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Buying Property in Costa Rica:
Step-by-Step Guide for International Buyers
Buying real estate in Costa Rica can be straightforward when you understand two things: how the process actually works (in practical steps), and how to reduce risk through early verification and the right local support. This guide is written for international buyers who want clear expectations—what to do first, what to verify, and what to avoid.
— Step 1 —
Define the Outcome Before You Pick a Property
Your “must haves”
• Lifestyle: beach vs. mountain, quiet vs. walkable, near services vs. remote
• Climate preference and elevation tolerance
• Budget range and whether financing is needed
• Timeline: researching vs. buying within 90 days
• Intended use: full-time living, second home, rental, investment
When your outcome is clear, a broker can help you narrow to regions that truly fit.
— Step 2 —
Choose a Region That Matches Reality
Regional fit questions
• How far are you from medical care, groceries, and services?
• Are roads passable year-round?
• What is the internet reliability for your work needs?
• What is the local rental demand (if investment is a goal)?
• Are there HOA rules or short-term rental restrictions?
Costa Rica is diverse. Two towns may look similar online but differ drastically in road access, water reliability, infrastructure, and rental demand.
— Step 3 —
Understand the “MLS-Style” Landscape
What you should expect
• Some listings appear in multiple places with different prices or details
• Availability can change quickly
• Media quality and descriptions vary widely
• Verification happens through people, not a single national database
This is why the right broker relationship matters early.
— Step 4 —
Establish Your Team
At minimum, you want:
• A responsive broker who knows your target region
• A qualified attorney for due diligence and closing documentation
• A plan for inspections or site evaluation appropriate to the property type
— Step 5 —
Due Diligence:
What to Verify Early
Core verification areas
• Ownership and title review: confirm the legal path to transfer
• Property boundaries and access: confirm legal access, not just “it seems fine”
• Utilities: water source, electrical capacity, internet options
• HOA/condo rules and fees (if applicable)
• Known restrictions: zoning, protected areas, rental limitations
Due diligence is not a buzzword; it is the difference between a safe purchase and a costly problem.
— Step 6 —
The Offer and Negotiation
A professional offer process includes:
• Clear terms and timelines
• Contingencies appropriate to verification steps
• A defined path for deposits (do not improvise)
• Written communication and documentation standards
Your broker and attorney should coordinate so the process is organized and defensible.
— Step 7 —
Closing Expectations and Costs
Every transaction differs, but you should plan for:
• Legal fees and due diligence costs
• Government stamps/transfer-related costs where applicable
• Inspection and specialist reports (as needed)
• Property management or setup costs if you will not live locally
This is why the early budget conversation matters. “Purchase price” is not the full cost of ownership.
Buyer Intent Shortcuts
If you want to move faster, use the funnels below to self-qualify and route to the right broker:
• Retire in Costa Rica: go.relocatecostarica.com/retire-in-costa-rica
• Investing in Costa Rica: go.relocatecostarica.com/investing-in-costa-rica
• Beach homes: go.relocatecostarica.com/beach-homes-costa-rica
FAQ's
Can foreigners buy property in Costa Rica?
Generally, yes. The practical details depend on property type and documentation. Your attorney will confirm the safest structure for your situation.
Is it safe to buy without seeing the property?
Remote buying carries higher risk. Many buyers start remote, then schedule an on-the-ground trip to confirm region fit, access, and property condition.
How do I avoid wasting time on bad listings?
Use a broker who will verify availability and documentation expectations early, and who will give you region-based guidance—not just send you links.
Unlike a centralized U.S. MLS, Costa Rica listings can be spread across many sources. That makes broker quality and verification discipline more important.
Red flags to treat seriously
• Pressure to move quickly without documentation
• Vague answers about access, water, or boundaries
• Inconsistent pricing across sources without explanation
• A broker or seller unwilling to coordinate verification steps
Next Steps
1) Read the Costa Rica MLS overview: relocatecostarica.com/mls
2) Request the Buyer Guide to clarify your priorities.
3) Browse listings with your region and budget in mind.
4) Get matched with a broker.