How to avoid real-estate scams in the Dominican Republic

You can avoid real estate scams in the Dominican Republic by following three simple checks, even though many people assume investing in Punta Cana is risky and that scams are an everyday thing here.

I’m Jordi Albertus, a real-estate advisor in the Dominican Republic with more than 17 years of experience helping investors from around the world.
Today I’ll share the 3 essential steps to bulletproof your investment and avoid the most common scams I’ve seen in the DR.

1️⃣ Verify the project’s permits and licenses
In the Dominican Republic, any real-estate development must have a construction license approved by the Municipality, and in tourist zones, authorization from the Ministry of Tourism.
A serious developer will have no problem showing you these documents.
If they say “it’s being processed” or “don’t worry, everything’s fine,” that’s a red flag.

2️⃣ Check the property title
Here we use a Certificate of Title issued by the Real Estate Jurisdiction.
This document must be free of liens, seizures, or mortgages.
If the title is in the name of a person or company other than the developer, demand a clear explanation and supporting documentation.

3️⃣ Always buy with a contract and a specialized attorney
Never hand over money with just a receipt.
A real-estate attorney in the Dominican Republic will review the contract, protect your funds, and ensure the project complies with the law.
They’ll also include clauses that protect you in case of delays or breaches.

A few years ago, a client wanted to invest in an ocean-view apartment that looked like a dream.
Everything seemed fine… until we investigated and discovered the land had a pending legal dispute.
If he had bought, he could have lost more than $120,000.
In the end, I guided him to a 100% legal project that’s now completed and generates steady Airbnb income.

Avoiding a real-estate scam isn’t complicated—it just requires information and professional guidance.
Never be swayed solely by pretty photos or profit promises.
If you follow these three steps, your investment in Punta Cana will be safe and profitable.

In the next episode, we’ll cover a topic few talk about: the hidden costs no one tells you about before buying… and how they can seriously affect your returns.

How can I avoid real estate scams in the Dominican Republic?

You can avoid real estate scams in the Dominican Republic by verifying the project’s construction permits, checking the Certificate of Title at the Real Estate Jurisdiction, and using a specialized real-estate attorney before signing any contract. These three checks catch the vast majority of fraud cases foreign buyers face.

What permits should I check before buying a property in the Dominican Republic?

Before buying, confirm the developer holds a construction license approved by the Municipality, and in tourist zones, authorization from the Ministry of Tourism. A serious developer will show you these documents without hesitation.

How do I verify a property title in the Dominican Republic?

You verify a property title by requesting a Certificate of Title issued by the Real Estate Jurisdiction, confirming it’s free of liens, seizures, or mortgages. If the title is under a different name than the developer, ask for a clear explanation and supporting documentation.

Do I need a lawyer to buy property in the Dominican Republic?

Yes, a real-estate attorney in the Dominican Republic reviews the contract, protects your funds, and ensures the project complies with the law. They also include clauses that protect you in case of delays or breaches.

What are the warning signs of a real estate scam in Punta Cana?

Common warning signs include a developer who says permits are still being processed, pressure to hand over money with just a receipt, and a title registered to someone unrelated to the developer. Any of these should prompt you to pause and investigate further.

Is it safe to invest in real estate in Punta Cana?

Yes, investing in Punta Cana is safe when you follow the right verification steps: checking permits, the title, and working with a specialized attorney. Most scams target buyers who skip this due diligence, not the market itself.