1. Can foreigners buy property in the Dominican Republic?
Yes, with no restrictions. The Dominican Constitution grants foreigners the same property rights as Dominican citizens. You do not need:
- Dominican residency
- A special investor visa
- A local partner or representative
- Government permission
Property is registered directly in your name (individual or corporate) at the Superior Land Court, with a Title Certificate that guarantees irrevocable ownership.
2. Step-by-step buying process
Buying a house or apartment in Bayahibe is a straightforward process that takes 30-90 days:
Property selection
Visit properties, review floor plans and specifications. Panzeri Real Estate offers personalized guided tours in English, Italian and Spanish.
Reservation and promise of sale
Sign a promise of sale contract with a 10-20% deposit. The contract establishes conditions, timelines and penalties. A lawyer verifies the legal status of the property.
Legal due diligence
Verification of the Title Certificate, absence of liens, mortgages or pending litigation. Confirmation that the seller has legal authority to sell.
Payment and notarial signing
Complete payment (wire transfer, certified check, or per the agreed financing plan). Sign the definitive sale contract before a public notary.
Transfer tax payment
Pay the 3% Real Estate Transfer Tax to the Internal Revenue Directorate (DGII).
Property registration
Register the purchase at the Superior Land Court. A new Title Certificate is issued in the buyer's name. Timeline: 30-60 business days.
3. Costs and taxes when buying property
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Transfer Tax | 3% of property value |
| Lawyer fees | 1-1.5% of value |
| Notary fees | $300-$800 USD |
| Land Court registration | $200-$500 USD |
| Survey (if applicable) | $500-$1,500 USD |
| Estimated total additional costs | 4.5-6% of price |
Annual property tax (IPI)
Properties valued above RD$9,860,649 (approximately $170,000 USD) pay 1% annually on the excess. Properties below this threshold are exempt.
4. Financing options
Direct financing with Panzeri Real Estate
- 50% down payment at contract signing
- 50% in monthly installments during construction (12-18 months)
- Zero interest during the construction period
- No Dominican bank account required
Other options
- Local bank mortgage: available to foreigners at BHD, Popular, Scotiabank. Rates 8-12% annually.
- Cash payment: special discounts available
- Cryptocurrency: we accept Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDT
5. Property prices in Bayahibe 2026
| Type | Size | Price from | $/m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 45 m² | $89,000 | $1,978 |
| 1-Bedroom Apt. | 65 m² | $120,000 | $1,846 |
| 2-Bedroom Apt. | 85 m² | $155,000 | $1,824 |
| Penthouse | 110 m² | $195,000 | $1,773 |
| 3-Bed Villa | 180 m² | $285,000 | $1,583 |
| 4-Bed Villa | 220 m² | $395,000 | $1,795 |
6. Bayahibe as a real estate investment
- Sustained tourism growth: hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, trending upward
- La Romana International Airport (LRM): direct flights from Europe and North America
- Developing infrastructure: new roads, shopping centers and services
- Rental yield: 6-13% annual return from vacation rentals
- Appreciation: 5-8% annual property value increase
- Affordable cost of living: $1,200-$2,500 USD/month for a couple
7. Why buy with Panzeri Real Estate
- Superior construction quality: ventilated air chamber (vespaio), thermal insulation, bioclimatic design
- 60% energy savings: dramatically lower electricity consumption
- Exceptional durability: built to last generations with minimal maintenance
- Full advisory: legal, fiscal and logistical support in English, Italian and Spanish
- Total transparency: clear pricing, no hidden costs, contracts in your language
- Direct financing: no bank, no bureaucracy
Ready to buy your property in Bayahibe?
Contact us today for personalized information, floor plans and payment options. We speak English, Italian and Spanish.
Contact Us Now →Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy property in the Dominican Republic?
Yes. Foreigners have the same property rights as Dominican citizens. No residency, special visa, or local partner required.
How much does it cost to buy a house in Bayahibe?
Prices range from $89,000 USD (studio) to $395,000 USD (4-bedroom luxury villa). Additional costs (taxes, lawyer, registration) add approximately 4.5-6%.
What taxes do you pay when buying?
3% Real Estate Transfer Tax at purchase. Annually, the 1% IPI tax only applies if the property exceeds ~$170,000 USD in value (on the excess amount).
How long does the buying process take?
30-90 days from signing the contract to receiving the Title Certificate in your name.
Do I need a lawyer?
Highly recommended. Panzeri Real Estate includes complete legal advisory in the purchase process at no extra charge.