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Buy · Transaction costs · one-time closing

What it costs to close.

Beyond the sticker price, a DR purchase carries transfer tax, legal, notary, and title fees — roughly 5% of value. Under CONFOTUR the transfer tax is waived, cutting that to about 1.5%. Here's the full line-item picture.

Presets
Total closing costs
$13,745one-time
Transfer tax, legal, notary, and title fees on a $285,000 purchase — about 4.82% of price. CONFOTUR-certified properties skip the 3% transfer tax.
Of purchase price4.82%
Transfer tax$8,550
With CONFOTUR$5,195
  • Transfer tax62.2%$8,550
  • Legal / attorney20.7%$2,850
  • Notary10.4%$1,425
  • Title registration4.1%$570
  • Title search2.5%$350
Itemized
DETAIL
Transfer tax 3%$8,550
Legal / attorney 1%$2,850
Notary 0.5%$1,425
Title registration 0.2%$570
Title search$350
Total closing costs$13,745
Standard purchase

Without CONFOTUR

$13,745
4.8% of price · pays the 3% transfer tax
CONFOTUR-certified

With CONFOTUR

$5,195
1.8% of price · transfer tax waived
The CONFOTUR effect$8,550saved at closing · waived 3% transfer taxLifetime savings over 15 years ($24,000+) → CONFOTUR calculator
After you buyRecurring costsTaxes, insurance, HOA & upkeep → Ownership cost calculatorBuying with a mortgage?Cash to closeDown payment + closing + monthly payment → Financing calculator
Budget ~5% of the price for closing — or ~1.5% if the development carries CONFOTUR.
The 3% transfer tax (impuesto de transferencia) is the largest cost and the one CONFOTUR waives. Legal fees run 1–1.5%, notary ~0.5%, and title registration ~0.2%, plus a flat title-search fee. Foreign and resident buyers pay the same schedule; only financing adds a bank origination fee on the loan.
See lifetime CONFOTUR savings →

Questions people ask about this

How much does it cost to buy property in the Dominican Republic?

Total buyer closing costs typically range from 3.5% to 5% of the purchase price. This includes the 3% transfer tax (Impuesto de Transferencia), legal fees (~1%), notary fees (~0.5%), and title registration (~0.2%). CONFOTUR-certified properties eliminate the 3% transfer tax, reducing total closing costs to roughly 1.5–2%.

What is the transfer tax (Impuesto de Transferencia) in the DR?

The transfer tax is 3% of the government-assessed property value, paid by the buyer at closing. It is the single largest closing cost. Properties certified under the CONFOTUR tourism incentive program are fully exempt from this tax, saving buyers thousands of dollars.

Do I need a lawyer to buy property in the DR?

Yes, hiring an independent attorney is essential and standard practice. Your lawyer handles due diligence (title search, lien verification, boundary survey), drafts or reviews the Promesa de Venta (purchase agreement), and represents you at closing. Budget approximately 1% of the purchase price for legal fees. Never use the seller's attorney — always hire your own.

What is CONFOTUR and how does it reduce buying costs?

CONFOTUR (Consejo de Fomento Turístico) is a Dominican government incentive program under Law 158-01 that grants tax exemptions to qualifying tourism-related properties. Eligible buyers are exempt from the 3% transfer tax at purchase and the annual 1% IPI property tax for up to 15 years. On a $400,000 property, this can save over $40,000 over the exemption period.

Is the transfer tax based on my purchase price or the assessed value?

The 3% transfer tax is legally assessed on the government-appraised (cadastral) value, which can differ from your agreed purchase price — sometimes lower. This calculator estimates it against your purchase price as a conservative planning figure; your attorney will confirm the assessed value at closing.

Are closing costs different for foreigners vs. Dominican residents?

No. The Dominican Republic grants foreign nationals the same property rights and tax obligations as citizens. The transfer tax, legal fees, notary fees, and registration costs are identical regardless of nationality. The only difference is that DR residents may have an easier time obtaining local financing with lower down payment requirements.

Do I need a deslinde (boundary survey)?

A deslinde is a certified survey confirming exact property boundaries, required for villas, houses, and land parcels (roughly $500). Condos and apartments usually don't need one, since unit boundaries are defined by the condominium plan. Select the property type above and the calculator adds it only when it applies.

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Frequently asked questions

All questions →
What closing costs should I budget?

About 5% of the purchase price: 3% transfer tax, roughly 1–1.5% legal fees, plus notary and registration. On a CONFOTUR-approved property the transfer tax is waived, bringing it to about 1.5%.

Who pays the agent’s commission?

The seller, in nearly all cases. As a buyer your main costs are the transfer tax, your lawyer, and — if you finance locally — bank origination fees.

Do I really need a lawyer?

Yes — non-negotiable. Your lawyer verifies the certificado de título, checks for liens and encumbrances, runs due diligence on the seller or developer, and registers the transfer. Expect 1–1.5% of the price.

From the guide · Legal & taxClosing costs in the DR, explainedEvery fee between the handshake and the title in your name — with the CONFOTUR exception that saves 3%.Read the article →

Market data: Evalúa market model · updated May 2026

This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Actual costs vary by property, municipality, attorney, and transaction complexity. The transfer tax is based on the government-assessed value, which may differ from the purchase price. Consult with a licensed Dominican attorney before making purchase decisions. Cost estimates come from Evalúa's market model (see the data stamp above).