Buying property in Costa Rica is a dream for many — and with the right guidance, it can also be a smooth, secure, and deeply rewarding process. Whether you're looking to settle, invest, build a home, or join a growing community in the Machuca Valley, this guide gives you the essentials to get started.
✅ Can Foreigners Buy Property in Costa Rica?
Yes! Costa Rica is one of the most foreigner-friendly countries when it comes to property ownership. As a non-resident, you have the same rights as locals when buying titled property — including the right to own it outright in your name or in a corporation.
🧭 Step-by-Step Buying Process
1. Find the Right Property
Start by exploring areas that match your lifestyle goals — such as Machuca Valley, San Mateo. Properties range from raw land and off-grid farms to modern homes with fiber-optic internet and stunning views. I personally curate and list properties with high potential and a strong sense of place.
2. Make an Offer
Once you’ve found the right property, we’ll make an offer to the seller. This can be a formal or informal process depending on the situation. In most cases, we negotiate directly and then move to legal steps with the help of a lawyer.
3. Hire a Trusted Attorney
This is essential. Your attorney will:
Check the property’s title in the National Registry
Ensure there are no legal issues, liens, or zoning complications
Draft the purchase-sale agreement (compra-venta)
Handle the escrow process through a licensed third party
I can recommend bilingual, reliable attorneys with local experience and good reputations.
4. Set Up Escrow & Pay the Deposit
Typically, a 10% deposit is held in escrow to secure the purchase. Full payment is made at the closing date, usually within 30 to 60 days.
5. Close the Deal
The final payment is transferred, and the property is officially registered in your name or your Costa Rican corporation. You will receive a legal title deed (escritura).
🌿 Buying Land vs. Buying a Home
Raw land gives you full creative freedom but may require extra steps like building permits, water letters, or land use declarations. I can guide you through this.
Homes are often turn-key and already connected to water, electricity, and fiber optic — great if you want to settle in quickly.
💡 Tips & Things to Consider
✅ Check utilities access: water, electricity, and internet availability (I do this with all my listed properties)
✅ Topography & use: Is the land buildable? Does it flood? What are your plans — residential, permaculture, rental income?
✅ Community & lifestyle: Beyond the property, consider your surroundings. Do you want neighbors? Privacy? Proximity to schools or markets?
📍 Why Work With Me?
Buying property in a foreign country can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. I’m not just a real estate agent. I’m an expat who’s been through this journey myself — and I’ve helped many others do the same, with greater clarity, fewer mistakes, and a stronger connection to life here.
I’ve lived in Costa Rica for over 12 years and am deeply rooted in the Machuca Valley, both within the expat community and among local families. I speak fluent Spanish, understand the cultural nuances, and have earned the trust of neighbors, sellers, builders, and professionals alike.
By working with me, you’ll get:
✅ Honest, hand-picked properties — not just listings, but places that I truly believe have good value and potential.
✅ High-quality visuals — I’m also a professional photographer and videographer, so you’ll get clear, beautiful presentations of each property.
✅ Access to a reliable network — trusted local lawyers, builders, surveyors, and architects.
✅ Personal insight into the lifestyle — I’ve raised a family here and know what to expect day-to-day.
✅ A bridge between cultures — I help you navigate both the legal and human side of the move, from paperwork to community integration.
But most importantly:
🧭 I can help you avoid the most common (and costly) mistakes many expats make when moving to Costa Rica.
Some examples include:
Buying land without legal water access or proper zoning
Trusting the wrong “fixer” or middleman
Underestimating build timelines and local processes
Failing to understand cultural differences in negotiation and communication
Falling in love with a location that doesn't suit their long-term lifestyle goals
I’ve seen it all — and I’m here to help you make smart, well-informed decisions so your Costa Rican journey begins on the right foot.
🙋♂️ Questions?
I’m here to help you every step of the way. Just reach out for a free chat — whether you’re just exploring or ready to buy.
Let’s make your Costa Rica dream a grounded reality.