Buying land in Costa Rica is an exciting project whether you are planning to build a private retreat, an eco-resort property, an income-producing property, or perhaps a future retirement home. With its natural beauty, stable government, and ever-growing expat community, Costa Rica remains a popular destination for overseas property purchases. But like in all overseas property transactions, it is imperative to undertake this process with clear-headedness and guidance. This is how to buy land in Costa Rica in 2026.
In Costa Rica, there is a division of provinces, cantons, as well as districts, meaning that land value differs significantly according to location. Land near mountains or by the sea is very expensive, while inland areas may offer more budget-friendly options.
Before you buy:
Research regional trends—and which areas are appreciating in value, and why.
Look for developments that could increase the value of the land, for example, road construction or tourist development projects.
It is essential to understand that a market such as Costa Rica is relatively slower compared to other countries, and business takes time, so properties can remain on the market awhile.
In Costa Rica, the laws and real estate structure are different than in North America or Europe. To safeguard your investment, you can:
Contract a Técnico en Topografía (Licensed Surveyor) to establish definitive boundaries.
Employ an agent who has adequate knowledge about the region and the procedures involved.
Most importantly, hire a bilingual attorney skilled in real estate, property law, and title due diligence.
Moreover, there isn’t a public registration system, as there is in the U.S. Therefore, the importance of your attorney’s involvement regarding the confirmation of ownership, liens, easements, or encumbrances cannot be overemphasized.
However, before you put in an offer on the home, you must ask your Conduct a title search at the National Registry (Registro Nacional).
Verify that the name of the seller as shown on the title corresponds with the seller’s identification.
Verification of Liens, Mortgages, Judgments, or Easements Alarm
Small discrepancies in the records of ownership of property can cause major conflicts in the future.
The rural land in Costa Rica can be replete with natural features, especially in mountainous and jungle areas, that would not be immediately apparent from an online search.
Installing and verifying the boundary posts.
Include a topographic map illustrating grade, water sources, and building sites.
Help determine if the land is suitable for your use—to put utilities, to build your home, to start your business, or whatever your need shall be.
Costa Rica also has zoning laws that vary by city. Before purchasing:
Inquire from the concerned Municipalidad regarding the zoning categories (e.g., residential, agricultural, commercial).
Inquire about building restrictions, setbacks, and environmental regulations.
Find out if you require any environmental permits, particularly in regions around wetlands, waterways, coastlines, and protected forested lands.
Zoning regulations impact everything from size and location to operations and future resale value.
Once diligence is verified to check out, negotiate a Purchase and Sale Agreement (Contrato de Compraventa). This document should contain:
Acquisition price and payment terms.
Deposit Terms.
Conditions for closing.
Detailed descriptions of the property based on the survey.
A fiduciary escrow agreement—a monetary arrangement in which the purchase money is placed in the care of a trusted third party until the closing—is a plus.
In Costa Rica, the closing is executed by a Public Notary—whose word is impeccably esteemed within the realm of law—and who draws up the deed (escritura pública). What to expect:
The notary checks all paperwork and verifies signatures.
The rest of the purchase price will be paid by you.
The deed is then handed to the notary, who delivers it to the National Registry to be registered.
One should, therefore, make sure that the deed is recorded, as well as all taxes, transfer fees, as well as all requirements, being met before ownership can be considered complete.
Land ownership in Costa Rica entails certain obligations every year:
Property tax (Impuesto de Bienes Inmuebles): It is low but must be paid every year.
If your intention is to develop the land, you can expect connection charges for utilities, permits for construction, and taxes charged by the municipal government.
If you plan on leasing or reselling in the future, you need to familiarize yourself with income and capital gains taxes for foreign property owners.
Considering Buying:
Title insurance. When available.
Property insurance for natural disasters (flood/equipment earthquake).
Liability insurance if you develop or rent the property.
Finally, nothing beats a firsthand visit. Go walk the territory. Meet the neighbors. Walk the infrastructure. Making a few trips over the course of a wet and a dry season should give you a realistic impression of your prospect property.
Purchasing land in Costa Rica in 2026 can prove to be a very rewarding experience with proper planning and collaboration with trusted individuals. With appropriate research and knowledge about the laws and regulations, you can have a stress-free and worry-free experience and find pride in being a part of one of the most beautiful countries in this world.
Are you ready to begin your Costa Rica land search? Contact us at CostaRicaRealEstate.net to find your ideal property today!
