We Built a House in the Dominican Republic – Series 2 Part #1

Welcome back to our journey! We’re excited to launch the second series of “We Built a House in the Dominican Republic”—this time following Calvin and Jana as they begin construction of their dream home on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic.

Like so many people, Calvin and Jana dreamed of living close to the ocean. In the United States, the cost of beachfront property, insurance, and property taxes was simply too high for their retirement budget. After visiting Jamaica in 2024, they turned their eyes to the Caribbean and discovered a hidden gem: the Dominican Republic.

This article follows their adventure while also showcasing why more and more retirees, investors, and digital nomads are choosing to buy real estate in the Dominican Republic.

Why Choose the Dominican Republic for Real Estate?

When Calvin and Jana explored their options, they focused on key factors anyone considering relocation should look at:

• ✅ Cost of living
• ✅ Quality of life and healthcare
• ✅ Property prices
• ✅ Residency requirements
• ✅ Property taxes
• ✅ Flight access & proximity to the U.S.
• ✅ Culture, safety, and local economy

They also did what smart buyers do—research. From YouTube channels to podcasts and expat forums, they consistently found glowing reviews about real estate opportunities on the Dominican Republic’s North Coast.

Location Matters: Finding the Best Place to Buy

The Dominican Republic spans 48,310 km² with more than 1,576 km of coastline. Whether you prefer vibrant cities like Santo Domingo, the lush Cibao Valley, or world-class tourist hubs like Punta Cana, the choices are endless.

Yet, for many expats and investors, the North Coast of the Dominican Republic is the clear favorite. With pristine beaches, lush mountains, a thriving expat community, and modern infrastructure, this stretch from Puerto Plata to Cabrera has become one of the most desirable places in the Caribbean to live and invest.

Click here to learn about the Process and Laws around Buying Property In The DR

Spotlight on North Coast Communities

🌴 Costambar: Tranquil Beachfront Living

Just 10 minutes from Puerto Plata, Costambar real estate is a hidden gem. This gated community offers a beach, golf course, shops, and restaurants—all within walking distance. Property types range from affordable condos to villas and houses with ocean views, making it ideal for retirees, digital nomads, and investors alike.

🌆 Puerto Plata City: Historic Charm Meets Opportunity

With cruise ports, private schools, shopping, and hospitals, Puerto Plata real estate delivers both lifestyle and investment potential. From colonial homes to oceanfront condos on Puerto Plata’s famous Malecon, the city offers strong rental demand and excellent long-term growth.

🏖️ Playa Dorada: Prestigious Gated Beachfront Community

A golden-sand beach, a Robert Trent Jones golf course, and luxury condos define Playa Dorada real estate. Secure, convenient, and highly rentable, it’s perfect for vacation homes or investment properties.

🌊 Sosúa: A Vibrant International Community

With two beaches, supermarkets, restaurants, and a thriving expat scene, Sosúa real estate remains one of the hottest markets on the North Coast. Buyers can choose from gated villas, condos, and Airbnb-style properties with excellent rental returns.

🌬️ Cabarete: Water Sports Capital of the Caribbean

Globally famous for kiteboarding and surfing, Cabarete real estate attracts international buyers seeking vacation homes, investment condos, and luxury oceanfront villas. High rental demand and a dynamic community make Cabarete one of the Dominican Republic’s most sought-after markets.

🌅 Río San Juan: Untapped Potential

Known for Laguna Gri-Gri and Playa Caletón, Río San Juan real estate offers affordability and growth potential. With eco-lodges, villas, and land opportunities, it’s a smart pick for investors looking ahead.

🏡 Cabrera: Exclusive Luxury Living

Favored by high-net-worth buyers, Cabrera real estate features oceanfront estates, luxury villas, and gated communities. Its proximity to Playa Grande and unmatched privacy make it a premier destination for luxury property investment.

Building Your Dream Home in the Dominican Republic

Buying an existing villa or condo is a great option—but many investors, like Calvin and Jana, are also choosing to build custom homes in the Dominican Republic. Land is still affordable compared to other Caribbean islands, and new construction allows for modern designs, ocean views, and strong resale value.

The Importance of Due Diligence

Not all agents are created equal. While there are excellent professionals on the North Coast, there are also some that fall short on transparency. That’s why due diligence is crucial.

At DR Property Guys, we pride ourselves on being a boutique, service-focused real estate company with more than 50 years of combined experience on the North Coast. We go beyond property tours—helping clients set up bank accounts, utilities, furniture shopping, and even connecting with the local community.

Whether you’re buying a condo in Sosúa, a beachfront villa in Cabarete, land in Río San Juan, or building a custom estate in Cabrera, we’re here to guide you from start to finish.

Why Invest in Real Estate in the Dominican Republic?

• 🌴 Affordable Caribbean lifestyle compared to the U.S. and other islands
• 🏖️ Pristine beaches and natural beauty
• 💼 High rental demand from tourists, snowbirds, and digital nomads
• 🛫 Easy access from North America and Europe
• 📈 Strong ROI potential in a growing market

Work with DR Property Guys

At DR Property Guys, we don’t just sell real estate—we help people build a lifestyle. Whether you’re searching for Dominican Republic real estate for sale, planning to buy property on the North Coast, or considering building your dream home in Sosúa, Cabarete, or Cabrera, we’ve got you covered.

👉 Explore listings and guides at DRPropertyGuys.com

📲 Call/WhatsApp: +1 (829) 503-6102 or +1 (849) 876-1995

🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for real estate updates, lifestyle videos, and inside tips on living in the Dominican Republic.

✅ If you’ve enjoyed this article, don’t forget to hit “share”—you never know who else might be dreaming of a Caribbean home!