For years, I dreamed of a simpler life—one with warm weather, fresh tropical fruit, ocean breezes, and a slower pace. Like many retirees from the U.S. and Canada, I found myself searching for more than a destination—I was looking for a new way to live.
When I decided to explore Costa Rica, I didn’t start by browsing listings or contacting real estate agents. I started by visiting first, without any commitment, and working with someone who did much more than show me properties.
I found a relocation and lifestyle advisor—and that changed everything.
After decades of work, I was ready to design a life with more freedom. Costa Rica kept popping up in my research for its safety, political stability, access to good healthcare, and overall happiness ratings. It wasn’t just a great place to retire—it was a country that felt welcoming.
I looked at Mexico, Panama, even Portugal. But Costa Rica had a balance I couldn’t ignore:
A strong expat community
No military and a peaceful culture
Incredible biodiversity and natural beauty
A government that protects the environment
And yes—great weather year-round
Instead of making a quick decision, I followed the philosophy that now defines my journey:
“Visit first. Decide later.”
I spent a month touring different parts of the country, guided by an advisor who helped me experience what life would actually be like—not just as a tourist, but as a potential resident.
(Keyword: how to buy property in Costa Rica as a foreigner)
Yes. As a foreigner, you can own property in your name—no Costa Rican partner needed.
The only limitation applies to the maritime zone (within 200 meters of the high tide line), where special rules apply.
Unlike buying a home in the U.S. or Canada, Costa Rica’s real estate process:
Has no nationwide MLS
Relies heavily on independent legal verification
Can vary regionally in terms of paperwork and speed
That’s why having a relocation and lifestyle advisor made all the difference for me. They coordinated legal experts, property professionals, and even helped with day-to-day things like setting up a bank account.
(Keyword: steps to buy a house in Costa Rica 2024)
This is the foundation of everything.
Rather than jump into a purchase, I took the time to explore Costa Rica firsthand.
My advisor helped me:
Identify areas that matched my pace of life and values
Tour homes while understanding the lifestyle each region offered
Connect with locals and expats to hear real experiences
Learn about the differences in infrastructure, healthcare, and cost of living
This wasn’t about being sold something. It was about building trust and learning what would truly work for me long-term.
Once I knew where and what I wanted, I was introduced to a vetted bilingual lawyer. They helped me:
Review property titles through the National Registry (Folio Real)
Draft the sales agreement
Confirm zoning and environmental status
Handle the closing through a public notary
Due diligence is everything. Together with my advisor and lawyer, we confirmed:
The seller had legal ownership
No liens or debts on the property
Taxes were up to date
The land was properly zoned for construction
Here’s what I paid:
Legal fees: ~1–1.5%
Transfer tax: 1.5%
Registration fees: ~0.85%
Miscellaneous costs (notary, stamps, etc.)
📊 Total: about 3.5–4.5% of the purchase price
(Source: CBRE)
(Keyword: real estate market in Costa Rica)
Costa Rica’s property market is resilient and steadily growing, particularly in areas popular with expats like:
Central Valley (Heredia, Escazú): better healthcare, stable climate
Pacific Coast (Tamarindo, Uvita, Nosara): beach lifestyle, great for rentals
Southern Zone: less developed, more eco-conscious
💵 Prices in 2024 range from $80,000 for rural homes to over $500,000 for oceanfront villas.
(Source: Statista, International Living)
Pictures online don’t reflect reality. Always spend time in the area before committing.
Many expats get burned by trusting informal sales. Always have a legal team review the deal.
Buying here isn’t like in North America. Processes are slower and more manual. Be patient and flexible.
There are yearly expenses to plan for:
Property tax (~0.25% per year)
Potential luxury tax
HOA or maintenance fees if you’re in a gated community
(Source: Numbeo)
(Keyword: practical tips)
Rent first for at least a few months in your target area
Learn basic Spanish—it helps you get better service and builds trust
Use local professionals, not just people who speak English
Get relocation advice early—you’ll avoid wasting time and money
(Keyword: foreign investment in real estate)
I didn’t buy just for financial reasons. For me, it was a lifestyle decision—but the investment is solid.
Rental yields in tourist areas can be strong during high season. I use my home part-time and rent it out the rest of the year. With the right support, you can make it work.
(Keyword: legal residency for expatriates)
No—you don’t need residency to own property.
But if you plan to live here year-round, getting residency helps with things like:
Opening a local bank account
Importing a vehicle
Enrolling in national healthcare
I applied under the pensionado category, and it took around 6 months. My advisor walked me through every step.
Owning property in Costa Rica isn’t just about buying land—it’s about building a life.
If you’re thinking of making the move, here’s my advice:
Visit first. Decide later.
Don’t just look at houses—look at how you want to live.
And don’t settle for a commission-driven agent. Work with someone who can guide you through the lifestyle, legal, and emotional journey of relocating.
That’s what made all the difference for me.
Don’t start with listings—start with your life.
Follow us on social media and connect with real relocation and lifestyle advisors who will help you:
Visit Costa Rica without pressure
Understand the local culture, healthcare, and cost of living
Explore homes that match your lifestyle goals
Decide only when it feels right
🌴 Visit first. Decide later. That’s our philosophy—and it’s how I found home.
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