What you need to know before buying and what to ask
To make an informed purchase decision, ask the seller to provide the following documents (if available or applicable) for review and verification purposes:
If you want peace of mind and complete confidence before finalizing your purchase, have our real estate attorney conduct a Due Diligence Review before the notary begins drafting the official purchase deed.
Learn more about the Due Diligence process in our FAQ section.
Yes, any foreigner can legally own property in Costa Rica.
However, property ownership does not grant residency or immigration status.
During a due diligence review, the overall condition of the property is thoroughly examined. This process requires certified translations and legal authentications, and it must be carried out by an attorney in addition to the notary. The attorney focuses on specific matters such as identifying potential hidden defects or significant legal or structural issues.
Furthermore, investigations and verifications are conducted with the relevant authorities, including the local municipality, planning and building departments, water and electricity providers, internet companies, and other responsible ministries.
The due diligence process takes approximately one to three weeks and costs USD 1,440.00 + 13% VAT.
Please budget approximately 5% of the purchase price for costs and fees. These include, among others, 1% for property registration, 1.5% transfer tax, and 1.1% notary fees as fixed costs, in addition to variable expenses such as administrative work, office supplies, translations, etc. If a mortgage, property subdivision (segregation), or purchase option agreement is involved, the closing costs will increase by several percentage points.