Is it Safe to Invest in Costa Rican Real Estate?

Investing in Costa Rican real estate is considered safe for foreign investors. In Costa Rica, international buyers enjoy equal rights to purchase and own property as locals do. You can own property either in your name or through a Costa Rican corporation, which may be owned by a foreign entity. For more insights on investment safety, visit our Real Estate Investment Safety page.

How Can I Verify the Legality of a Property in Costa Rica?

To ensure a property’s legality in Costa Rica, check its registration in the National Public Registry of Properties. Legally registered properties have a unique Folio Real number and a Plano Catastro number. For detailed guidance, see our Property Legal Verification guide.

Who Manages the Transaction Funds in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica, transaction funds over $10,000 must pass through a SUGEF-registered escrow agency, safeguarding your investment during the due diligence process. Bernard Realty recommends trusted escrow services for secure transactions. Learn more on our Escrow Services page.

Is a Real Estate License Required in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica, real estate licensing is encouraged but not mandatory. Bernard Realty agents are licensed and adhere to standards set by Costa Rica Global Associations of Realtors, aligned with NAR standards. Discover more about our professional standards on our Agent Licensing page.

What About Title Insurance in Costa Rica?

While Title Insurance isn’t common in Costa Rica, thorough property investigations by attorneys offer similar security. They trace property histories to ensure clear titles. For more information, check out our Title Investigation Services section.

Understanding Property Taxes in Costa Rica?

Property taxes in Costa Rica are uniform across the country and notably low. The rate is generally 0.25% of the property’s registered value per annum. For instance, if you own a property with a registered value of $200,000, the annual property tax would be approximately $500. This makes Costa Rica an attractive destination for property investment. For more details on property taxation, refer to our Property Tax Overview section.

Can Foreigners Own Beachfront Property in Costa Rica?

Foreigners can own beachfront property in Costa Rica under certain conditions, such as holding a concession for 20 years or owning through a corporation structure in condo developments. For detailed information, visit Beachfront Ownership Regulations.

Options for Financing a Property in Costa Rica

While direct mortgages to foreigners are rare, there are alternative financing options, including owner financing or using a self-directed IRA. Explore financing options on our Property Financing page.

Residency Requirements for Living in Costa Rica

To live in Costa Rica full-time, legal residency is required. Temporary stays up to 180 days are allowed for most international travelers without special visas. Learn more about residency requirements on our Residency Guidelines page.

What to Expect for Closing Costs in Costa Rica

Closing costs in Costa Rica are government-regulated, usually about 4% of the property’s value. Costs include notary fees, transfer taxes, and documentary stamps. Get a detailed breakdown on our Closing Costs page.

Do I Need an Attorney for Property Purchase in Costa Rica?

An attorney is essential for property transactions in Costa Rica, handling due diligence and property registration. Bernard Realty can connect you with experienced attorneys. Find out more on our Legal Assistance page.

Options for Holding Property in Costa Rica

Properties in Costa Rica can be owned personally or through a Costa Rican Corporation. The latter is often recommended for non-residents. Our agents can provide detailed advice, as outlined on our Property Ownership Options page.

Cost of Real Estate in Costa Rica

Real estate costs in Costa Rica vary, catering to diverse budgets and preferences. Bernard Realty offers properties ranging from affordable lots to luxury estates. Explore our listings on the Property Listings page.

Homeowners Association Fees in Costa Rica

HOA fees depend on the development and amenities provided. These fees cover maintenance, security, and other services. For a comprehensive overview, visit our Homeowners Association Fees page.

Experience Costa Rica Real Estate

Explore stunning beachfront homes, lucrative investment properties, and tranquil retreats, tailored to your vision of the perfect Costa Rican lifestyle.

Search Your Land By Type

Costa Rica offers an unparalleled variety of land options tailored to your needs. Whether you dream of owning an oceanfront estate, a secluded jungle retreat, or a prime development site, we provide expert insights and exclusive listings across Costa Rica’s most sought-after locations. Explore opportunities in Dominical, Uvita, Manuel Antonio, and Santa Teresa. If you can’t find your ideal property online, message us, and our team will personally assist you in finding the perfect match.

30 Properties

Land For Sale in Costa Rica

15 Properties

Commercial Properties in Costa Rica

4 Properties

Condos For Sale in Costa Rica

2 Properties

Hotels For Sale in Costa Rica

20 Properties

Homes For Sale in Costa Rica

29 Properties

Beachfront Homes in Costa Rica

Recently Added Properties for sale

Explore the newest properties in our Costa Rica real estate portfolio, featuring luxury villas, beachfront homes, and investment opportunities. Each property is handpicked for its location, amenities, and potential for growth. Whether you’re searching for a tropical sanctuary in Santa Teresa, a stunning ocean view villa in Uvita, or a development project in Santa Ana, we have the perfect property for you. Our team is dedicated to helping you find the best options, even if they’re not listed online.

