Titles with surprises
Mortgages, liens, oppositions, a pending survey (deslinde) or a seller who isn't the registered owner. We verify the property's real legal status before you pay.
Buying property in the Dominican Republic?
We protect your investment in the D.R. from start to finish.
We are your lawyer in the purchase: we review the property and the promise of sale, guide you through closing, and stay on your case until the Certificate of Title is in your name.
Attorney Hugo Bisonó del Orbe
12+ years of legal practice. I'll assist you in English or Spanish.
- 12+ yearsof legal practice
- PUCMM and UCLMLaw degree, master's in Spain
- Santo DomingoOffice at Biltmore II Tower
- English and SpanishTalk directly to your lawyer
Before you sign
The seller's lawyer works for the seller
Many foreign buyers rely on the developer's or the realtor's lawyer. We work only for you, and we don't take the brochure's word for it: we check the official certifications.
One-sided purchase agreements
Contracts that penalize the buyer for any delay and ask nothing of the seller. We review them clause by clause and negotiate the changes.
Transfers that never get finished
Buying property doesn't end with signing the contract or paying the price. Until the Certificate of Title is in your name, your investment isn't protected.
How we work
We're with you at every stage of your purchase
Hire us for the whole process or just for the stage you're in.
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Due diligence
We review the property's legal and cadastral status, who the registered owner is and whether there are liens, the construction (MIVED) and environmental permits, and that the seller is entitled to sell. You get a written report with findings, risks and recommendations.
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Purchase structure
We advise you on buying in your own name or through a company (SRL), and confirm whether the project has CONFOTUR. If you choose a company, we incorporate it and help you open the bank account.
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Promise of sale
We draft or review the promise of sale and negotiate what protects you: acknowledgment of all your payments, delivery dates, balanced penalties and resale conditions.
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Signing and closing
We're with you at the signing of the promise of sale and the final deed, with every payment identified and documented, as the tax authority (DGII) requires.
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Follow-up until delivery
We follow up on payments, documents and the delivery of the property, including with the developer, and keep you informed in English.
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Transfer and title
We handle the CONFOTUR exemption with the Ministry of Finance (if it applies), the tax clearance or payment with the DGII and the filing at the Land Registry, until you receive the final Certificate of Title in your name.
Taxes and structure
Pay only what's fair, with the right structure
How you buy determines what you pay today, and what you'll pay when you sell or when your heirs receive the property.
Tourism Development Law 158-01
- No 3% transfer tax.
- No annual property tax (IPI) if you buy as an individual.
- No asset tax on the property if you buy through a company.
Applies to the first buyer of the property within a certified project. Before you buy, we confirm the project is certified and that the certification covers your unit.
What to plan for
- 3% transfer tax, on the higher of the price or the DGII appraisal.
- 1% annual property tax (IPI) on the value above the exempt amount (individuals).
- 1% annual tax on assets (companies).
Fees
One flat fee, in writing, before we start
No hidden or additional charges. Taxes, such as the 3% transfer tax when there is no CONFOTUR, are separate from our fees. You can pay from abroad by bank transfer or credit card.
70%when we start
30%when you receive your Certificate of Title
Your first consultation is free
The person behind the firm
Attorney Hugo Bisonó del Orbe
Law graduate from Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), with a Master's Degree in Administrative Law and Municipal Management from the University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Spain.
12+ years of practice in civil, commercial and real estate litigation, corporate law and investment structuring. Founder of Bisonó del Orbe & Asociados.
“With Terra Law you speak directly with me, in English or Spanish, from the first consultation until you receive your title.”
Frequently asked questions
What buyers ask us most
Can a foreigner buy property in the Dominican Republic?
Yes. Foreigners can buy real estate in the Dominican Republic with the same rights as Dominican citizens, and you don't need residency to do it. What matters is verifying the property properly and completing the transfer until the title is in your name.
Do I need to travel to buy?
Not necessarily. Many purchases are completed with a power of attorney signed in your country and apostilled, so we can sign and handle the process on your behalf. We'll explain how it works in your case.
What taxes do I pay when buying?
If the property has no CONFOTUR: a 3% transfer tax (on the higher of the price or the DGII appraisal) and, every year, the property tax (IPI): 1% on the value above the exempt amount, for individuals. With CONFOTUR, the first buyer is exempt from both. Taxes are separate from our fees.
What is CONFOTUR?
It's the tourism incentive regime under Law 158-01 for approved tourism projects. If your property is in a certified project and you're the first buyer, you save the 3% transfer tax and the annual property tax. Before you buy, we confirm the certification is real and covers your unit.
Should I buy through a company (SRL)?
It depends on your plans. If you plan to resell or leave the property to your heirs, a holding company can save you the 3% transfer tax and preserve CONFOTUR benefits. We'll review it with you during the consultation.
How much do you charge?
One flat fee based on your case, given to you in writing before we start, with no hidden or additional charges: 70% when we start and 30% when you receive your Certificate of Title. Your first consultation is free.
Which areas do you cover?
The whole country, with a focus on the main tourist investment areas: Punta Cana, Bávaro and Cap Cana, Bayahibe, Samaná and Las Terrenas, Puerto Plata and Sosúa.
Free initial consultation
Let's talk about your purchase
Message me on WhatsApp, book a video call or leave your details. I'll reply personally.
Leave your details
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