Buyer's Hub
Your Guide to Buying
Property in Costa Rica
Tools, guides, and expert support for every step of your purchase — from first search to keys in hand.
The Numbers Don't Lie
Why Investors Choose Costa Rica
8–12%
Average Rental ROI
Top-performing vacation rentals in the Arenal region consistently achieve 8–12% annual return.
3.2M+
Annual Tourists
Costa Rica is the #1 tourist destination in Central America — demand for short-term rentals is booming.
300+
Sunny Days / Year
La Fortuna enjoys a tropical climate year-round, making it a destination for all seasons.
Top 40
Global Peace Index
Costa Rica has no standing army and is one of the most politically stable countries in Latin America.
Interactive Tools
Run the Numbers
No spreadsheets required — our calculators give you instant insights on ROI and buying costs.
Rental Income Calculator
Estimate your annual return on a Costa Rica villa
Annual Net Income
$29,400
Annual ROI
5.6%
Monthly Net
$2,450
Gross Revenue
$42,000
Estimates only. Actual results depend on occupancy, platform fees, and management costs. Arenal region typically achieves 8–12% ROI for well-managed properties.
Closing Cost Estimator
See all fees involved before you buy
Paid to Hacienda (government)
Public registry fee
Local municipality fee
Attorney closing costs (varies)
Survey, liens check, permits review
International transfer costs
Total Estimated Closing Costs
≈ 3.7% of purchase price
$19,588
Figures are estimates. Exact costs vary by attorney, municipality, and deal structure. We connect you with English-speaking attorneys specialized in CR property law.
Step by Step
How Buying Works in Costa Rica
The process is foreigner-friendly — full freehold title, same rights as citizens, no restrictions on ownership.
The Buying Process in Costa Rica
Click any step to learn what to expect
Step 01
Find Your Property
Typical duration: 1–4 weeks
Browse listings or work with our bilingual agents to shortlist properties that match your goals — lifestyle, investment, or both. We'll arrange in-person or virtual tours.
Key Points
Define budget including closing costs (~3.5%)
Consider rental yield vs. personal use split
Ask about HOA fees and property taxes
How to Pay
Financing Options for Buyers
Foreign buyers have multiple paths to finance a Costa Rica property purchase.
Local Bank Mortgage
Up to 70% LTVCosta Rican banks (BCR, BAC, Scotiabank) lend to foreigners. Expect 50–70% LTV, 8–12% interest, 15–20 year terms.
Seller / Developer Financing
Flexible TermsMany sellers and developers offer direct financing — often with lower rates and more flexible terms than local banks.
Home Equity / Cash-Out Refi
No CR Bank NeededUse equity from your home country property to purchase cash in Costa Rica — often the fastest and cleanest option.
Self-Directed IRA / 401k
Tax-AdvantagedUS citizens can use SDIRA funds to invest in foreign real estate. Consult a specialist — we can refer you to experts.
Live Where Others Vacation
Residency Through Investment
Costa Rica offers straightforward paths to legal residency for property buyers, retirees, and investors. Here are the three main programs.
Inversionista
Permanent Residency
$150,000
Invest a minimum of $150,000 USD in qualifying Costa Rican real estate and apply for permanent residency. Arenal Hills villas qualify.
- Permanent residency from day one
- Extend to spouse and dependents
- No minimum stay requirement
- Path to citizenship after 7 years
- Keep your home country citizenship
Rentista
Temporary → Permanent
$2,500/mo income
Prove a guaranteed monthly income of $2,500 USD from abroad (pension, annuity, investment). Temporary residency for 2 years, then permanent.
- Ideal for retirees and passive income earners
- Must demonstrate income from outside CR
- Deposit $60,000 in a CR bank as guarantee
- Renewable every 2 years until permanent
- Can work in Costa Rica once permanent
Pensionado
Temporary → Permanent
$1,000/mo pension
Receive a government or private pension of at least $1,000/month. One of the most accessible residency programs for foreign retirees.
- Lowest income threshold of all programs
- Import a vehicle duty-free (once)
- Import household goods duty-free
- 20% discounts on many services
- No restriction on real estate purchase
Arenal Hills Villas qualify for the Inversionista program
All villas are priced above the $150,000 threshold. Our agents can connect you with an immigration attorney to start your application simultaneously with your property purchase.
Know Your Rights
Foreign Ownership in Costa Rica
Foreigners have the same property rights as Costa Rican citizens
Property titles are recorded at the National Public Registry — fully searchable and transparent
No capital gains tax on property sales in Costa Rica
Annual property tax (impuesto sobre bienes inmuebles) is only 0.25% of the registered value
Free repatriation of profits — no restrictions on moving money out of Costa Rica
Properties can be held individually, in an S.A. corporation, or in an LLC
No inheritance tax — property passes to heirs under CR law or a valid will
Luxury tax applies to properties registered above ₡133M (~$250K) — typically 0.25–0.55%
Ready to Start?
Speak with a Buyer's Agent Today
Our bilingual team answers questions, arranges tours, and guides you through every step — at no cost to buyers.