1-844-872-8686 info@buyincasalinda.com
Get The Most Out of Expat Life in The Dominican Republic

Get The Most Out of Expat Life in The Dominican Republic

Aug 28, 2024 | Expat Life, News, Relocating to the Dominican Republic

Expat Life in The Dominican Republic

Are you wondering what life is really like for expats in the Dominican Republic and whether it’s the right place for you? Expats choose to move to the island country for lots of reasons, and the DR has a lot to offer them. It could be the perfect place for you to make your new home, too.

The Dominican Republic offers plenty of benefits to anyone who moves here. People who make the move are tempted by a few different things, depending on what they’re looking for in their ideal home and lifestyle. Affordable living is the top draw for some people who are looking for a frugal lifestyle and a way to make their money go further when they invest in real estate. The Dominican Republic gives you a lot of spending power if you’re looking to invest your US dollars or other international currencies.

It’s not just saving money that brings people to the DR, though. The rich culture is another big plus for anyone who wants a new lifestyle. There’s always something to see or do, and you’ll love getting involved in the local culture, from food to festivals. The sunny weather is obviously a benefit that doesn’t go overlooked. Warmer climates are especially attractive to retirees or anyone who’s tired of living somewhere colder. Why spend your winters shovelling snow when you could be spending a lot more time on the beach?

Dominican Republic Expat Community

Then there’s the incredible community you can discover when you make yourself part of Dominican Republic expat life. When you move to the country, you’ll become part of an existing, thousands-strong community of other expats. The north shore is a popular choice for new arrivals in the DR thanks to the shelter it provides from more extreme weather and the opportunities to make friends and socialize. The community will welcome you with open arms and there’s plenty to keep you occupied too.

At Casa Linda, our strong and active community is part of what makes living in the Dominican Republic so fantastic. Our Community Engagement staff members plan events and activities to help our community members meet up and have fun. When you have opportunities to meet people who share your interests, you can make friends and build a life for yourself that you love. You can get to know people in a fun and relaxed way and even communicate through our Facebook group to get in touch with other villa owners.

Americans, Canadians, and Europeans have been coming to the north of the Dominican Republic for more than 40 years. That means that there’s a well-established expat community ready to welcome you.

Casa Linda Amenities

It’s not just the people who you’ll love when you move into one of our DR villas. Our community is also packed full of amenities and facilities that make your life easier, more convenient, and more fun.

Our gated community has 24/7 security, so you never have to worry about being safe at home or while exploring the nearby amenities. Garden, pool, and housekeeping services make it easy to maintain your home, and our Project Care services ensure garbage is picked up and communal areas are maintained. Our dedicated staff helps with taking care of all of your needs, so you never have to worry about a thing. They can answer your questions, provide support and connect you with the services you need or activities you want to join.

When you buy one of our Dominican Republic homes for sale, you get resort-like amenities right on your doorstep. From a walking trail and sports facilities to a waterpark and children’s play area, everything you could want is available for you and any visitors who might come to stay too.

Casa Linda Villas

At Casa Linda, we have a choice of beautiful villas that you can customize to suit your lifestyle. Start by choosing from eight different floor plans, starting with two-bedroom options like the Villa Capri and possibly up to five bedrooms with the Villa Sunseeker. Our villas start at a modest $249,000 and go up to $529,000 for our most expensive Villa Seashell. You can even choose to build a guest house add-on so you’re always ready to welcome friends and family.

All of our prices include the lot, villa, swimming pool, and landscaping. When you work with our in-house architect, you can customize your villa to design the perfect home.

Contact us at Casa Linda to discover how buying your very own villa can help you start a brand new, exciting life in the Dominican Republic.

Why Cabarete is THE New Ex-Pat Hotspot in the DR

Why Cabarete is THE New Ex-Pat Hotspot in the DR

Aug 21, 2024 | Expat Life, News, Relocating to the Dominican Republic

Ever idly dreamt of living in a sun-soaked paradise, bursting at the seams with vibrant culture, affordable living, and a lively community? Then look no further than Cabarete, nestled in the stunning northern coast of the Dominican Republic!

This tropical haven is the ultimate destination for ex-pats, snowbirds, retirees, and any free spirit that years for a slice of the good life. If that sounds like you, let’s dive into why Cabarete might be your next big move and why Casa Linda’s villas are the perfect launching point for your dazzling new life in the DR.

What’s Waiting For You In Cabarete?

