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You can legally purchase and own real estate in Costa Rica in your personal name or through a Costa Rican corporation.
At Punta Uva Realty, we sell only Freehold (Titled) properties that have been reviewed by experienced local attorneys. Every property we represent has clear title, allowing both Costa Rican and international buyers to purchase with confidence.
Real estate laws and regulations vary throughout Costa Rica. Building requirements, protected areas, zoning, and environmental restrictions are different in every region.
For this reason, we strongly recommend working with local real estate professionals and attorneys who specialize in the area where you are buying.
Punta Uva Realty specializes exclusively in the Caribbean Coast, including:
We stay up to date with local municipalities and government authorities, giving our clients accurate information about zoning, restrictions, permits, and local regulations.
The buying process is generally the same whether you purchase with cash or financing.
We work with two lending companies that provide financing for foreign buyers. The process is very similar to obtaining a mortgage in the United States.
If you choose financing:
Choose the property that fits your goals and budget.
If you cannot visit Costa Rica, we can arrange a live video tour and provide additional photos and information.
You are free to choose any attorney for your transaction.
We recommend Native CR, a bilingual law firm with extensive experience in Costa Rican real estate, especially on the Caribbean Coast.
They can assist with:
Once you decide to move forward, we prepare and negotiate your offer with the seller.
If both parties agree, the attorneys prepare the Option Agreement.
The Option Agreement can be signed remotely using DocuSign.
An escrow account is then opened.
The escrow company protects your funds by:
During the due diligence period:
If you are purchasing a house, we strongly recommend a professional building inspection to identify any structural or maintenance issues before closing.
If you are purchasing land that requires segregation, the seller must complete the legal subdivision process before the final transfer. This may extend the closing timeline.
During this entire period, your deposit remains protected in the escrow account.
If the property does not meet the agreed conditions, you may cancel the transaction and receive your deposit back according to the Option Agreement
Once due diligence is completed, the attorneys prepare the final transfer documents.
Closing usually takes about 30 days, although it may take longer if financing or segregation is involved.
You may close:
Many of our international clients complete the entire purchase without traveling to Costa Rica.
You may purchase property:
Your attorney can advise which option is best for your situation.
A real estate investment of US$150,000 or more may qualify you for Costa Rica’s Investor Residency Program.
Typical closing costs are approximately 3.7% of the purchase price and generally include:
Escrow fees are typically US$800–1,000, depending on the purchase price.
