How to buy land in Italy as a foreigner: UK guide
Looking to buy land in Italy? Read our guide for average prices, the buying process and what foreign buyers from the UK need to know.
Buying property in Costa Rica as a foreigner: Complete UK guide
With its stunning beaches, rainforests and landscapes, along with low cost of living and foreigner-friendly policies - it’s easy to see why Costa Rica is attractive to foreign expats and investors.
If you’re considering buying property in this Central American gem, we’re here to help.
Read on for a complete guide to buying property in Costa Rica as a foreigner. This includes info on mortgages, fees and taxes, property prices, where to start your search and the pitfalls to avoid.
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Can you get a mortgage from a Costa Rica bank as a non-resident?
The first thing you’ll need to think about is how you’ll finance your Costa Rica property purchase. Unless you have the cash upfront, you’re likely to need a mortgage.
The good news is that some banks in Costa Rica do offer mortgages to foreign citizens and non-residents, but not all. Some are very conservative when it comes to lending to foreigners.
You may find that the process is much slower and more difficult if you’re not a resident. There are strict requirements to meet, and you’ll need to provide lots of paperwork (translated into Spanish) to prove your income.
You may also only get a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of around 50% to 70% as a non-resident buyer.1 This means you’ll need a larger deposit ready. Interest rates can be higher for non-residents too.
It’s a good idea to start shopping around for mortgages before starting your property search in earnest. It’s recommended to use a specialist broker, who can help you find the right mortgage for your circumstances.
Taxes and fees for owning property in Costa Rica
In order to set your budget for the purchase, you’ll need to factor in legal fees, property taxes and other costs.
Here are the main ones to know about when buying property in Costa Rica:2
| Tax/fee name | Amount |
|---|---|
| Transfer tax (stamp duty) | 1.5% |
| Notary/legal fees | 1% to 1.25% |
| Property registration and other admin fees | 0.5% |
| Real estate agent (if using as a buyer) | 2.5% to 4% |
| Annual property tax (Impuesto de Bienes Inmuebles) | - 0.25% - Additional luxury tax rate of 0.29% to 0.55% for homes over $290,000 USD |
You may also have to pay costs relating to your mortgage (if you’re getting one), such as a valuation and/or arrangement fee. These costs can vary depending on the provider and loan product.
What’s the property market like in Costa Rica?
The property market in Costa Rica is in pretty good shape at the moment, with prices rising consistently and strong demand from both foreign and domestic buyers.
House prices rose 7.8% in 2024, with the highest prices recorded for luxury homes in the sought-after Guanacaste/Nicoya Peninsula region.3
As a buyer, you may need to pay a little more to out-compete other keen buyers and secure your dream home. But it could be a good time to buy, with prices expected to continue trending upwards.
If you’re looking to buy a property to rent out as a holiday let, it’s useful to know that gross rental yields averaged out at a healthy 7.84% in May 2025.3
Can foreigners buy property in Costa Rica?
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Costa Rica with almost no restrictions, and you don’t need to be a resident either.
You can buy land, houses, condominiums and beachfront property, although it’s worth being aware that there are some zoning exceptions in the public maritime zone.4
Can you buy property in Costa Rica and get residency?
Yes, there’s a very attractive pathway to residency in Costa Rica through investment in real estate.
It’s Costa Rica’s ‘Golden Visa’ programme, officially called the Investor (Inversionista) Residency Program.
Under this scheme, foreign nationals can get a 2-year renewable temporary residence permit if they invest at least $150,000 USD (or the currency equivalent) in real estate in Costa Rica.⁵ Other conditions and requirements apply.
So if you’re looking to move abroad and settle in Costa Rica permanently, this could be the route to pursue.
How much are the property prices in Costa Rica?
Now we come to the all important question - how much money do you need to afford your dream home in Costa Rica?
According to cost of living database Numbeo, the cost of buying an apartment in Costa Rica is between 60% and 65% cheaper per square meter than the UK - depending whether you buy inside or outside a major city centre.6
Although of course, it really depends on the type of home and the exact area you’re buying in.
Here’s a look at what you can expect to pay for an apartment and house in each of the main areas of Costa Rica:3
| Province | Average apartment price per sq m (USD) | Average house price per sq m (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| San José | $2,286 | $1,285 |
| Alajuela | $1,308 | $1,242 |
| Cartago | $1,312 | $1,187 |
| Guanacaste | $2,990 | $1,582 |
| Heredia | $1,793 | $1,271 |
| Puntarenas | $2,501 | $1,582 |
Another thing to note when figuring out the price for property in Costa Rica is that international transfers could get expensive, especially if the bank or provider adds a margin to the exchange rate to convert your pounds to Costa Rican colón (CRC) or US dollars (USD).
