta Cana are 5% cheaper than in Puerto Plata.

The most expensive neighbourhoods in Punta Cana are probably Bavaro and Cap Cana, while the cheapest neighbourhoods are likely to be El Cortecito and Los Corales.

Trends

First and foremost, we have to acknowledge that the Dominican Republic offers, today, a stable political and economic climate. The last Fragile State Index that has been reported for this place is 62.8.

This is important to remember when wondering if it's a good investment to buy a property in Punta Cana.

If we look at the IMF’s forecasts, we can see that the Dominican Republic's economy is expected to soar by 21.7% in the coming 5 years, resulting in an average GDP growth rate of 4.3%.

If you intend to invest in real estate in Punta Cana it's a good thing because it means richer citizens, more demand for the housing market, less default on mortgages, better services, etc.

Also, in the Dominican Republic, the average GDP per capita has changed by 10.6% over the last 5 years. It's far beyond the global average.

This data is a positive signal - housing prices in Punta Cana might soar in 2024 and after that.

Looking for more updated data? We've done a big-picture study to find out if it's a good idea to purchase property in the Dominican Republic right now.

Buying property in Punta Cana

Buying real estate in Punta Cana is difficult due to the lack of reliable and updated information available. That's why we have created the pack to buy property in Punta Cana and in the Dominican Republic.

Buying process

In our pack, we've laid out all the steps involved in the buying process, including the required documents, taxes to be paid, and guidance on finding properties.

Now, we're giving you a more straightforward version to help you grasp the information more easily.

This is the step-by-step process to purchase a property in Punta Cana:

1. Research the Punta Cana real estate market for properties that suit your needs.
2. Engage a licensed local real estate agent familiar with the area.
3. Request and review the "Título de Propiedad" (Property Title) and "Certificado de No Gravamen" (Certificate of No Liens).
4. Make an offer and negotiate the price with the seller or their representative.
5. Hire a Dominican attorney specialized in real estate to conduct due diligence on the property's legal status and history.
6. Sign a "Contrato de Arras" (Reservation Agreement) and pay a deposit (usually 10% of the property's value).
7. Complete the due diligence process, including a title search and verifying land boundaries.
8. Obtain financing or provide proof of funds, as required by local banks or sellers.
9. Sign the "Contrato de Compraventa" (Purchase Agreement) detailing the terms and conditions of the sale.
10. Pay the remaining balance and closing costs, typically 3-5% of the property's value.
11. Transfer the property's title at the "Registro de Títulos" (Title Registry Office).
12. Register the property with the "Registro de Deed" (Deeds Registry) and obtain a "Certificado de Título" (Certificate of Title) to complete the purchase process legally.

Also, if you're not from the country, you might want to check our article on how to buy property as a foreigner in the Dominican Republic.

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Where to find a property

If you're looking for properties in Punta Cana, check out these websites:

• Point 2 - A real estate marketplace offering homes, apartments, and commercial properties for sale and rent in the Dominican Republic and other countries.
• Select Caribbean Properties - With 22 years of experience on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, Select Caribbean Properties is an independent realtor.
• Dominican Realty Group - A real estate agency in the Dominican Republic that specializes in apartments, villas, lots, farms, and building proposals.
• 7th Heaven Properties - They provide a wide selection of real estate listings in the Dominican Republic, featuring both residential and commercial properties.
• Coldwell Banker Prime Realty - Offering a comprehensive selection of condos, homes, and luxury properties, backed by the expertise of the Coldwell Banker brand.

Also, know that we have included contacts of real estate agencies, property lawyers, moving companies, expats communities and more in our pack for buying property in the Dominican Republic.

What you can get

As mentioned before, the average price per sqm in Punta Cana is $2,100. If you're interested in a one-bedroom property spanning 60 square meters, it would be priced at approximately $126,000, and a two-bedroom with 85 square meters would cost around $179,000.

However, property prices can vary because of their qualities and where they're located.

Property prices in the top areas of Punta Cana are commonly at a premium. A villa in Cap Cana might cost around $510,000, while a house in Bavaro could be about $370,000.

Of course, some areas are cheaper. You might find an apartment in Punta Cana Village for $70,000 or an apartment in Bavaro-Punta Cana that's only $60,000.

We give a more detailed breakdown in our full pack for buying property in the Dominican Republic.

Common mistakes

Here are the main pitfalls specific to buying property in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic:

• Complex foreign ownership laws and restrictions.
• Unclear "concession land" titles and potential revocation.
• Property boundary disputes due to informal land rights.
• Unregulated real estate agents and unreliable property information.
• Currency exchange rate risks for foreign buyers.
• Inadequate infrastructure and water supply in some areas.
• Limited financing options for non-residents.
• Vulnerability to hurricanes and tropical storms, impacting property values and insurance costs.

We don't want this to happen to you, so we have included a full checklist for your property investment in our pack of documents. Avoid these mistakes and save a lot of money.

