Buy property in Costa Rica with the right information from day one.
Browse current listings with real prices, understand the process, and connect with GAP when you are ready for the next step.
Non-residents can buy titled property
Public registry title system
Closing typically 60–90 days
One of the most accessible foreign real estate markets in the Americas.
Foreigners can purchase privately titled property without Costa Rican residency. Maritime-zone concessions have a different legal regime and foreign-participation restrictions. Have an attorney verify the property’s title, applicable regime and any restrictions before committing. The National Registry records registered property rights.
Property values are quoted in US dollars across most of the market. Transactions are typically completed in USD. The local legal system provides clear title and documented ownership rights.
What GAP Real Estate provides
Current listings with actual photography and public pricing. Straightforward information on the properties we represent. When a property matches your situation, we help you understand the correct next steps — including when and how to engage an attorney and complete the necessary due diligence.
What you can buy in Costa Rica
Residential homes & villas
Single-family homes, luxury villas, and hillside residences across the Central Valley and coastal regions. Most are fully titled with clear ownership records.
MountainCoastalCentral Valley
Condos & townhomes
Gated condominium developments with shared amenities. Clear horizontal property title with recorded common areas.
GatedLow-maintenanceRental-ready
Land & lots
Residential lots, agricultural land, and raw development parcels. Zoning verification and water/utility access are essential due-diligence items before any offer.
ResidentialAgriculturalDevelopment
Income-producing property
Vacation rentals, boutique hotels, and commercial buildings with documented rental histories. Verify the operating permits and authorizations applicable to the property and business before purchase.
Short-term rentalCommercial
Farms & agricultural
Coffee farms, pineapple plantations, cattle ranches, and mixed-use agricultural estates. Water rights and access roads are key due-diligence items.
CoffeeCattleMixed-use
Maritime Zone property
Coastal property may be subject to the maritime-zone concession regime or may have valid private title under applicable exceptions. Concessions carry different rights and restrictions, including foreign-participation limits. An attorney should verify the particular property before any offer.
ConcessionCoastalAttorney required
Where buyers are looking in Costa Rica
Escazú & Santa Ana
Upscale Central Valley suburbs. Excellent infrastructure, international schools, shopping, hospitals. High demand from expat families and retirees. Prices reflect the amenities.
Atenas
Named one of the world’s best climates. Quieter mountain town west of San José. Popular with retirees. More land for the dollar than urban Central Valley.
Guanacaste (North Pacific)
Tamarindo, Nosara, Playa Flamingo, and the Papagayo Peninsula. Dry Pacific coast. Strong vacation rental demand. International airport in Liberia.
Central Pacific (Jacó–Quepos)
Manuel Antonio National Park area. Year-round accessibility from San José (90 min). Surf town lifestyle in Jacó. Established vacation rental market in Manuel Antonio.
South Pacific (Dominical–Uvita)
Whale Tail region. Lush rainforest meets the Pacific. Faster-developing, still-affordable compared to north Pacific. Strong appeal for nature-focused buyers.
La Fortuna & Arenal
Volcano region, natural hot springs, and lake. Year-round tourism. Growing residential interest. Cooler temperatures, lush green landscape.
How a property purchase works in Costa Rica
Define your search
Clarify the region, property type, budget, and timeline before viewing. GAP can point you toward current listings that fit. Understanding how you plan to use the property (primary residence, vacation rental, retirement) shapes which locations and property types make the most sense.
Review listings and visit properties
View current listings with actual photography and verified pricing. Property visits are important — photos rarely capture drainage, noise, access road quality, or neighboring land use. Plan to visit in person before making any serious decision.
Engage a Costa Rican attorney
Before making an offer, retain an independent Costa Rican attorney (abogado). The attorney will search the Registro Nacional to verify clear title, check for liens (gravámenes), easements, and encumbrances, and confirm the property’s legal status. Ask the attorney for a written fee quote before work begins.
Submit an offer and negotiate
Offers are made via a written promissory agreement (Opción de Compraventa). A deposit is held in escrow while due diligence is completed. The offer should specify price, deposit amount, due diligence period, contingencies, and closing date.
Complete due diligence
During the agreed period (typically 30–45 days), your attorney verifies: title history, survey (plano catastrado), property taxes (municipalidad), water service rights (ASADA or AyA), building permits if applicable, HOA status if a condominium, and boundaries. Any issues identified during this period allow renegotiation or withdrawal.
Closing and title transfer
Costa Rica closings are handled by a notary-attorney (notario público). The transfer deed (escritura de compraventa) is signed and registered with the Registro Nacional. Title officially transfers upon registration. The full process — from accepted offer to registered title — typically takes 60–90 days.
What buyers typically pay at closing in Costa Rica
Transfer tax
Impuesto de Traspaso — paid to the Costa Rican government on the declared sale price or fiscal value, whichever is higher.
Notary / registration fees
Request a written breakdown of notarial professional fees, applicable taxes, registry charges and stamps. These are separate items; do not assume a single charge includes everything.
Attorney due diligence
Title search, lien review, and legal opinion before closing. Separate from notary fees. Worth every colón — engage your own attorney, not the seller’s.
Survey & other costs
Updated cadastral survey (plano catastrado), escrow fees if used, and municipal certification of property taxes. Ask your attorney for a written estimate of your total closing costs before you sign.
Frequently asked questions about buying in Costa Rica
Can a non-resident foreigner own property in Costa Rica?
Yes. Foreigners can buy privately titled property without Costa Rican residency. This does not extend to unrestricted eligibility for maritime-zone concessions, which require separate legal review. Properties are registered in the buyer’s name (or a corporation’s name) in the public Registro Nacional.
Should I use a corporation (sociedad anónima) to hold the property?
Many buyers hold property through a Costa Rican SA (Sociedad Anónima). It can simplify eventual resale or transfer and provides some liability protection. Corporate ownership also carries annual tax and compliance obligations; confirm the applicable category and current amounts with your advisor. Discuss the structure with your attorney — there is no single right answer.
What is the Maritime Zone and why does it matter?
The maritime-zone regime generally distinguishes a public zone from a restricted zone where concessions may be granted. Valid private titles and other legal exceptions require individual review. Concessions are not equivalent to private title and have foreign-participation restrictions. Have an attorney verify the precise regime and rights before buying coastal property.
How long does the purchase process take?
From accepted offer to registered title, most transactions complete in 60–90 days. The due diligence period (attorney title review, survey verification) typically takes 30–45 days. Registration in the Registro Nacional after signing takes 2–4 weeks.
Can I get financing in Costa Rica?
GAP Equity Loans considers property-backed loans from US$50,000 for borrowers of any nationality, wherever they live. Costa Rican residency is not required, including for purchase financing. Each loan requires property and documentation review. Bank eligibility and terms vary by institution and product.
What are annual property taxes?
Costa Rica property taxes (impuesto sobre bienes inmuebles) are paid to the local municipality each year. Ask the municipality or your attorney for the current amount on a specific property.
Explore current Costa Rica properties.
Browse listings with real photos and public prices, or contact GAP to discuss what you are looking for.
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Bridge Your Purchase
Have most of the price? We cover the rest — from $50,000 USD, property-backed, a target of 10 business days after complete documents and required review; additional checks can extend timing.
All nationalities welcome; Costa Rican residency is not required.
Improve Your Property
Add a bedroom, pool, or solar system — turn your new property into an income producer. From $50K, 6–36 month terms.