What do I need to know when buying property in Costa Rica?

"1. Buying property in Costa Rica requires a local lawyer, who can help you understand the local laws and regulations regarding ownership, transferal of ownership, local taxes, and property rights. 2. It is wise to hire a Costa Rican lawyer and real estate professional to advise you on the purchase of property and to ensure the transfer and registration of property are done correctly. 3. Consider due diligence, which involves researching the property’s title, surveying the land, and verifying the seller’s legal right to transfer property. 4. Make sure you understand the foreign ownership limits in the country, which are designed to protect the rights of local people in land ownership. 5. It is important to familiarize yourself with the local customs and laws regarding property ownership, including Costa Rica’s Title Guarantee Law, which requires all property to be registered with the government to ensure legal proof of ownership. 6. Property taxes in Costa Rica are typically paid annually and are based on the assessed value of the property. 7. Make sure you understand the process of obtaining residency and work permits, if needed, as the process can be complicated. 8. Make sure you understand the potential liabilities and responsibilities should any problems arise after you purchase the property," said a member in Costa Rica.

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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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"Travel around and find the area you want first. Use tools like www.vrbo.com to see what the rental rates are in the area you are interested in -- and be sure to look at the calendars of availability to see how well they are booking. Visit the forums like Expat Exchange or Costa Rica Living and ask plenty of questions. Compare listings from a variety of sources and use tools like Google Translate to look at listings in Spanish as well. Seek the advice of folks like me -- make sure they have bought and sold for themselves and don't just have a good imagination," remarked another expat who made the move to Southern Pacific region of Costa Rica, Costa Rica.