The Buying Process
How to buy a house or land in Costa Rica - a brief overview
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We’re here to help you with all your real estate needs. Whether you’re buying, selling, looking for investment opportunities, wanting to rent, or simply have questions about purchasing in Costa Rica, our team is ready to assist you.
Can Foreigners Buy Real Estate in Costa Rica?
There are no restrictions for foreigners purchasing titled land in Costa Rica. You do not need a local partner or Costa Rican residency to own property. The only exception is Maritime Zone Property (beachfront land within 200 meters of the high-tide line), which has its own regulations.
Foreigners can own property in Costa Rica with ownership rights just like Costa Rican citizens. The country’s constitution protects private property, giving international buyers a secure and transparent process for owning real estate or getting concessions for beachfront real estate. Whether you’re investing, relocating, or planning to retire, Costa Rica offers a stable market, beautiful landscapes, and a welcoming environment for foreign homeowners.
Buying Property in Costa Rica: Ownership Options
You can hold titled property under your personal name, but most international buyers prefer to buy property through a Costa Rican corporation. This method helps limit personal liability, makes closing easier, and simplifies transferring ownership to family members later on. In addition, it is the most common way to purchase Maritime Zone Property.
Your attorney can help you create a new corporation or transfer an existing one that already owns the property.
Buying Property "For Sale by Owner"
You can buy a property without and agent and lawyer, but this can only be done with titled property, and it’s called buying without "opción de venta".
If you buy with a direct title transfer without a sales option, you pay the seller directly at the time of signing the transfer agreement at a notary. This can be in cash or by bank transfer.
But unless you feel very comfortable with the seller and thoroughly understand the type of property you are buying, it’s best to go through an agent and a lawyer.
How to Buy Property in Costa Rica:
A Complete Guide for Foreigners
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Real Estate in Costa Rica
1. Choose a Trusted Real Estate Agent
Work with a reputable Costa Rica realtor such as KC Properties to find the right property. Once you’ve identified your dream home or investment, your agent will present an offer to the seller to agree on price and terms. This is usually done in a somewhat informal manner, with the official Sales and Purchase Agreement to come later.
We can help you conduct initial research on the property, get a copy of the plano (survey), and have a lawyer confirm that the existing ownership is clean.
2. Hire a Costa Rican Real Estate Attorney
After the seller accepts your offer, you’ll hire a qualified Costa Rican attorney—either your own or the seller’s—to draft the Sale and Purchase Agreement. This binding document details all conditions of the transaction and ensures the deal is legally secure.
We work with reputable and experienced lawyers in the area, so we are happy to recommend one for you that is knowledgeable of the regional laws.
3. Conduct Due Diligence
Before closing, your attorney will verify that the property has a clean title and is free of liens, disputes, or annotations. Home inspections, property surveys, or environmental checks can be done at this time to make sure the home and/or property meets expectations.
4. Set up the Logistics
If required (or desired), your attorney will set up a new corporation under your name. They will complete the paperwork and register it for you; you only must pay the required fees.
The down payment can be given to the seller as a deposit or the buyer can choose to use an escrow account. Your lawyer or agent can recommend an escrow company. The Escrow agent will prepare everything for you to complete the necessary information, documents, and requirements, as well as the details of the agreed-upon payments.
It’s common for monies to be internationally wired, and proof of origin may be required.
5. Closing the Sale
On closing day, your attorney (who also serves as a notary public) registers the property in your name or transfers ownership of the corporation holding the title. The transaction is recorded in the National Registry of Costa Rica, confirming your legal ownership or right to concession.
See more details in Types of Property and Maritime Zone Property for specifics.
6. Register Your Property Locally
After closing, you or your representative must declare the property with the local municipality and complete the necessary tax and registration forms. Once everything is filed, your new Costa Rican property is officially yours!
Welcome to Your New Home in Costa Rica
Buying real estate in Costa Rica is a straightforward and safe process when you work with experienced professionals. With strong property laws, stunning natural beauty, and a growing international community, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to buy homes in Costa Rica for investment, vacation, or retirement.
So, once the paperwork is done, celebrate with your real estate agent—and welcome to pura vida living in Costa Rica!