Everything you need to know is included in our Dominican Republic Property Pack

Living in Punta Cana

Life in Punta Cana is sunny and relaxed, with beautiful beaches and a wide variety of activities to enjoy, making it an ideal place to buy a vacation property.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Punta Cana is generally low compared to other Caribbean destinations. It is possible to find accommodation, food, and other amenities at reasonable prices.

Here are some examples to better understand the cost of living in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic:

• Piña colada at a beachfront bar in Bávaro: $5.
• Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in El Cortecito neighborhood: $800/month.
• Sancocho (traditional Dominican stew) for two at a local eatery: $30.
• 1.5-liter bottle of Presidente beer: $2 at a supermarket.
• Electricity bill for an 85m² apartment using CEPM (Compañía de Electricidad de Puerto Plata): $90/month.
• Monthly membership at GymFit Punta Cana: $50.
• Ticket to a movie at Palacio del Cine Punta Cana: $7.
• Mamajuana (local drink made with rum, red wine, and honey): $15 for a bottle at a souvenir shop.

Neighbourhoods

We like to show information in an easy-to-understand way. So, we made a summary table that lists the different neighborhoods in Punta Cana. For yields, prices and rents, check our property pack.

Life in Punta Cana

Punta Cana has a thriving tourism industry that is the main driver of the local economy. The area also has a growing manufacturing sector and is home to several international companies that are investing in the region.

What expats usually like the most in Punta Cana are the beautiful beaches and the wide range of activities, from golfing and zip-lining to horseback riding and scuba diving.

Access to healthcare in Punta Cana is generally good, with many hospitals, clinics, and private medical practices available.

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Renting out in Punta Cana

For those aiming to buy property solely for renting out and earning income.

Long-term

Tenant Profiles in Punta Cana

If you decide to buy and rent out to long-term tenants, you should target expats, digital nomads, retirees, and vacationers who are looking for a long-term stay in Punta Cana. Alternatively, you could target short-term vacationers and business travelers who are looking for a place to stay for a few days or weeks.

Here is a little summary table we've made for you.

Rental yields

These days, Punta Cana presents attractive opportunities in terms of rental yields. In fact, you can easily achieve yields above 9% due to the high demand for vacation rentals in the area.

Properties located in tourist-heavy areas of Punta Cana, such as Bavaro and Cap Cana, tend to have the highest rental yields due to high demand from vacationers looking for short-term rentals. Apartments and condominiums near the beach are also popular rental options for visitors, providing investors with a steady stream of income.

For further explanation and a more detailed breakdown, you can check the reports and analyses we have made.

Short-term

You could also decide to rent short-term to vacationers looking to enjoy the beaches and nightlife of Punta Cana, or business travelers looking for a convenient place to stay while attending meetings or conferences in the area.

If you decide to go with that option, look for properties in Bavaro Beach, Uvero Alto, or Cap Cana, as they are all known for their luxury resorts and beachfront properties, making them popular destinations for short-term rentals.

Currently, there are approximately 6,000 active Airbnb listings in Punta Cana, reflecting a highly dynamic and bustling short-term rental market. The average daily rate stands around $120.

You have the opportunity to generate a nice additional income stream then. Based on feedback from online testimonials and data analytics platforms such as AirDNA, Guesty, and Inside Airbnb, people who offer short-term rentals in Punta Cana can make around $1600 per month. Also, the average occupancy rate is estimated at 62%.

Is it worth buying real estate in Punta Cana then?

Buying a property in Punta Cana is a fantastic idea if you're in it for the long haul. The property price-to-rent ratio is quite favorable, meaning you can potentially cover your property's cost in just around 7 years through rental income.

With a stable economy and promising GDP growth forecasts, the Dominican Republic, including Punta Cana, presents an environment where housing prices may appreciate, making it a smart investment choice.

Moreover, the diverse range of property types and relatively affordable prices cater to various budgets and preferences, ensuring there's something for everyone.

On the flip side, if you're planning a short-term stay, renting is likely a more cost-effective option due to the favorable property price-to-rent ratio for long-term ownership.

The complex foreign ownership laws, potential property-specific risks like hurricanes and boundary disputes, and the presence of unregulated real estate agents can make the buying process daunting and risky for the uninformed.

Additionally, non-residents might encounter limited financing options, which can be a roadblock if you're not well-prepared. In essence, while Punta Cana offers an attractive real estate market, it's crucial to align your goals, understand the complexities, and seek professional advice before diving into property investment in this Caribbean paradise.

Make sure you understand the real estate market in Punta Cana

Don't rush into buying the wrong property in the Dominican Republic. Sit, relax and read our guide to avoid costly mistakes and make the best investment possible.

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The content provided here is for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement or advice. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or reliability of the information, including text, images, links, or other elements in this material. Following the content and analyses presented here does not assure specific outcomes. For guidance tailored to your individual circumstances, it is recommended to consult with a professional, such as a lawyer, accountant, or business advisor.