Buying land or a house in Costa Rica: steps, documents and costs
Practical guide to buying a lot, a finca or a house in Uvita, Dominical, Ojochal, Palmar or Osa: cadastral plan, folio real, land use, water, maritime zone and taxes.
Read the guide →Practical guides
Advice on buying land, a house or a car, renting, and choosing where to live in the South Pacific of Costa Rica.
Buying a used car in Costa Rica: Dekra, marchamo and transfer
How to buy a used car, 4x4 or motorbike in southern Costa Rica without surprises: Dekra inspection, marchamo, liens, fines and transfer before a notary.
Read the guide →Renting a house in Uvita, Dominical, Ojochal or Palmar: tips
Tips for long-term rentals in southern Costa Rica: seasons, contract, deposit, utilities, roads and how to avoid rental scams.
Read the guide →Living in southern Costa Rica: a guide to the towns
Dominical, Uvita, Punta Mala, Ojochal, Chontales, Tres Ríos, Coronado, Palmar Norte, Palmar Sur, Ciudad Cortés, Sierpe and Osa: what each town is like to live, buy or rent.
Read the guide →Can a foreigner buy property in Costa Rica?
Yes: a foreigner can buy a titled house or lot with the same rights as a Costa Rican, without residency. In your own name or through a company, exceptions and obligations.
Read the guide →Building a house in Costa Rica: permits step by step
Land use, water and power availability, plans by CFIA professionals, the APC platform, INS insurance and the municipal permit: the steps to build in Osa or Pérez Zeledón.
Read the guide →Buying a farm with a river or spring in Costa Rica
Fincas in Chontales, Tres Ríos, Coronado or Pérez Zeledón: protection areas around rivers and springs, water concessions, easement access and forest. What to check.
Read the guide →Costa Rica residency for foreigners: pensionado, rentista, investor
The main residency options to live in Costa Rica: pensionado, rentista, investor and digital nomad stay, with the required income amounts.
Read the guide →Weather and seasons in southern Costa Rica: when to visit and buy
Dry and rainy seasons in Dominical, Uvita, Ojochal and Osa, whale season, and tips for viewing a property or buying a 4x4 depending on the time of year.
Read the guide →How to sell your house, land or car fast in Costa Rica
Tips to sell faster in the south: good photos, a fair price, documents ready (cadastral plan, folio real, Dekra, marchamo), a clear description and quick replies.
Read the guide →Paying safely in Costa Rica: SINPE, bank transfer and escrow
How to pay or get paid for a house, lot or car without risk: escrow, bank transfer, SINPE Móvil, fake receipts and common scams.
Read the guide →General information, not legal advice. Always check with a Costa Rican lawyer or notary.