Consider checking out Wise to securely handle your large transfers at the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees*.
Where is the cheapest place to buy property in Costa Rica?
If you’re house hunting on a budget, you may find cheaper prices if you look inland rather than the more expensive coastline of Costa Rica.
Areas to check out include Cartago, Grecia, Atenas, San Ramón, Heredia and Alajuela in the Central Valley. You can even find some real bargains in more rural parts of the Valley.
Buying property in Costa Rica as a foreigner - a step-by-step guide
Before you start your house hunt, it can be useful to know a little about how the process of buying property works in Costa Rica.
Here’s a quick overview of the steps involved:
1. Get your finances in order
The first step is to get your finances sorted. This means setting a budget, getting a mortgage offer (approval in principle) and getting all your paperwork together.
You may also want to open a local bank account to facilitate easier transactions, especially if you’ll be getting a mortgage.
2. Find a property and arrange viewings
Now it’s time to start searching for your dream home. You can use online property portals and/or local estate agents to find properties. We’ll run through some tips later on how and where to start your search.
If you’ve found somewhere you like, arrange a viewing as soon as you can, and start researching the area in the meantime.
3. Appoint a solicitor and carry out due diligence
While it’s not mandatory, it’s a good idea to find and appoint a property lawyer.
A personal recommendation is a good way to find a solicitor, but you can also find a list of English-speaking property solicitors on the UK Government website.
Your solicitor will act in your best interests throughout the transaction, carrying out all legal work, drafting and checking contracts, and carrying out crucial due diligence.
This will include checking for encumbrances, drafting and reviewing contracts, verifying the property title and ensuring that the property is legally allowed to be sold.
Importantly, it’s good to have these checks carried out before you make an offer on a property or commit to a purchase.
4. Get a survey
If you have your eye on a property, you might want to book a building survey. This involves hiring a surveyor to check the property for structural or other issues.
If the survey flags anything up, you may be able to re-negotiate on price.
Some buyers also choose to get an appraisal carried out, to get an objective assessment of the property’s value and ensure they’re not overpaying.
5. Make an offer
If you’ve found the perfect property and all checks/inspections come back clean, the next step is to submit a competitive offer to the estate agent. You’ll do this through a Letter of Intent, which your estate agent (if using) can draft for you. You can negotiate, just like in other countries.
6. Sign the purchase-sale agreement
If your offer is accepted and terms agreed, the next step is to sign the purchase-sale contract. This outlines the terms and conditions of the sale.
Have your solicitor check the contract before signing, and then arrange a transfer to pay the deposit (usually around 10% of the total price).2 This ideally should be held in a licensed escrow account.
7. Sign the final transfer deed
This is the final crucial piece of paperwork, and it must be formally signed in the presence of a notary public.
At this stage, a number of other pre-closing steps need to happen, such as:
- Solicitors for both parties completing all remaining legal checks and paperwork
- Transferring the remaining balance
- Paying registration fees and taxes
- Finalising the mortgage
- Registering the property title in your name with the land registry
After all that’s done, you’ll get the keys to your new home.
📚 How to buy and finance a house abroad
How can you find a property in Costa Rica?
The two main routes to find property to buy in Costa Rica are local real estate agencies and online property websites.
Property agencies and agents in Costa Rica
It isn’t necessary to use a real estate agent to find a property to buy overseas. But it is recommended, especially if you’re moving to Costa Rica from the UK and are unfamiliar with the local property market.
A specialist buying agent or broker will be able to offer helpful advice and insight into the local market, and guide you through the buying process.
However, there will usually be a fee to pay for this service, and you should make sure the agent is registered with the Costa Rica Global Association of Realtors (CRGAR).
Property websites in Costa Rica
A good way to get a headstart on finding a place to buy in Costa Rica is to look online. Great websites to find a house or apartment to buy include:
- Encuentra24 (classified ads, including real estate)
- Realtor.com International
- RE/MAX
- Coldwell Banker Costa Rica (brokerage)
- Bluezone Realty
- Costa Rica MLS.
What are some of the pitfalls of buying property in Costa Rica?
One of the main things to watch out for when buying property abroad are scams.
The very best way to protect yourself when buying property in Costa Rica is to consult an independent real estate lawyer. This is an expert who works just for you and has your interests at heart, rather than working for the seller or real estate agent at the same time.
The UK Government has a handy list of English speaking lawyers around the world.
