Costa Rica Real Estate: A Guide for Buyers and Investors

Costa Rica is a small Central American country that offers a variety of attractions and benefits for buyers and investors who are interested in its real estate market. Costa Rica is known for its natural beauty, biodiversity, stable democracy, friendly people, and high quality of life. It also has a favorable climate, a strategic location, a strong economy, and a low cost of living. In this article, we will provide an overview of the Costa Rica real estate market, the types of properties available, the legal and financial aspects, and the best locations to buy or invest in.

Overview of the Costa Rica Real Estate Market

The Costa Rica real estate market has been growing steadily in the past decades, driven by the increasing demand from both local and foreign buyers and investors. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), the total value of real estate transactions in Costa Rica increased by 7.8% from 2019 to 2020, reaching $4.6 billion. The average price per square meter of residential properties in Costa Rica was $1,366 in 2020, up by 4.2% from 2019.

The main factors that influence the Costa Rica real estate market are:

• Tourism: Costa Rica is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Latin America, attracting more than 3 million visitors annually. Tourism accounts for about 8% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and generates employment and income for many sectors. Tourism also stimulates the demand for vacation rentals, hotels, resorts, and other hospitality-related properties in Costa Rica.
• Retirement: Costa Rica is one of the best places to retire in the world, according to various rankings and surveys. Costa Rica offers a high quality of life, a low cost of living, a favorable climate, a stable democracy, a universal health care system, and a friendly culture for retirees. Costa Rica also has several retirement programs that grant benefits and incentives for foreign retirees who meet certain requirements. Retirement also boosts the demand for residential properties, especially in beachfront or mountainous areas.
• Investment: Costa Rica is one of the most attractive countries for foreign investment in Central America, according to the World Bank. Costa Rica has a strong economy, a strategic location, a skilled workforce, a competitive business environment, and a free trade agreement with several countries. Investment also increases the demand for commercial properties, such as offices, warehouses, industrial parks, or shopping centers.

Types of Properties Available

The Costa Rica real estate market offers a wide range of properties for different tastes and budgets. Some of the most common types of properties available are:

• Houses: Houses are detached or semi-detached single-family dwellings that usually have one or more stories, a yard or garden, and a garage or parking space. Houses can vary in size, style, design, and amenities. Houses are suitable for buyers who want more privacy, space, and customization options. Houses are also ideal for families with children or pets. Houses can be found in urban or rural areas, as well as in gated communities or condominiums.
• Condos: Condos are units within a larger building or complex that share common areas and facilities with other units. Condos can have one or more bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as a kitchen, living room, balcony, or terrace. Condos are suitable for buyers who want more convenience, security, and affordability. Condos are also ideal for singles, couples, or retirees who do not need much space or maintenance. Condos can be found in urban or coastal areas, as well as in resort-style developments or golf communities.
• Land: Land is vacant or undeveloped property that can be used for various purposes, such as building, farming, or preserving. Land can vary in size, shape, topography, and zoning. Land is suitable for buyers who want more freedom, creativity, and potential. Land is also ideal for investors who want to capitalize on future appreciation or development opportunities. Land can be found in rural or remote areas, as well as in prime locations or emerging markets.

Legal and Financial Aspects

The legal and financial aspects of buying or investing in Costa Rica real estate are relatively simple and straightforward compared to other countries. Some of the main aspects to consider are:

• Ownership rights: Foreign buyers and investors have the same ownership rights as local buyers and investors in Costa Rica, with some exceptions for properties located within the maritime zone (200 meters from the high tide line) or within national parks or reserves. Foreign buyers and investors can own properties either directly under their name or indirectly through a corporation or trust.
• Property registration: Property registration is the process of transferring the ownership title of a property from the seller to the buyer and recording it in the National Registry of Costa Rica. Property registration requires the intervention of a public notary, who is also a lawyer, who prepares and authenticates the purchase agreement and other documents. Property registration also involves paying various fees and taxes, such as the transfer tax (1.5% of the property value), the registration fee (0.5% of the property value), the stamp duty (0.05% of the property value), and the notary fee (1.25% of the property value).
• Due diligence: Due diligence is the process of verifying the legal and physical status of a property before buying or investing in it. Due diligence involves checking various aspects, such as the ownership title, the property boundaries, the zoning regulations, the environmental permits, the utility services, the liens or encumbrances, and the structural or functional conditions. Due diligence requires the assistance of a professional real estate agent, a lawyer, a surveyor, an engineer, or an inspector.
• Financing options: Financing options are the sources of funds that buyers or investors can use to pay for a property in Costa Rica. Financing options can be divided into two categories: local financing and foreign financing. Local financing refers to loans or mortgages obtained from banks or financial institutions in Costa Rica. Local financing usually requires a down payment of 20% to 40% of the property value, a credit history in Costa Rica, a proof of income or assets in Costa Rica, and a collateral or guarantee in Costa Rica. Foreign financing refers to loans or mortgages obtained from banks or financial institutions outside Costa Rica. Foreign financing usually requires a down payment of 30% to 50% of the property value, a credit history in the country of origin, a proof of income or assets in the country of origin, and a collateral or guarantee in the country of origin.

Best Locations to Buy or Invest in

The best locations to buy or invest in Costa Rica real estate depend on the preferences and goals of each buyer or investor. However, some of the most popular and profitable locations are:

• Guanacaste: Guanacaste is a province located in the northwestern part of Costa Rica, bordering Nicaragua and the Pacific Ocean. Guanacaste is known for its sunny and dry climate, its beautiful beaches, its rich culture, and its diverse wildlife. Guanacaste is one of the most visited and developed regions in Costa Rica, attracting tourists, retirees, and investors from all over the world. Guanacaste offers a variety of properties, such as beachfront villas, ocean-view condos, luxury resorts, golf communities, or eco-lodges. Some of the most popular destinations in Guanacaste are Playa Flamingo, Playa Conchal, Playa Tamarindo, Playa Potrero, Playa Grande, Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco, and Papagayo Peninsula.
• Central Valley: Central Valley is a region located in the central part of Costa Rica, encompassing the capital city of San Jose and its surrounding areas. Central Valley is known for its mild and pleasant climate, its urban amenities, its cultural diversity, and its economic dynamism. Central Valley is one of the most populated and prosperous regions in Costa Rica, hosting many businesses, industries, services, institutions, and attractions. Central Valley offers a variety of properties, such as modern apartments, colonial houses, gated communities, office buildings, industrial parks, or shopping centers. Some of the most popular destinations in Central Valley are San Jose, Escazu, Santa Ana, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Atenas, and Grecia.
• South Pacific: South Pacific is a region located in the southern part of Costa Rica, bordering Panama and the Pacific Ocean. South Pacific is known for its lush and rainy climate, its stunning scenery, its exotic flora and fauna, and its adventurous spirit. South Pacific is one of the most pristine and secluded regions in Costa Rica, offering a unique experience for nature lovers, eco-tourists, and thrill seekers. South Pacific offers a variety of properties, such as jungle cabins, mountain chalets, riverfront farms, beach bungalows, or boutique hotels. Some of the most popular destinations in South Pacific are Dominical, Uvita, Ojochal, Manuel Antonio, Corcovado National Park, Drake Bay and Golfito.

Conclusion

Costa Rica is a small Central American country that offers a variety of attractions and benefits for buyers and investors who are interested in its real estate market. Costa Rica is known for its natural beauty, biodiversity, stable democracy, friendly people, and high quality of life.