SANTO DOMINGO – When discussing the Dominican real estate sector, people generally think of properties and real estate agents, whose intermediary role connects buyers and sellers. However, real estate transactions involve a number of institutions that facilitate, process, and ultimately ensure the successful completion of the transaction.
We share the main entities involved in the process of buying and selling properties in the Dominican Republic:
The Real Estate Jurisdiction , considered the backbone of the property registration and dispute resolution system, is comprised of specialized courts, the National Directorate of Title Registration, the Directorate of Cadastral Surveys, and the Real Estate Commission. This jurisdiction ensures efficient processes, a reliable property registry, and the technical resolution of real estate disputes.
Another key entity is the Ministry of Tourism , which oversees and approves tourism and real estate projects, especially in the country's coastal areas. Its involvement ensures that the sector's growth remains aligned with environmental sustainability and economic development.
For its part, the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII) has a strategic role in the collection of taxes related to real estate transactions, the tax valuation of properties and the issuance of key certifications to complete purchase and sale processes.
The Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (MIVHED) concentrates functions related to the planning, regulation and supervision of housing projects, as well as the promotion of affordable and sustainable housing.
Meanwhile, the municipalities regulate land use, issue building and habitability permits, and ensure compliance with urban regulations at the municipal level.
The environmental dimension is represented by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources , which approves environmental impact studies, regulates projects in protected areas and promotes sustainable construction practices, ensuring that real estate growth does not compromise the natural environment.
In the professional sphere, the Association of Real Estate Agents and Companies (AEI) and the Dominican Association of Housing Builders and Developers (ACOPROVI) play a crucial role. The AEI promotes the professionalization of the sector, establishes ethical standards, and encourages the adoption of new training programs, while ACOPROVI represents the country's leading builders, fosters innovation, and actively participates in social housing initiatives.
Source: Real Estate from a Legal Perspective.
