By any measure, the Dominican Republic is a world-class tourist destination. With more than 10 million visitors in 2024, its appeal is clear. But beneath the palm trees and beachfront resorts, something deeper is unfolding: the DR is becoming one of the most dynamic and accessible lifestyle investment markets in the Western Hemisphere.
That shift is not just anecdotal. The data tells a compelling story: sustained economic growth, open property laws for foreigners, undervalued real estate relative to regional peers, booming tourism, and billions in infrastructure investment. For Americans and others seeking a second home, a legacy property, or a more intentional way of life, the DR offers a compelling mix of lifestyle and financial upside.
As Kathy Colon, Founder of Nova Lux DR Properties, puts it, “For our clients, it’s more about reclaiming freedom than a regular real estate transaction. We help people invest with intention — in homes, in income, and in a lifestyle that reflects what matters most.”
Here are five key facts that don’t make the headlines — but should.
1. The Dominican Republic Is the #1 Economy in the Caribbean
While many Caribbean nations rely heavily on a single sector like tourism or agriculture, the Dominican Republic has built a more diverse and resilient economy. It now generates nearly 40% of the Caribbean region’s total GDP, and it has outperformed the regional average for over a decade.
What’s driving it? A mix of tourism, construction, real estate, manufacturing, and service industries. It’s also the leading destination for foreign direct investment in the region, underscoring global investor confidence in its long-term outlook. For lifestyle buyers, this is more than a data point. It signals stability. In a region prone to economic volatility, the DR stands apart, offering not just beauty, but a solid foundation for growth.
2. Foreigners Can Own Property With Full Rights — No Residency Required
Unlike many international markets that impose restrictions, require local partnerships, or limit ownership duration, the Dominican Republic grants full property rights to foreign buyers.
You can title a property in your own name or through a Dominican corporation, depending on your tax and privacy preferences. There’s no requirement to live in the country, no sunset clauses, and no hidden ownership tiers. For those buying in government-designated tourism zones, inheritance and capital gains taxes are often fully exempt. This legal clarity and openness make the DR one of the most foreign-friendly property markets in Latin America, an increasingly rare quality in today’s geopolitical climate.
3. Real Estate Is Still Undervalued Compared to Regional Peers
In high-end Caribbean markets like Turks & Caicos, the Bahamas, or St. Barts, luxury property can cost between $2,000 and $3,000 per square foot and often more.
In contrast, prime real estate in the Dominican Republic averages between $150 and $500 per square foot, even in established resort areas. That’s a fraction of the cost for comparable views, amenities, and architecture elsewhere.
“This isn’t just about getting in early,” explains Kathy Colon, founder of Nova Lux DR Properties. “It’s about recognizing what the market is really worth and how much lifestyle and purpose your investment can support. Whether it’s a beachfront condo or a retreat in the hills, there’s still room to grow here.”
4. Tourism Is Booming — and So Is Rental Income
The Dominican Republic set a new record in 2024 with over 10 million tourist arrivals, making it the most-visited country in the Caribbean. That steady flow of visitors supports a healthy and maturing rental market, particularly in destinations like Punta Cana, Cabarete and Las Terrenas.
Unlike seasonal destinations, the DR benefits from 300+ days of sunshine per year and global connectivity, including direct flights from dozens of U.S. cities. Short-term vacation rentals perform well during peak travel seasons, while long-term rentals remain strong year-round, especially in areas with high expat or digital nomad populations. From passive income to flexible usage (many owners use their homes part of the year and rent them out the rest), the rental model adds real financial sustainability.
5. Billions in Infrastructure Are Opening Up the Next Wave of Growth
The Dominican government has committed billions to improving national infrastructure — from new highways linking the north and east coasts to expanded international airports, marina developments, and port upgrades.
These projects are more than cosmetic. They’re opening up underdeveloped regions and reshaping real estate timelines. Places like Miches and Samaná are already drawing attention from hotel groups, wellness retreat developers, and forward-looking homeowners who see what’s coming.
As access improves, property values in these regions are expected to rise, offering an opportunity for early-stage investment that aligns with broader national planning.
Rethinking Investment as a Form of Lifestyle Design
At Nova Lux DR Properties, clients are often not just looking for a second home. They’re looking for a second chapter. Some want to raise their families closer to nature. Others are seeking more balance. Some want to divest from traditional urban centers and put their resources into something that feels more aligned with their values.
The Dominican Republic is uniquely positioned to meet those goals. It offers affordability without sacrificing quality, sunshine without giving up structure, and investment opportunity without legal complexity.
Written in partnership with Tom White
