SANTO DOMINGO - For lawyer Reyna Echenique, the Central American Mortgage project is a transformative initiative that responds to the regional integration needs of the real estate sector.
He said that this instrument represents a natural evolution of market growth towards internationalization, facilitating transactions that currently face numerous bureaucratic and financial barriers.
“Attending the discussion in my capacity as secretary of the Board of Directors of the AEI, representing the sector, and also in my capacity as a lawyer and real estate agent, I consider the Central American Mortgage project a transformative initiative that responds to the regional integration needs of the real estate sector. This instrument represents a natural evolution of market growth toward internationalization, facilitating transactions that currently face numerous bureaucratic and financial barriers,” the businesswoman responded after participating in the discussion held at the Chamber of Deputies on Monday, April 28.
He said that the interconnection of real estate registries and the standardization of mortgage processes among the member countries of the Central American Integration System (SICA) constitute a significant advance in the modernization of the sector.
“From the perspective of Dominican real estate professionals, this project will allow us to expand operational horizons while raising service standards to international levels,” said Echenique, who participated in the panel “Benefits and opportunities of the Central American mortgage in the real estate market of the Dominican Republic.”.
Reyna Echenique during her participation in the panel. Fidel Pérez/El Inmobiliario.
Benefits
The CEO of Echenique Group also highlighted that for real estate professionals, the plan represents a strategic market expansion and the possibility of establishing regional alliances by leveraging membership in the Latin American Real Estate Confederation (CILA), positioning the Dominican Republic as a hub for real estate investments between Central America and the rest of Latin America.
“For consumers, it means access to better credit conditions with potentially more competitive rates and more flexible terms, as they can compare offers from across the region,” he commented.
For the financial sector, he added, it implies the possibility of diversifying risks and expanding its mortgage portfolio beyond national borders.
“Additionally, the simplification of procedures by eliminating requirements such as apostilles and the significant reduction of transaction costs represent immediate practical advantages for all market players.”.
Would it stimulate the real estate market and investments?
Reyna Echenique considered that without a doubt, the Central American Mortgage would act as a catalyst for the Dominican real estate market for several reasons.
The first one she cited was that it would attract international capital to real estate developments by facilitating cross-border financing, not only for residential units, but also for commercial, tourist, and real estate development projects
Secondly, he noted that it would diversify the offering by allowing Dominican investors to incorporate regional assets into their portfolios, reducing risks through geographical diversification.
He added as a third attraction that it would generate a stabilizing effect on real estate prices and contribute to the appreciation of assets, especially in areas with tourist potential.
“Fourth, it comes at a vital moment to reactivate the construction sector, which, according to recent data published by the Central Bank, experienced a 7.7% drop in the first two months of 2025. Access to new regional credit lines could be the boost we need to reverse this trend,” said the AEI representative.
From his perspective, the project is viable and necessary, although he acknowledges that its implementation will require coordinated efforts.
“The institutional support of PARLACEN and the Real Estate Registry Council of Central America, Panama and the Dominican Republic (CRICAP-RD) provides a solid framework for its development and would also strengthen legal security in real estate investments.”.
He specified that two countries have already ratified the Treaty, and the Dominican Republic has the opportunity to be the third, activating its entry into force.
He highlighted that there is a technological infrastructure under development for registry interconnection that will facilitate the operation of the system.
“We believe that to maximize its viability it is essential to promote sector awareness through dialogues with all actors in the real estate sector, implement an advance training plan for all professionals involved, establish a public-private commission to monitor its implementation, and conduct pilot tests in provinces with high tourism potential before expanding it nationally,” Echenique suggested.
He noted that the experience of partnering with CILA has shown that Latin American real estate markets are increasingly interconnected, and that the project formalizes and enhances a trend that is already underway, significantly increasing its chances of success.
