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
If you're thinking about buying an apartment in Santo Domingo, you're probably wondering what it actually costs in 2026, and that's exactly what we cover here.
We've gathered real numbers from official Dominican sources and major listing platforms to give you a clear picture of apartment prices, closing costs, and ongoing expenses.
We constantly update this blog post to keep the information fresh and reliable for buyers like you.
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 Santo Domingo.
Insights
- In Santo Domingo, the median apartment price per square meter sits between RD$140,000 and RD$160,000 (around US$2,200 to US$2,500), but prime neighborhoods like Piantini and Naco can push that figure above US$3,000 per square meter.
- Buyers in Santo Domingo should budget roughly 5.5% on top of the purchase price for closing costs, with the 3% transfer tax being the largest single expense that cannot be avoided or negotiated down.
- New-build apartments in Santo Domingo typically cost 12% to 20% more than comparable resale units, driven by rising construction costs and modern amenities like full generator backup and newer seismic standards.
- Monthly HOA fees in Santo Domingo range from RD$5,000 in basic buildings to over RD$20,000 in luxury towers, and a real listing in Piantini showed RD$13,500 per month, so this is a cost you should not overlook.
- Property tax in Santo Domingo (called IPI) is 1% annually, but only on the value above RD$10.2 million, meaning many mid-range apartments end up paying little or nothing at all.
- Foreign buyers typically need a 30% to 40% down payment to purchase in Santo Domingo, compared to 20% to 30% for residents, due to the high-interest-rate environment and stricter lender requirements.
- Budget-friendly neighborhoods like Alma Rosa and Ensanche Ozama in Santo Domingo Este offer apartments at US$900 to US$1,500 per square meter, making them accessible for first-time buyers.
- Electricity is usually the most expensive utility for apartment owners in Santo Domingo, with monthly bills ranging from RD$2,000 to over RD$6,000 depending on air conditioning usage.
How much do apartments really cost in Santo Domingo in 2026?
What's the average and median apartment price in Santo Domingo in 2026?
As of January 2026, the median apartment price in Santo Domingo falls roughly between RD$9.5 million and RD$14 million (around US$150,000 to US$220,000, or EUR 138,000 to EUR 202,000), depending on size and location, while the average tends to run higher because luxury units in neighborhoods like Piantini and Naco pull it up.
When you look at price per square meter, the median for Santo Domingo apartments sits between RD$140,000 and RD$160,000 per square meter (about US$2,200 to US$2,500, or EUR 2,000 to EUR 2,300 per square meter), and the average is slightly higher at RD$150,000 to RD$175,000 per square meter (roughly US$2,350 to US$2,750, or EUR 2,160 to EUR 2,530 per square meter).
Most standard apartments in Santo Domingo trade within a range of RD$8 million to RD$18 million (around US$125,000 to US$280,000, or EUR 115,000 to EUR 258,000), which covers the bulk of one-bedroom and two-bedroom units across typical neighborhoods.
How much is a studio apartment in Santo Domingo in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical studio apartment in Santo Domingo costs between RD$5 million and RD$7.2 million (around US$80,000 to US$115,000, or EUR 74,000 to EUR 106,000), which reflects the citywide price range for smaller units.
Entry-level to mid-range studio apartments in Santo Domingo generally fall in the RD$5 million to RD$6.5 million range (about US$80,000 to US$100,000, or EUR 74,000 to EUR 92,000), while high-end or luxury studios in prime areas like Piantini, Naco, or Serrallés can reach US$100,000 to US$170,000 (EUR 92,000 to EUR 156,000) in newer buildings with full amenities.
Studios in Santo Domingo typically measure between 35 and 45 square meters, which is fairly standard for this property type in the capital.
How much is a one-bedroom apartment in Santo Domingo in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical one-bedroom apartment in Santo Domingo costs between RD$8 million and RD$11.2 million (around US$125,000 to US$175,000, or EUR 115,000 to EUR 161,000), which covers most standard buildings across the city.
Entry-level to mid-range one-bedroom apartments in Santo Domingo generally range from RD$8 million to RD$10 million (about US$125,000 to US$155,000, or EUR 115,000 to EUR 143,000), while high-end or luxury one-bedroom units in prime neighborhoods with parking, elevator, and generator backup can reach US$160,000 to US$260,000 (EUR 147,000 to EUR 239,000).
One-bedroom apartments in Santo Domingo typically measure between 55 and 70 square meters, which is a comfortable size for singles or couples.
How much is a two-bedroom apartment in Santo Domingo in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical two-bedroom apartment in Santo Domingo costs between RD$12 million and RD$17.5 million (around US$190,000 to US$275,000, or EUR 175,000 to EUR 253,000), which is the most common configuration for families and investors.
