““My husband is Spanish and knew nothing about how things work here. Once every step was explained, he was the one who enjoyed it most.” — Yanelis and Marcos (example)”
Yanelis is from Puerto Plata and has lived in Madrid for 15 years (example data). Her husband, Marcos, is a Madrid native. When they started planning for retirement, they knew they wanted to spend winters in the Caribbean, close to her family.
What worried them most
Marcos did not know the Dominican system and was wary of everything. Yanelis worried that, being from there, her family would weigh in too much and they would end up buying out of obligation. Hurricanes and insurance were also on their minds.
How they did it from Madrid
They started by reading up on the process together, in plain language and without rushing. They chose Sosúa for its international community and because the airport is close. An agent showed them several apartments over video call, and they recorded each viewing to talk it over later at home.
They hired an independent lawyer who explained the survey (the official plan confirming the exact boundaries) and reviewed the condo bylaws. They also got hurricane insurance quotes before signing, so they knew the real cost of owning the place.
They flew in only once, over Easter, to see the apartment in person and sign before a notary.
The result
Today they spend December to March in Sosúa, and the rest of the year a local manager rents the apartment out. Marcos is already talking about applying for residency.
Before buying on the coast, read our guide to coastal insurance.
Fictitious story created as an example.