What is the step-by-step buying process for purchasing real estate from abroad?

Buying property in Punta Cana can be handled 100% remotely through an independent attorney via a Power of Attorney (POA). The purchasing process follows four main stages:

Step 1: Reservation Agreement (Contrato de Reserva)

Once you select a property, you submit a formal reservation form along with a deposit—typically $1,000 to $5,000 USD—to take the unit off the market and lock in the purchase price.

Step 2: Legal Due Diligence & Promise of Sale (Promesa de Compraventa)

An independent real estate attorney conducts legal due diligence on the property (verifying title status, tax clearings, environmental permits, and developer credentials). Once verified, you sign the Promesa de Compraventa, which legally binds the buyer and developer, and pay the remaining initial down payment (usually 10% to 20% minus the initial reservation fee).

Step 3: Construction Installments / Payment Schedule

For pre-construction properties, you make structured payments during the construction period (e.g., 30% to 40% spread across monthly or quarterly installments over 12 to 24 months). The remaining balance (typically 50%) is due upon completion and delivery.

Step 4: Final Closing, Title Transfer, and Delivery

Upon completion, you perform a final walkthrough (in person or via video inspection), pay the final balance, sign the definitive contract (Contrato Definitivo), and your attorney submits the transfer documents to the Title Registry to issue the deed in your name.