Chapter Eighteen

Transferring Your Decree When You Sell

One of the more elegant features of Act 60 is what happens when you sell your Puerto Rico property: the decree can, in many cases, transfer to the new owner — adding significant value to your property that has nothing to do with square footage or ocean views.

A home in Dorado Beach that comes with an attached Act 60 decree is worth more than the same home without one — because for a buyer who qualifies, the decree eliminates the application process, the waiting period, and the grandfathering question. They step into the benefit immediately.

How Decree Transfer Works

The transfer of an Act 60 decree in connection with a property sale is not automatic — it requires review and approval from the DDEC, and the buyer must be independently qualified. Your attorney should handle the mechanics, but at a high level:

The decree terms must permit transfer (most do)

The buyer must meet the eligibility requirements for Act 60 independently

Both the seller and buyer notify the DDEC and complete the required paperwork

The DDEC reviews and approves the transfer

The decree does not automatically follow the property. It follows an eligible person. The buyer must be someone who would have qualified for Act 60 in their own right.

What This Means for Your Sale Price

When you eventually sell your Dorado Beach property, make sure your real estate advisor understands the decree transfer opportunity and is marketing it accordingly. To the right buyer — one who has been contemplating Act 60 and understands its value — an included decree is an extraordinarily compelling feature.

This is another reason why the market intelligence and community relationships that come through DBI are valuable for property owners. Knowing who the serious buyers are, what they're looking for, and how to connect with them discreetly is exactly the kind of intelligence that the Dorado Beach Insider community provides.

Decree transfer rules, eligibility requirements, and DDEC approval processes are subject to change. Consult a qualified Act 60 attorney before relying on decree transfer as a selling feature.