What is a Certificate of Title?

The Certificate of Title ('Certificado de Título') is the official government-issued document that proves you are the legal owner of your property. It is registered in the Dominican Republic's Title Registry Office and provides undeniable proof of ownership, free and clear of any unrecorded claims.

Are there any restrictions on foreign ownership?

No. The Dominican Republic allows foreigners to own property with the same rights and protections as Dominican citizens. You can hold the title in your personal name, a trust, or a corporation, and there is no requirement for local partnership or residency to buy, own, or sell property.

How long does the entire purchase process take?

For a pre-construction property like Moon Garden 2, the process is phased. The initial steps of reservation and signing the promise of sale can be completed in a few weeks. The final steps, including signing the final contract and title registration, occur upon the project's completion, which for Moon Garden 2 is scheduled for September 2027.

Buying process

The Process of Buying Property in the Dominican Republic

Published August 30, 2026 5 min read

The process for buying property in the Dominican Republic is a clear, legally defined sequence managed by a local attorney, allowing foreigners to secure full freehold title to homes like the residences at Moon Garden 2. From the initial reservation to receiving your registered title deed, the system is designed to be secure and transparent for international buyers.

What are the steps to buying a condo at Moon Garden 2?

For a pre-construction project like Moon Garden 2, the purchase process is a structured journey that aligns with the development's construction timeline, culminating in the delivery of your residence in September 2027. The entire process is overseen by your own Dominican real estate attorney, who represents your interests at every stage.

Reservation Agreement
The first step is to sign a Reservation Agreement to take your chosen unit off the market. This document outlines the basic terms and is the first formal step toward owning one of the 108 residences at Moon Garden 2.
Attorney Due Diligence
Once you engage a local attorney, they will conduct comprehensive due diligence. This includes a title search to verify the property is free of liens, a review of the developer's permits, and confirmation of the project's CONFOTUR status, which is a key benefit for buyers at Moon Garden 2.
Promise of Sale Contract
Following successful due diligence, you will sign a notarized 'Contrato de Promesa de Venta' (Promise of Sale). This is the main binding contract between you and the developer, Gesproin Group. It details the property specifications, purchase price, and the construction timeline.
Final Contract and Delivery
Upon the completion of construction, a 'Contrato de Venta Definitivo' (Final Contract of Sale) is signed. This happens at the time of delivery, scheduled for September 2027, when you are ready to take possession of your turnkey residence.
Title Registration
Your attorney registers the final sales contract with the Dominican Republic's Title Registry Office. The office then issues a Certificate of Title ('Certificado de Título') in your name, which is the official, undeniable proof of your full freehold ownership.

Who are the key professionals involved in a purchase?

Navigating a real estate purchase in the Dominican Republic involves a few key professionals. Understanding their roles helps ensure a smooth and secure transaction.

Your Real Estate Attorney (Abogado): This is the most important professional on your team. An independent attorney represents your interests exclusively. They conduct due diligence, review and explain all contracts, and manage the title registration process. Their role is to protect you, the buyer.

Notary Public (Notario): In the Dominican Republic, a Notary Public is a government-appointed lawyer who acts as a neutral official to witness and authenticate legal documents, such as the Promise of Sale. Their function is to certify the authenticity of signatures and the legality of the act, not to provide legal advice to either party.

The Developer (Vendedor): As the seller, the developer is responsible for delivering the property as specified in the contract. Moon Garden 2 is developed by Gesproin Group, a firm with a portfolio of 21 projects in Punta Cana since 2017.

Daylight rendering of the curved low-rise residence building at Moon Garden 2 seen across the main pool; its 108 residences are due in 2027.

What closing costs and taxes are involved?

Understanding the taxes and fees associated with a purchase is crucial. However, as a buyer at a CONFOTUR-approved project like Moon Garden 2, you benefit from significant exemptions on the largest costs.

Standard closing costs and the effect of CONFOTUR exemptions at Moon Garden 2.
Cost	Standard Rate	Impact for a Moon Garden 2 Buyer
Property Transfer Tax (ITPI)	3% of property value	<strong>Exempt.</strong> First-time buyers at CONFOTUR projects do not pay this tax.
Annual Property Tax (IPI)	1% on property value	<strong>Exempt (for the term).</strong> The law provides a 15-year exemption for the project. This tax is also only levied on value above a high, annually adjusted threshold.
Legal Fees	Varies (agreed with attorney)	Payable to your chosen attorney for their services (due diligence, contract review, title registration).
Notary & Filing Fees	Minor fixed fees	Small administrative costs for notarizing documents and registering the title.

How does Moon Garden 2's CONFOTUR status work?

Moon Garden 2 is a CONFOTUR-approved project under Dominican Law 158-01 on Tourism Development. This law provides significant tax incentives to encourage investment in tourism zones like Punta Cana. For a first buyer of a new property, these benefits are substantial.

The two primary advantages are:

Exemption from the 3% Transfer Tax: This tax is normally due when a property title is transferred to a new owner. The exemption provides an immediate saving at closing.
Exemption from the 1% Annual Property Tax (IPI): The law grants qualifying projects a fifteen-year exemption from IPI. It is important to note this tax is only levied on the value of properties above a generous, inflation-adjusted threshold. Your attorney will handle the necessary filings to ensure the exemption is recorded on your title.

These benefits apply only to the first purchaser of the property from the developer and are a key reason why new construction in designated tourist areas is so attractive to international investors.

Can I complete the purchase without traveling to Punta Cana?

Yes, the entire purchase process for a Moon Garden 2 condo can be managed remotely from your home country. This is a common and well-established practice for international buyers in the Dominican Republic.

This is typically achieved by granting a 'Poder,' or Power of Attorney (POA), to your legal representative in the Dominican Republic. This document can be limited specifically to the real estate transaction, authorizing your attorney to sign contracts and other necessary documents on your behalf. The process for notarizing a POA from abroad is straightforward and your attorney can guide you through the steps required in your country, which usually involves a local notary and an apostille.

For a pre-construction project with a September 2027 delivery, this allows you to secure your residence and complete all legal formalities without the need for immediate travel.

Common questions

What is a Certificate of Title?: The Certificate of Title ('Certificado de Título') is the official government-issued document that proves you are the legal owner of your property. It is registered in the Dominican Republic's Title Registry Office and provides undeniable proof of ownership, free and clear of any unrecorded claims.
Are there any restrictions on foreign ownership?: No. The Dominican Republic allows foreigners to own property with the same rights and protections as Dominican citizens. You can hold the title in your personal name, a trust, or a corporation, and there is no requirement for local partnership or residency to buy, own, or sell property.
How long does the entire purchase process take?: For a pre-construction property like Moon Garden 2, the process is phased. The initial steps of reservation and signing the promise of sale can be completed in a few weeks. The final steps, including signing the final contract and title registration, occur upon the project's completion, which for Moon Garden 2 is scheduled for September 2027.