Having a land mass of just over 48,000km, the Dominican Republic is one of the largest Caribbean islands, with a grandeur and variety of landscape rarely found

Pico Duarte in the centre of the island, is the highest peak to be found in the eastern Americas, and with lakes, deserts and beaches, the island offers an assortment of interests normally found on a continent.

The country's natural beauty, new marinas, golf courses, jazz and film festivals, scuba diving and whale watching look set to attract more and more international interest over the coming years.

The Dominican Republic is one of the most established and popular tourist destinations within the Caribbean. In 2004, the country received 3.4 million tourists, approximately 28 percent of all tourists travelling to the Caribbean - this is projected to grow by eight percent. Tourism has been for some while and still is projected to be one of the most important sectors of the economy, accounting for approximately 24 percent of all demand for goods and services in the country.

Changes in the tourist model are now emerging with a shift from the popular all-inclusive hotel to the establishment of "boutique hotels". In addition to this, there is increasing demand for luxury private villa and apartment rentals, which are proving to be a popular investment choice for overseas owners. This change is also reflected in the change of the profile of visitors to the island, with direct flights from European destinations now available, new markets continue to open up. While Europeans start to discover the delights of the Dominican Republic, the islands popularity in the Americas continues to grow with 2005 seeing huge arrivals from Mexico and Latin American markets.

Well established communities on the north coast of the Dominican Republic are meeting this demand with new investments, an example of which is the upscale Sea Horse Ranch community, which has just acquired an additional 350 acres to accommodate a world-class golf course to be supervised and managed by Troon Golf. The developer of the project, Mr B Kirkman believes “the Dominican Republic lends itself to the rapidly escalating demand for luxurious accommodation, spacious green areas and security, and it will not be long before exclusive flags like Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton & Aman appear in the country. Indeed, the popular Westin brand has just invested heavily in the country in an upscale hotel and residential community, while the Marriot chain has been expanding the number of hotels it operates in the country.

Many visitors own investment property on the island for both equity growth and rental return. The island was named by the American Society of Travel Agents as the number one emerging international destination. International investment into the area was also given a boost, with the removal of ownership restrictions by the government in 1998. This allows external property investors the same privileges as citizens of the country.

With quality hillside apartment prices from just under $40,000 (£24,000) to large 8,000 sq ft oceanfront apartments over $1m (£570,000), the island caters itself to a number of budget ranges. Typically on other islands, the same quality of apartment would be in the region of 200-300 percent more expensive. Popular choices include two bedroom/two bathroom villas, complete with swimming pools, in a fully managed gated community with on-site rental administration available from $129,000 (£78,000).

The first quarter of 2006 has seen a significant increase with British and American buyers purchasing up-scale luxury properties with the price trends in the $1m+ bracket. These homes are typically 8,000 sq ft+ with between four-six bedrooms and lot sizes ranging from 0.5 acres (close to the ocean) to over three acres (hill-side homes). In the main, purchasers are taking advantage of the relatively low entry prices, using their homes as rental/holiday homes until they are ready for retirement. More visitors see the island as an ideal retirement area, due to the availability of large supermarkets and existing infrastructure such as roads, telecommunications and international airports.

Re/Max Coral Bay Realty is an independently owned business, specialising in property on the north coast, with offices located between the popular coastal towns of Sosua and Cabarete. They have rapidly earned a reputation as one of the most progressive and dynamic property companies operating in the country today.

Having established relationships with the major developers and property owners, Re/Max Coral Bay Realty are able to provide you with independent information on both new and resale investment opportunities ranging from simple beachfront apartments to luxury villas to development land and commercial ventures.

Their services include:

Relocation Assistance - Finding your way around a new country can sometimes be a task. Who to contact for electricity, water, advice on residency etc. All of their team are knowledgeable and are there to support you every step of the way.

Managed Construction Projects - On request, they can put together a carefully selected team of architects, engineers and builders and fully project manage your construction projects, whatever the size.

New Villas & Apartments for Sale - Re/Max Coral Bay Realty deal with all of the gated communities on the north coast and will give you independent advice on which community may be the right one for you.

Resales - Choose from their hand-picked selection of real estate from the north coast. They are very selective about what they choose to sell, ensuring 100 percent customer satisfaction.

Building Lots - Design your own villa and they will find the perfect building plot for you. Oceanfront? Beachfront? With prices to cater to all ranges from $4 per m2 for building lots.

Commercial Property - Good selection of hotels and other commercial ventures for sale along the north coast. If you have something in mind, but cannot find it on their website, they can source the best opportunity for you via their network of relationships.

Development Land - Looking to build your own resort or gated community. Check their on-line listings for the very best available on the north coast from Monti Cristi to Samana.

Legal Advice - They only recommend lawyers that they have personally used themselves to help you with title clearance, property transfers, residency and establish corporations.

From beachfront apartments to development land suitable for your own gated community or resort, Re/Max Coral Bay Realty brings you the very best property for sale on this lush Caribbean island. They are passionate about property, people and the Dominican Republic. Contact them to find out why and how they can help you realise your Caribbean investment opportunities.

Contact

RE/MAX Coral Bay Realty, Plaza del Sol, Calle del Ayuntamiento

Sosua, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Tel: 1-809-571-9990 Fax: 1-809-571-9990

sales@coralbayrealestate.com, http://www.coralbayrealestate.com