New-build apartment in Punta Cana: key tips for choosing wisely
Why invest in a new-build apartment in Punta Cana?
The Dominican property market is red hot. In 2025, the country welcomed 11.6 million visitors –a record figure– and Punta Cana has established itself as one of the most dynamic tourist destinations in the Caribbean. For European investors seeking a second home with solid returns, a new-build apartment in Punta Cana can be a smart move: you buy off-plan, it appreciates in value by completion, and then you rent it out with estimated yields of 8-12% per year.
But be careful – not all projects are equal. Choosing well means looking at the location, the build quality, the resort amenities and the capital appreciation potential. Let’s break it down.
Factor 1: Location and resort surroundings
Beachfront or inland: which should you prioritise?
A new-build apartment in Punta Cana gains value if it sits within a resort with direct beach access. The White Sands, Bávaro area is among the most sought-after: white sand, turquoise waters, world-class golf courses. Projects like Salado Golf & Beach offer exactly that: beachfront apartments with ocean views and an 18-hole course designed by P.B. Dye.
Connectivity matters too. Punta Cana International Airport is just 20 minutes away, and direct flights from Madrid, Paris, London… make life easier for both owners and tenants. I’ve seen several projects that promise a beach but are actually 2 km away. Not here.
Factor 2: Build quality and finishes
Do finishes really matter? Absolutely. As it’s a new build, you can customise details and make sure the property meets current standards of efficiency and comfort. Check that the developer uses materials resistant to the tropical climate –humidity, salt air– and that the electrical and plumbing installations are top-notch. From experience: in the tropics, humidity destroys anything that isn’t properly installed.
At Salado Golf & Beach, every flat is delivered with a fitted kitchen, marble bathrooms, centralised air conditioning and basic home automation. The slow living philosophy is evident: open spaces, generous terraces and gardens that bring nature in. No false promises.
Factor 3: Resort services and amenities
The profitability of a new-build flat in Punta Cana depends to a large extent on what the complex has to offer. Guests want it all, and if the resort does not have it, they move next door. The essentials are:
- Golf course (preferably 18 holes or more).
- Spa and wellness centre with local treatments.
- Infinity pools facing the sea and relaxation areas.
- Fine-dining restaurants using Dominican produce.
- 24/7 security and controlled access.
- Holiday rental programme managed by the resort itself.
Salado Golf & Beach integrates all of this, plus a private beach club and a gym with ocean views. This allows owners to achieve returns of up to 12% in high season. Well above the market average, to be honest.
Factor 4: Profitability and capital appreciation
Real market figures
The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic reports that the tourism sector grew by 9% in 2024, and everything points to 2025 following the same path. Demand for luxury accommodation in Bávaro exceeds supply, which pushes sale and rental prices upwards. A new-build flat in Punta Cana bought off-plan appreciates by between 15% and 25% upon completion of construction, depending on the area and the finishes.
Moreover – and this is key – the tourist condominium regime allows you to use your home for certain weeks and rent it out for the rest of the year, with professional management that maximises occupancy. It is not pie in the sky.
Factor 5: Purchase process and legal aspects
For European investors, buying a new-build apartment in Punta Cana is not as complicated as it seems, provided you have local advice. The basic steps:
- Reservation with 5-10% of the price.
- Signing of the purchase agreement (in Spanish, with a sworn translation if needed).
- Instalment payments during construction (30-50% up to handover).
- Deed execution before a Dominican notary and registration with the Dirección General de Impuestos Internos (General Directorate of Internal Taxes).
- Payment of taxes: ITBIS (18%) on the real estate commission, plus a 0.15% registration tax.
I recommend hiring a lawyer specialised in Dominican real estate law and verifying that the project has all its construction permits and environmental licences. I would do it without hesitation.
So, is it worth it?
Investing in a new-build apartment in Punta Cana is not just about buying a property. It is a bet on a slow living lifestyle in the Caribbean and on an asset with high returns. The key lies in choosing a resort with premium services, a beachfront location and a professional rental programme. Salado Golf & Beach meets all these conditions: new build in White Sands, Bávaro, with a golf course, spa, private beach and an estimated return of 8-12% per year. If you are looking for a second home that combines luxury, nature and financial return, now is the time.
If this has whetted your appetite, contact the team at Residencial Group (the commercial agent in Spain) or visit the showroom in Punta Cana to find out about the available phases. Your new-build apartment in Punta Cana is waiting for you. I have already got my eye on one.
