Spectacular Costa Rica Real Estate and Property

You will find many amazing properties throughout Costa Rica.

Buying real estate in Costa Rica

One of the great appeals of Costa Rica real estate comes from the advantageous property laws offered by this beautiful Central American nation. Property laws in Costa Rica are the same for nationals and foreigners. You don't need to live in the country to own land or property, and the country has no property tax. All property titles are registered with the Registro Publico. The country practices a "first in time, first in rights" policy, so if you have your eye on a property, you'll want to hire a lawyer or real estate broker to research the title for you, or research it carefully yourself. You'd hate to be all settled in and get a knock on the door from someone who holds claim to the title going back a few generations! Title insurance is available in Costa Rica, and we highly recommend that you purchase it when you buy property in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica beachfront real estate

Legal help is also a must if you want to buy Costa Rican beachfront real estate for a home or development. According to Costa Rican law, the beaches belong to everybody, and everybody has a right to use them. The first 50 meters (164 ft.) above the mean high tide line are public land, and no one can restrict access to a beach or claim it as privately owned real estate.

For about 85% of the coastline, the next 150 meters (492 ft.) is called the maritime zone and is controlled by the government. A foreigner must establish five years of residency to own more than 49% of a lease in this zone. So be sure you take a careful look at the zoning laws before you buy.

One of the draws of the country is that you can still buy an established home on the beach for much lower prices than a comparable home in Florida or California. A condo near the beach may cost $40,000 in a less developed area, up to $150,000 in a more developed beachfront zone, and up to $500,000 for a beachfront condo right in popular, well-developed tourist destinations. Homes on the beach start at around $100,000, with homes on the Pacific coast generally more expensive than homes on the Caribbean.

Real estate in San Jose and other areas

Two or three-bedroom homes in San Jose or one of its suburbs range from about $100,000 USD and up, depending on the neighborhood, amenities, and lot size. Small houses in Cartago and other mountain towns can start at around $40,000. Homes in the La Garita highland region, said to have the most perfect climate on earth with a year-round temperature averaging 72 degrees, start at around $75,000.

Water, power, and Internet service combined in San Jose and the surrounding area will run you less than $100 per month, slightly more if you run AC or heat a pool. Not all existing homes have telephones, so be sure to check. Mechanical parts for your home or auto will cost you more than in Europe or the States, but labor will cost you much less.

Where to find real estate in Costa Rica

Most expats live in or very near San Jose, the centrally located capital. San Jose is divided into barrios, or neighborhoods, such as the upper middle-class barrios of San Pedro and Los Yoses east of downtown. Los Yoses is home to many diplomatic missions and embassies. San Pedro is home to the University of Costa Rica, and the neighborhood offers an urban college-town atmosphere, with bars, restaurants, and shops.

In the hills just to the west of the capital are Escazú and Santa Ana, two fast-growing suburbs. Only 15 minutes from San José by taxi, it feels more remote with its laid-back atmosphere. This area is home to a large expat community.

Heredia and Alejuela are both north of San Jose, near the airport. These colonial-era cities are also popular with expats, and feature many upscale and chain hotels that serve airport traffic and travelers along the nearby International Highway.

The most popular beach destinations include the Guanacaste area…especially Tamarindo…and the Pacific Coast beach towns of Jaco, Quepos, Manuel Antonio, and Dominical. For those looking for early-in real estate opportunities, we suggest you explore Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast.