ABOUT THIS GUIDE
This Costa Rica International Buyer‘s Guide includes helpful information to get you started including an Overview of the 2025 Costa Rica Residential Real Estate Market, a Step-by-Step “How to“ guide, and important tools for your property search.
FINDING “PURA VIDA”
Costa Rica’s laid-back “Pura Vida” lifestyle and beautiful tropical weather attract tourists and expats alike. Real estate in Costa Rica is more affordable than in many parts of North America, making it even more appealing to live in paradise. If you’re thinking about purchasing property in Costa Rica, this guide will provide you with helpful information about the buying process.
The most popular regions for international real estate buyers in Costa Rica are typically located on the Pacific Coast and in the Central Valley.
If you’re looking for a bustling city life, San Jose is the place to be. With its diverse culture, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of job opportunities, San Jose is a great option for those looking to immerse themselves in “Tico” life. It’s also home to some of the country’s best universities, making it an attractive option for students. Cities like Atenas, Arenal, Grecia, Santa Ana, Escazu, Tres Rios, and Curridabat are must-sees for this lifestyle
If you prefer the calming atmosphere of beach towns, then Nosara, Tamarindo, Samara, Playas del Coco, Manuel Antonio, Dominical, Uvita, Ojochal, Playa Grande, Playas del Coco, Jaco, Los Sueños, Playa Guiones, Playa Junquillal, Golfito, The Caribbean Coast, and Santa Teresa are destinations to explore.
COSTA RICA OVERVIEW 2025
In 2025, Costa Rica’s real estate market is demonstrated clear signs of normalization and long-term maturity an important signal for international buyers seeking lifestyle value, stability, and strategic investment opportunities. Following several years of accelerated post-pandemic demand, the market has transitioned into a more balanced, datadriven environment marked by increased inventory, longer days on market, and resilient pricing in key lifestyle and luxury segments.
Across all residential categories, inventory levels have risen year-overyear, creating improved selection and negotiation opportunities for buyers. Single-family homes posted a 2025 yearto-date median sold price of approximately $707,500, reflecting a modest price correction alongside a notable increase in available listings and longer marketing timelines. This shift favors well-positioned international buyers who can move deliberately while benefiting from greater choice and pricing transparency.
Luxury real estate continues to stand out as a resilient segment Despite fewer closed transactions, luxury homes recorded a median sold price exceeding $1.6 million, with price-per-square-foot growth outpacing other residential categories. These metrics reinforce Costa Rica’s appeal as a global luxury destination driven by oceanfront settings, eco-design, privacy, and lifestyle migration rather than short term speculation.
Condominiums and residential lots experienced moderate pricing adjustments alongside increased inventory, offering compelling entry points for buyers focused on turnkey residences, second homes, or future development.
For international buyers, 2025 represents a strategic window one defined by greater leverage, clearer pricing signals, and enduring lifestyle demand.
ANNUAL 2025 VS. 2024 - YEAR OVER YEAR
COSTA RICA
Single-Family Homes
CONDOMINIUMS
LUXURY HOMES
ANNUAL 2025 VS. 2024YEAR OVER YEAR
BY REgion
BUYING BASICS
What do you need to know before you start the process of buying Costa Rican property?
Who Can Buy?
Non-residents have the same rights to purchase property as Costa Rican citizens However, it is often recommended that non-residents incorporate a company to hold the title of their property to protect personal liability. This is a common practice in Costa Rica. The Costa Rica Code of Commerce uses familiar entity structures including corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and trusts.
How Can You Buy?
Non-citizens may purchase property directly in Costa Rica holding title in their individual names or in the name of a legal entity including corporations, limited liability companies, or trusts.
WHY BUY?
Relocation
Costa Rica is a great place to relocate having a great climate, friendly people, stable democratic government, a variety of legal residency opportunities (e.g., digital nomads, retirees, investors, etc.), affordable healthcare, and excellent education systems. It’s also conveniently located just 3-5 hours south of most major cities in the US with direct flights daily to two international airports (located in Alajuela and Liberia).
