When I think of a country with political and economic stability, a good tropical climate, beautiful beaches and mountains, an excellent quality of life, and a relaxed lifestyle, I have Costa Rica in mind. If you love your host country, you could easily think about investing in real estate, either to live in or to rent out. Investing in real estate is a long-term commitment. It is important to analyze all available data and then decide if it’s right for you.
Valuable Real Estate Tips
Photo by Tierra Mallorca on Unsplash
The economic stability of Costa Rica together with a solid exchange rate and the demand from foreigners are factors that suggest your property will not lose its value. The increase of expat numbers in Costa Rica has had a positive impact on home construction and the growth and stability of their real estate prices.
Beware of Gringo Pricing
It is common for locals to take advantage of so-called gringo pricing—the artificial inflation of the price because you’re an inexperienced foreigner. Before contacting vendors, be sure to research and gain insider knowledge related to buying property. This will increase buyer security. Sellers will duly notice your solid understanding of market conditions during negotiation, and you’re less likely to fall victim to unfair gringo pricing.
Equal Protection
Business photo by freepik.com
A significant advantage of Costa Rican laws is that the foreigner enjoys the same real estate property rights as a citizen. The country’s Constitution guarantees your rights.
Use the services of a reputable real estate company. This saves time and trouble. A reputable real-estate agency will give you professional attention and ensure the purchase process is conducted properly, both financially and legally.
Financing in Costa Rica
Is it available to an expat? If you have legal residency, yes. Otherwise, you may only buy properties in full. However, some builders may offer their own financing products to foreigners without residency. But be careful and seek professional advice to be sure that everything is done lawfully.
Important information
Buying a property (apartment, house, land) with a value of $ 200,000 or more, gives you the opportunity to opt for an investor visa, and thus get a long-term legal stay in the country. If you have the money to make such a purchase, you would solve two issues in one go.
The location of your property may be the most important data you evaluate. Several factors will influence your decision: price, type of property you want, quality of access roads, proximity to hospitals or supermarkets, fundamental problems in the area, the weather, and so on. Be sure to research all variables before deciding.
Look for Information About the Nature That Surrounds You
Costa Rica’s nature is one of the most attractive features for expats. However, consider potential volatilities and disruptions, such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, and wildfires. Gather as much information as possible to make an informed decision.
Be sure to seek advice from construction experts. Costa Rica is a country with high seismic activity, so it is extremely important to ensure that the home complies with seismic safety regulations. These might save your, or your renter’s life in the event of an earthquake. Look for information about volcanic activity, too. Although there have been no catastrophic situations in the country, it is worth knowing about the volcanic potential of the area.
The rainy season, from April to November, can be intense, especially during October and November. Depending on the area of the country, landslides or floods may occur, so it is important to understand these aspects of the area in order to make a decision that guarantees your physical safety and protects your investment.
Where to Check the Property Offers?
I want to show you an example that I saw near my house. In this image, you can see some homes for sale in a private condo in Santa Ana, one of the favorite places for expats in the province of San José, only 15 minutes from the capital.
Homes for sale in a private condo by Roman Vergara
The price of $ 109,500 is for a house with 2 floors, 2 bedrooms, 1 ½ bathroom, living room, dining room, kitchen, 1 parking space, and private garden, with 900 sq-ft. (83.6 m2). It has a swimming pool, a gym, and a soccer field. The down payment for financing starts at 15% with monthly payments from $670 per month.
You can find homes for all budgets. From small apartments starting at $ 34,000 to luxurious villas for more than $ 14,000,000.
Check the links below. Here you can find a wide variety of offers, both in dollars and in colones.
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