Hidden Costs When Buying in Punta Cana

Hidden costs when buying in Punta Cana add a 3% transfer tax plus 1% to 1.5% in legal and notary fees on top of the purchase price, before HOA dues, furnishing, and insurance.

I’m Jordi Albertus, a real-estate advisor in the Dominican Republic for 17 years.
I’ve seen many excited buyers get unpleasant surprises simply because no one explained the additional costs.
Today I’ll tell you what they are and how to plan for them so they don’t catch you off guard.

1️⃣ Transfer tax
In the Dominican Republic, when you purchase a property you must pay a transfer tax equal to 3% of the property’s value.
If you buy a $150,000 apartment, this tax would be about $4,500.

2️⃣ HOA/maintenance fee
Most residential and resort projects charge a monthly fee that covers security, landscaping, cleaning of common areas, and sometimes amenities like pools or gyms.
It usually ranges from $1.5 to $3 USD per m².
Example: a 90 m² apartment at $2/m² would cost $180/month.

3️⃣ Furnishing
If you buy a new, unfurnished property, factor in the cost to equip it.
Basic furnishing can start around $10,000, while luxury packages can exceed $25,000, depending on the property size.

4️⃣ Property insurance
Not mandatory, but highly recommended for fire, damage, and natural events.
Depending on the property value, annual cost typically ranges from $400 to $1,200.

5️⃣ Legal and notary fees
These include hiring an attorney, notary fees, and title registration.
They usually represent 1% to 1.5% of the property’s value.

A few months ago, a client bought an apartment without calculating maintenance and furnishing.
When he saw his rental income was lower than expected, he realized those costs cut his real returns by almost 25%.
That’s why I always recommend calculating the full investment, not just the purchase price.

In the next episode, we’ll talk about Airbnb in Punta Cana: how much you can really earn and what you should consider to maximize your income.

What Are the Hidden Costs When Buying in Punta Cana?

The main hidden costs are the 3% transfer tax, 1% to 1.5% legal and notary fees, HOA or maintenance dues, furnishing, and optional property insurance. Together they typically add several thousand dollars beyond the listed purchase price.

How Much Is the Transfer Tax in the Dominican Republic?

The transfer tax is 3% of the property’s value, paid once at the time of purchase. On a $150,000 property, that’s about $4,500. It’s collected by the DGII, the Dominican Republic’s tax authority.

How Much Are HOA Fees in Punta Cana?

HOA or maintenance fees usually range from $1.5 to $3 per square meter per month. A 90 m2 apartment at $2/m2 would cost around $180 a month, covering security, landscaping, and common-area upkeep.

How Much Does It Cost to Furnish a New Property in Punta Cana?

Basic furnishing typically starts around $10,000, while a luxury package can exceed $25,000, depending on the size and finish level of the property.

Is Property Insurance Required in the Dominican Republic?

No, property insurance is not mandatory, but it’s highly recommended for fire, storm, and other damage. Annual premiums typically range from $400 to $1,200 depending on the property’s value.

How Much Are Legal and Notary Fees When Buying in Punta Cana?

Legal and notary fees, including attorney costs and title registration, usually represent 1% to 1.5% of the property’s value. Title registration is processed through the Jurisdiccion Inmobiliaria.

How Much Should I Budget on Top of the Purchase Price in Punta Cana?

As a rule of thumb, budget an extra 5% to 8% of the purchase price to cover transfer tax, legal fees, and initial furnishing. For a full walkthrough, see our simple guide to buying property in Punta Cana from abroad.