SANTO DOMINGO– The construction, real estate, and tourism sectors experienced an intense 2025 with events that shook society. Some had a positive impact, others transcended borders because they allegedly sought to bring order, while some, like the collapse of the Jet Set, became part of the sad chapters of recent Dominican history. We reproduce 12 impactful events experienced by the country in 2025, originally published in El Inmobiliario :
Economy grew 5%
In 2024, the country achieved a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 5.0%, establishing itself as a regional leader, as reported earlier this year by the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic.
Cheetah
In February, the Public Prosecutor's Office dismantled a network allegedly dedicated to selling nonexistent properties through Novasco Real Estate, affecting more than 130 people and defrauding them of approximately US$18 million. Several people have been charged in connection with the case and are currently under pretrial detention.
Giant investment
Alex Rodriguez, former Major League Baseball star, announced alongside David Collado, Minister of Tourism, an investment that will exceed one billion dollars and will add around 600 rooms between villas and high-end apartments in Rio San Juan.
Jet Set
On April 8, the roof of the iconic Jet Set nightclub collapsed, killing 233 people and injuring around 200. The collapse occurred while merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who died in the collapse, was performing at the club's traditional Monday night party.
Supplier Registration
The executive director of Pro Consumidor, Eddy Alcántara, announced in May the creation of a real estate provider registry that will seek to eradicate scams in real estate transactions in the country.
Republic of Colombia
In July, the Government presented the project “Road and Environmental Solution: Republic of Colombia Avenue and its surroundings”, an intervention that will be carried out in an estimated period of 24 months, with an investment that will exceed RD$9,000 million.
New Penal Code
The Executive Branch enacted the new Penal Code on August 3, which replaces the legal regime that had been in place since 1884, and which will begin to be applied from August 2026.
Baní Ring Road
With an investment of 7.7 billion pesos, the Government inaugurated the Baní Bypass in July, in the province of Peravia, with a length of 19.8 kilometers and 17 bridges.
Work stoppage
In September, the Ministry of Labor reported the suspension of 15 construction projects due to a lack of safety and health conditions that endangered the physical integrity of the workers.
New Mivhed rates
The Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (Mivhed) announced in August new adjustments to the fees for processing plans and inspecting private buildings.
Rental law
In mid-August, the Executive Branch enacted Law 85-25 on Real Estate Rentals and Evictions.
Chinese shops
Mivehd closed more than 10 Chinese-owned stores in September due to violations of building regulations.
