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Property prices in Santo Domingo vary significantly by location and property type.
As of September 2025, apartments average $1,800-$2,800 per square meter, while houses typically cost $1,200-$1,700 per square meter. Downtown areas command the highest prices, coastal properties offer premium rates, and suburban locations provide more affordable options.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in the Dominican Republic, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Santo Domingo's real estate market shows steady growth with apartments averaging $1,800-$2,800 per square meter and luxury areas reaching $3,500+ per square meter.
The market has grown 25-30% over five years, with continued 3-7% annual appreciation expected through 2027.
| Property Type | Price per m² (USD) | Location Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Apartments (Average) | $1,800-$2,800 | Downtown +40% |
| Houses (Average) | $1,200-$1,700 | Coastal +25% |
| Luxury Properties | $2,500-$3,500+ | Prime areas |
| New Developments | $1,700-$2,800 | Modern amenities |
| Older Properties | $1,200-$2,000 | $200-600 discount |
| Urban Land | $48-$170 | Zoning dependent |
| Construction Cost | $725-$1,200 | Quality dependent |
What's the current average price per square meter in Santo Domingo?
The average price per square meter for apartments in Santo Domingo ranges from $1,800 to $2,800 USD as of September 2025.
The median price sits around DOP 101,884 per square meter, which translates to approximately $1,700 USD. This figure represents the typical apartment price across all neighborhoods in the city.
Houses generally cost less per square meter than apartments, especially in suburban areas. However, luxury houses in premium neighborhoods can command prices similar to or higher than apartments.
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These prices reflect a mature market with steady growth patterns rather than speculative bubbles.
How does the price per square meter differ between downtown, suburbs, and coastal areas?
Downtown neighborhoods like Piantini, Naco, and Gazcue command the highest prices in Santo Domingo.
Central areas start at around $1,800 per square meter for standard properties, with luxury developments exceeding $2,800 per square meter. These areas offer proximity to business districts, shopping centers, and cultural attractions.
Suburban and peripheral areas such as Santo Domingo Este and Oeste offer more affordable options. Apartment prices in these areas typically fall below $1,500 per square meter, while houses range from $1,200 to $1,500 per square meter.
Coastal areas and premium seafront locations command premium prices near or above $2,500 per square meter. These properties appeal to buyers seeking ocean views and beach access, particularly new luxury condominiums.
The price differential between downtown and suburban areas can reach 40% or more, making location the primary factor in property pricing.
What's the price range per square meter for apartments versus houses?
| Property Type | Price Range (USD/m²) | Typical Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Apartments | $1,800-$2,800 | Modern amenities, security |
| Luxury Condos | $2,500+ | Premium finishes, services |
| Suburban Houses | $1,200-$1,500 | Larger lots, family-oriented |
| Urban Houses | $1,500-$1,700 | Central location, convenience |
| Luxury Houses | $2,000-$3,000+ | Prime locations, custom features |
| Townhouses | $1,400-$2,200 | Community amenities, parking |
| Penthouses | $3,000-$5,000+ | Exclusive features, views |
What are the prices per square meter for new developments compared to older properties?
New apartment developments in high-end neighborhoods typically start around $1,700 per square meter.
These properties often feature modern amenities including smart home technology, energy-efficient systems, and contemporary finishes. Pre-construction sales sometimes offer discounts of 10-15% below final market prices.
Older properties generally cost $200 to $600 less per square meter than comparable new builds. The exact discount depends on the property's condition, age, and maintenance history.
New developments command premiums due to warranty coverage, modern building codes compliance, and reduced immediate maintenance needs. Buyers often prefer new properties for their financing advantages and lower initial repair costs.
Renovation potential in older properties can offset their lower purchase prices, making them attractive to investors willing to undertake improvement projects.
How have prices per square meter changed in Santo Domingo over the last 5 years?
Santo Domingo's apartment market has experienced 25-30% appreciation over the past five years, representing compound annual growth of 5-6%.
In 2024 alone, apartment prices increased by 7%, indicating accelerating growth in the residential sector. This growth outpaced inflation and reflects strong demand fundamentals.
The luxury segment outperformed the overall market with approximately 30% total growth over five years. High-end properties benefited from increased foreign investment and improved infrastructure.
Mid-range housing experienced 20-25% total growth over the same period. This segment remained accessible to local buyers while attracting international investors seeking affordable entry points.
The market has demonstrated steady and sustainable price growth rather than speculative spikes, indicating healthy market dynamics and reduced volatility risk.
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What's the price per square meter in luxury neighborhoods compared to mid-range ones?
