Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner buy property in Costa Rica?
Yes. Foreigners have the same property rights as Costa Rican citizens when buying titled property, no residency or citizenship required. The one major exception is the maritime zone (the first 200 meters from the high-tide line), where concessions carry ownership restrictions, ask us about any beachfront parcel before you fall in love with it.
Do I need to live in Costa Rica, or become a resident, to own property there?
No. You can own property outright without ever becoming a resident. Many of our buyers live in the U.S. full-time and visit their homes or rent them out.
What does the buying process actually look like?
A typical purchase runs: written offer → purchase agreement → due diligence by your attorney (title study at the National Registry, survey review, confirmation that taxes are current) → closing before a Costa Rican notary, where the deed is signed and registered. Our step-by-step buying guide walks through all of it, and we walk with you through every step.
What should I budget for closing costs?
Plan on roughly 3.5–6% of the purchase price on top of it: the property transfer tax, notary and National Registry fees, plus your attorney’s fee. In our price range and area, deals tend to land around 3.5%. We’ll give you a line-item estimate for your specific deal before you commit.
What are the annual property taxes?
Costa Rica’s municipal property tax is 0.25% of the property’s registered value per year, among the lowest in the region. Homes above a luxury threshold (adjusted yearly) also carry the solidarity tax.
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Should I buy in my own name or through a Costa Rican corporation?
It’s common for foreign buyers to hold property in a Costa Rican corporation for liability and estate-planning reasons, but the right structure depends on your tax situation at home. We’ll connect you with an attorney and your own tax advisor to decide.
Can I get a mortgage in Costa Rica?
Yes, and we have a financing partner for it. Second Street offers American-style mortgages to qualified U.S. buyers: 30-year fixed, competitive rates, no prepayment penalty. Most international buyers otherwise pay cash or arrange financing at home. Our financing guide walks through the realistic options.
How is my deposit protected?
Earnest deposits go into a licensed escrow account, never directly to the seller, and are released at closing per the contract terms. It’s standard practice, and we insist on it.
Can I rent out my property when I’m not using it?
Yes. Vacation and short-term rentals are a well-established market in the Tamarindo area, and many owners offset carrying costs that way. Ask us about reputable local property managers, choosing the right one matters more than anything else.
I can’t fly down for every step, can I buy remotely?
Yes. Remote buyers are routine for us: virtual and video tours, documents handled by email, and closing via a special power of attorney granted at a Costa Rican consulate near you. Funds move by wire into escrow. You’ll know exactly what’s happening at each step.
Why buy through Costa Rica Vision?
We’re on the ground in Tamarindo, Guanacaste, this is our market, not a territory on a map. You’ll deal directly with people who live here: office@costaricavision.com, or phone/WhatsApp 506 8473 4617.
Do I need to stay at the resort to enjoy Playa Conchal or its golf course?
No. Costa Rica’s beaches are public by law, so anyone can walk onto Playa Conchal’s famous shell-sand beach. If you want the resort side, pools, restaurants, beach chairs and umbrellas, the Westin Reserva Conchal sells all-inclusive day passes (confirm current pricing with them directly). The 18-hole Robert Trent Jones II golf course is bookable separately through the club.
Is now a good time to buy in Costa Rica?
The 2026 market favors prepared buyers over speculators, well-priced homes in established Guanacaste communities are moving, while overpriced listings sit. The fundamentals haven’t changed: limited beachfront supply, steady North American demand and a strong tourism base. Timing the market matters less than buying right, the right property at a fair price in a community you’d happily keep.
How does the colón exchange rate affect me?
Costa Rica runs on the colón (pronounced koh-LOHN, the currency of Costa Rica), and it’s strengthened to around 450–480 per dollar through most of 2026, the strongest in two decades. If you earn in dollars, that squeezes everyday costs and rental income a little. It doesn’t change the math on a well-priced home, but it’s the kind of thing you want to know before you buy, not after.
Do I need a 4×4 to get around Guanacaste?
No. The main routes are all paved and well maintained, Liberia airport to Tamarindo, Flamingo, Potrero and the other beach towns are straightforward drives. Some local routes are unpaved but still well maintained, and very few routes actually require a 4×4. When in doubt, ask us before you set out.
How do I choose which community is right for me?
Start with how you want to live day to day. Want walkable surf-town energy? Tamarindo. Marina life and sunsets? Flamingo. Quiet and local? Potrero. Car-free and outdoorsy? Las Catalinas. Our community pages break down all eight areas, what to do, what it feels like and who it suits. Then come see them; nothing replaces a visit.
The Buyer’s Guide to Costa Rica Real Estate
Get your FREE Buyer’s Guide to Costa Rica
Everything you need to know – before you vacation, move or buy in Costa Rica