While the Dominican Republic is rife with gorgeous beaches, entertaining nightlife, and delicious restaurants, Cabarete is one of the crown jewels of the country. This bustling hub of culture comes with a treasure trove of perks, such as:

  • Affordable Living: First and foremost, let’s get it out of the way- your dollars are going to stretch further in the Dominican Republic. The rising cost of living hasn’t seemed to touch the DR quite yet, which means luxe living can be a reality without breaking the bank. Imagine it: more tropical cocktails, less budget crunching. It’s a win-win!
  • Vibrant Culture: The Dominican is a non-stop carnival of music, art, dance, and mouthwatering cuisine that’ll enthrall your senses. Plus, the local warmth and hospitality will have you feeling at home faster than you can say “mi casa es su casa, amigo”.
  • Ease of Naturalization: Some countries aren’t as welcoming to ‘outsiders’, but that’s not the case in the Dominican Republic. Instead, they offer new arrivals a simple residency process, accessible healthcare, and diverse communities with a multitude of languages, all ready to welcome you home!
  • Mild, Temperate Climate: With the average temperature ranging between 25°C and 30°C (77°F to 86°F), Cabarete is a sun worshipper’s dream destination. Its location along the northern coast also means it’s well protected from most hurricanes and tropical storms- which means the only ‘Dark and Stormy’ will be in your cup, rather than the forecast.

A Slice of The Good Life in Cabarete

Locals will tell you that Cabarete isn’t a location; it’s a lifestyle, and they’d be right. What makes Cabarete stand out, even amongst all the beauty and life the Dominican Republic has to offer, is its vast and varied opportunities for culture, community, and cuisine! Some of the highlights you can look forward to include:

  • Outdoor Adventure: From hiking through lush mountain landscapes to spelunking hidden caves, Cabarete has a diverse ecosystem that offers an adventure for every level of nature lover! El Choco National Park, in particular, is a paradise waiting to be explored.
  • Vibrant Nightlife: After the sun goes down, Cabarete transforms from a peaceful beach town into a dazzling and vibrant hub of nightlife. Hit up the local bars, restaurants and nightclubs for live music, dancing, and good vibes with locals and fellow ex-pats alike.
  • Oceanfront Living: Cabarete is a world class hub of water sports;n any given day, you’ll see people enjoying kiteboarding, wind surfing, snorkelling, and more. Cabarete is a playground for wave riders of all skills and ages, so c’mon in- the water’s fine!
  • Tantalizing Cuisine: As well as embracing the cultural influences of their migrant groups, Cabarete’s food scene pays homage to the roots of traditional Dominican food- so whether you’re in the mood for some sancocho and mofongo or craving the home comfort of bangers and mash, you’ll find a restaurant in Cabarete to hit the spot.
  • Wellness and Relaxation: Maybe you’ve relocated to get away from the hustle and bustle of big city life and aren’t that into clubs and boating- don’t worry, Cabarete still has you covered, with world-class spas, yoga retreats, and more to help you recharge your mind, body, and soul. Hit up a beachfront yoga studio, and ‘ohmm’ your way back to bliss.

Casa Linda Offers The Best of Cabarete Living On Any Budget

While there are any number of home builders catering to the ex-pat community in the DR, nobody does it better than Casa Linda. With over twenty years of experience in delivering world-class living in the Dominican Republic, if you invest in a Casa Linda property, you can expect:

  • Beautiful, Customizable Homes: Casa Linda homes are the epitome of luxury, comfort, and style. Every villa is a blank canvas, ready for you to make it a home with your own unique style and needs. With options like Villa Sunseeker and Villa Tranquilla to use as starting points, you can make your Dominican dream home a reality for as little as $200,000 to $500,000 USD- there’s something for every budget and style at Casa Linda.
  • Peace of Mind and Security: Casa Linda offers gated community living on all properties, meaning you can still have peace of mind in paradise. Security staff are available 24/7 to help with all your well-being needs and emergencies, so you never have to worry about “what if?” while you’re enjoying the good life in Cabarete.
  • Convenient Location and Amenities: Dive into communal pools, stroll through lush resident gardens, and enjoy the recreational facilities available to all Casa Linda buyers. The welcoming common spaces and community feel in Casa Linda communities mean neighbours quickly become friends, and friends will feel like family in no time.
  • Solid Investment Potential: Casa Linda’s prime location puts you adjacent to all of the local amenities in Cabarete while still providing privacy and quiet living. With the real estate boom in the Dominican Republic showing no signs of slowing down, owning a home in Casa Linda isn’t just a lifestyle upgrade- it’s an investment for the future.

Start Living the Life Tranquilo with Casa Linda Communities

Whether you’re an empty nester, a new retiree, a savvy investor, or someone with a soul that craves ‘la buena vida,’ Cabarete offers a vibrant and charming life for anyone bold enough to take it- it’s time to embrace the sun, sea, and endless adventures waiting for you in Cabarete.

