Two bedrooms require at least 37 m² and three bedrooms, 48 m².
SANTO DOMINGO – Low-cost housing in the Dominican Republic must meet officially established minimum square footage requirements. According to information available on the website of the Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (MIVHED), a two-bedroom unit must have at least 37 square meters, while three-bedroom units require a minimum of 48 square meters.
These dimensions are part of the basic requirements for a project to qualify for the low-cost housing program. According to the institution, the minimum size ensures that the dwelling has the essential spaces for family life and meets the habitability standards established by the institution.
The agency explains that these requirements aim to ensure that, even for housing intended for low-income sectors, structural quality and functional design are not compromised. For this reason, square footage is one of the first elements evaluated when classifying a project.
Required internal distribution
The information available on the portal indicates that the internal layout should make the most of every square meter, prioritizing functionality. In the case of homes with a minimum size of 37 m², the layout should integrate the living and dining areas into a single space to optimize the area.
The agency explains that these units must include a functional kitchen, a full bathroom, and two bedrooms with adequate ventilation. The design aims to ensure that, even with limited square footage, the dwelling maintains appropriate conditions for family use.
For the minimum 48 m² apartments, corresponding to three bedrooms, a third, compact bedroom is added, maintaining the same shared space layout in the common areas. The goal is for the apartments to accommodate larger families without sacrificing functionality.
The MIVHED also highlights the importance of having cross ventilation, natural lighting and strategically located washing areas, elements that are part of the basic distribution guidelines in projects of this type.
Requirements and classification
In addition to square footage and layout, MIVHED publications indicate that housing can only be considered low-cost if its price does not exceed the official price ceiling established for the corresponding year. For 2025, that limit is RD$5,193,655.47, according to the current framework.
The ministry notes that the classification is carried out within the provisions of Law 189-11, which regulates housing trusts and facilitates access to financing and tax benefits for buyers. These elements are part of the administrative processes necessary for the project to be officially recognized.
Developers are also required to complete the relevant documentation, including registration with the appropriate authorities and formal application for qualification. These steps ensure transparency and prevent misuse of the "low-cost" category.
The MIVHED explains on its website that these criteria allow for maintaining a uniform standard throughout the national territory, ensuring that the designation is granted only to projects that meet the conditions required by the regulations
Project management and control
According to information available in MIVHED's guides and documents, project planning and monitoring also influence the success of low-cost housing. The institution points out that accurately identifying initial costs helps prevent increases that could raise the final price above the permitted limit.
The organization also emphasizes the importance of efficient resource management, process optimization, and continuous monitoring during execution. These practices ensure that the project maintains financial control and meets established criteria without sacrificing quality.
Finally, MIVHED reports that the joint compliance of square footage, price, documentation and distribution guarantees that a home can be classified within this regime, allowing families to access more affordable and regulated housing solutions.
