TOP 12 REASONS TO BUY PROPERTY IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

1) REAL ESTATE: The DR offers some of the best real estate opportunities in the Caribbean today. As a bonus, it is possible for foreigners to buy and own real estate or other property freehold… (free and clear titled property- with your name on the deed) without the need for residency. The 1X property transfer tax is well below the U.S. average and in most other Caribbean markets. The DR offers many incentives to foreign investors, like no property taxes on the first approximate $140,000 U.S. Properties in the DR are still very affordable and despite the real estate global economy, prices have either held firm, or have increased slightly since 2008 – a strong “appreciation factor for investors to consider when looking for a good deal that will still appreciate over time. Foreclosures or Short Sales are rare in Punta Cana because most properties are purchased with cash, or with minimal bank financing. Also as of 2011, the average property age in this highly sought after tourist area, is only 4 years; meaning distressed properties on or near the beach are extremely rare. Overall, the Punta Cana real estate market provides a stronger and consistent long-term appreciation value.

2) THE BEACHES!  My husband Todd and I have seen numerous beaches all over the Caribbean, Central and South America and in our observations, Punta Cana has the most beautiful beaches due to numerous factors including; its soft-white sand, abundance of natural palm trees, no buildings taller than the tallest palm tree, the most vivid – glowing turquoise and blue ocean waters, a reef barrier that keeps the sharks, jelly fish and other sea critters away from the shoreline, and a constant breeze so you don’t overheat.

3) CLIMATE:  Almost always warm and sunny in Punta Cana.  It may rain a little at night or in the morning… or an occasional light mid-day sprinkle.  However these typically last no more than 15 or 20 minutes. Cold here is considered in the high 60’s F to low 70’s in the evening and average 75-82 degrees between Dec-February.  Typical temps from June- October average  82 – 92 degrees.  By day. Personally, the best time to visit is at the end of low season (Aug.- Oct.) when the temperatures are just right, tourist traffic is low, and prices are the best everywhere.

4) LOW HURRICANE BELT:  It is historically estimated hurricanes hit the Dominican Republic about every 12 years on an average. However, the areas of Punta Cana are not really affected. We have learned this has to do with the fact Puerto Rico typically takes the brunt of the action. Residual winds (or tropical storms) typically work themselves to the North or South of the Island and are carried away by the natural jet streams with a stronger potential of effecting the North Coast- Puerto Plata/ Sosua/ Cabarete, or south toward Santo Domingo. Hurricanes are also attracted to land mass, thus miss Punta Cana located on the farthest Eastern side of the Island.  Typically by time a hurricane builds up enough force it has already passed Punta Cana.  This is also one of the reasons Haiti (the complete opposite side of the island) is often hit so hard.

5) THE PEOPLE:  There are a mix of people that live and work in Punta Cana – a definite melting pot of many nationalities including Canadians, French, Italians, Spaniards, Germans, Cubans, Venezuelans, Americans, British, and of course Dominican and some Haitians (the primary hard labor-force here). The Dominicans are beautiful, humble and helpful people, full of life, with close family ties and moral values (97% claim to be Christian- Catholic), and the Haitians are modest, hard-working and happy the Dominican government can provide them employment.  Since coming here we have a multitude of friends from all over the world and have learned about many cultures along the way.

6) THE GOVERNMENT:  Since the President was educated in the States, he understands and appreciates capitalization in the GOOD sense of the word.  Thus, he has mirrored many democracies that have worked in the U.S. and learned from the ones that haven’t. Dominican Republic has one of the most stable governments in the Caribbean.

7)  INFRASTRUCTURE: I disagree with the statement that Punta Cana is a Third World country, but will agree it is still “Developing”.  This is the perfect climate for investors now as the economic conditions have kept prices from overinflating like they were prior to 2007. The government has recently pumped millions of dollars into road improvements, and waste management. The few remaining negative aspects are changing quickly.  Remember, Punta Cana 14 years ago was just beaches, palm trees, and narrow dirt roads with a few small local businesses.  Today it can be compared to Miami 30 years ago, but is growing at twice the pace, thus it is important to be patient in understanding the service culture, like in any other  Caribbean culture, is different and slower than what many of us may be accustom to… primarily due to the tremendous growth since 2002.

8) COST OF LIVING: Although some costs are higher (primarily cars and gasoline), there are so many other savings that make the DR extremely affordable. Things like professional services, manual labor (repairs), car, home and health insurance (especially health insurance), medical, dental, veterinarians, real estate, and/ or rent, internet, cable TV, and other outside entertainment. Food is a bit higher and more expensive in or near the tourist zones, but a 40 minute drive to a central city to larger grocery stores (similar to Costco’s) resolves this concern. Brand clothing is more expensive due to the shipping taxes and tariffs… but most expats have matured passed the need for these “material things”.

9) OPPORTUNITY: Since Punta Cana has only become a popular destination to the general public over the past 8-10 years, there are still so many opportunities for businesses that are limited or non-existent here at this time. Growth has been phenomenal, but often too many investors want the same thing “a tour company, or a bar or restaurant on or near the beach”. Yes, we could use some more American-type restaurants similar to “Fridays or Subway”, but for a savvy entrepreneur, there are so many other needed businesses we expats still need where little or no completion exists to date and which we can only order from the U.S. or drive 4 hours to the big, crazy capital of Santo Domingo. I encourage investors to contact us for more information and consultation / market research services we provide.

10) SAFETY/ DRUGS:  Punta Cana has very low crime rates – there are some petty ”theft” crimes of opportunity (usually just before Christmas), but for the most part we feel safer here than in many U.S. cities, even those considered conservative for the most part.  Of course, driving here is a bit crazy – like it is in just about all Caribbean destinations. DRUGS ARE MINIMAL too.   It’s just rare to smell or see it here and penalties are severe to those who smuggle or sell it. 

11) THE TERRAIN:  The DR has various regions offering White water rafting in the mountains of Jarabacoa, Whale watching in Samana Bay, Kite Surfing on the North coast the best soft white beaches of the East Coast (Punta Cana) and even a couple dessert regions.  Santo Domingo is the oldest Caribbean city with endless history and can be compared in size and population to large U.S. cities. It’s really hard to take a bad picture in this country, and I highly advise folks get out of the resort so they can bring back a huge photo portfolio of this beautiful and amazing country.

12) TRANQUILITY YET LOTS TO DO: This may reason #12, but is becoming a primary reason many Americans are buying here now. The economic and ecological stresses in the U.S., coupled with new laws and rules, has been convincing more and more Americans to consider Punta Cana for either a retirement or as a vacation home. Life slows down here; time to relax and reflect is the norm, rather than a rare opportunity. No worries, about being bored as the list of things to do, places to go, and people to meet are endless – if you can imagine it, the DR probably offers it (with the exception of snow sports – sorry). Check out the “GETTING AROUND PUNTA CANA INSIDER TIPS” tab on the homepage often, as it changes every qtr. with new businesses, excursions and adventures you’ll cherish for a lifetime. These “INSIDER TIPS” have been voted by various TripAdvisor and DR1 forum participants as the best and most current guide for getting around the local area.