Investing in Dominican Republic Beach Destinations: Punta Cana, Juan Dolio, Bayahibe and Las Terrenas

Api Beach, Cap Cana. Fuente: Cap Cana

The Dominican Republic offers very different coastal markets within a few hours of each other. Here is how four of them compare for buyers living abroad.

Why the Dominican Republic

The Ministry of Tourism reported 11,268,973 visitors through December 24, 2025, already above the 11,192,047 recorded in all of 2024. Punta Cana International Airport handled more than 11 million passengers in 2025, up 9.9%. In August 2024 the United States and the Dominican Republic signed an Open Skies agreement, which makes it easier to add flights between both countries.

Punta Cana

Punta Cana is the country's main tourism hub and home to its busiest airport. Buyers can find beachfront apartments, villas and pre-construction projects in areas such as Cap Cana, Bávaro, Vista Cana and Macao. Rental demand follows tourism, so location and access to the airport matter.

Juan Dolio

Juan Dolio is about 20 minutes from Las Américas International Airport and roughly 45 minutes east of Santo Domingo. It has a beachfront boulevard with condos, hotels and restaurants, and a quieter pace than the large resort areas. It suits buyers who want a beach home close to the capital.

Bayahibe

Bayahibe grew from a fishing village into a tourism hub, about 20 minutes from La Romana airport and roughly one hour from Punta Cana. Boat trips to Saona and Catalina islands leave from here, and it sits near Cotubanamá National Park and the Blue Flag beach at Dominicus. It is a good fit for buyers interested in marine tourism and nature.

Las Terrenas

Las Terrenas is on the Samaná Peninsula, about 2.5 hours from Santo Domingo. Its beaches include Playa Bonita, Cosón and Las Ballenas. It attracts couples, surfers and digital nomads, and has a strong international dining scene. El Catey airport is roughly 25 minutes away, and high season runs from December to April.

Buying as a foreigner

Foreigners have the same property rights as Dominicans, with no residency requirement and no need for a local partner. An independent lawyer is strongly recommended to verify that the title is clear. The transfer tax is 3% of the higher of the sale price or the DGII appraisal, and there is an annual property tax (IPI) of 1% on value above a threshold that is updated every year. Projects approved under CONFOTUR can be exempt from transfer tax and IPI for 15 years, but approval is granted project by project, so always verify it.

Talk to Rids Real Estate

Call or WhatsApp +1 829-341-2791 or +1 829-303-5514, or write to info@ridsrealestate.com. You can also browse our projects under construction and properties for sale.

This information is general and not legal or tax advice. Consult a lawyer before buying.