Is buying a condo at Bonita the same as buying a house?

In terms of ownership, yes. You receive a deeded, fee-simple title, just as you would for a standalone house. The difference lies in the lifestyle: a Bonita residence includes access to shared, professionally managed amenities like a 161,000 sq ft lagoon, beach club, and 24/7 security, which a private house owner would have to arrange themselves.

Do I need to be a resident of the Dominican Republic to buy?

No, residency is not required to purchase property. Foreigners and Dominican citizens have the same ownership rights. The entire purchase process can be completed remotely with the assistance of a Dominican attorney acting with a power of attorney.

What is the starting price for a residence at Bonita?

Residences at Bonita start from the Mid $300,000s. This price point is for a pre-construction home in a new, CONFOTUR-approved development with extensive amenities, scheduled for delivery in 2029.

Buying process

What to Know About Homes for Sale in Punta Cana

Published August 30, 2026 6 min read

Buyers looking for homes in Punta Cana will find options ranging from private villas to luxury condominium residences within exclusive gated communities like Cap Cana. A residence at Bonita, for example, combines the space and privacy of a home with the amenities and turnkey management of a five-star resort, offering a distinct ownership experience.

What's the difference between a standalone house and a residence at Bonita?

While a private villa offers independence, it also comes with the sole responsibility for security, maintenance, landscaping, and pool care. A residence at Bonita within the master-planned community of Cap Cana provides a different model. Here, you own a deeded, private home, but the broader infrastructure, security, and world-class amenities are managed for you. This structure is often preferred by international owners who value both peace of mind and access to a curated lifestyle without the logistical burdens of managing a property from afar.

Comparison of ownership models in Punta Cana.
Consideration	Standalone Private House	Bonita Residence in Cap Cana
Security	Owner's sole responsibility to arrange and manage.	Located inside Cap Cana, a gated community with its own security, plus Bonita's 24/7 gated access.
Amenities	Limited to what is on the private property (e.g., a private pool).	Access to Bonita's 161,000 sq ft lagoon, beach club, Rooftop 360° Lounge, spa, and padel court.
Maintenance	Owner must source and manage all upkeep, from landscaping to repairs.	Common areas and building exteriors are professionally maintained by the administration.
Rental Potential	Owner must manage all aspects of marketing, guest services, and cleaning.	An optional, on-site rental management program is available to handle everything for a hands-off return.

What kind of 'house-like' residences are available?

Bonita offers 565 residences designed for spacious, modern living, ranging from one-bedroom suites to expansive four-bedroom penthouses. These are not just apartments; they are designed as homes. For example, the 'Lagoon Residence' offers approximately 1,184 square feet of living space with two master bedrooms, while the 'Sky Residence' provides around 1,625 square feet with a dedicated family room. Every residence includes a private terrace, designer finishes, and a full kitchen, delivering a home-like experience from day one. With delivery estimated for 2029, these pre-construction residences offer the chance to own a brand-new home in one of the Caribbean's most sought-after locations.

Can a foreigner legally own a home in Punta Cana?

Yes, absolutely. The Dominican Republic provides the same property ownership rights to foreigners as it does to its citizens. There are no special requirements, permits, or residency statuses needed to purchase property. When you buy a residence at Bonita, you receive a fee-simple title registered in your name (or in the name of a trust or corporation, if you prefer). A local Dominican attorney, acting on your behalf, will conduct due diligence, including a title search, and ensure the property is properly registered with the Land Registry, securing your ownership rights under Dominican law.

Are there tax incentives for buying a new home here?

Yes, many new developments in designated tourist zones, including Bonita, qualify for significant tax benefits under the CONFOTUR law (Law 158-01). This law is designed to encourage tourism investment and offers two primary advantages for the first buyer of a qualifying property. First, it provides an exemption from the 3% property transfer tax that is typically due at closing. Second, it grants an exemption from the 1% annual property tax (IPI) for a period of up to 15 years. The IPI is levied only on the value of a property above an annually adjusted threshold, not its full price. Your attorney will handle the filing to ensure these exemptions are recorded on your property's title.

3% Transfer tax exemption at closing

1% Annual property tax (IPI) exemption

15 Years Maximum term for IPI exemption under the law

What does being 'inside Cap Cana' actually mean for a homeowner?

Owning at Bonita means you are located within the gates of Cap Cana, one of the most exclusive and comprehensive resort communities in the Caribbean. This isn't just a location; it's a lifestyle. From your residence at Bonita, you are only a 5-minute drive from the famous Juanillo Beach, 8 minutes from the world-class Cap Cana Marina, and just 10 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). The community is known for its security, pristine infrastructure, and collection of high-end amenities, including championship golf courses, an equestrian center, and fine dining, all accessible to residents.

A rendering of the Bonita Cap Cana beach club pavilion and pool at dusk, part of the community's private amenities.

Can I generate income from my property when I'm not using it?

Yes. As a homeowner at Bonita, you have the choice to place your residence in the optional, on-site rental management program. This program is designed to provide a hands-off investment, with developer projections for annual returns in the 8–12% range. While returns are not guaranteed, the program handles the marketing, guest management, and maintenance, allowing owners to generate income from Punta Cana's strong tourism market without any personal involvement. Alternatively, you are free to manage rentals yourself or keep the residence exclusively for your own private use. There is no mandatory rental requirement.

It is important for non-resident owners to be aware of how rental income is taxed. The Dominican Republic levies a withholding tax on gross rental income paid to non-residents. As of 2026, this rate is 27% and is considered a final, definitive payment. Your attorney or a local tax advisor can provide the most current information and guidance for your specific situation.

Common questions

Is buying a condo at Bonita the same as buying a house?: In terms of ownership, yes. You receive a deeded, fee-simple title, just as you would for a standalone house. The difference lies in the lifestyle: a Bonita residence includes access to shared, professionally managed amenities like a 161,000 sq ft lagoon, beach club, and 24/7 security, which a private house owner would have to arrange themselves.
Do I need to be a resident of the Dominican Republic to buy?: No, residency is not required to purchase property. Foreigners and Dominican citizens have the same ownership rights. The entire purchase process can be completed remotely with the assistance of a Dominican attorney acting with a power of attorney.
What is the starting price for a residence at Bonita?: Residences at Bonita start from the Mid $300,000s. This price point is for a pre-construction home in a new, CONFOTUR-approved development with extensive amenities, scheduled for delivery in 2029.