CABRERA, Dominican Republic.- While new home sales are down in the U.S., real estate investment activity and opportunities on the north coast of the Dominican Republic are on the upswing. Michelle Matthews, managing director of Inversiones Playa Grande, S.A. (IPG), a company offering a complete portfolio of real estate services on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, shares her expertise on the top three reasons the Dominican Republic housing market is enticing U.S. investors, developers and owners.

While many of the most desirable housing locations in the U.S. have been developed to the maximum, the Dominican Republic offers numerous areas where breathtaking beauty and an abundance of property converge. One such region is the largely untapped north coast of the Dominican Republic. This location embodies a tropical paradise with a unique blend of coconut palms, azure water, golden sand beaches and sweeping mountain vistas. The topography of the area, particularly in the areas of Gaspar Hernandez, Rio San Juan, Cabrera and Nagua, is very unique, with high cliffs inland located less than one mile from the ocean.

"Purchasing property on this cliff top gives owners a breathtaking, unobstructed view of the ocean. This is a key reason the area is rapidly becoming a prime location," said Matthews. "Still, despite this, the prices are definitely affordable by Caribbean and U.S. standards."

The area around Cabrera itself is selling very briskly as well.

"In this area, investors, developers and individual land owners are purchasing real estate at a steady pace," said Matthews. "It is very lush, has many local activities nearby, and is more affordable than most other areas of the country which helps to propel the desire to purchase there."

Higher interest rates and increased home prices have affected the housing market in the U.S. The north coast of the Dominican Republic, however, continues to offer reasonable land and development costs.