Sell your Costa Rica property to serious, qualified buyers.
Accurate listing details, real property photography, and a clear presentation to buyers who are actually looking — that is where a successful Costa Rica sale begins.
Real property photography
Buyer-qualified inquiries
Transparent process
Sellers who are clear about their property get better buyers.
GAP Real Estate lists properties with accurate details and honest pricing. Buyers on our platform are people who have done their research and know what they are looking for. That means fewer wasted showings and inquiries from buyers who are serious.
We do not inflate asking prices to win listings and then push sellers to reduce later. The listing price discussion at the start of the relationship is the most important conversation — we base it on what comparable properties have actually sold for, not on what a seller hopes to achieve.
Ready to list your property?
Share basic details about your property — location, type, size, current condition, and your pricing expectation. GAP will review the information and come back with a candid assessment of how the property should be positioned.
How a property sale works with GAP Real Estate
Initial property review
GAP reviews your property details — location, type, size, condition, legal status, and your pricing expectations. We compare against current market data and provide an honest pricing assessment. This conversation is where the listing relationship starts.
Legal and documentation check
Before listing, ensure your property documentation is in order: current title registration at the Registro Nacional, property survey (plano catastrado) on file, property taxes current with the municipality, and any permits for improvements properly registered. Buyers will verify all of this during due diligence — problems discovered mid-transaction delay or kill deals.
Photography and listing preparation
Accurate photography — including honest photos of the full property, access roads, and any features that matter to buyers — forms the backbone of a credible listing. We prepare listing details that reflect what a buyer will actually encounter when they visit.
Listing and buyer inquiries
Your property is listed at the agreed price with full details. Inquiries come from buyers who have reviewed the listing and have a genuine interest. GAP qualifies inquiries and coordinates property visits with serious buyers.
Offer and negotiation
Offers are submitted in writing via an Opción de Compraventa (promissory purchase agreement). A deposit is placed in escrow. GAP assists in evaluating offers and negotiating terms on your behalf.
Due diligence and closing
The buyer’s attorney will verify title, survey, liens, and legal status during the agreed due diligence period (typically 30–45 days). If the property documentation is clean and the price was fair, due diligence proceeds smoothly. Closing is handled by a Costa Rican notary-attorney, and the title is registered in the buyer’s name at the Registro Nacional.
What sellers typically pay when closing in Costa Rica
Real estate agent fee
Typically paid by the seller at closing. The fee rate is agreed in your listing agreement.
Transfer tax
Impuesto de Traspaso — legally owed by the seller, though it is sometimes negotiated to be split or paid by the buyer. Based on the higher of sale price or fiscal value.
Notary fees
The closing notary-attorney charges for preparing the transfer deed and registration; ask for an itemized quote. Traditionally split equally between buyer and seller in Costa Rica.
Capital gains note
Costa Rica has a capital gains tax (Impuesto sobre las Ganancias de Capital) that can apply to the profit from a property sale. The tax applies to the gain (sale price minus documented acquisition cost). Consult a Costa Rican tax attorney (contador público) for your specific situation — the application varies depending on when and how you acquired the property.
What sellers should have ready
Documentation checklist
- Current title certificate from the Registro Nacional (folio real number)
- Cadastral survey (plano catastrado) — filed and current with CATASTRO
- Property tax receipts current with the municipality
- Any registered improvements and their permits
- HOA documentation (if a condominium or gated community)
- Water service contract (ASADA or AyA documentation)
- Concession paperwork if maritime zone property
- SA documents if held in a corporation (acta de asamblea, personería jurídica)
What buyers will check during due diligence
- Title history going back at least 10 years for liens or encumbrances
- Whether the physical boundaries match the registered survey
- Municipal property tax standing (impuesto predial)
- Any annotations (anotaciones) on the title
- Building and construction permits for any structures
- Environmental restrictions or protected zone overlays
- Access road legal status (right of way, road easements)
- Utility connections and their documentation
FAQs for Costa Rica property sellers
How long does it take to sell property in Costa Rica?
Market time varies significantly by location, price point, and condition. Well-priced properties in active markets (Central Valley, North Pacific coast) can receive offers within weeks. Remote or overpriced properties can sit for a year or longer. Pricing accurately at the start of the listing is the single biggest factor in time-to-sale.
Can I sell if I’m not in Costa Rica?
Yes. Non-resident sellers can execute the transaction through a Power of Attorney (Poder Especial or Poder Generalísimo) granted to a Costa Rican representative. The power of attorney must be notarized and apostilled in your home country. Your Costa Rican attorney can guide you through the process.
What if the property is held in a sociedad anónima (SA)?
There are two ways to sell: transfer the title out of the SA to the buyer (standard deed transfer), or sell the shares of the SA (share transfer). A share transfer can sometimes be done with fewer closing costs but requires thorough due diligence on the SA’s history and liabilities. Each approach has different tax and legal implications — your attorney should advise on the better structure for your situation.
Do I need to be present at closing?
No. With a valid Power of Attorney, a Costa Rican representative (your attorney or another appointed person) can sign the deed on your behalf at closing. Many international sellers complete the entire sale remotely, including document notarization in their home country via apostille.
Start the listing conversation with GAP Real Estate.
Share your property details and pricing expectations — GAP will provide an honest, market-based assessment and tell you how we would approach the listing.
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.