Straight answers to the questions buyers and sellers ask us most about Costa Rica real estate, from foreign ownership and closing costs to residency, selling and choosing a community. Each question links to the page where we answer it in full.
Legal and ownership
- Can foreigners own property in Costa Rica?
- What is the difference between titled and concession property in Costa Rica?
- Can foreigners buy beachfront property in Costa Rica?
- Should I buy Costa Rica property in my own name or through a corporation?
- How do I check that a Costa Rica property has clean title?
- How do I protect my Costa Rica home while I’m away?
Money and taxes
- Can foreigners get a mortgage in Costa Rica?
- How much are closing costs in Costa Rica?
- How much are property taxes in Costa Rica?
- What is Costa Rica’s luxury home tax?
- How is Airbnb income taxed in Costa Rica?
- What rental income can a Guanacaste vacation home earn?
- What does it cost each year to own a home in Guanacaste?
The buying process
- How do foreigners buy property in Costa Rica, step by step?
- How do offers work in Costa Rica without an MLS?
- What should due diligence include in Costa Rica?
- What is a water letter in Costa Rica?
- How does escrow work when buying in Costa Rica?
- Can I buy property in Costa Rica without traveling there to close?
Selling
- How do I sell my property in Costa Rica?
- What does it cost to sell a home in Costa Rica?
- Do I pay capital gains tax when I sell property in Costa Rica?
- What is my Guanacaste property worth?
- How can I sell my Guanacaste property faster?
- Can I sell my Costa Rica property without traveling there?
- How do I sell a property owned by a Costa Rican corporation?
Residency and lifestyle
- Does buying property in Costa Rica give me residency?
- What residency options does Costa Rica offer Americans and Canadians?
- Can I live in my Costa Rica home part of the year without residency?
- What is healthcare like for expats in Guanacaste?
- Are there international schools near Playa Flamingo and Tamarindo?
Communities
- Where is the best place to buy in Guanacaste?
- Tamarindo or Playa Flamingo: which is better to buy in?
- What should I know before buying in a Guanacaste resort community?
- How is buying at Peninsula Papagayo different?
- How does Marina Flamingo affect property in Flamingo and Potrero?
- Are there building limits in Playa Grande?
Choosing an agent and an attorney
- How do I choose a qualified real estate agent in Costa Rica?
- Should I list my Guanacaste property with one brokerage or several?
- Do I need my own attorney to buy property in Costa Rica?
Have a question that is not answered here? Contact the Flamingo Beach Realty team and we will point you to the right answer, or to a trusted local attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners own property in Costa Rica?
Yes. Foreigners can own titled property in Costa Rica with the same legal protections as citizens, even when visiting as tourists. No residency, visa or local partner is needed. The main exception is beachfront concession land in the Maritime Zone, which has its own rules.
How do I protect my Costa Rica home while I’m away?
Use a property manager or caretaker, keep boundaries fenced and marked, and visit or have the home checked regularly. Squatting risk is concentrated on unfenced rural land, not maintained homes in gated communities or managed condos. If anyone enters without permission, act through your attorney right away.
Can I buy property in Costa Rica without traveling there to close?
Yes, remote closings are routine. You sign a special power of attorney so your attorney can sign the deed for you, either at a Costa Rican consulate or before a notary at home with an apostille and translation. Tours, offers, due diligence and escrow can all be done remotely.
Can I live in my Costa Rica home part of the year without residency?
Yes, many owners do. Owning property does not require residency, and US, Canadian and most European visitors can receive up to 180 days per entry, at the border officer’s discretion. Tourists cannot work locally or join the public health system.
Do I need my own attorney to buy property in Costa Rica?
Yes, hire your own independent attorney. The notary who signs the deed serves the transaction, but only a lawyer you retain works solely for you on title, contract terms and ownership structure. Fees follow an official scale, about 1% of the price on typical Guanacaste purchases, plus VAT.