Take the plunge today and start living the Dominican Republic dream with Casa Linda’s villas as your gateway to all the wonders of this tropical paradise. Your dream home is just a call away with Casa Linda – where luxury meets tropical bliss.

For more information, check out our Frequently Asked Questions or contact us directly to learn more about how to kickstart your next chapter in Cabarete.

Understanding Property Tax in the Dominican Republic: What Owners Need to Know

Understanding Property Tax in the Dominican Republic: What Owners Need to Know

Jun 5, 2024 | Dominican Republic Retirement, Dominican Republic Villas, News

If you’ve been considering moving to the Dominican Republic (DR) or buying an investment property on the island, you should understand the basics of the DR’s property tax. Luckily, Casa Linda is here to help! With decades of experience assisting expats in moving to the DR, we understand some of the questions and complexities our future residents may face when it comes to their villa’s property tax.

Below is a quick overview of the property tax in the Dominican Republic. Keep reading to find out more. 

Overview of Property Tax in the DR

Property tax in the Dominican Republic, or “Impuesto Sobre Bienes Inmuebles” (ISBI), is based on the value of your property, with the tax rate varying depending on the municipality. However, the tax rate in the DR is typically around 1% of your property’s value. Your property’s value is based solely on the building and land, not your furniture or equipment. 

When determining how much you’ll pay in property taxes, it’s important to note that the 1% is calculated only for values exceeding 6,858,885.00 DOP (about $150,000. This amount is adjusted annually for inflation). Anything under that amount is essentially free of charge. This means most Casa Linda villa owners only pay between $1-2K yearly in property taxes. 

In the Dominican Republic, real estate taxes are payable yearly on or before March 11. Still, even this is flexible as you also have the option to pay in two equal installments (50% on or before March 11. The remaining on or before September 11). However, these are a few circumstances in which property are exempt from paying real estate taxes. For instance, farm properties, homes whose owner is 65+ years old and has no other property in their name, and properties owned by companies (they pay a separate tax on company assets) are all exempt. 

If you have any questions regarding your potential property tax when moving to the Dominican Republic, Casa Linda can help you connect with a trustworthy and experienced accountant who can walk you through the details. 

Consequences of Non-Compliance

One thing to remember regarding property taxes in the Dominican Republic is that avoiding paying for them can result in steep penalties. A considerable amount of many residents’ property tax payments come from unpaid taxes. So, as an expat looking to invest in real estate in the DR, it is essential that you keep track of your taxes to avoid costly penalties or issues with the Dominican Republic tax authorities. And if you need assistance, working with a qualified accountant is always a good idea! 

Customizable Luxury Villas at Casa Linda

If you want to invest in a property to call home, Casa Linda’s luxury villas are an incredible option! Our villas are entirely customizable to your lifestyle, tastes, and needs. With our in-house design team, we can work with you to craft the luxury villa of your dreams. Our villas have a stunning view of the DR, a pool, terraces, large windows, and high ceilings. With options to add additional bedrooms or a guest house, Casa Linda’s villas are a beautiful home away from home! 

Making Your Dream Home a Reality

If you’ve been considering moving abroad and living a life of luxury in an island paradise, then the Dominican Republic is calling your name! Let Casa Linda help you design your dream home today! 

Contact Casa Linda today to find out more about our customizable villas!

Top 5 Customizations to Maximize Your Retirement Villa in Sosua, Dominican Republic

Top 5 Customizations to Maximize Your Retirement Villa in Sosua, Dominican Republic

Jun 5, 2024 | Dominican Republic Retirement, Dominican Republic Villas, News

Casa Linda is home to a large community of expat retirees who live full-time in the Dominican Republic! If you are packing up your whole life and moving to another country, your new home should be suited for full-time living rather than a vacation home.

Continue reading to learn about the top five villa customizations Casa Linda recommends to any retiree considering buying a villa in Sosua, Dominican Republic, for full-time living.

Walk-In Closet

For Casa Linda’s snowbird owners, a regular closet is okay because they are only on the island for the winter. However, if you and your partner consider permanently relocating to the Dominican Republic, you’ll want all the space you can get!

The first customization we highly recommend to our full-time owners is expanding the master bedroom’s closet into a walk-in closet. Your wardrobe will undoubtedly expand as you establish a life in the Dominican. It’s better to have more storage, even if you don’t need it right now. After all, when has extra storage space ever been a bad thing?

Kitchen Island

A universal truth is that the kitchen is the heart of the home. Whether that’s back in your home country or a new friend’s kitchen in the Dominican, the kitchen is a gathering place! Food is an integral part of Dominican culture, and that comes with the responsibility to host gatherings and barbecues where everyone comes together to eat, drink and be merry.

