Finding Real Estate For Sale in Costa Rica: Buyer’s Guide

03/18/2025

International Outlook

Costa Rica has long been a standout destination for international real estate investors and retirees. This Central American nation offers a stable democracy with no army, a strong tradition of peace, and a warm, welcoming culture. The country consistently ranks as one of the happiest and greenest in the world, thanks to its political stability and environmental protections. Importantly for buyers from the U.S. and elsewhere, Costa Rica is very U.S. dollar-friendly – the dollar is widely accepted and many property listings are priced in USD, simplifying transactions. These factors, along with attractive residency options and a high quality of life, make Costa Rica’s real estate market especially appealing to foreign buyers.

Whether you’re seeking a tropical vacation home, a retirement retreat, or a development investment, Costa Rica offers something for everyone. From pristine Pacific coast beaches to cool Central Valley mountains, the country features diverse regions and property types. Foreigners enjoy essentially the same property ownership rights as locals (with only a few restrictions, which we’ll cover later). In this 2025 buyer’s guide, we’ll explore how to find property listings, the top websites and agents, and essential tips and legal insights for buying real estate in Costa Rica.

Where to Find Costa Rica Real Estate Listings Online

Thanks to a mix of local and international real estate portals, it’s easier than ever to search for properties for sale in Costa Rica from abroad. Below we detail the top online platforms and MLS (Multiple Listing Service) resources you should know:

Nationwide Property Portals

Encuentra24 – Costa Rica’s leading classifieds website, with a robust real estate section. Encuentra24 hosts thousands of property listings (homes, condos, land, rentals) nationwide. Both real estate agencies and for-sale-by-owner listings appear here, making it a great first stop for an overview of what’s on the market.
Point2Homes Costa Rica – Formerly a popular property aggregator that syndicated listings from brokers across Costa Rica. Note: Point2Homes ceased its operations in Costa Rica in mid-2024, but it was once used to browse many local listings in one place. Buyers now rely more on other portals and MLS resources since Point2Homes is no longer active in this market.
Realtor.com International – The international section of Realtor.com offers an easy interface to search Costa Rica properties in English. It aggregates over 10,000 listings in Costa Rica, sourced from local brokers and international MLS feeds. You can filter by price, location, property type, and see prices in USD. It’s a useful way to browse inventory especially if you are familiar with Realtor.com’s platform.

Costa Rica MLS Databases

CRGAR MLS (CRMLS) – The Costa Rica Global Association of REALTORS® (CRGAR) operates an MLS focused on the Guanacaste and Central Pacific regions. Member agents (primarily in areas like Tamarindo, Flamingo, Liberia, Jacó, etc.) list their properties on this platform. The listings are verified against the National Registry for clear title. In recent years, CRGAR’s MLS has been integrated into a national system (see below).
CCCBR MLS – The Cámara Costarricense de Corredores de Bienes Raíces (CCCBR, Costa Rica’s Chamber of Real Estate Brokers) runs an official MLS covering San José, the Central Valley, and beyond. This database is now part of the unified country-wide MLS. Both the CRGAR and CCCBR systems feed into the Costa Rica MLS (RE.cr), which is emerging as the nationwide MLS portal. On RE.cr, hundreds of agencies and developers post listings across all regions, so it’s a highly reliable source for up-to-date inventory. Using the Costa Rica MLS site allows you to search verified listings by region, price, and property type, knowing each entry is backed by a licensed broker.

Luxury & International Agency Websites

KRAIN Costa Rica – A well-known brokerage specializing in Guanacaste’s Gold Coast, KRAIN’s website features high-end homes, condos, and land in beach towns like Flamingo, Tamarindo, Potrero, and Coco. They cater to foreign buyers with English listings and have both residential and commercial divisions.
Coldwell Banker Costa Rica – Coldwell Banker has a franchise network of 9 offices across Costa Rica, and their national site aggregates listings from all those offices. You’ll find a large inventory of homes, luxury estates, hotels, and land on their site, from the Central Valley to coastal regions. Coldwell Banker’s teams (e.g. Coldwell Banker Tamarindo, Coldwell Banker Vesta Group in Dominical, etc.) are often top-producing brokers in their areas.
Sotheby’s International Realty – Costa Rica – The local Sotheby’s franchise focuses on luxury real estate. Their website showcases exclusive estates, ocean-view villas, and upscale condos throughout Costa Rica’s prime markets. Sotheby’s network and marketing reach make it a key platform for high-end property searches.