Investing
It is also a favorable destination for foreign investors due to its businessfriendly climate and low property tax rates (between 0 25% to 0 55% per year). Starting and operating a business in Costa Rica generally costs less compared to other countries when factoring in operating costs like labor, construction, professional services, etc.
Vacation / Second Home Investment
Tourism is the number one industry in Costa Rica with more than 2 million visitors per year. This makes buying a vacation home in Costa Rica an attractive investment for many who want to have a second home that not only pays for itself, but also provides a return on investment.
PURCHASING REAL ESTATE IN COSTA RICA
A HOW TO GUIDE
Purchasing a new home is a big decision at any time, but it can be even more complex when moving to another country. Here are some things to keep in mind when considering buying property in Costa Rica and making the move.
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DECIDE WHERE TO BUY
Costa Rica is a beautiful and diverse country with many microclimates and subtle yet significant differences If you haven’t spent time in Costa Rica yet, then it’s advisable to take some time to travel around and fully immerse yourself in the country before deciding on where to settle In Costa Rica, there are only two seasons: dry and rainy It is important to spend some time in Costa Rica during these different seasons to get a sense of what living there might be like. The “winter” season is typically wetter than the “summer” season, although it is not considered cold
FIND A LEGALLY REGISTERED REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL
Real estate brokers must be registered with SUGEF (Superintendencia General de Entidades Financieras) which is a Costa Rica government agency that manages rules and regulations for financial transactions in Costa Rica. Find a registered real estate professional in your preferred market who specializes in working with international buyers. A qualified agent, such as a Coldwell Banker® associate or Coldwell Banker Global Luxury® Property Specialist, can guide you through the process of narrowing down your search to the most desirable properties while keeping your unique needs front and center Your local Coldwell Banker® affiliate can connect you with the right associate in Costa Rica in your market of interest. Through our unmatched Concierge Service, Coldwell Banker® affiliates can introduce you to trusted professionals in Costa Rica including attorneys, engineers, architects, interior designers, contractors, bankers, and many other trusted professional service providers STEP
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NAVIGATE COSTA RICA’S TAX LANDSCAPE
Costa Rica is a popular destination for foreigners to buy property and invest due to its business-friendly policies, low annual property tax rates between 0.25% and 0.55%, and ease of property purchases for foreigners. It is also a good option for retirees or freelancers as there is no income tax on foreign revenue However, it is important to note that Costa Rica has recently implemented stricter money laundering laws and has increased oversight of foreign finances Potential taxes for expats in Costa Rica include property tax, sales tax, import tax, corporate tax, and tax on income earned in Costa Rica.
START YOUR HOME SEARCH
Your Coldwell Banker® associate will be able to show you various options online that meet your criteria and can arrange in-person showings or live virtual tours They can also answer general lifestyle and area questions about the community you are considering. Coldwell Banker® affiliates in Costa Rica offer the most complete inventory of qualified properties leveraging our network of 15 franchise offices in the most desired markets of Costa Rica This includes more than 120 agents representing over 3,000 active properties for sale in Costa Rica
MAKE AN OFFER
Once you have selected a property, your Coldwell Banker® associate will provide you with comparable properties that recently sold in the area so you can make an informed offer. Your agent present the offer on your behalf. Most property sales in Costa Rica are negotiable, so expect to rely heavily on your Coldwell Banker® associate’s negotiating expertise during this phase In addition, Coldwell Banker Costa Rica leverages its proprietary MLS with aggregated data from more than 20,000 listings to provide the most reliable information available on local market conditions STEP
PURCHASING REAL ESTATE IN COSTA RICA/
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CONTRACT & DUE DILIGENCE
Upon acceptance of the offer, a contract is drafted by an attorney, referred to as the Sales & Purchase Agreement (or ‘SPA’) detailing the primary terms and conditions, payment method, closing costs, due diligence, etc. The due diligence process begins when the SPA is executed by both parties which includes a title study, review of the property tax status, review of boundaries, and a home inspection by a qualified inspector Any earnest money deposits and funds to cover the purchase should be held by a SUGEF registered escrow company during this phase and until closing is completed.
