Illustrative summary: all figures are example data and must be checked against official sources before publishing.
When a new road cuts a journey short, the property map changes. We have seen it in recent years with the highway to Samaná and the road to Miches. This year several projects are worth following if you are thinking of buying.
Works under way
- City ring roads. New bypasses around Santiago and Greater Santo Domingo aim to keep heavy traffic out of the city. Some sections could open in 2027 (example data).
- Regional airport expansions. There are plans to expand terminals on the north coast and in the east, with room for more international flights (example data).
- East-coast upgrades. Widening the roads between La Romana, Bávaro and Miches would cut travel times by about 30 minutes (example data).
Will prices go up?
Areas that gain access generally tend to appreciate, but not overnight. Historically, much of the increase happens once the road is finished and in use, not when it is announced. We have seen areas where land rose by around 20% in the two years after a new road opened (example data), and others where it barely moved.
What not to take for granted
- That the project finishes on time. Delays are common. Do not pay today for a road that does not exist yet.
- That the seller is right. "The highway is coming right through here" is a very common sales line. Ask for the official source.
- That more access is always better. A road brings tourists, but also traffic and noise.
Our advice
If you are buying with a future project in mind, make sure the property already makes sense today, and treat the project as a possible bonus. Also check that the land is not affected by an expropriation or a road right-of-way: your lawyer can verify this at the Title Registry and the local municipality.
To compare areas at your own pace, visit our zones section and our guide to avoiding scams.