1) Define needs, 2) Search, 3) Due diligence, 4) Negotiation, 5) Promise of sale contract, 6) Payment and contract, 7) Registration.

How much does it cost beyond the price?

5-8% additional: 3% transfer tax, 1-2% attorney fees, notary RD$5-15K.

Yes, highly recommended for due diligence and legal verification.

How long does it take?

30-90 days: verification 1-2 weeks, contracts 1-2 weeks, registration 2-4 weeks.

Property Buying Process in DR

Process Steps
Additional Costs
Tips

Steps of the Buying Process

Define Your Needs and Budget

Before starting your search, clearly define:

Property type (house, apartment, land)
Preferred location
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
Maximum budget (including additional costs)
Whether it is for living, investing, or renting

Property Search

Use different channels:

Real estate portals like Ubikala
Verified real estate agents
New project developers

Tip: Visit several properties before deciding. Do not rush.

Legal Verification (Due Diligence)

The most important step. Verify:

Title certification: Request a legal status certificate
Survey (Deslinde): Confirm the survey is approved
Taxes up to date: Verify there are no IPI debts
Liens: No mortgages or attachments

Important

Hire a real estate attorney for this verification.

Negotiation and Offer

Submit a formal written offer
Negotiate price and conditions
Agree on who pays each cost
Set a closing deadline

Promise of Sale Contract (Contrato de Promesa de Venta)

Complete property description
Agreed price and payment terms
Deposit (usually 10%)
Deadline for the final contract
Penalties for non-compliance

Payment and Sale Contract

Payment of the remaining balance
Signing before a notary
Payment of transfer tax (3%)
Legalization of signatures

Property Registration

Submission to the Title Registry (Registro de Titulos)
Payment of registration fees
Issuance of the new title certificate

Congratulations!: Once registered, the property is officially yours.

Additional Costs to Consider

Item	Cost	Who Pays
Transfer Tax	3%	Buyer
Attorney Fees	1% - 2%	Buyer
Notary Fees	RD$5,000 - RD$15,000	Buyer
Title Registration	Variable	Buyer
Agent Commission	3% - 5%	Seller

Useful Tips

Work with Professionals

Hire a real estate attorney and work with verified agents.

Do Not Rush

Take your time to verify everything. A hasty decision can be very costly.

Budget for Extra Costs

Plan for an additional 5-8% on top of the price for closing costs.

Document Everything

Keep copies of all documents and payment receipts.

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