Buying Property in Sosua, Dominican Republic – 2025 North-Coast Guide
In the Dominican Republic, buying real estate property as a foreigner is straight forward. There are however a few things to consider before making a purchase.
1. Clarify Your Goal
- Relocation – Make Sosúa your Caribbean home base with international schools, private hospitals, and a thriving expat scene.
- Vacation / Second Home – Enjoy effortless beach getaways and let a local management team rent the unit while you’re away.
- Investment Property – Target 8-12 % gross rental yields that outpace many coastal markets in North America and Western Europe.
2.Choose the Right Property Type & Location
- Passive rental income - Ocean-view condos a short walk from Playa Alicia
- Family relocation - Gated hillside villas with private pools
- Surf / Kitsurf Lifestyle - Beachfront lots between Sosua & Cabarete
3. Buy Privately or Through a Dominican SRL?
Foreigners may hold title in their own name, but many higher-budget clients create an SRL (limited company) for tax optimisation and estate planning. Incorporation takes 2-3 weeks; any good attorney or full-service agency can handle the paperwork for you.
4. Visit Sosúa Before You Commit
Fly into Puerto Plata International Airport (POP). Spend at least a week exploring El Batey, Playa Chiquita and Sea Horse Ranch. Book showings through a trusted local broker so you can compare true market pricing on villas, condos and pre-construction projects.
5. Retain a Local Real-Estate Attorney — or a Full-Service Agency
A seasoned Sosúa lawyer will:
- Verify the Certificado de Título (title deed).
- Check for liens, mortgages, and unpaid HOA fees.
- Handle escrow, tax clearances and the notary process.
If you prefer a single point of contact, agencies such as InStyle Investments bundle legal, escrow and post-sale management into one fee.
6. Step-by-Step Purchase Process
- Offer accepted → sign a binding Promise of Sale and wire a 10 % deposit to escrow.
- Attorney drafts the final deed; buyer wires the balance to the notary’s escrow account.
- Notary records the transfer; title is registered in the Dominican Property Registry.
- You receive the new title (or your SRL does) within roughly 45 days.
7. Taxes & Closing Costs
Fee --------------------------- Rate ---------------------------------- Notes
Transfer Tax -----------3 % of declared price --------- Paid at closing
Lawyers fee - 1% normally - 50% at the start 50% after everything is done
Annual Property Tax (IPI) - 1 % - Billed each March
Pay by certified cheque or bank transfer at the Internal Revenue office (DGII).
8. Financing Options
Local banks lend up to 70 % Loan-to-Value at ± 7-8 % APR. Many developers—such as Rizz Suites in Sosúa—offer owner financing: 50 % down, 5-15 years, 6.95 % fixed.
9. Key Takeaways
- Define your goal: relocation, leisure or ROI.
- Focus on buying property in Sosúa for lower prices and high occupancy.
- Work with a bilingual attorney or a full-service agency.
- Budget 3 % for transfer tax plus legal and notary fees.
Ready to start? Browse the latest Sosúa listings, explore owner-financed options like Rizz Suites, or book a free Zoom consultation with our team. Buying real estate in the Dominican Republic can be seamless—especially on the North Coast—when you follow a proven process and partner with local experts.
If you're looking to buy property in the Dominican Republic, check out our Properties near Sosua Beach or take a look at our most recent Listings. If you still have open questions feel free to contact us or check out our FAQ.
