Bávaro Rental Yields: 8-12% Annually in Punta Cana
Let’s be straight. An 8-12% annual return on holiday rentals sounds like a fairy tale. But in Bávaro, with the numbers in hand, it’s real. And at Salado Golf & Beach, a new residential development by White Sands, Punta Cana, it’s being designed to squeeze every last drop out of those yields. All while living that thing they call slow living, with the Caribbean as your backdrop.
What makes this market so attractive
In 2025, the Dominican Republic received nearly 12 million tourists. A record. The vast majority landed in Punta Cana. And when you have that level of demand without enough luxury accommodation, occupancy soars. I’ve seen occupancy figures of 80% in high season, easily. So the profitability isn’t magic: it’s supply and demand with a premium focus.
Bávaro already concentrates the most exclusive resorts. But today’s tourist is looking for something different: apartments with character, amenities like a spa or golf, and an experience without the hassle of a resort. That European traveller profile is willing to pay higher rates. And new-build properties, like those at Salado Golf & Beach, let quickly and allow you to play with pricing depending on the season. That’s the trick.
How you get to that percentage
- Location, location, location. White Sands sits literally in front of one of those beaches straight out of a brochure. And behind it, an 18-hole golf course. Anyone buying here is paying for views and direct access. That translates into money.
- Demand without ups and downs. There’s no strong low season. Direct flights arrive all year round from Europe, the USA, Canada… The flow of people is constant. That gives you security.
- The extras pay for themselves. Spa, infinity pools, a restaurant within the development… That’s not just decoration. It lets you raise rates by 20-30% without guests complaining. Quite the opposite — they appreciate it.
- Let someone else manage it. You’re not going to be answering emails at three in the morning. You hire a local company (there are several good ones) and they maximise occupancy. You pay their commission, but you can forget about it.
Practical tip: To reach the high end of the 10-12% range, aim for an apartment with sea or golf course views, on an upper floor. At Salado Golf & Beach, the ones facing east —sunrise over the ocean— are the most sought-after by Europeans. And they bring in the most money.
Let’s do the maths: the real ROI
ROI isn’t just taking what you earn and dividing it. You have to factor in expenses. Many people forget this.
- Gross annual income: Take the average nightly rate (let’s say between €200 and €350) and multiply it by the occupancy you can expect. In a good property, with no issues, 70-85% is realistic.
- What you lose to expenses: Community fees, insurance, taxes (ITBIS, ISR), maintenance… And the management company’s commission, which runs around 15-25%. Don’t let it catch you by surprise.
- Property appreciation: In Bavaro, prices are rising. Calculate an extra 3-5% return each year from capital growth alone. You won’t see it in the bank, but it’s there.
With that framework, owners at Salado Golf & Beach are seeing a net return of between 8% and 12%. Those are the figures we work with. No nonsense.
New build or resale?
At Salado Golf & Beach you can choose new build, and that has advantages that jump right out at you.
- Fewer breakdowns. Appliances, plumbing, air conditioning… all new. The first few years won’t hurt your wallet with repairs.
- Luxury finishes that attract a tenant who doesn’t haggle over price. When you see the kitchen or the bathrooms, you understand why they pay more.
- Capital growth from the moment of purchase. They are currently in pre-sale, so you sign today and by the time it’s finished (2026) the value has already risen.
- Design built for renting: open-plan kitchen, spacious terraces, good Wi-Fi. Things today’s tourist demands and that you won’t find in older flats.
And why Salado Golf & Beach?
It’s not just a pretty beach. This residential development has it all locked down. Sea or golf views, direct access to the sand, five-star hotel services (spa, gym, swimming pool, restaurant, 24-hour security). Here, the tenant feels like they’re in a resort, but with the privacy of an apartment.
Another point in its favour: sales are handled by Residencial Group in Spain. That makes the path much smoother if you’re European. You can buy without travelling, with everything digitised. And since delivery is in 2026, it gives you room to plan and benefit now from pre-sale prices. A smart move.
Frequently asked questions about returns in Bávaro
Is the 8-12% annual return safe? Nothing in life is 100% guaranteed. But the area’s figures back it up. Projects with demand and good management have been delivering those numbers for years.
How long does it take to recover the investment? Doing the maths, at 10% net, you recover your outlay in 8-12 years. And that’s without counting the fact that the property is worth more every year.
Can I use the apartment myself? Of course. In fact, that’s the beauty of it. You use it a few weeks, and the rest of the time it’s rented out. At Salado Golf & Beach, someone takes care of everything. You arrive, enjoy yourself, and leave.
Your money in the Caribbean: yes, it can work
I’ve seen too many investors look only at Europe when the numbers here are far juicier. The data is stubborn: 11.6 million tourists last year and a scarce luxury supply in Punta Cana. That pushes returns to 8-12% annually. It’s not a passing fad.
If you’re looking to diversify and not depend on the usual markets, an apartment at Salado Golf & Beach is a direct route. Contact Residencial Group if you want to know which units remain at White Sands. Calculate your own ROI, do your numbers, and if they come out like everyone else’s, we might just see each other over there enjoying the slow living. Because in the end, profitability isn’t at odds with the pleasure of waking up with the Caribbean in front of you.
