The short version: this page is the Cabarete Buyer’s Cheatsheet in plain HTML, the buying process, the real costs, and the questions to ask, all in one place. Want it as a one-page PDF for your phone or your printer? Grab the free download at the bottom.
The buying process in 6 steps
- Get clear on the goal. Investment, relocation, retirement, or remote-work base. The right neighborhood depends on it.
- Shortlist and visit. See properties at different times of day. Listen for noise, look for water stains, meet the neighbors.
- Make the offer. Listed prices usually have 5 to 10 percent of room. Your agent should know what comparable units actually closed for.
- Due diligence (1 to 3 weeks). Your lawyer verifies the Certificado de Título, checks liens and HOA debt, and reviews the building’s reglamento.
- Promesa de venta. Sign the purchase agreement and place the deposit, typically 10 percent, in escrow.
- Close and register. Pay, sign, transfer. Title registration takes a few extra weeks. Then get the keys and the cold Presidente.
What buying actually costs
| Cost | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer tax | 3% of appraised value | Waived on Confotur-approved properties |
| Legal fees | 1 to 1.5% of price | Never skip the lawyer |
| Title search and checks | US$300 to $800 | Confirms clean title, no surprises |
| Annual property tax (IPI) | 1% above threshold | Only on value above ~RD$10M; many condos pay zero |
| HOA fees | US$100 to $450/month | Ask for financials and the reserve fund first |
Rule of thumb: budget 4 to 6 percent on top of the purchase price for closing costs, then US$200 to $700 per month to run a typical condo (HOA plus utilities plus insurance). Full detail in the Buying Costs & Fees guide.
Eight questions to ask about any building
- What is the monthly HOA fee, and when was it last raised?
- Is there a reserve fund, and how much is in it?
- Any special assessments (derramas) in the last five years?
- What share of owners are behind on fees?
- Can I see the reglamento and the last meeting minutes?
- Are short-term rentals allowed, in writing? (See the Airbnb rules guide.)
- Is the project Confotur approved?
- Who manages the building day to day?
Red flags that end deals
- No Certificado de Título, or “rights” paperwork instead of title
- An HOA with no reserves and no paperwork (the HOA 101 guide explains why)
- Seller pressure to skip the lawyer or rush due diligence
- Guaranteed rental returns above 10 percent
- Cash-only deals with no paper trail
- A price dramatically below the market. In Cabarete, real bargains have reasons.
Real talk
Every seller says their building is well managed. The paperwork tells you the truth, and reading it costs you nothing before you commit.