Costa Rica offers the same property ownership rights to foreigners as to citizens.
Foreign buyers may own property directly in their personal name or through a Costa Rican corporation.

Ownership is recorded in the National Public Registry, a centralized government system that publicly tracks:

• Legal owner

• Property boundaries

• Liens or encumbrances

• Easements or restrictions

Once registered, ownership is fully enforceable under Costa Rican law.

The lawyer represents the transaction itself, not one party over the other, unless the buyer chooses to retain independent counsel.

The attorney will:

• Confirm the property has clear and marketable title

• Verify the cadastral survey (plano catastrado)

• Confirm municipal zoning and land use

• Draft the purchase-sale agreement

• Hold or coordinate secure escrow

• Register the deed after closing

This system is designed specifically to protect buyers and sellers—even in private sales.

Funds are typically handled through:

• A law firm escrow account, or

• A regulated third-party escrow service approved in Costa Rica

Funds are not released to the seller until:

• All legal conditions are met

• Transfer documents are signed

• Ownership is ready for registration

This protects the buyer from premature disbursement and ensures transactional security.

Before closing, the attorney conducts a full title study, which verifies:

• No mortgages or liens

• No unpaid property taxes

• No registered legal disputes

• Proper access rights

• Accurate property boundaries

Costa Rica’s registry system makes these checks transparent and verifiable. If an issue exists, it must be resolved before the transaction can legally close.

Closing costs in Costa Rica typically range from 3.5%–5% of the purchase price, depending on structure and value.

These usually include:

• Transfer tax

• Registry stamps

• Legal fees

It is standard practice for buyers to pay closing costs, unless otherwise negotiated. This will be clearly outlined in the purchase agreement.

Yes.
Many international buyers complete purchases remotely using:

• A Power of Attorney (POA)

• Digital document coordination

• Secure escrow services

Physical presence in Costa Rica is not required to complete the transaction.

Selling without an agent is common in Costa Rica and often done to:

• Reduce commission costs

• Allow direct buyer–seller communication

• Maintain pricing efficiency

• Simplify negotiations

The legal protections remain exactly the same, as the attorney—not the agent—is responsible for ensuring a lawful and secure transfer.

Costa Rica is widely regarded as one of the most stable legal jurisdictions in Latin America due to:

• Long-standing democracy

• Strong private property protections

• Transparent land registry

• No restrictions on foreign ownership

• No military since 1948

These factors have made Costa Rica a preferred destination for international property buyers for decades.

Casa Árbol de Vida is being offered as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) property.

We are not entering into listing agreements or seller representation arrangements with real estate agents.

However, we welcome introductions from agents who may have clients interested in property in Costa Rica’s Southern Zone.

If an agent introduces a buyer who ultimately completes the purchase, the seller may offer a 1% referral fee based on the final escrow sale price, subject to prior written confirmation.

Agents introducing a prospective buyer should make the introduction prior to any property showing or negotiation.

Any representation agreement or compensation arrangement between an agent and their client remains solely between those parties unless otherwise agreed in writing.

We appreciate the cooperation of professionals who help connect interested buyers with this unique property.