Question 1

How much of a down payment should I make to buy a house in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the bank and your financial profile, but the most common down payment is between 10% and 20% of the property value.
Before choosing a property, the most strategic thing to do is to know your actual purchasing power and your financing level.

Question 2

What additional expenses should I consider besides the price?

Accepted Answer

In addition to the property value, you should usually consider:
• Taxes and transfer fees
• Legal/notary fees
• Bank appraisal (if you are financing)
• Closing costs and bank terms
A clear budget avoids surprises and protects your decision.

Question 3

What documents do I need to buy a property?

Accepted Answer

The requirements vary depending on whether you're paying in cash or financing, but the following are commonly requested:
• Identification
• Proof of income
• Employment or business activity certificates (for self-employed individuals)
• Bank pre-qualification (if applicable)
In addition, you should review the property's legal documentation before signing any agreement.

Question 4

How do I know if a property is legally in order?

Accepted Answer

This is confirmed through a legal and registry review of the property, checking:
• Property registration number and ownership
• Mortgages, liens, or encumbrances
• Restrictions or easements
• Municipal status, when applicable
A secure purchase begins with a thorough legal analysis, not with a simple "I was told everything is fine."

Question 5

¿Qué pasa si el plano o las medidas no coinciden con la realidad?

Accepted Answer

Puede generar problemas como:
•	Dificultades para financiar con banco
•	Conflictos con vecinos o colindancias
•	Trámites municipales complicados
•	Problemas para revender
Por eso, siempre se recomienda validar plano, medidas y condición real antes de avanzar.

Question 6

Can the price of a property be negotiated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Negotiation is part of the market, but it should be done judiciously.
The best negotiation is based on real data: comparable properties, the condition of the property, its time on the market, and the seller's terms.

Question 7

¿How long does the purchase process take? dura el proceso de compra?

Accepted Answer

On average:
• Cash purchase: between 2 and 4 weeks
• Purchase with financing: between 4 and 8 weeks
The time depends on the appraisal, documentation, banking processes, and legal coordination.

Question 8

What should I check before buying a lot or land? When considering land, it's crucial to review:

Accepted Answer

Land use and construction feasibility
• Legal access to a public road
• Availability of water and electricity
• Topography and potential hazards
• Plan, location, and actual dimensions
A plot of land might look good, but if it's not viable, it's a costly problem.

Question 9

How do you determine the right price to sell a property?

Accepted Answer

It's determined through a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), taking into account:
• Similar properties in the area
• Condition of the property
• Location and current demand
• Time on the market and competition
Setting the right price from the start accelerates the process and protects the property's value.

Question 10

Is it better to rent or buy in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

There's no single answer. It depends on your plan and your financial situation:
• Buy if you're looking for stability and equity
• Rent if you need flexibility and liquidity

Miguel Fiatt

Common.Blog.FAQs