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How to Avoid Real Estate Scams in Las Terrenas

5 min read Reviewed on October 23, 2026 by Ryan, avocat

In short: A real estate scam in Las Terrenas usually involves a fake seller, a plot sold to several people, or a deposit demanded before any checks. Three rules cover the essentials: check the property at the Registro de Títulos, work with an independent lawyer, and pay only by traceable bank transfer once the checks are done.

Buying from abroad, in another language, with a registry system you barely know: those conditions also attract fraudsters. This guide describes the most common scams, the warning signs and the checks that protect you. Last updated: 21 October 2026.

What are the most common scams?

Scam Warning sign How to protect yourself
Fake owner or fake agent with power of attorney The seller's name does not match the title; dubious power of attorney Certificate of legal status and identity check by your lawyer
Same plot sold to several buyers Land under a constancia, a seller in a hurry, a low price Priority reservation before signing, prompt registration
Forged title You are only shown a photo or a copy Certificate requested directly from the Registro de Títulos
Deposit before viewing "Another buyer is interested, reserve today" No payment before checks and a written contract
Diverted payment Account in a third party's name, cash, crypto, last-minute change of account Transfer only to the account named in the contract
Building with no permit No building permit, plans nowhere to be found Ask for the permit and the approved plans
"Private" beachfront Structure within 60 m of the high-water line Have the 60 m line marked on the plan
Ghost rental Very low rent, owner "abroad", no viewing possible Viewing or live video, landlord's ID, no advance payment

Warning signs you should never ignore

  • You are pushed to pay quickly, before the checks.
  • Your lawyer is not allowed to request a certificate from the registry.
  • You are asked to pay in cash, in cryptocurrency or into someone else's account.
  • Bank details change by email or message just before payment.
  • The price is far below that of comparable properties.
  • You are promised a "guaranteed" rental yield.
  • The seller or intermediary will not put commitments in writing.

Eight rules for buying safely

  1. Check the property in the registry. Your lawyer requests a certificate of legal status from the Registro de Títulos. It shows the registered owner, mortgages, liens and lawsuits.
  2. Choose an independent lawyer who works for neither the seller nor the agency.
  3. Lock the property before signing. A certificate with priority reservation protects your transaction for up to 15 business days.
  4. Pay by bank transfer, only to the account named in the contract. Confirm the bank details by phone, with someone you know, before every transfer.
  5. View the property, or send someone you trust. A live video beats photos.
  6. Check the intermediary. A company has an RNC (tax ID) you can look up on the DGII website. Our agency's is that of THERD SRL: 133-63250-2.
  7. Register the sale promptly at the Registro de Títulos, then sign up for registry alerts: you will be notified if any filing is made on your property.
  8. Keep everything in writing: offers, contracts, receipts and important messages.

Are real estate agents regulated?

Partly. There is not yet a mandatory license to work as a real estate agent. In April 2026 the Senate passed a bill providing for a national register of real estate intermediaries, licenses and fines (second reading on 29 April, according to Diario Libre). The bill still has to go through the Chamber of Deputies. We have not confirmed that it has passed.

Real estate agents are, however, "obligated parties" under Law 155-17 on money laundering, supervised by the DGII. They must identify their clients and the source of funds. So it is normal for a serious agency to ask you for documents. Be more wary of an intermediary who takes cash without asking questions.

What should you do if you think you have been defrauded?

  • Stop all payments.
  • Gather the evidence: contracts, receipts, messages, bank details.
  • See a lawyer quickly. Depending on the case, they can request a measure at the registry to protect the property and file a criminal complaint.
  • Alert your bank, especially if a transfer has just been made.

If the scam came through an online listing, also report it to the website that published it, to protect other buyers.

How we work

We encourage you to have your own lawyer check every file, including the ones we present to you. You can also use Terrenas Check, a property check service run by the same company as the agency (THERD SRL). For any question before you commit, message Adriana on WhatsApp at +1 809 258 6052 or visit our agency page.

Frequently asked questions

How can I check that the seller really owns the property?

Your lawyer requests a certificate of legal status from the Registro de Títulos and compares the registered owner's name with the seller's ID. A copy of the title is not enough.

Do real estate agents need a license in the Dominican Republic?

Not yet. A bill creating a register and licenses was approved by the Senate in 2026, but its final adoption is not confirmed as of 21 October 2026.

Can I pay a deposit to reserve a property?

Only with a written contract stating who holds the deposit and when it is refunded, and after your lawyer's first checks. Never in cash.

How can I be alerted if someone tries to sell my property?

The Registro Inmobiliario offers a registry alert service: the registered owner is notified when a filing is made on their property. According to the press, the service was free when it launched in 2024 and was then due to move to a paid subscription.

This guide provides general, dated information. It does not replace advice from a lawyer or an accountant: laws and taxes change, so check them on the day of your transaction.

Sources

Documents consulted to write this guide.

  1. Certificación con reserva de prioridad (fiche du service) — Registro Inmobiliario (Poder Judicial) (accessed October 21, 2026)
  2. Registro Inmobiliario, medidas para evitar garras del fraude — El Día (accessed October 21, 2026)
  3. Piden a usuarios solicitar certificación del estado jurídico del inmueble antes de comprarlo — inmobiliario.do (accessed October 21, 2026)
  4. Sistema de Alertas Registrales en República Dominicana — ECIJA (accessed October 21, 2026)
  5. Senado aprueba ley contra estafas inmobiliarias en RD — Diario Libre (accessed October 21, 2026)
  6. Senado aprueba ley para regular intermediación inmobiliaria y blindar inversiones ante estafas — Diario Libre (accessed October 21, 2026)
  7. Senado aprueba ley contra la publicidad engañosa en el sector inmobiliario — El Día (accessed October 21, 2026)
  8. Ley de intermediación inmobiliaria: una tarea pendiente en el Congreso Nacional — inmobiliario.do (accessed October 21, 2026)
  9. Aviso informativo 12-26 (sujetos obligados no financieros) — DGII (accessed October 21, 2026)
  10. Consulta de RNC — DGII (accessed October 21, 2026)
  11. ¿Existen playas privadas en RD? Esto dice la ley — Revista Mercado (accessed October 21, 2026)

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