Buying Property in Costa Rica: The Step-by-Step Process

Buying property in Costa Rica is very achievable for foreigners, who enjoy the same ownership rights as citizens in most cases. But the process differs from what buyers from the US, Canada, or Europe may expect. Here is how a typical purchase unfolds.

Step 1 — Due diligence

Before signing anything, your attorney verifies the property at the Registro Nacional: who legally owns it, whether the title is clean, and whether there are mortgages, liens, easements, or annotations against it. For coastal property, this also means confirming the maritime zone status. Skipping this step is the single most common and most costly mistake.

Step 2 — The purchase-sale agreement

Once the property checks out, both parties sign a purchase-sale agreement (contrato de compraventa) that sets the price, deposit, closing date, and conditions. A deposit is typically placed in escrow with a regulated escrow agent, protecting both buyer and seller until closing.

Step 3 — Closing before a notary

In Costa Rica, only a notary attorney (notario) can prepare and authorize the transfer deed (escritura). At closing, the notary drafts the deed, the balance is paid, and both parties sign. The notary then submits the deed to the Registro Nacional.

Step 4 — Taxes and registration

The buyer pays the transfer tax and registration and legal stamps, generally a small percentage of the registered value. Once recorded at the Registro Nacional, the property is legally yours. Many buyers also hold property through a Costa Rican corporation for practical and estate-planning reasons, something your attorney can advise on.

How we help

At Libre Verdad Servicios Legales, we guide buyers through every step, from title search to registration, and represent your interests at closing so there are no surprises.

Thinking about buying property in Costa Rica? Contact us by direct message and we will walk you through the process.

General information, not legal advice.