Real Estate in Punta Cana: How to Choose Who to Buy From

For a foreign buyer, choosing a real estate agency in Punta Cana is just as important a decision as choosing the apartment itself.

A real estate agency in Punta Cana is an intermediary, not an authority: it does not register your title, does not approve the project’s Confotur, and does not replace your attorney. Its value lies in three specific and verifiable things: knowing the actual portfolio of developments and their conditions, anticipating the problems associated with a remote purchase, and guiding the legal verification process rather than rushing it. Everything else—including promises of profitability—is just noise. The way to distinguish one agency from another isn’t by its presentation, but by the questions it answers without hesitation.

What exactly does a real estate agency do—and what doesn't it do?

The confusion between these two columns is the root of almost all misunderstandings. A real estate agency in Punta Cana that tells you it “takes care of everything” without explaining who signs each document is oversimplifying something that shouldn’t be oversimplified.

What should you check before working with a real estate agency in Punta Cana?

1. It must exist outside the internet. A verified business name, office, and phone number—not just a social media profile.
2. Make sure they let you speak with your own lawyer. An agency that insists you use only theirs removes the safeguard that protects you.
3. Ask them to provide you with written documentation: floor plan, specifications, condominium bylaws, and payment schedule.
4. Don't create artificial scarcity. Fabricated urgency is a sales tactic, not a market fact.
5. Let them talk about the risks. Anyone who only mentions the benefits isn't informing you—they're trying to sell you something.

What questions should you ask?

These five questions help get a conversation going quickly:

• What projects have you already completed, and when? A track record of completed projects is the hardest thing to fake.
• Under what arrangement is my money protected during the construction project? The correct answer usually includes the word “trust.”
• Has the project been approved by Confotur, or is it still pending approval? It's not the same thing.
• What do the condominium rules allow regarding short-term rentals?
• What is the estimated maintenance fee, and what does it cover?

If you notice that a question causes discomfort rather than eliciting an answer, that discomfort is already information in itself. A real estate agency in Punta Cana that works with foreign buyers has these answers ready, because they’re asked these questions every week. The question should never be what the answer is, but why it took so long to come.

How do you verify what they tell you?

Almost everything important can be verified through official sources, without having to rely on the salesperson's word:

• You can check the property’s registration status at the Real Estate Registry. Step-by-step instructions on how to read that certificate can be found in “Title Deed: How to Verify It Before Signing.”
• The Confotur status of a development project can be checked on the Confotur (MITUR) website.
• The protection of funds during construction is verified by reviewing the trust agreement, not the brochure. How this arrangement works under Law 189-11 is explained in the section on real estate trusts in the Dominican Republic.

What are some signs that you shouldn't sign?

• They refuse to provide the condominium bylaws before the reservation is made.
• They promise a specific return on investment, either in writing or verbally.
• The security deposit is nonrefundable, and there is no contract explaining this.
• They can't tell you who the project trustee is.
• They are asking you to transfer funds to a personal account instead of a development or trust account.

That last point is the most serious of all. The mistakes that cost the most money in this area are listed in the section on the most common mistakes when buying an apartment in Punta Cana.

Does anything change if you shop online?

It varies quite a bit. If you’re not in the country, you’ll need a properly executed power of attorney, a traceable payment method, and someone to physically verify what you’re buying. The complete process for buyers who don’t reside in the Dominican Republic is outlined in “How to Buy as a Nonresident.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a real estate agency charge in Punta Cana?

For new construction, the commission is usually paid by the developer and is included in the list price, so the buyer does not pay a separate fee. It is advisable to confirm this in writing for each transaction.

Do I need a lawyer if I already have a real estate agent?

Yes. These are different roles, and it’s best for them to be filled by different people. The attorney reviews the title, contract, and tax structure, and is accountable to you.

How do I know if a real estate agency is reputable?

Because of their track record of on-time deliveries, the documentation they provide without having to be asked twice, and their willingness to have a third party review the transaction.

Can a real estate agency guarantee me a return on my investment?

Not in a responsible way. They can show you how it’s calculated and what factors influence it, but a guaranteed return on vacation rentals—in writing—is a red flag.

Do you work with international buyers?

This is the most common situation in this area. What changes is the process for signing and verification, not the right to purchase.

Let's talk before you sign

If you're comparing options and want an honest assessment of a project—including the parts that might not be in your best interest—please write to us. You can learn more about how we work on our About Us page or contact us through the Contact page.