Real Estate Information FAQ
Frequently asked questions about purchasing property in the Dominican Republic:
When investing in another country, local laws and regulations can be different from what they are in your existing home country. For this reason, it is beneficial for you to work with a reputable Real Estate Agency our experience will make the entire process hassle free .
Many clients have very similar questions, we have prepared this section below to assist you in the decision making process regarding a real estate purchase in the Dominican Republic.
1. What about transfer taxes when you buy property?
It is normal that the buyer pay for all closing costs such as attornies fees transfer taxes, etc. approximately 7% to 8% of the purchase price. There are a number of government fees and taxes related to this process, some are fixed fees where as others relate to or are a direct percentage of the transaction amount. There are situations where tax exemption can occur, but it is important to find out where this is legally the case. The best thing to do is speak with us to learn what your options are for the particular property you are interested in purchasing.
2. What are property taxes in the Dominican Republic ?
Only in the last couple of years has the government started to collect property taxes. Basicly it depends upon the value of the property you purchase. If you purchase a residential property and it is worth RD$5 Million Pesos or less (about US$150,000) then you pay 0 (zero) annual property taxes. If the home is worth more than that amount, you pay 1% of the value over and above RD$5 Million Pesos (or US$150,000). If you purchase raw land or undeveloped land , then in that case there is an annual property tax calculation regardless of the value. In our real estate listings you will find a large number of middle class home or luxury apartment for less than 5 Million Pesos, so you will not have any annual tax payments on your Dominican Real Estate.
3. Can I, as a foreigner, own property in the Dominican Republic?
Yes, there is no restriction. A client need only present a copy of a current and valid passport as the identity document used for any sales contracts and eventual titles obtained from the title office. Recent legislation passed in the Dominican Republic has also strengthened the legal rights of foreigners as it pertains to property ownership and investments inside the country. You may use a real estate purchase as proof of local economic solvency as it pertains to the residency application process as well.
4. Is title insurance available in the Dominican Republic?
Yes. Stewart Title, a US company that is well known to many Americans. While obtaining title insurance may offer peace of mind for many buyers, regardless of whether or not you decide to purchase title insurance or not, you should always conduct a title search by a trusted representative. Of course you will not need to spend any additional money when you purchase your new property with John Kornbluth Real Estate.
The standard fee is one to two percent (1% to 2%) of the purchase price This will include title search, transfer of title, attorneys fees,etc.. Other work is on a case by case basis. A Dominican residency worth approx. US$1.300.00 Please negociate with your lawyer and get it in writing what they will do before you commence any work . In many cases it is useful to establish a Dominican Company that will own your property. Anyway its will be 100% yours as you will be the 100% shareholder from your company of course. Your attorney does all this work. The fee to form a company starts at US$ 1200.00. Generally the cost to maintain a company in good standing is approximately US$350.00 per year.
Same as the US or Canada. Electricity 110/220 Volt 50 Hz at the North Coast .Electric service has improved greatly Electricity stills goes off from time to time depending on where you live . Some areas have 24hr circuits.
Water: No problem with the water supply in most areas. Also well water is an option however not for drinking. Always use bottled water for drinking. Cable TV at the northcoast over 40 english based channels such as CNN, HBO, TNT, MTV....(all this for 11 USd monthly). The most advanced Telephone system in the Caribbean biggest Provider Codetel also GSM System provided by Orange, Internet ADSL Flash and many WIFI access points in restaurants and internet cafes on the north coast. Propane gas tanks 50 or 100lbs. Good Infrastructure with several international schools, Supermarkets with international selection, A lot of bars, restaurants, hardwarestores, Boutiques etc.
You can expect to pay at least US $45 to $50.00 per square foot. This will include Dominican ceramic tile floors, pine wood, or aluminum windows and doors, standard bathroom and kitchen fixtures. Plans and gardening are extra. A nice outdoor Pool with filter and waterpump is arround 8.000 Usd. Of course for your new home we will do an exact calculation. One example of a very affordable house that is already finished you will find here .
All the items necessary to furnish your new home can be purchased here in the country. To ship your furniture in containers is costly and time consuming. We do not recommend it! The typical caribbean style furniture rattan, wicker, is cheaper than anywhere else and all made by hand here in the country. With some design ideas and some pictures from newspapers and magazines many Dominican workers can custom build them to fit your needs.
11. Setback from ocean ?
There is a sixty meter setback (60mt or 200ft) from the water line. This law is readily enforced however arrangements can be made which permit less distance in some cases.
The maximum allowed on the north coast is eleven point twenty meters (11.20mts.) or approximately thirty seven feet (37ft). In some cases (below ground level) you can gain another floor. There is legislation in the works at this time to raise the heigth to four (4) stories, but nothing approved yet .
Properties that are advertised in the area do not necessarily reflect there true market value. We know how real estate purchases work in the Dominican Republic, what's involved, any other costs that may be associated, what questions to ask, etc., we will help ensure you make an informed purchase decision. Let our experience work for you !
We will provide you with at least a photocopy of the title to the property so that you or your lawyer can verify that the title is clear and that there are no liens against the property. It is also wise to have the seller provide a recent copy of the tax assessment of the property, matching it against the title to ensure it fully describes the property and all of its buildings.
If you are a first time buyer in the Dominican Republic, it is in your best interest to gain the assistance of a reliable Real Estate Company to assist you with your purchase to ensure all of the particulars have been addressed in order to avoid future surprises. You will find a lot of Real Estate companies here with little or no real estate experience. Most do not have there own projects nor have any money invested here in the country. We are here with almost 30 years in the Real Estate business on the north coast. Let our experience work for you.
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