Blog
Practical articles on buying, owning and investing in Costa Rican property.
Osa Peninsula: Corcovado National Park and what to check before buying land
A quiet, protected region: regulated park access, forest and river buffers, beaches, legal access and water – a due diligence checklist.
Read article →Can foreigners own property in Costa Rica?
Yes – outside the coastal concession zone foreigners generally hold the same ownership rights as locals. Here is where the limits are.
Titled property vs. concession: the difference
A beachfront concession is not ownership. It has a term, conditions and limits for foreigners.
Buying property in Costa Rica step by step
From reservation and escrow through due diligence to notarial registration.
Closing costs: taxes and fees when buying
Transfer tax, notarial and registry costs, escrow and independent due diligence: how to build an itemized acquisition budget.
Which taxes does a property owner pay in Costa Rica?
Annual property tax, luxury home tax, rental income tax and VAT on short stays.
Rental apartments: reality vs. spreadsheet
How to read developer investment analyses – occupancy, nightly rate, commissions and hidden costs.
Guanacaste: why investors look to the Pacific coast
Liberia international airport, dry climate and mature tourism – plus water, infrastructure and seasonality.
Playas del Coco and Papagayo: close to airport and sea
Compare the specific address, condominium rules, ownership rights and operating costs in Coco and Papagayo.
Nosara: wellness, surf and strict nature protection
Surf and wellness as a visitor profile, not a guaranteed return: assess access, utilities and current parcel-specific restrictions.
Sámara: a calm family alternative
Assess Sámara for personal use and rentals through comparable properties, documented costs and legal checks.
Water and utilities: the most underestimated item
Verify water, wastewater and utility capacity for the actual project: a nearby pipe or the seller's assurance is not enough.
Land use and building permits
The difference between a general statement and official confirmation of a specific build.
Buying a lot that is still being subdivided?
Future subdivision is common but risky. Clauses that protect the buyer.
Own personally or through a company?
Costa Rican S.A. and S.R.L. companies – pros, annual duties and beneficial ownership registry.
Residency in Costa Rica for investors and retirees
Property ownership is not automatic residency. Understand the documented 2023 investment rules and verify the current requirements before buying.
Managing your property remotely
Management agreement, reporting, tropical maintenance and choosing a good partner.