Entry-level to mid-range two-bedroom apartments in Santo Domingo generally range from RD$12 million to RD$15 million (about US$190,000 to US$235,000, or EUR 175,000 to EUR 216,000), while high-end or luxury two-bedroom units in prime areas like Naco, Piantini, or Bella Vista can reach US$250,000 to US$450,000 (EUR 230,000 to EUR 414,000) depending on finishes, views, and amenities.
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges for apartments in our property pack covering the property market in Santo Domingo.
How much is a three-bedroom apartment in Santo Domingo in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical three-bedroom apartment in Santo Domingo costs between RD$19.5 million and RD$30 million (around US$305,000 to US$470,000, or EUR 281,000 to EUR 432,000), reflecting the larger sizes and higher-quality finishes these units tend to have.
Entry-level to mid-range three-bedroom apartments in Santo Domingo generally range from RD$19.5 million to RD$25 million (about US$305,000 to US$390,000, or EUR 281,000 to EUR 359,000), while high-end or luxury three-bedroom units in prime neighborhoods or newer towers can easily reach US$400,000 to US$800,000 or more (EUR 368,000 to EUR 736,000) when you add large terraces, high floors, or top-tier finishes.
Three-bedroom apartments in Santo Domingo typically measure between 130 and 170 square meters, often including a service room which is common in the capital's larger units.
What's the price gap between new and resale apartments in Santo Domingo in 2026?
As of January 2026, new-build apartments in Santo Domingo typically cost 12% to 20% more than comparable resale units, a premium driven by modern amenities, updated building codes, and rising construction input costs.
The average price per square meter for new-build apartments in Santo Domingo sits around RD$160,000 to RD$200,000 per square meter (about US$2,500 to US$3,100, or EUR 2,300 to EUR 2,850), depending on the neighborhood and building quality.
By comparison, the average price per square meter for resale apartments in Santo Domingo is closer to RD$130,000 to RD$165,000 per square meter (around US$2,000 to US$2,600, or EUR 1,840 to EUR 2,390), making older buildings a more affordable entry point for buyers on a budget.
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Can I afford to buy in Santo Domingo in 2026?
What's the typical total budget (all-in) to buy an apartment in Santo Domingo in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical all-in budget to buy a standard apartment in Santo Domingo is roughly the purchase price plus 4.5% to 6.5%, so for a RD$15 million apartment (around US$235,000 or EUR 216,000), you should plan for a total of about RD$15.7 million to RD$16 million (US$245,000 to US$250,000, or EUR 225,000 to EUR 230,000).
Beyond the purchase price, the all-in budget in Santo Domingo includes the 3% transfer tax (the biggest chunk), legal fees (often around 1%), notary and certification costs, registry fees, and bank-related expenses if you're financing the purchase.
We go deeper and try to understand what costs can be avoided or minimized (and how) in our Santo Domingo property pack.
You can also read our dedicated blog article to understand what you can at different budget levels in Santo Domingo.
What down payment is typical to buy in Santo Domingo in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical down payment to buy an apartment in Santo Domingo ranges from 20% to 40% of the purchase price, which for a RD$15 million apartment (about US$235,000 or EUR 216,000) means you'd need RD$3 million to RD$6 million upfront (around US$47,000 to US$94,000, or EUR 43,000 to EUR 86,000).
Most banks and lenders in Santo Domingo require a minimum down payment of 20% to 30% for residents with verifiable Dominican income, though the high interest rate environment means many buyers put down more to keep monthly payments manageable.
For foreign buyers or non-residents, a down payment of 30% to 40% is recommended to secure mortgage approval, and some lenders may require even more depending on your documentation and credit profile.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in The Dominican Republic.
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.
Which neighborhoods are cheapest or priciest in Santo Domingo in 2026?
How much does the price per m² for apartments vary by neighborhood in Santo Domingo in 2026?
As of January 2026, the price per square meter for apartments in Santo Domingo ranges from around RD$58,000 to RD$225,000 (about US$900 to US$3,500, or EUR 830 to EUR 3,220), depending heavily on which neighborhood you're looking at.
In the most affordable neighborhoods of Santo Domingo, such as Alma Rosa, Ensanche Ozama, and parts of Villa Mella in Santo Domingo Este, the typical price per square meter sits between RD$58,000 and RD$96,000 (around US$900 to US$1,500, or EUR 830 to EUR 1,380).
In the most expensive neighborhoods of Santo Domingo, including Piantini, Naco, Serrallés, and Los Cacicazgos in the Distrito Nacional, the typical price per square meter ranges from RD$160,000 to RD$225,000 (about US$2,500 to US$3,500, or EUR 2,300 to EUR 3,220).
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Santo Domingo.
What neighborhoods are best for first-time buyers on a budget in Santo Domingo in 2026?
