How to Buy Real Estate at Casa de Campo®, Dominican Republic
Purchasing property at Casa de Campo® Resort is a straightforward process for both local and foreign buyers — the Dominican Republic places no restrictions on foreign ownership and provides full title rights. This guide walks you through each stage of the process, from your initial search to receiving your title.
Step 1 — Define Your Budget and Goals
Before viewing properties, establish a clear budget that accounts for more than the purchase price. Buyers should factor in a 3–5% closing cost (legal fees, taxes, and registration), annual HOA fees specific to the neighborhood, and Casa de Campo® resort membership costs if not already included with the property.
It also helps to clarify how you intend to use the property: primary residence, vacation home, or rental investment. Each use case points toward different neighborhoods and property types within the resort.
Step 2 — Choose Your Neighborhood
Casa de Campo® spans 7,000 acres and is divided into distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character, views, and price range. Oceanfront areas like Punta Minitas and Barranca command premium pricing, while golf-view neighborhoods such as Dye Fore and Golf Villa I Phase offer strong value with direct course access. The Marina area appeals to boating enthusiasts, while garden-view neighborhoods offer the most accessible entry points into the resort.
→ Explore our full Neighborhood Guide (coming soon).
Step 3 — Engage a Local Agent
Working with an agent based at Casa de Campo® gives you access to both listed and off-market inventory. Many of the best properties at Casa de Campo® sell quietly before reaching public listings. A local agent also guides you through the Dominican legal process and coordinates with attorneys, notaries, and the resort administration on your behalf.
Caribbean Paradise Homes has represented buyers and sellers at Casa de Campo® for over two decades. Contact our team to discuss current availability.
Step 4 — Make an Offer and Sign a Promise of Sale
Once you identify a property, your agent prepares a formal offer. If accepted, both parties sign a Contrato de Promesa de Compraventa (Promise of Sale Agreement), a legally binding contract under Dominican law. At this stage, the buyer typically deposits 10% of the purchase price into escrow.
The promise of sale establishes the agreed price, payment terms, and closing timeline — usually 60–90 days.
Step 5 — Due Diligence and Title Search
Your attorney conducts a title search through the Dominican Title Registry (Registro de Títulos) to confirm the seller holds a clean title with no encumbrances, liens, or disputes. This is a non-negotiable step and typically takes 2–4 weeks.
At this stage, your attorney also verifies that all property taxes (IPI) are current and that the property is in good standing with the Casa de Campo® administration.
Step 6 — Closing and Title Transfer
At closing, the buyer pays the remaining balance and all closing costs. A Dominican notary oversees the transfer deed (Acto de Venta), which is then registered with the Title Registry. Once registered, the new title is issued in the buyer’s name — this is full, legal ownership.
Closing costs in the Dominican Republic typically include:
- Transfer tax: 3% of the assessed value
- Legal/notary fees: 1–2% of the purchase price
- Title registration fee: approximately 0.5%
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be present in the Dominican Republic to close?
No. Buyers can grant a power of attorney (poder notarial) to their local attorney to sign closing documents on their behalf. Many foreign buyers complete the entire purchase remotely after the initial visit.
Can I finance the purchase through a Dominican bank?
Financing is available through Dominican banks for both residents and non-residents, though terms differ. Many foreign buyers use financing from their home country or purchase with cash. Your attorney can advise on current local lending conditions.
What taxes apply to Casa de Campo® property owners?
The main annual tax is the Impuesto al Patrimonio Inmobiliario (IPI), currently 1% of the property’s assessed value above RD$9.8M (~US$160,000). Properties below this threshold are exempt. Additionally, a 10% income tax applies to rental income if the property is commercially rented.
How long does the full buying process take?
From signed offer to title in hand typically takes 60–90 days, assuming clean title and no financing contingencies. Complex transactions or title irregularities can extend this timeline.
Ready to Start Your Casa de Campo® Property Search?
Our team at Caribbean Paradise Homes is available for a no-obligation consultation. We can walk you through current inventory, connect you with trusted local attorneys, and guide you through every step of the process.