Interoperability between the courts and the Property Registry has created an unprecedented technical and legal barrier in Dominican history.
SANTO DOMINGO– The Dominican Republic has implemented a series of initiatives that currently strengthen legal security in real estate investments. Authorities responsible for enforcing regulations that prevent malpractice within the system attest to this, highlighting the technological tools and instruments designed for this purpose.
Through the presentation of the "Plan for the Optimization of Real Estate Jurisdiction," representatives of the judicial branch assured that the Dominican nation now has a more robust legal security than ever before, after highlighting the technological and legal tools specifically designed to neutralize criminal activities and dismantle real estate mafias.
Ricardo Noboa, general administrator of the Real Estate Registry, and Anselmo Alejandro Bello Ferreras, judge of the Supreme Court of Justice, guaranteed that preventive legal security is more robust today than ever before, although they clarified that it depends on the user to utilize the available tools.
Also present was Judge Catalina Ferreras, president of the Superior Land Court of the Department, and all agreed on the guarantees that exist in the country for investments.
They explained that both domestic and foreign investors can conduct real estate transactions with confidence, as the country offers sufficient guarantees against fraud. This protection is not just an empty promise, but is supported by a digital infrastructure that allows citizens to "see beyond" what a seller might show them.
Buyer's omissions
Authorities indicated that most cases classified as "fraud" typically stem from buyer oversights in the initial stages of the transaction. They stated that, with current tools, the government aims to ensure investors have preventative legal safeguards.
"Today we already have the tools to prevent such actions by investors. It is up to them to use them and to know how much confidence they can have in the business," explained Judge Bello Ferreras.
He further stated that, while mafias will always look for loopholes, the interoperability between the courts and the Property Registry has created an unprecedented technical and legal barrier in Dominican history.
Investor due diligence
Experts warn that, to avoid a costly divorce, investors should "do their homework" and study the full "iceberg" of the property before signing.
They argue that the concept of due diligence is often misinterpreted, as many buyers believe that obtaining a certificate of the property's legal status is sufficient. "That's just the tip of the iceberg," they warn. "If a foreigner comes and doesn't do their homework, doesn't study, they're going to fail the test," stated Judge Bello Ferreras, calling for buyer responsibility.
Technology and agility
One of the most innovative features is the use of digital signatures. The goal is to ensure that the excitement of tourists who fall in love with a property isn't dampened by slow bureaucratic procedures. The integration of this technology aims to allow investors to complete their due diligence and sign the contract quickly before leaving the country.
To facilitate this process, the Land Registry has made the Parcel Consultation service available to the public . This is an open-access service on its website that works as simply as Google Maps, allowing users to verify the location and boundaries of land immediately.
Judge Bello stressed that national development cannot become a reality without providing guarantees and efficient access to those who invest in properties with a tourism vocation.
"If we cannot provide guarantees, access and legal security, it is not possible for the country to move towards true development," he emphasized.
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