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Moving to Cap Cana: What every buyer needs to know

Moving to Cap Cana: What every buyer needs to know

Cap Cana is where beachfront living meets high-end real estate opportunities.

Spanning more than 30,000 acres on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, Cap Cana is a private, master-planned community recognized as one of the most prestigious addresses in the Caribbean. Just 10 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport, you can easily access over 60 direct global routes. Moving to the Dominican Republic has never been this easy.

THE ALLURE OF CAP CANA

What draws people to Cap Cana? For many, it’s the perfect blend of tropical ease and refined indulgence, all within a secure, master-planned environment.

  • Climate and beachfront living: With year-round sunshine and average temperatures between 77°F and 88°F, Cap Cana offers an idyllic escape from harsher climates and an invitation to spend as much time outdoors. That lifestyle comes to life at Playa Juanillo, one of the Dominican Republic’s most beautiful beaches, located just minutes away.
  • Golf, yacht, and wellness: Cap Cana is home to Punta Espada, a Jack Nicklaus Signature course ranked among the top 5 in the Caribbean and Mexico. With sweeping ocean views and dramatic seaside holes, it’s easy to see why it’s a regional favorite. Nearby, Marina Cap Cana features 150 slips for yachts and sportfishing boats, along with full-service docking, waterfront dining, and boutique shopping.Wellness is woven into daily life here, with luxury spas and fitness centers scattered around the neighborhood.
  • Dining and private lifestyle: Upscale restaurants, boutique shops, equestrian clubs, and gated neighborhoods ensure a secure, quiet, and high-end lifestyle. Whether it’s fine dining at Sanctuary Cap Cana to oceanfront cocktails at Juanillo Grill and Beach Club, Cap Cana appeals to those who value privacy, service, and sophistication in equal measure.

 

Did you know?
Marina Cap Cana is one of the few in the Caribbean capable of accommodating yachts over 150 feet, making it a hub for international sportfishing tournaments and high-end nautical tourism.

REAL ESTATE 101: WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Moving to Cap Cana: What every buyer needs to know

Luxury villas and modern condominiums in Cap Cana offer high-end design, privacy, and direct access to world-class amenities.

Cap Cana continues to gain international attention for its premium properties, secure ownership rights for foreigners, and long-term investment potential. Whether you’re browsing houses for sale in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic or seeking a long-term villa investment, you’ll have a wide range of opportunities.

  • Property options: Cap Cana real estate includes waterfront villas, branded residences, and modern condos with full-service amenities. Expect entry pricing around $250,000, with high-end estates exceeding $5 million.
  • Why buyers choose Cap Cana: The community’s tax incentives, world-class amenities, and strong long-term value draw buyers from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Latin America.

CONFOTUR benefits

Designed to encourage foreign investment in tourism-related real estate projects, CONFOTUR has helped position Cap Cana as a secure and rewarding destination for long-term ownership. Qualifying properties come with valuable incentives, including a 15-year exemption from property tax, no transfer tax on title, and no capital gains tax on sale.

BUYING IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC AS A FOREIGNER

Purchasing property in the Dominican Republic is relatively straightforward, it doesn’t follow the same systems U.S., Canadian, or European buyers may be familiar with. Here’s what you need to know.

  • No central MLS or mandatory licensingThe Dominican Republic doesn’t have a centralized Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and national licensing requirements for real estate professionals. Listings are often scattered across various platforms, and agents may operate independently. This can lead to duplicate properties, inconsistent pricing, and varying levels of oversight.
  • Working with a reputable agent is essentialIn this environment, having a trusted and well-connected agent by your side is key. The right advisor can help cross-check listings across brokerages and developers, coordinate with vetted attorneys to verify titles and contracts, and help you avoid the common pitfalls of buying Cap Cana real estate.

    Because transparency can vary from one listing to the next, expert guidance ensures your purchase aligns with local regulations and your long-term goals.

 

Did you know?
Foreigners can own property in Cap Cana with full title rights. Ownership is 100% legal, and titles are registered directly in the buyer’s name—no residency or local partnership required.

PRACTICAL MOVING TIPS FOR EXPATS

Moving to the Dominican Republic takes more than packing a suitcase. Here’s how to make the transition smoother and more informed.

Residency and visa requirements

Tourists can stay up to 30 days (extendable to 120), but long-term residents should explore temporary or permanent residency options. The process includes background checks, medical exams, and income verification.

Shipping, banking, and healthcare

  • Shipping: Use international movers familiar with Dominican customs and procedures.
  • Banking: Open a local account to streamline utilities and household payments.
  • Healthcare: Cap Cana residents have access to private hospitals and clinics, many of which offer high standards of care at competitive rates.

Temporary accommodations and cultural readiness

Before settling in permanently, many expats rent short-term within the community. It’s a low-pressure way to explore neighborhoods, meet fellow residents, and get a feel of everyday life in Cap Cana.

 

Did you know?
You don’t need to be fluent in Spanish to live comfortably in Cap Cana. English is widely spoken—especially in real estate, healthcare, and hospitality—and many expats ease into local life while picking up conversational Spanish along the way.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Where can I find homes for sale in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic?

A: There’s no central MLS, so listings appear across brokerages, developer sites, and property platforms. A trusted local agent is your best source. You can browse this website for accurate, up-to-date options.

Q: What taxes and fees should I expect when buying?

A: Most purchases include 3% transfer tax, unless the property qualifies under the CONFOTUR law, which waives that and annual property taxes for up to 15 years. Legal fees, title verification, and notary fees should also be budgeted.

Q: Do I need to be a resident to buy property in Cap Cana?

A: No. Foreigners can legally buy property without residency. Still, moving to the Dominican Republic full-time is easier with residency for banking, healthcare, and tax compliance.

MAKE YOUR MOVE TO CAP CANA WITH JELENA

In a market where transparency and local insight matter, having the right advisor by your side is absolutely essential.

Jelena Golubovic, founder of Jelena Estate and a top agent with Coldwell Banker Prime Realty, works closely with buyers at every stage, from first inquiry to final signature. You’ll get personalized guidance, deep local insight, and trusted referrals to ensure your purchase is 100% secure.

Ready to explore houses for sale in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic? Call Jelena today at 809.351.5863 or email her to schedule an appointment.

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