SETTING UP ESCROW
The buyer will need to set up an escrow account to handle the earnest money deposits and receipt and disbursement of funds according to the terms of the SPA Escrow companies are neutral, third-party companies that must be registered with SUGEF (Superintendencia General de Entidades Financieras) which is a Costa Rica government agency that manages rules and regulations for entities that manage financial transactions in Costa Rica
CLOSING & TRANSFER OF TITLE
Once the funds are in escrow and the Due Diligence checks are completed, the property transfer deeds can be signed. These deeds are filed to the national registry with a processing time averaging about 4 weeks. Closing costs average roughly 4% and are commonly split between the buyer and seller; however, this can always be a point of negotiation depending on the terms of the purchase After these steps have been completed and recorded, you will receive an electronic certificate which must be filed with the municipality for tax purposes as part of the declaration of the new owner
TITLE REPORT
Obtain a title report from the National Registry of Costa Rica In Costa Rica, a title report will show the current owners of the property, easements, liens, and encumbrances.
THE VALUE OF WORKING WITH US
LOCAL EXPERTISE
For international buyers, purchasing a property in a foreign country naturally presents some unknowns. That is why it is important that you work with a knowledgeable agent you trust to have your best interests in mind Coldwell Banker® associates and Luxury Property Specialists are equipped to guide you through the buying process. Coldwell Banker® Costa Rica and its affiliates have been serving international clients in Costa Rica for over 25 years and our wealth of experience, vast resources, and local knowledge will ensure you have an expert partner in your Costa Rica real estate journey.
HERITAGE
The Coldwell Banker® brand is the most established residential real estate franchise system in North America. Founded by young entrepreneurs Colbert Coldwell in 1906 and later Benjamin Banker, Coldwell Banker® changed the way people bought and sold homes across America, ultimately becoming one of the most trusted real estate brands in the world. More than 100 years later, the Coldwell Banker® network is still recognized for its innovation and leadership with more than 100,000 associates in 41 countries and territories.
The Coldwell Banker Global Luxury® program traces its roots to 1933 on Manhattan’s Madison Avenue and has since become a world leader in luxury real estate. Backed by the 118-year history of the Coldwell Banker brand, the program has established the gold standard for how the finest properties around the globe are bought and sold.
17 120+ +24
Years in Costa Rica
FIND AN OFFICE
YOUR SEARCH BEGINS
Coldwell Banker Costa Rica® affiliated agents specialize in assisting international buyers acquire properties in Costa Rica. We will be your partner in the process, guiding you along the way to make your experience smooth and successful.
When you choose a Coldwell Banker Costa Rica agent, you’ll have someone by your side every step of the way, giving you the insights and information you need. Local knowledge and expertise is essential in navigating the buying process for international buyers in Costa Rica
The next stop on your Costa Rica Property search? Our website. Simply register on the site, and we will receive updates about your activity. Plus, you can save your search for future access, save and share properties you like, and sign up to receive email alerts when new homes that match your criteria come on the market.
Your Costa Rica buying needs are one of a kind. Using the unmatched resources of Coldwell Banker Costa Rica, we will develop a custom plan to:
Provide you with powerful, personal service
Assist you in finding the right property for your “Pura Vida” and help you negotiate the best possible price and terms for it
Close the sale in a smooth, timely manner
Finding and purchasing a property in Costa Rica is a detailed process that demands time and dedication. Our agents are passionate about their work because it leads to the ultimate reward – handing you the keys to your dream home in paradise and developing a real relationship with you along the way We would love to have a commitment from you to work with us exclusively and are happy to talk through the various types of buyer representation we offer so we can find the one that works best for you.