When it comes to projects under construction and completed properties, there isn't a single best option. There's one that fits your timeline, your capital, and your need for income—and another that doesn't.
Projects under construction are purchased at a lower price and paid for in installments, with no bank interest during construction, but they don’t generate a single peso until they’re delivered and the risk of completion is transferred to the buyer. A completed property costs more and requires the bulk of the capital up front, but you can see it, measure it, and put it to work the very next month. The decision boils down to three questions: How soon do you need income? How much capital do you have available today versus in two years? And how much uncertainty can you tolerate? If you need income soon, buy a completed property. If your time horizon is several years and you want the best initial price, a presale makes sense—provided there’s a verified escrow account.
What are the benefits and risks of each option?
| Criterion | Pre-sale (projects under construction) | Completed property |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Minor | Major |
| Payment Method | Paid in installments during construction | Sign in bold |
| Interest for the period | None to the developer | A mortgage from day one, if you take out a loan |
| Unit Selection | The entire plant is available | What Remained |
| Product Assurance | Renderings and descriptive report | You see it and touch it |
| Time to First Admission | Months or years | Immediate |
| Execution Risk | It exists; it is covered by a trust and a contract | Virtually zero |
| Valuation Window During Construction | Possible, but not guaranteed | Not applicable |
| Closing Costs | Upon delivery | At the time of purchase |
Are projects under construction a better fit for you, or would you prefer to buy a finished home?
Buy during the presale if:
- Your time horizon is three years or more.
- You don't need rental income in the short term.
- You have the monthly cash flow to cover the payments, but you don't have the full principal amount available today.
- You want to choose the floor, orientation, and view.
- You can handle a delivery delay without it throwing you off financially.
The purchase is complete if:
- You need the asset to generate revenue starting in the first month.
- You have the funds available now.
- Do you want to see exactly what you're buying, including finishes and actual views?
- You're going to use it yourself next season.
- You'd rather pay more in exchange for eliminating the risk of foreclosure.
How does the financial calculation change?
The difference isn't just in price; it's in when the money comes in and goes out.
With a presale, your capital is paid in installments throughout the construction period. That means part of your money remains available or continues to earn a return elsewhere during that time, which has real value. In exchange, the property generates no income during that entire period.
With a turnkey project, you pay everything up front but start receiving income right away. If you're going to rent it out, every month of delay in a presale is a month of lost income.
To make a fair comparison, calculate both scenarios using the same metrics. You can find instructions on how to do this—including the four formulas and a complete example—in the section on how to calculate the actual return on an apartment.
What protects your money in construction projects?
This is the non-negotiable part. In the Dominican Republic, the legal structure is an administrative trust governed by Law 189-11: your contributions go into a separate trust fund, managed by a supervised trust company, earmarked exclusively for the project’s completion, and beyond the reach of the developer’s creditors.
Without an escrow account, your position depends solely on the contract and the financial stability of the builder. You can find out how to verify this and what questions to ask the escrow agent in the article on real estate escrow, as well as the complete pre-sale checklist for buying an off-plan apartment.
Also check the project's Confotur status in the MITUR registry: the ITBI exemption affects your closing budget.
What about the construction projects that are already well underway?
There is a middle ground that many buyers overlook: buying into a development that is already 60% or 80% complete.
- The price is usually higher than the introductory price but lower than the final price.
- The execution risk is much lower: the structure has already been built.
- You can see the actual building, not just the rendering.
- The lead time until delivery is short and predictable.
For many buyers, it offers the best balance between price and certainty. Always ask what stage of construction each available unit is in—not just the price.
What are the prizes for each category today?
In our portfolio, with prices published and verified on August 5, 2026, the entry-level price is around US$154,900 at Coral Golf Resort in Cabeza de Toro and US$326,000 for residential properties in Cap Cana. Each development has its own construction phase and payment plan, and that is the first figure to compare across projects—even before considering the price per square meter. The complete portfolio can be found under “Projects.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy from projects currently under construction?
Generally speaking, yes, because the buyer provides financing for the project and assumes the risk of its execution. This isn't a rule: in high-demand projects, the final phases may be priced above the initial listing price.
How long does it take for construction projects to be completed?
It depends on the development and its stage. What matters isn't the estimated completion date they give you verbally, but rather the contractual completion date and the late-delivery penalty specified in the contract.
What happens if the project isn't completed?
If the project is operated under a trust in accordance with Law 189-11, your contributions are held in a separate trust fund designated for the project’s completion and are beyond the reach of the developer’s creditors. Without a trust, your position depends on the contract.
Can I sell my unit before delivery?
In many projects, the contract can be assigned before delivery, but this depends on what the contract allows and whether the developer charges a commission for the assignment. Confirm this in writing before signing.
What should I do if I want to rent as soon as possible?
A completed property, or a project at a very advanced stage. Every month of construction is a month without income, and that opportunity cost rarely shows up in price comparisons.
At Garrigó Real Estate, we show you what stage each project is in and compare the two scenarios with your numbers before you make a decision.
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