Luxury neighborhoods like Piantini and Naco command prices from $2,500 to $3,500+ per square meter.
These prime areas offer exclusive amenities, superior security, and proximity to upscale shopping and dining. Ultra-luxury penthouses and large houses can far exceed $3,500 per square meter.
Mid-range neighborhoods maintain the city average of $1,800 to $2,800 per square meter. These areas provide good value with decent amenities and accessibility to central areas.
The price premium for luxury neighborhoods typically ranges from 40% to 80% above mid-range areas. This premium reflects exclusivity, superior infrastructure, and prestige value.
Luxury properties also offer better resale value retention and stronger rental yields in the premium market segment.
How much does land cost per square meter compared to built properties?
Urban land plots in Santo Domingo range from DOP 2,800 to 10,000 per square meter, depending on zoning and location.
Converting to USD, land prices typically range from $48 to $170 per square meter. Prime commercial or residential zones command the highest land values.
Built properties cost 2 to 5 times more per square meter than raw land, reflecting construction costs, amenities, and infrastructure improvements. This multiplier varies based on building quality and specifications.
Zoning regulations significantly impact land values, with commercial and high-density residential zoning commanding premiums over single-family residential zones.
Land appreciation often outpaces built properties in developing areas, making strategic land purchases attractive for long-term investors.
What are the rental prices per square meter, and how do they compare with purchase prices?
Average apartment rental rates in Santo Domingo are DOP 815 per square meter per month.
Houses command lower rental rates at a median of DOP 142 per square meter per month. This reflects different target markets and usage patterns between apartments and houses.
Gross rental yields range from 6.26% to 9.82% for long-term rentals, with higher yields typically found in central or mixed-use neighborhoods. These yields compare favorably to many international markets.
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Short-term vacation rentals can achieve higher per-square-meter rates but require more management and may face regulatory restrictions.
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's the average construction cost per square meter for building a new property?
Standard quality construction in Santo Domingo costs $725 to $850 USD per square meter.
High-quality construction ranges from $875 to $1,200 USD per square meter, excluding land costs, landscaping, pools, and luxury finishes. These costs reflect current material prices and labor rates.
Construction costs have increased due to rising material prices and improved building standards. Quality specifications significantly impact final costs per square meter.
Additional expenses like permits, architectural fees, and utility connections can add 15-25% to base construction costs. Site preparation and foundation work may require additional budget allocation.
Luxury finishes, smart home systems, and high-end appliances can push construction costs above $1,500 per square meter for premium projects.
How does the price per square meter in Santo Domingo compare with other Dominican cities?
| City | Average Price per m² (USD) | Market Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Santo Domingo | $1,800-$2,800 | Capital city, business center |
| Punta Cana | $2,200-$3,500 | Tourism-driven, beach properties |
| Puerto Plata | $1,400-$1,700 | Mid-range coastal city |
| Cabarete | $2,200-$3,500 | Expat community, water sports |
| Santiago | $1,200-$1,800 | Second largest city, inland |
| La Romana | $1,600-$2,400 | Tourism and sugar industry |
| Cap Cana | $3,000-$5,000 | Ultra-luxury resort community |
What additional costs per square meter should buyers expect?
Annual property tax applies at 1% of value above DOP 10,190,833 (approximately $166,000 USD) as of 2025.
Transfer tax costs 3% of the cadastral value when purchasing property. This represents a significant upfront cost that buyers must budget for beyond the purchase price.
HOA and condominium fees typically range from $100 to $500 monthly for standard developments, with luxury properties commanding higher fees. These fees cover maintenance, security, and common area upkeep.
Municipal taxes remain relatively small, usually less than 0.3% of property value annually. Insurance costs range from 0.2% to 0.5% of property value per year.
Maintenance and additional expenses can total $200 to $2,000 annually depending on property type and condition. Professional property management may add 8-12% of rental income for investment properties.
What's the projected price per square meter trend for the next 2 to 3 years?
Continued annual price appreciation of 3-7% is expected through 2026-2027, particularly for central and luxury segments.
Economic expansion, infrastructure development, and steady foreign investment drive this projected growth. Major infrastructure projects including metro expansion and road improvements support price appreciation.
The luxury segment is expected to outperform average market growth due to limited supply and strong international demand. New luxury developments face lengthy approval processes, constraining supply.
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Market fundamentals support sustainable growth rather than speculative bubbles, reducing volatility risk for investors and homebuyers.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Santo Domingo's real estate market demonstrates remarkable resilience and growth potential.
With steady appreciation rates and diverse price points across neighborhoods, the city offers opportunities for both investors and residents seeking quality properties in the Caribbean's largest metropolitan area.