Trust us– you’ll want a kitchen island if you live full-time at Casa Linda! It adds extra seating, storage and counter space for meal preparation. Casa Linda’s team of in-house architects will guide you through the customization process. Whatever your specifications are, our team will do everything to make your vision come to life!

From the island’s layout to the countertop material, owners have complete stylistic control!

Additional Storage Room

Every Casa Linda floor plan includes a detached service building for the pool equipment and extra storage space. But, as we said earlier, additional storage is always good, especially for full-time residents and retirees. If you love decorating your home with the seasons, you will need a place to keep your decorations!

Adjustments can be made to the service building to increase the amount of storage space, like increasing the overall square footage and adding built-in shelving.

Jacuzzi

What paradise would be complete without a jacuzzi to soak in after a long day of surfing or hiking through the mountain trails? Jacuzzis are a very popular villa addition amongst our retirees, for a good reason! Retirement is all about kicking your feet up, being stress-free and living the good life.

Imagine going for a late-night soak in your jacuzzi: the jets massaging your aches and pains away, a cool tropical breeze blowing through your hair, the twinkling night sky, and an ice-cold cerveza in your hand. Life is good, especially at Casa Linda.

Your Villa, Your Way

Over the last 40 years, Casa Linda has been home to a growing community of expats from all over the world. Casa Linda’s gated community is located between the lovely beach towns of Sosúa and Cabarete on the north coast of the Dominican Republic.

You can choose between 15 different villa models that are customizable to your taste. Outside of your budget, the only limit is your imagination!

Ready to take the plunge? Contact Casa Linda today to learn more about buying a villa in Sosúa, Dominican Republic.

Moving to the Dominican Republic from Colombia? You Need to Know This!

Moving to the Dominican Republic from Colombia? You Need to Know This!

May 29, 2024 | Dominican Republic Retirement, Expat Life, News, Relocating to the Dominican Republic

Are you considering moving to the Dominican Republic from Colombia? Let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences between our two beautiful countries and why relocating to the Dominican is the right choice for you!

Over the last 40 years, Casa Linda has developed a thriving community of expats from all over the world, including Colombian-Americans! Continue reading to learn more about the similarities and differences between our two cultures.

Similar Cuisine with Unique Differences

Despite being separated by the Caribbean Sea, Colombia and the Dominican Republic share many similarities as they are both Latin cultures. However, there are tiny cultural differences a native Colombian will notice, like the food!

Our common ingredients are the same:

  • Meat or seafood
  • Grains like rice or wheat
  • Vegetables and legumes
  • Starchy vegetables like plantains, potatoes and yuca
  • Fresh tropical fruits

Don’t be surprised if you eat a dish you’re familiar with from Colombia that tastes totally different in the Dominican Republic, despite the similar ingredients.

Accessible Travel in the Dominican

One major highlight for Colombians moving to the DR is the size of the countries: Colombia is 23 times larger than the Dominican Republic!

Flying in and out of the Dominican is incredibly easy, as we have eight international airports around the island. The DR is the perfect location for globetrotters who want their home base in a tropical country.

Colombians are used to lengthy commutes to visit another side of the country. It’s often easier to book a flight than to drive for 12+ hours through underdeveloped mountain roads!

The beauty of the Dominican Republic is how close everything is; you don’t have to go far to find a beautiful site worth exploring. For example, driving inland from Casa Linda to the Cordillera Septentrional mountain range takes roughly 4 hours round trip.

If you’re looking for a home near the ocean, Casa Linda’s sister company, DR Connections, offers beautiful seaside condos.

Less Populated but Still Lively

Colombia has more than 50 million people, whereas the Dominican Republic has a population of 11 million; life certainly feels slower on the island! If you’re searching for a break from the hustle and bustle of Colombia’s main cities, the tranquilo lifestyle of the Dominican is just what you need.

If you are a leisure seeker looking for a relaxing, non-crowded community to settle down in, Casa Linda is the choice for you. Casa Linda’s gated community is located on the northern coast between the lovely towns of Sosúa and Cabarete.

The north is less touristy and densely populated than the south compared to the major cities of Puerto Plata or Santo Domingo.

Similar In The Ways That Matter

At the end of the day, Colombia and the Dominican Republic share many similarities. Our cultures share the same friendliness and love of community, food and fun. Life in the Dominican will be less crowded and more relaxed than the busy Colombian lifestyle. Experience the differences for yourself at Casa Linda!

Contact Casa Linda today to learn more about moving to the Dominican Republic from Colombia.