Arras (earnest deposit)
Arras is the earnest-money deposit paid to take a property off the market, normally on signing a promise of sale (promesa de venta). Dominican practice varies: the contract decides whether the deposit is simply applied to the price, forfeited if the buyer withdraws, or returned double if the seller withdraws. The word alone tells you nothing — the clause does.
Why a Punta Cana buyer should care
Deposits here are frequently paid before any title search is complete, which is the wrong order. Pay arras only under a signed promesa that names the conditions precedent — clean title, no liens, deslinde where relevant, valid permits, CONFOTUR resolution if promised — and that returns your money if any of them fails. Hold funds with an attorney or escrow agent, not in the seller's personal account.
Common mix-up
Buyers assume a reservation deposit is refundable by default. It usually is not. They also assume a receipt is a contract; a receipt without conditions gives you no route back.
Arras FAQs
- How much is typical?
- Commonly around 10% of the price on a resale, though projects set their own reservation amounts. The percentage matters less than the conditions attached.
- Can I get arras back?
- Only if your contract says so. That is why the promesa is negotiated before the money moves.
Go deeper
2026 orientation, not guarantees and not legal advice. No guaranteed ROI, no invented occupancy.