Other key things to remember for a safe property purchase in Costa Rica:
- Make sure you only work with CRGAR licensed estate agents
- Have your solicitor carry out full due diligence checks to ensure the property can be legally sold, that there are no zoning restrictions preventing you from building/renovating, and that you’re not buying in a restricted area
- Be very cautious if an agent or lawyer asks you to cut corners to save time or money
- Use an escrow service to protect your deposit and final balance transfer until the sale completes
- Don’t be bullied by aggressive sales or marketing tactics - take your time, do your research and complete the process carefully
- Get an inspection/survey carried out if you have any concerns about the property.
How do you choose the right property in Costa Rica?
Your dream home in Costa Rica will be the one that closest fits your search criteria. The most important factors will be location, the type of home and of course, how much you can afford to spend.
If you’re not already living there, it’s worth making a trip to the specific part of Costa Rica you’re interested in.
You’ll want to check out the local area and view properties, making sure to pay attention to local transport links and amenities.
Condition of the property
It’s a good idea to do as much research as possible before committing to purchase a property.
It’s not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended to commission a building survey or inspection. This will flag up any major issues and give you a better idea of what you’re buying.
Type of property
Costa Rica offers a variety of different property types, from affordable condos in urban areas to luxury beachfront villas on the coast.
If you’re buying a condo, it’s worth knowing that these often come with shared amenities like a pool and security services - but there will usually be a monthly homeowners’ association (HOA) fee in exchange.
You may prefer to buy a new build from a developer, but you could potentially get a better deal with an older property in a rural area. Just remember though that these homes are likely to come with high renovation costs.
Moving into your Costa Rica property
Before you can get the keys to your new home, you’ll have a few key tasks to run through. These include taking out insurance and setting up your utilities.
Insurance
It’s strongly recommended to take out a buildings insurance policy starting from your completion date. In fact, you might find it's a mandatory condition of your mortgage offer.
Setting up utilities and bills in Costa Rica
If you know when your completion date will be, it makes sense to get some essentials set up in advance of moving in.
A prime example is utilities, such as power and water. Get these sorted as early as you can, and the moving process should be a little smoother.
Renovating property in Costa Rica
For some properties, some building work or improvements may be needed before you can move in.
Read our guide below on building and renovating property abroad, covering everything from planning permission to finding a local builder - and some of the main costs you can expect.
📚 Building and renovating abroad
Save on currency conversion fees with Wise when buying property in Costa Rica
After reading this guide, you should have all the essential info you need to start your property search in Costa Rica. This includes those crucial first steps such as finding a broker and searching online property portals, and getting your finances in order.
Need a secure, convenient and low-cost* way to send a deposit or pay the final balance for your property purchase in Costa Rica? Take a look at the Wise account from the money services provider Wise. It's not a bank account but offers some similar features and your money is safeguarded.
With Wise, you can set up large amount transfers worldwide to 140+ countries for low, transparent fees* and the mid-market exchange rates with no markup.
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**Investments in funds are never guaranteed and your capital can be at risk. In the UK, Interest and Stocks are provided by Wise Assets — this is the trading name of Wise Assets UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Wise. Wise Assets UK Ltd is authorised as an investment firm and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our FCA number is 839689. We do not give investment advice, and you may be subject to pay tax. If you're not sure, seek qualified advice. You can find more information about the funds on our website.
Additional FAQs about buying property in Costa Rica
How long can I stay in Costa Rica if I own property?
If you qualify for the Investor (Inversionista) Residency Program through the purchase of property, you can stay in Costa Rica for up to two years on a temporary residence permit - with the option to renew.
Otherwise, UK citizens can stay as tourists in the country for up to 90 days (extendable to 180 days) without needing a visa.7
Can I retire to Costa Rica from the UK?
Yes, UK citizens can retire to Costa Rica under the Pensionado visa program, provided you receive a minimum pension income of $1,000 USD a month (around £730 GBP) and meet other conditions.8
Where is the safest and cheapest place to live in Costa Rica?
The Central Valley region of Costa Rica - including cities such as Cartago and San Isidro de El General - is known for its affordable prices and friendly community feel.
Are utilities expensive in Costa Rica?
No, the typical utility bill for an apartment in Costa Rica tends to be around 72% cheaper than the UK. However, other bills such as broadband and mobile phone plans can be more expensive.6
Sources used:
1. Crespo Agency - mortgage info for foreigners and non-residents
2. Properstar - fees, taxes and mortgage information
3. Global Property Guide - Costa Rica property market statistics and info
4. Remitly - no restrictions for foreigners buying property
5. Henley Global - Costa Rica Golden Visa scheme
6. Numbeo - cost of living comparison between UK and Costa Rica
7. GOV.UK - how long you can stay as a tourist in Costa Rica
8. Moneycorp - Pensionado visa
Sources last checked on date: 23-Jan-2026
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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