SANTO DOMINGO– The Dominican real estate market is undergoing a transformation marked by increased demands and more meticulous vetting by clients. This was the assessment of architect Osman González, commercial director of Civilmek, in his analysis of the sector's current performance.
A market that has been impacted, but is evolving
Speaking to El Inmobiliario, the executive indicated that the sector's performance in recent years has been "bittersweet," as a result of the changes stemming from the pandemic, during which time the country experienced a significant boom in sales, driven by its positioning as a tourist and investment destination.
However, situations of non-compliance and delays subsequently arose in some projects, which impacted the confidence of local and foreign investors, he stated.
A new, more prepared customer profile
Given this scenario, the architect emphasized that today's client has evolved remarkably. "These days, buyers come much better prepared, better advised, and with a higher level of analysis before making decisions," he stated.
As he explained, investors are no longer swayed solely by renderings or visual presentations, but instead conduct more rigorous verification processes, including reviewing titles, permits, legal documentation, and the track record of the development companies.
Furthermore, he highlighted that it is now common for clients to be accompanied by professional teams, such as real estate lawyers and specialized advisors, which raises market standards.
Purging the real estate sector
González asserted that this change in customer behavior has led to a natural market cleansing.
In his opinion, companies with a track record, credibility and compliance have managed to strengthen themselves, while those with questionable practices have fallen behind.
“The market is becoming more selective. In the end, everyone in this sector knows each other, and that makes reputation a crucial factor,” he stated.
Increased sales and dynamism in 2026
Regarding recent performance, Osmán González highlighted that the current year has started with significant sales growth within Civilmek.
He indicated that this increase is largely due to the trust generated by the company over more than 25 years in real estate development, as well as the quality of its projects.
Among the examples mentioned, he noted that the District Residences project in Downtown has regained momentum after the start of construction, while Circle Residences has exceeded 70% of units sold, after starting the year with approximately 50%.
He also announced that the ABYA project, which has not yet been officially launched, already has several units reserved with payment, demonstrating the level of investor confidence.
Trust as the key to growth
The sales director highlighted that one of the main drivers of growth has been recommendations from satisfied customers.
“That’s the best marketing: when a client refers you to another because they fully trust your work,” he said.
This phenomenon has allowed us to consolidate a base of recurring customers who continue to invest in new developments.
An increasingly international market
González also highlighted the diversity of buyer profiles in the Dominican real estate market.
In addition to local investors, he noted a significant presence of Dominicans residing abroad, as well as international clients from countries such as the United States, Canada, Russia, Spain, and Colombia.
He explained that, while some markets, such as the European one, tend to be more demanding and analytical, transparency and compliance have been key factors in building trust and closing deals.
Challenges and international perception
Despite the progress, the executive acknowledged that a significant challenge remains in the country's international perception.
He indicated that, in many cases, negative situations affect the overall image of the destination, without distinction between projects or companies.
“Unfortunately, it’s generalized. People aren’t talking about specific cases, but about the country as a whole,” he said.
Industry Outlook
Finally, González expressed optimism about the future of the Dominican real estate market, highlighting that the process of streamlining and the greater demands of the client will contribute to strengthening the sector in the long term.
He stated that the combination of transparency, experience, and compliance will be key to maintaining growth and consolidating the confidence of both local and international investors.
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