SANTO DOMINGO – As fundamental pillars of the Dominican economy, the real estate and construction sectors maintain their prominence on the national agenda. Therefore, in the 12th edition of El Inmobiliario print edition), we highlight seven news stories that have impacted the industry in recent months:
Work stoppage
On September 7, the Ministry of Labor reported that during special operations at construction sites in the National District, 15 projects were halted due to a lack of safety and health regulations that endangered the physical integrity of the workers.
New Mivhed rates
The Ministry of Housing, Habitat, and Buildings (Mivhed) announced on August 20 new adjustments to the fees for processing building plans and inspecting private buildings. The agency explained that the measure was taken to protect the lives and property of the population through broader, more timely, and rigorous oversight at all stages of the construction process.
Rental law enacted
In mid-August, the Executive Branch enacted Law 85-25 on Real Estate Rentals and Evictions, which had been definitively approved by the Chamber of Deputies on the 5th of that same month. The Dominican Association of Housing Builders and Developers (Acoprovi) expressed its satisfaction, highlighting in a statement that “this new legislation constitutes a significant milestone for strengthening the real estate market in our country.”.
New Penal Code
On August 3, the Executive Branch enacted the new Penal Code, which replaces the legal framework that had been in place since 1884, and which will begin to be applied from 2026. The new legislation includes the classification of new crimes such as femicide, contract killing, cyberbullying, economic violence, the dissemination of deepfakes for blackmail purposes, among others.
Tourism is growing
Dominican tourism continues its steady growth, receiving 8,005,257 visitors between January and August, representing a 49% increase compared to the same period in 2019, a 13% increase compared to 2023, and a 2.8% increase compared to last year. David Collado, Minister of Tourism, stated that during the first eight months of the year, the country received 6,085,053 visitors by air, a 2% increase over the previous year.
Republic of Colombia
In July, the government presented the "Road and Environmental Solution: Avenida República de Colombia and its surroundings" project, an initiative that combines modern road infrastructure with environmental restoration. During an event held at the National Botanical Garden, José Ignacio Paliza, Minister of the Presidency, explained that the investment will exceed RD$9 billion.
Baní Ring Road
With an investment of 7.7 billion pesos, the government inaugurated the Baní Bypass in July, in the province of Peravia, located in the south of the country. The road is 19.8 kilometers long and includes 17 bridges.
Originally published in the printed edition of El Inmobiliario (Issue #12).
