Real estate law
Buying and selling property
Buying a property on the North Coast is a major decision that is often made from a distance and in another language. The firm verifies the title, drafts and negotiates the contracts, coordinates the closing, and completes the registration in the buyer's name.
Real estate ownership in the Dominican Republic is evidenced by the Certificado de Título (certificate of title) issued by the Registro de Títulos (Title Registry) under Law 108-05. Every purchase should begin with the certification of legal status of the property, which reveals ownership and liens. The firm accompanies each stage through to registration in the buyer’s name.
What this service covers
- Certification of legal status and review of the land survey
- Promise of sale and final contract
- Calculation and payment of the transfer tax
- Filing and registration with the Registro de Títulos (Title Registry)
- Powers of attorney and remote signing
Common situations
Buying from abroad
Signing through an apostilled power of attorney and coordinating payments with clear instructions.
Buying in a project under construction
Reviewing the trust or the developer, payment schedule, and guarantees.
Selling an inherited property
Determining the heirs and paying the inheritance tax before selling.
How Balbuena Camps helps
Prior verification
We check the owner, liens, condominium debts, and taxes before any payment is made.
Bilingual contracts
We draft contracts in Spanish with a courtesy translation when the client needs it.
Secure closing
We coordinate the notary, payments, and registration through to issuance of the new certificate of title.
How the process works
Offer and verification
Requesting the certification of legal status and reviewing the seller's documentation.
Promise of sale
Setting the price, deposit, and conditions; we recommend not transferring funds before this stage.
Closing
Signing the final contract before a notary and paying the price.
Taxes and registration
Settling the 3% transfer tax with the DGII and filing with the Registro de Títulos (Title Registry).
Documents and information worth preparing
- Copy of the seller's certificate of title
- The buyer's identity document or passport
- DGII certification regarding the property's real estate wealth tax (IPI)
- Condominium no-debt certification, if applicable
Attorneys who handle this area
Where we serve
- Puerto Plata Office
- Sosúa Service area
- Cabarete Service area
Services in this area
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to transfer a property?
The transfer tax is 3% of the property's value as determined by the DGII, plus notary fees, registration costs, and legal fees.
Can I buy without traveling to the Dominican Republic?
Yes, through a special apostilled power of attorney granted to a trusted person or to the firm, with instructions limited to the transaction.
Can a foreign national buy property in the Dominican Republic?
Yes. There is no general restriction on the acquisition of real estate by foreign nationals. The documentary and tax requirements are the same as for nationals, and the property is registered with the Registro de Títulos (Title Registry) in the buyer's name using their passport.
Related legal resources
Sources and legal references
- Law 108-05 on Real Estate RegistrationCitation pending verification
- Law 5038 on CondominiumsCitation pending verification
- Law 189-11 on the Mortgage Market and TrustsCitation pending verification
- Legal review
- Pending review by an attorney
The information on this page is general guidance. It is not individualised legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation should be assessed with an attorney.
Consultation
Review your purchase before you pay
Send us the property details and we will tell you what to verify and how to structure the closing.
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