Private property-backed financing for Costa Rica real estate.
When traditional bank financing is not available, GAP Equity Loans provides bridge loans and equity loans backed by Costa Rica property — from $50,000 USD, closing within 10 business days once the required documents are complete.
Lower LTV supports better pricing
No credit score required
Close within 10 business days
Banks set their own requirements, which can make bank loans harder for newcomers. Private lending does.
Bank eligibility, documentation and approval times vary by institution and product. GAP offers a property-backed route for residents and non-residents, with no credit score required and an individual review of the property and loan request.
Private lenders like GAP Equity Loans operate on a property-value basis — the loan is secured by the Costa Rica real estate, and decisions are made based on the property and the exit strategy, not a foreign credit score.
Who private financing works for
- Buyers who need to close quickly before cash arrives
- Property owners pulling equity out for renovations or investment
- Buyers bridging while longer-term financing is arranged
- Investors who want leverage on an income-producing property
- Owners needing funds for a property-related business opportunity
Types of financing available through Grupo GAP
Purchase bridge financing
Short-term loan secured by the property being purchased. Ideal for buyers who have the funds coming but need to close now. Terms from 6 to 36 months.
- LTV: up to 50% of the value GAP determines
- Rate: based on LTV, property and overall assessment
- Term: 6–36 months
- Close within 10 business days
- Interest-only payments available
Property equity loan
Borrow against equity in a property you already own in Costa Rica. Use the funds for renovations, investment, or any purpose. Property must have clear titled ownership.
- LTV: up to 50% of the value GAP determines
- Rate: based on LTV, property and overall assessment
- Term: 6–36 months
- First-lien position on title
- Monthly interest payments
Improvement financing
Add a bedroom, pool, solar system, or income-generating unit to an existing property. The improved property value supports the loan — turn your home into an income producer.
- Value and any staged funding assessed by GAP and the lender
- Rate: based on LTV, property and overall assessment
- Term: 6–36 months
- Staged draws available for construction
- Property must have clear titled status
The GAP Equity Loans process
Initial inquiry
Submit the property address, your loan amount request, and your planned use of funds through GAP Equity Loans. GAP starts with an initial review of the property and request. No credit score required — the review focuses on the property and the request.
Property valuation
GAP determines the property value used to calculate LTV, with input and acceptance from the lender. The borrower’s estimate does not determine the approved value or loan amount. Any calculator result is an illustration until GAP and the lender complete their review. Supporting appraisals and comparable sales may be reviewed. Borrowers pay loan-related valuation costs, which are explained for the particular file.
Title and legal review
GAP’s attorney verifies clear title, checks for liens and annotations in the Registro Nacional, and confirms the property is in a lendable position. Timing depends on the property and documents.
Term sheet and agreement
GAP issues a formal term sheet specifying the loan amount, interest rate, term, payment schedule, and closing requirements. Both parties review and agree before proceeding to closing.
Closing and fund disbursement
The mortgage (hipoteca) is registered against the property title at the Registro Nacional. Funds are disbursed upon completion of registration. Qualified loans can close within 10 business days once the complete file and required review are ready. Missing documents or additional property and legal checks can extend the timeline.
Common financing questions
First-lien position on every GAP loan
GAP never arranges second-position loans. Any existing mortgage must be paid off before or at closing so the new GAP lender holds first-lien position.
Early repayment
Early repayment carries a penalty. The amount and conditions vary by lender and will be explained when GAP reviews your proposed loan terms with you.
Loan amount and cash received
The borrower pays all loan-related fees, deducted from loan proceeds at closing. The closing breakdown shows the loan amount, fees, any existing-mortgage payoff and the remaining cash received. A US$100,000 loan with US$10,000 in fees leaves US$90,000 before any mortgage payoff. This is an illustration, not a standard 10% fee.
Do I need to be a Costa Rica resident to qualify?
GAP accepts borrowers of any nationality, wherever they live. Costa Rican residency is not required for purchase financing or for loans against property already owned. Property review, documentation and individual loan approval still apply.
What property types qualify as collateral?
Titled residential property (homes, condominiums, lots) and titled commercial property are the primary collateral types. Maritime zone concession property and agricultural land with complex legal status are evaluated case-by-case. The property must have a clear, lien-free title at the Registro Nacional.
What is the maximum loan-to-value?
GAP prefers loan requests at 30% of property value or less. A 40% request is more favorable than borrowing at the 50% maximum. Lower LTV generally supports better pricing, with property quality and the overall file also affecting the offer. Requests above US$1 million require additional documentation and due diligence.
Are the interest payments monthly?
GAP standard loans have monthly interest-only payments during the term, with principal due at the end. The repayment schedule and all agreed conditions are documented in the term sheet.
What happens if I cannot repay at maturity?
GAP works with borrowers to extend terms or restructure when there is a credible path to repayment. If the loan cannot be resolved, the mortgage allows GAP (as lender) to initiate a judicial foreclosure process under Costa Rican law. This is not GAP’s preferred outcome and is treated as a last resort after all other options are exhausted.
Talk to GAP Equity Loans about your property situation.
Whether you need to bridge a purchase, pull equity, or fund renovations — start with a conversation. GAP will tell you quickly whether your situation qualifies.
GAP Real Estate — Powered by Grupo GAP Financing
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.