As of January 2026, the top three neighborhoods best suited for first-time buyers on a budget in Santo Domingo are Alma Rosa and Ensanche Ozama in Santo Domingo Este, and parts of Los Prados or Arroyo Hondo farther from the premium strips.
In these budget-friendly neighborhoods, typical apartment prices range from RD$4 million to RD$9 million (around US$63,000 to US$140,000, or EUR 58,000 to EUR 129,000), making homeownership more accessible for buyers with limited capital.
These neighborhoods offer decent public transport connections, growing commercial areas, and a variety of building options, which makes day-to-day living convenient even without a prime address.
The main trade-off of buying in these budget-friendly Santo Domingo neighborhoods is that building quality varies significantly, so you need to carefully check for reliable water pressure, generator backup, and well-maintained elevators before committing.
Which neighborhoods have the fastest-rising apartment prices in Santo Domingo in 2026?
As of January 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the fastest-rising apartment prices in Santo Domingo are Evaristo Morales, Serrallés, and Naco, all of which are seeing strong new tower development and sustained buyer demand.
These fast-appreciating Santo Domingo neighborhoods have experienced estimated year-over-year price increases of roughly 8% to 15%, driven by limited land availability and the arrival of modern residential projects.
The main driver behind the rapid price growth in these neighborhoods is the combination of new construction resetting price anchors upward, strong expat and investor interest, and the scarcity of prime land in the Distrito Nacional.
You can also read our latest update about property price forecasts in Santo Domingo.
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What extra costs will I pay on top of the apartment price in Santo Domingo in 2026?
What are all the buyer closing costs when you buy an apartment in Santo Domingo?
The estimated total buyer closing cost for a typical apartment purchase in Santo Domingo runs between RD$675,000 and RD$975,000 on a RD$15 million property (around US$10,500 to US$15,200, or EUR 9,700 to EUR 14,000), which represents roughly 4.5% to 6.5% of the purchase price.
The main categories of closing costs buyers must pay in Santo Domingo include the transfer tax (3% plus RD$20), legal and notary fees (often around 1%), registry and title service fees, certification costs, and any bank-related expenses if you're taking out a mortgage.
The largest expense for buyers is the transfer tax at 3% of the property value, which is a fixed government charge you cannot negotiate or avoid when registering ownership in Santo Domingo.
Some closing costs in Santo Domingo are negotiable, particularly legal fees which can vary between lawyers, and you may also have flexibility on who handles certain certifications or translations if you're a foreign buyer.
On average, how much are buyer closing costs as a percentage of the purchase price for an apartment in Santo Domingo?
The estimated typical percentage of the purchase price that buyers should budget for closing costs in Santo Domingo is around 5.5%, which gives you a comfortable cushion for all standard fees and expenses.
The realistic low-to-high percentage range that covers most standard transactions in Santo Domingo is 4.5% to 6.5%, with the lower end applying to straightforward cash purchases and the higher end accounting for mortgage-related fees or more complex foreign buyer documentation.
We actually cover all these costs and strategies to minimize them in our pack about the real estate market in Santo Domingo.
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 are the ongoing monthly and yearly costs of an apartment in Santo Domingo in 2026?
What are typical HOA fees in Santo Domingo right now?
HOA fees (called "mantenimiento" or maintenance fees) are very common for apartments in Santo Domingo, and the typical monthly HOA fee ranges from RD$10,000 to RD$20,000 (around US$155 to US$310, or EUR 143 to EUR 285) for mid-to-prime buildings with standard amenities like security, elevator, and generator backup.
The realistic range of HOA fees in Santo Domingo goes from RD$5,000 to RD$10,000 per month (about US$78 to US$155, or EUR 72 to EUR 143) in basic or older buildings, up to RD$20,000 or more per month (US$310 or more, or EUR 285 or more) in luxury towers with pools, gyms, and concierge-style staffing.
What utilities should I budget monthly in Santo Domingo right now?
The estimated total monthly utility cost for a typical apartment in Santo Domingo is between RD$4,500 and RD$12,000 (around US$70 to US$185, or EUR 64 to EUR 170), depending on your usage habits and whether you run air conditioning heavily.
The realistic range of monthly utility costs in Santo Domingo goes from RD$4,000 for a small, energy-conscious household up to RD$15,000 or more (about US$63 to US$235, or EUR 58 to EUR 216) for larger apartments with high electricity consumption.
Typical monthly utilities in Santo Domingo include electricity, water (through CAASD), internet, and cooking gas if your building uses it, with internet plans commonly running RD$1,500 to RD$3,000 per month.
Electricity tends to be the most expensive utility for apartment owners in Santo Domingo, with monthly bills ranging from RD$2,000 to over RD$6,000 depending on consumption, and regulated tariffs that increase as you use more power.
How much is property tax on apartments in Santo Domingo?
The estimated typical annual property tax (called IPI) for an apartment in Santo Domingo ranges from zero to around RD$50,000 per year (about US$0 to US$780, or EUR 0 to EUR 720), depending on the official DGII valuation of your property.
