Luxury Real Estate in Costa Rica: A Buyer’s Checklist

At the top of the market, the stakes are higher: larger properties, more land, pools, guest houses and views that are hard to put a price on. Buying luxury real estate in Costa Rica calls for the same care as any purchase, and then some. This guide covers the two main kinds of high-end home, what drives their value, the extra checks large properties need and the real cost of owning one.

Two very different kinds of luxury

• Ocean-view and beachside villas on the coast, often with pools and large outdoor living spaces.
• Hillside estates in the Central Valley, for example in the hills around Escazú, with more land, privacy and cooler nights.

Costa Rica’s national weather service, the IMN, reports average daytime highs of about 26.7°C (80°F) in the western Central Valley, against about 31–33°C (88–91°F) on the Pacific coast, so the climate is part of the choice.

What drives value at the high end

• Views and privacy, and whether they could be affected by future building nearby.
• Land: size, slope, usable area and access.
• Construction quality, materials and how well the home has been maintained.
• Title type: titled property, or a maritime-zone concession near the beach.
• Water and utilities: documented water service and reliable power.
• Amenities: pools, guest houses, staff quarters and outdoor spaces.

Extra checks for large properties

• Compare the survey plan with the boundaries on the ground, especially on large or steep lots.
• Confirm permits for every structure, including pools, guest houses and later additions.
• Check that water service documentation covers how the whole property is used.
• If the property is held through a company, have your attorney review the company as well as the property.
• For coastal land, have your attorney confirm whether it is titled or a concession.

Our due diligence checklist covers the standard steps for every purchase.

The cost of owning a luxury home

• closing costs.
• Municipal property taxes, insurance and utilities.
• Staff and upkeep for gardens, pools and larger buildings.
• Extra maintenance near the coast, where salt air and humidity are hard on metal, wood and roofs.
• Condominium or community fees, where they apply.

Financing a high-end purchase

Banks set their own requirements, which can make bank loans harder for newcomers. If you already own titled property in Costa Rica, GAP Equity Loans can lend against it from US$50,000; loans above US$1 million require additional paperwork and due diligence.

Buying or selling luxury real estate in Costa Rica with GAP Real Estate

GAP Real Estate works with buyers and sellers of any nationality, and Costa Rican residency is not required. We coordinate viewings, negotiation, due diligence and closing alongside the attorneys for both parties. Sellers pay GAP Real Estate only when the sale closes, with a commission agreed in the listing agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is luxury real estate in Costa Rica found?

Mainly in two settings: ocean-view and beachside villas on the coast, and hillside estates in the Central Valley, such as around Escazú.

What extra checks do large properties need?

Boundaries against the survey plan, permits for every structure, water service for the whole property and, where relevant, a review of the owning company.

Can foreigners buy luxury homes?

Yes. Foreigners can buy titled property, and residency is not required to buy through GAP Real Estate. Maritime-zone concessions have their own rules.

Can I finance a luxury purchase?

If you own titled property in Costa Rica, GAP Equity Loans lends against it from US$50,000, with additional paperwork and due diligence above US$1 million.

This article is general information only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Climate figures are IMN long-term averages. Confirm the details of any purchase with a licensed Costa Rican attorney.

WhatsApp us at +506 8888 0003 to get started.

Looking for a high-end home? Browse Costa Rica properties or email info@gap.cr.