99% of what you need to know before buying real estate in Costa Rica

Report

THE COSTA RICAN PROPERTY MARKET IN 2026

If you're thinking about buying property in the Rich Coast, there are a few things you should know about the market.

Skip the lengthy 100-page reports filled with complex words, old info, and unsupported opinions. This document is different. Data is fresh and presented in easy words, useful graphs, and engaging charts.

After just 20 minutes of reading, you'll know more than 95% of people considering property investment in Costa Rica.

Report

PRICES, RENTS AND YIELDS IN COSTA RICA IN 2026

What's the average cost of a house in San José? Where can you find the best yields in Costa Rica? How much rental income can you expect?

This report will give you solid answers, using data sourced from our analysis of over 4,100 properties that have been available on the market. Then, you will know what you can expect when you're hunting for properties.

Report

ANALYSIS - IS 2026 A GOOD TIME TO BUY?

Is it a good time to invest in property in Costa Rica? Some might suggest so, but Costa Rican friends might differ. Remember, opinions are like ideas and may not always be very certain.

In this document, we take the last notable trends in Costa Rica (prices, yields, inflation, political climate, investor confidence, etc.) and tell you what they mean. Then, you can decide to go ahead or not.

Guide

ANATOMY OF A GOOD / BAD PROPERTY DEAL

Did you check out a property you're thinking of buying? Not sure if it will make a good investment? Well, it's actually not too hard to determine.

Bad investment decisions in Costa Rica always seem to follow the same pattern. But if we analyze certain key factors, we can easily determine if an investment is likely to fail or not. Wondering what to pay attention to? This document has all the answers for you.

Guide

THE FULL BUYING PROCESS, STEP BY STEP

Do you need a notary or a lawyer? When do we give the deposit in Costa Rica? How do you ensure proper property ownership? Are there any particularly error-prone stages?

From the start of your property search to the moment you obtain the keys of your property, this document will be your go-to guide. Use it frequently to double-check every important aspect to ensure nothing is overlooked and that everything is progressing as it should.

List

27 CONTACTS IN COSTA RICA

The right people can make you save time and money. With that in mind, we've compiled a complete list of contacts you'll find indispensable while buying property in Costa Rica. From A to Z, we've got you covered.

Inside this document, you'll have access to: Costa Rican real estate agents, property listing websites, Costa Rican real estate lawyers, property insurance agents, property managers, moving companies, and even expat communities in Costa Rica.

Guide

WHAT YOU NEED TO CHECK BEFORE BUYING

Overlooking property restrictions in 'Zona Marítimo-Terrestre,' misunderstanding 'Concession Land,' and neglecting due diligence... there are challenges to be aware of when buying property in Costa Rica.

Without knowing the legal and cultural landscape well, it's easy to fall into common traps that have led many to regrettable financial outcomes. Don't be another one.

List

ALL THE DOCUMENTS AND WHAT THEY MEAN

Do you understand the purpose of a 'Registro Público' in Costa Rica? What should you consider when obtaining a 'Certificación de Gravámenes'? Have you heard of 'Usucapión'?

Our team has reviewed all the documents you'll encounter when dealing with property – whether you're buying, renting, selling, or living in one. Each document is explained briefly: its purpose, when to use it, who provides it, and key things to be cautious about.

Guide

WHERE AND HOW TO GET A MORTGAGE AS A FOREIGNER

If you're seeking financing options in Costa Rica, this guide will prove to be highly valuable.

We have gathered all the information you need to apply for a mortgage with banks in Costa Rica. This includes details on eligible banks, step-by-step guidance for the entire process, and helpful tips to increase your chances of getting approved. We also highlight common mistakes to avoid.

Guide

HOW TO RENT OUT QUICKLY

Renting out your place quickly in Costa Rica? Understand their common practices.

You might not know where to find tenants fast, how to set the right rent, or what to put in the rental agreement.

Here are some useful tips, with insider knowledge, that will help you save time and money.

Report

FOCUS ON GUANACASTE (2026)

Howler monkeys waking you at dawn, dry season dust on the Interamericana, Playa Grande turtle arribadas, and imperial beach breaks that pull surfers from everywhere… if that raw Pacific vibe calls to you, Guanacaste's your answer.

This report breaks down the essentials: neighborhood comparisons, rental yields, budget ranges, investment tactics, and what to avoid.

Report

FOCUS ON SANTA ANA (2026)

Forum business park buzz fading into Pozos art galleries, mountain views from every escazú-adjacent hillside, weekend farmers' markets with organic everything, and expat density that feels like California went tropical… that's Santa Ana's polished edge.

What follows is a practical deep-dive: district profiles, ROI estimates, rental market dynamics, budget scenarios, buying strategies, and red flags.

Report

FOCUS ON TAMARINDO (2026)

Sunrise surfers at Pico Pequeño, Witch's Rock boat trips leaving at 6 a.m., beach bars transitioning from tacos to cocktails without closing, and howlers claiming the trees behind every villa… sounds like Tamarindo's calling your name.

After reading this report, which will take you around 20 minutes, you'll have 95% of the knowledge you need to make the right choice about investing in property in the region. If you consider buying a property there, we haven't forgotten about you

Report

FOCUS ON SAN JOSÉ (2026)

Mercado Central haggling over café chorreador supplies, Barrio Amón Victorian mansions hiding specialty roasters, Sabana Park joggers at first light, and casados that hit different at any soda… that's Chepe rhythm you either get or you don't.

This guide delivers actionable intel: zone-by-zone analysis, income potential, rental trends, investment levels, strategic approaches, and traps to sidestep.