Property tax in Santo Domingo is calculated at 1% annually on the portion of your property value that exceeds RD$10,190,833, meaning if your apartment is valued at or below this threshold, you pay nothing at all.
The realistic range of annual property tax in Santo Domingo goes from RD$0 for exempt properties up to RD$100,000 or more per year (about US$1,560 or more, or EUR 1,435 or more) for higher-value apartments, paid in two installments in March and September.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Santo Domingo.
What's the yearly building maintenance cost in Santo Domingo?
The estimated typical yearly building maintenance cost for apartment owners in Santo Domingo is between RD$120,000 and RD$240,000 (around US$1,875 to US$3,750, or EUR 1,725 to EUR 3,450), which is simply your monthly HOA fee multiplied by twelve.
The realistic range of yearly maintenance costs in Santo Domingo goes from RD$60,000 for basic older buildings up to RD$300,000 or more (about US$940 to US$4,700, or EUR 865 to EUR 4,325) for luxury towers with extensive amenities and staff.
Building maintenance costs in Santo Domingo typically cover security, common area cleaning, elevator maintenance, generator fuel and upkeep, water tank maintenance, and basic building repairs.
In Santo Domingo, building maintenance costs are essentially the same as HOA fees since the "mantenimiento" you pay monthly covers all shared building expenses, so there's no separate maintenance charge on top of your regular HOA.
How much does home insurance cost in Santo Domingo?
The estimated typical annual home insurance cost for an apartment in Santo Domingo ranges from RD$4,400 to RD$20,000 (around US$70 to US$310, or EUR 64 to EUR 285), depending on how much coverage you choose for your contents and improvements.
The realistic range of annual home insurance costs in Santo Domingo goes from around RD$4,400 for basic coverage of RD$1 million in contents up to RD$50,000 or more (about US$780 or more, or EUR 720 or more) for comprehensive policies covering higher property values and additional risks.
Home insurance is generally optional for apartment owners in Santo Domingo unless you have a mortgage that requires it, but given the risks of hurricanes and other events, many owners choose to carry at least a basic policy for peace of mind.
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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 Santo Domingo, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Banco Central de la República Dominicana | It's the Dominican Republic's central bank and publishes official exchange rates. | We used the USD/DOP reference rate to convert all apartment prices consistently. We expressed costs in both local currency and USD using this benchmark. |
| DGII - Impuesto Patrimonio Inmobiliario | It's the national tax authority and the primary source for property tax rules. | We used the IPI rate (1%) and exemption threshold to calculate annual property tax. We explained when buyers would and wouldn't need to pay. |
| DGII - Transfer Tax Brochure | It's an official government document with stated transfer costs. | We used it for the buyer's 3% transfer tax plus RD$20 fee. We framed closing cost steps based on this official workflow. |
| Registro Inmobiliario | It's the official land registry system that sets service fees. | We used it to confirm registry service costs exist as official fees. We included a realistic registry budget line in buyer closing costs. |
| ONE - ICDV Construction Cost Index | It's the national statistics office with official construction cost data. | We used ICDV to explain why new-build apartments price higher than resale. We validated the new-vs-resale premium range with this index. |
| Properstar | It's a major property platform with clear median price methodology. | We used Properstar's median apartment price per square meter as our numerical base. We adjusted to Santo Domingo using neighborhood listing evidence. |
| Encuentra24 | It's a well-known regional listing portal with usable price data. | We used a Piantini listing to anchor prime Santo Domingo pricing. We also used it to set a realistic HOA range from actual postings. |
| MercadoLibre Inmuebles | It's a major regional marketplace with many professional listings. | We used Naco examples to validate that prime areas cluster in a consistent price band. We cross-checked plausibility against other sources. |
| Superintendencia de Bancos | It's the banking regulator with official financial system statistics. | We used it to understand the high mortgage rate environment in Santo Domingo. We translated this into practical down payment guidance. |
| Superintendencia de Electricidad | It's the electricity sector regulator that sets reference tariffs. | We used this as the authoritative source for who sets electricity rates. We paired it with press coverage to build a usable monthly budget. |
| Listín Diario | It's a major national newspaper citing regulated electricity tariff bands. | We used its kWh price bands to convert tariffs into realistic household bills. We gave simple monthly utility budgets based on this reporting. |
| CAASD | It's the official water utility for Greater Santo Domingo. | We used it to justify that water charges follow formal tariff rules. We set a conservative monthly water budget for apartments. |
| Seguros SURA | It's a major insurer with published premium tables. | We used SURA's premiums to estimate home insurance costs at different coverage levels. We explained how to choose appropriate coverage amounts. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of the Dominican Republic. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
Related blog posts
- Is now a good time to invest in property in Santo Domingo?