Featured

For Sale Hot

Ocean view from Papagayo Guanacaste property highlighting development potential

Commercial Properties in Costa Rica, Land For Sale in Costa Rica

$15,000,000

Papagayo Paradise: A Visionary Luxury Development in Costa Rica

Costa Rica, Guanacaste, Liberia

389 Hectares

Rico Bernard
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Featured

For Sale Hot New Listing

Apartment Block Available - luxurious living space in Santo Domingo

Commercial Properties in Costa Rica

$1,500,000

Apartment Block Available for Purchase

Costa Rica, Heredia, Santo Domingo

6,458 Sq Ft
11,377 Sq Ft

Rico Bernard
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Featured

For Sale Hot New Listing

Beachfront Homes in Costa Rica, Homes For Sale in Costa Rica

$990,000

Mountain and Valley View Luxury Home Crypto Accepted

Costa Rica, San Jose, Puntarenas

2,691 Sq Ft
1.02 Hectares
Beds: 3
Baths: 2

Matthew Bernard
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Featured

For Sale Hot New Listing

Land For Sale in Costa Rica

$300,000

300 Square Meters Streetfront Commercial Lot for Sale in Playa Carmen

Costa Rica, Puntarenas, Puntarenas

3,229 Sq Ft

Matthew Bernard
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Featured Properties

Step into our exclusive collection of Costa Rica’s most prestigious real estate offerings. From sprawling beachfront estates in Papagayo to luxury eco-retreats in the lush jungles of Dominical, our featured properties represent the pinnacle of Costa Rican real estate. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious vacation home, a smart investment, or a private retreat, these hand-selected listings offer the best in location, design, and amenities.

Featured

For Sale Hot New Listing

Playa Hermosa Ocean View Land – Ideal for Boutique Hotel or Villas

Price on Request

21.46 Hectares

Featured

For Sale Hot New Listing

Lot for Sale in San Isidro de Heredia | 436 Square Meter Property with Central Valley Views

$100,000

4,693 Sq Ft

Featured

For Sale Hot New Listing

Prime Commercial Lot for Sale in Santa Teresa – Rare Land Opportunity!

$790,000

6,512 Sq Ft

Featured

For Sale Hot New Listing

300 Square Meters Streetfront Commercial Lot for Sale in Playa Carmen

$300,000

3,229 Sq Ft

Featured

For Sale Hot New Listing

4.2-Acre Ocean View Property in Uvita – Ready to Build with Subdivision Potential

$1,500,000

4.2 Acres

Featured

For Sale Hot New Listing

Beautiful Shaded Lot for Sale Near Downtown Santa Teresa and Central Beach

$540,000

88,921 Sq Ft

Featured

For Sale Hot New Listing

Lots for Sale to Build Your Dream Home – Calle Buenos Aires, Santa Teresa

$160,000

9,128 Sq Ft

Featured

For Sale Hot New Listing

Prime Commercial Lot for Sale in Santa Teresa – High Traffic Location

$350,000

1,076 Sq Ft
2,648 Sq Ft

Featured

For Sale Hot New Listing

Prime 223 Square Meters of Land for Sale in Santa Teresa

$223,000

2,400 Sq Ft

Why Invest in Costa Rica Real Estate

Costa Rica is a top destination for real estate investment, offering a stable political climate, booming tourism, and a high standard of living. Whether you’re looking for a second home, a retirement property, or a lucrative investment, Costa Rica’s diverse real estate market offers excellent opportunities.

What customers are saying

When I embarked on the journey to find a dream vacation estate in Costa Rica, I was overwhelmed by the vast real estate market. Fortunately, I connected with Mr. Bernard and his team at Bernard Realty, who expertly guided me through the selection process. With their assistance, I narrowed down my options, visited the properties, and effortlessly chose my ideal vacation home. Bernard Realty's personalized approach made all the difference in my property search.

by Kenya Soval
Home buyer

As a seasoned investor in the vibrant Costa Rican market, I've had the pleasure of partnering with Bernard Realty for all my real estate ventures. Mr. Bernard and his team have consistently demonstrated their expertise, providing invaluable guidance and support whenever challenges arise. Bernard Realty is more than just a real estate agency; they're your trusted allies in the world of Costa Rican real estate.

Testimonial from Tim Bennett, a Real Estate Investor, praising Bernard Realty's expertise in the Costa Rican real estate market.

by Tim Bennett
Real Estate Investor

As a real estate developer, choosing Bernard Realty for our Costa Rica ventures was crucial. Mr. Bernard's fluency in both English and Spanish greatly helped in liaising with local lawyers and buyers, reflecting his professionalism and deep understanding of the market.

by Jacob Anderson
Real Estate Developer

Guide for buyers and sellers

Unlock the ultimate guide to buying and selling real estate in Costa Rica. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced investor, our comprehensive resources provide insights into the Costa Rican market, property laws, and key investment strategies. Learn about trending regions such as Santa Teresa, Papagayo, and Uvita, and get expert advice on how to maximize your returns.