The knowledge you need, before you need it.
Practical, expert-written guides for international buyers navigating Costa Rica's property market. No fluff. No sales language. Just the information that matters, prepared by The Agency Costa Rica team.
BUYING
The Purchase Process
From offer to keys, what actually happens
A step-by-step walkthrough of buying property in Costa Rica as a foreign national. Legal framework, timelines, and what your team handles for you.
Closing Costs Explained
What you pay, when, and to whom
Transfer taxes, legal fees, notary costs, and the numbers that matter. No surprises at the closing table.
Financing Options
Local banks, private lending, and creative structures
Mortgage availability for non-residents, typical terms, and alternative financing structures used in luxury transactions.
OWNERSHIP
Property Structures
Corporation, trust, or personal name
How to hold title in Costa Rica, the tax implications of each structure, and which one fits your situation.
Concession vs. Fee Simple
Understanding beachfront land rights
The maritime zone, concession titles, and what they mean for beachfront property owners. The nuances that matter.
Property Taxes & Annual Costs
The real cost of ownership
Municipal taxes, luxury home tax, HOA fees, utilities, and maintenance. What to budget annually.
RELOCATING
Residency Pathways
Pensionado, rentista, investor, and digital nomad
The four main residency categories, requirements, timelines, and which one aligns with your plans.
Healthcare & Insurance
CAJA, private hospitals, and international coverage
How the healthcare system works, what expats actually use, and how to set up coverage before you arrive.
Schools & Family Life
International schools, bilingual options, and community
Education options by region, the expat family experience, and what daily life looks like with children.
INVESTING
Rental Income Potential
Short-term, long-term, and hybrid models
Realistic yield expectations by region, occupancy patterns, management costs, and the regulatory landscape.
Development & Pre-Construction
Buying into projects before completion
How pre-sales work, developer due diligence, payment structures, and the risk-reward calculus.
Have a specific question?
Our advisors have helped hundreds of international buyers navigate the process. A 15-minute call can save you weeks of research.
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