Buying a Home in Costa Rica
If you're considering packing up and moving to Costa Rica, you're not alone. There are currently around 50,000 North Americans living in Costa Rica. It's not hard to guess why, given the incredible nature, beaches, culture, and tropical atmosphere. Whether you're a young family or a retiree looking to slow down, Costa Rica real estate has it all. Buying a home in a foreign country can seem daunting, but with the right help, you can make a seamless transition from a bustling city to a sandy beach.
Deciding Where to Live
The very first step in moving to Costa Rica is deciding where to live. There are several cities and towns that boast thriving expat communities. If you're looking for that beachy coastal life, you might like Jacó, Playas del Coco, Tamarindo, Dominical, Uvita, or Puerto Viejo. For a more rainforest and mountain-heavy experience, you might enjoy Santa Ana, Ojochal, Monteverde, Escazu, Atenas, or Grecia. There are many homes for sale in Costa Rica that cater to various lifestyles.
Finding the Perfect Home
Finding a home in a foreign country isn't simple when you go it alone. But with Coldwell Banker realtors on your side, you'll have a helping hand every step of the way. Our team is made up of fellow expats who visited and fell in love with Costa Rica's incredible beauty and charm. We know how important it is to have a home that truly feels like home, and we won't rest until you find it. From mountain homes for sale to beachside properties, Coldwell Banker has it all.
Establishing Residency
An important step in moving to Costa Rica is establishing residency. While it is difficult to obtain full citizenship, many expats are happy with legal resident status, as it is relatively simple and inexpensive to secure. There are a few different versions of residency, so it's important to decide which one fits your lifestyle and financial situation best.
Moving to Costa Rica may be the best thing you ever do for yourself. The real estate agents at Coldwell Banker would love to help you along the way.
Buying Property in Costa Rica - Who Can Buy Property?
Anyone who can enjoy and appreciate open spaces, the radiating warmth of mother nature, beautiful flowers, magical birds, monkeys and parrots as neighbors, the smell and feel of the ocean, mystic rain and cloud forests, rolling hills and pastures, fresh cool mountain air, or even the more rapid pace of the metro city framed by a mountainous, lush green flora can buy property in Costa Rica.
There is more to say about the attractions that motivate people to buy property in Costa Rica than the actual requirements: funds, desire, the ability to leave your country, and not much more. What will go a long way is a pinch of common sense that should lead you to the right professionals (attorney/notary, escrow company, experienced/professional realtor).
Now for the textbook answer: A non-Costa Rican "foreigner" has the same rights to own property in Costa Rica as citizens. All have a legal right to titled property ownership, which is reflected in the laws and protected by the Constitution. Neither citizenship, residency, nor even presence in the country is required for land ownership.
Costa Rican law is based on the civil law system derived from the Napoleonic Code with influence from the Spanish Civil Code, unlike the common law system or Anglo-American system. There is considerable difference. The entire transaction process is therefore directed by laws more intrinsic and unfamiliar to most consumers. Again, the caveat appears: seek advice from professionals.
There is one exception to the simplistic legal right to own land. Property fronting the ocean or close to the ocean, within 200 meters above the mean high tide, is known as the maritime-terrestrial zone (concession property). This zone holds certain ownership restrictions affecting foreigners. There are loopholes to some of the restrictions. Due to the scope and focus of our presentation, it is best for serious beachfront enthusiasts to look for the fine line definition and case history interpretation. Again, seek advice from professionals.
