With over two decades of real estate experience in the United States, David Delseni brings a unique perspective to the Dominican Republic’s rapidly evolving property market. As the head of the Delseni Real Estate Group, he has positioned himself as a specialist in CONFOTUR-approved properties and large-scale development opportunities in Puerto Plata, seeing potential that many have overlooked.
The Next Punta Cana: Puerto Plata’s Infrastructure Revolution
“What Punta Cana looks like today versus 20 years ago is dramatically different,” Delseni observes. “Puerto Plata is positioned for a similar transformation.” He points to several major infrastructure projects that are set to revolutionize the region:
- The Amber Highway project will reduce travel time from Santiago to Puerto Plata from 90 minutes to just 25 minutes
- A $3 billion privately-funded train project that will eventually connect major cities across the island
- The Bergantín development: a 9.6 million square meter project that will create 80,000 new jobs
- Plans for an innovation center aimed at making the region the “Silicon Valley of the Dominican Republic”
Strategic Investment Advantages
What sets Puerto Plata apart is not just its development potential but also its strategic advantages for investors. Delseni specializes in CONFOTUR-approved properties, which offer significant tax benefits for foreign investors:
- No 3% transfer tax on properties over $150,000
- Exemption from the 1% annual real estate tax
- Tax-free rental income
- Capital gains tax exemptions
- Tax benefits lasting 10-15 years
Infrastructure-Driven Growth
“Location is everything,” Delseni emphasizes, drawing from his extensive US real estate background. “But what makes a location desirable isn’t just what’s there now—it’s what’s coming.” He points to major brands like McDonald’s and Wendy’s entering the market as indicators of growing commercial confidence in the region.
The Bergantín development, in particular, promises to be transformative. With 6,000 planned hotel rooms, a golf course, and innovation centers, it’s set to create a “mini-city” that will drive demand across the region.
The Santiago Connection
One of the most exciting prospects, according to Delseni, is the untapped potential of the Santiago market. “Santiago doesn’t have a beach,” he notes. “Puerto Plata is the closest beach destination, and with the new Amber Highway reducing travel time to just 25 minutes, we expect to see significant investment flow from Santiago’s wealthy population.”
Due Diligence: The Key to Success
Drawing on his US licensing experience, Delseni emphasizes the importance of proper due diligence. “Here in the Dominican Republic, they don’t have the same licensing regulations as the US, but that doesn’t make due diligence any less important,” he explains. His approach focuses on:
- Thorough title verification and clean ownership documentation
- Infrastructure assessment and future development plans
- Strategic location analysis
- Financial modeling and ROI projections
- Understanding tax implications and advantages
Land Banking Opportunities
For investors thinking long-term, Delseni identifies significant land banking opportunities. “You can find properties further from Puerto Plata airport for $50-60 per meter versus $100-130 closer in,” he notes. “It’s just a matter of time before development reaches these areas.”
Looking Ahead
“The next five to ten years will be transformative for Puerto Plata,” Delseni predicts. With major infrastructure projects underway, growing commercial investment, and increasing interest from Santiago’s wealthy population, he sees parallels to Punta Cana’s early development stages.
For investors looking to enter the market, Delseni emphasizes the importance of working with professionals who understand both the opportunities and the complexities of the Dominican market. With his background in US real estate and deep understanding of the CONFOTUR program, he’s positioned to help investors navigate this emerging market opportunity.
David Delseni is the head of the Delseni Real Estate Group, specializing in CONFOTUR-approved properties and large-scale development opportunities in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. With over 20 years of US real estate experience and a focus on infrastructure-driven development, he provides strategic guidance for investors looking to enter the Dominican Republic market.
