Santo Domingo.- The increase in rental prices continues to be one of the main concerns for those residing in the National District, where finding housing at an affordable cost has become a challenge for hundreds of families.
During a survey conducted by this media outlet, the majority of citizens consulted agreed that rents have increased significantly in recent years, forcing them to allocate a larger portion of their income to housing payments.
“With a normal salary, it is already almost impossible to rent in the National District. Everything is too expensive,” expressed Milquella Torres, a young woman interviewed.
Another citizen stated that “there are small apartments that cost more than RD$30,000 and that is not within the reach of just any worker”.
Meanwhile, a mother stated that “many people have to move to nearby municipalities because they can no longer afford rent in the capital.”
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In sectors such as Naco, Piantini, Evaristo Morales, Bella Vista, and La Esperilla, it is common to find one-bedroom apartments for over RD$25,000, while two- and three-bedroom homes can exceed RD$40,000 and RD$70,000, depending on the location and amenities.
The increase in construction costs is among the factors affecting the behavior of the real estate market. The National Statistics Office (ONE) reported that the Direct Construction Cost Index for Housing continues to record upward variations in the National District and the Santo Domingo province.
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Added to this is the limited supply of affordable housing. According to data from the ONE, only 7% of the housing offered in Greater Santo Domingo and the National District corresponds to the low-cost segment, while the majority of real estate projects are aimed at middle- and high-income buyers.
Faced with this reality, citizens believe it is necessary to promote policies that encourage the construction of more affordable housing and facilitate access to rentals for the working class.
“One works to pay rent and at the end of the month there is almost no money left for other expenses,” commented Bernardo González, a public transport driver, another participant in the survey.
The high cost of rent continues to represent one of the main challenges for those seeking to become independent or maintain a home in the National District, a situation that, according to those consulted, affects more and more Dominican families.