Developer & Resort Marketplaces

Los Sueños Resort – The Los Sueños Resort & Marina (near Jacó on the Central Pacific coast) has its own real estate sales office and website. Here you can browse resale condos and villas within the resort’s gated communities (like Marbella, Del Mar, Vista Tres Bahías, etc.), as well as development lots. If you’re interested in a turnkey resort lifestyle (golf, marina, amenities on-site), checking Los Sueños’ listings is a must.
Reserva Conchal – This large beach and golf community in Guanacaste offers an exclusive portfolio of properties. Reserva Conchal’s marketplace (often via Conchal Realty and affiliated brokers) includes homes in gated sub-communities, ocean-view condos, and custom home lots within the resort. Prices here range from luxury condos to multi-million dollar estates, all with access to the world-class beach club, golf course, and the Westin and W hotels on site.
Las Catalinas – Las Catalinas is a newer car-free beach town development on the Guanacaste coast, known for its charming Mediterranean-style architecture. The community’s sales office lists homes and flats for sale in town. Many properties here are upscale villas and flats designed for walkable living by the beach. The Las Catalinas sales team can also assist with resales in this highly sought community where inventory is limited.

Commercial & Investment Platforms

Brevitas – Costa Rica Hospitality Listings – Brevitas is a global commercial real estate marketplace, and it features many hospitality properties in Costa Rica. Users can find hotels, boutique resorts, B&B inns, and other income-producing hospitality businesses listed for sale. If you’re looking to invest in a Costa Rican hotel or eco-lodge, Brevitas provides listings with financial details aimed at investors.
Brevitas – Costa Rica Commercial Properties – Beyond hotels, Brevitas hosts a broad range of commercial real estate in Costa Rica. This can include multi-family apartment complexes, office buildings, retail centers, mixed-use developments, and more. Many listings are off-market or specialized investment opportunities not easily found on residential-focused sites. Creating a free Brevitas account unlocks additional listings and information for serious investors.
Brevitas – Costa Rica Development Land – For those interested in development parcels and large land investments, Brevitas offers listings such as raw land tracts, master-planned project sites, and commercial development parcels across Costa Rica. These listings often highlight acreage, zoning, and development potential (for example, an acreage suitable for a new hotel or a mixed-use project). Investors can compare opportunities in different regions via this platform.

Each of the above portals can significantly aid your property hunt. We recommend starting with the broad portals (like Encuentra24 and the Costa Rica MLS) to get a feel for prices and options, then using the more specialized sites (luxury brokerages, developer sites, or Brevitas) once you have honed in on your target region or property type. Next, let’s look at who can help you on the ground in Costa Rica.

Top Buyer’s Agents and Brokerages by Region

While online research is invaluable, a great local real estate agent is key to a successful purchase. Costa Rica’s real estate industry is unregulated (no government licensing), so reputation and experience are crucial. Below is a short list of highly rated buyer’s agents and brokerage teams in different regions, known for their strong reviews, production, and expat client recommendations:

Guanacaste (North Pacific): Blue Water Properties of Costa Rica – Based in Tamarindo, this independent brokerage (led by CRGAR President Rebecca Clower) is renowned for its customer service and local expertise. Blue Water Properties is frequently recommended by expats for purchasing in beach towns like Tamarindo, Flamingo, Playa Grande, and Liberia areas.
Central Pacific (Jacó & Manuel Antonio): 2Costa Rica Real Estate – A top-producing team with offices in Manuel Antonio/Quepos and the capital region. 2Costa Rica Real Estate is known for handling luxury homes and condos in Manuel Antonio, Jacó, and Los Sueños, as well as metropolitan San José. They have English-speaking agents and a strong track record with foreign buyers.
Southern Zone (Dominical/Uvita): Coldwell Banker Vesta Group Dominical – Operating as Dominical Realty, this is the leading brokerage in the southern Pacific coast. They have decades of experience with the surf towns of Dominical, Uvita, and Ojochal. Known for professionalism, they handle everything from ocean-view luxury estates to development land and are deeply trusted by the expat community.
Central Valley (San José & Highlands): GoDutch Realty – Specializing in the Central Valley towns (Escazú, Santa Ana, Atenas, Grecia, etc.), GoDutch Realty is highly rated for helping foreigners find homes in the greater San José area. Their agents are long-term expats themselves, providing guidance on neighborhoods, schools, and the lifestyle in the valley. They often assist retirees and families relocating to the Central Valley’s mild climate.

Engaging a reputable buyer’s agent ensures you have someone to vet properties, navigate Spanish-language paperwork, negotiate price, and coordinate due diligence. The above companies are a starting point – always interview potential agents to make sure they understand your needs and have experience in your target area. Additionally, confirm that any agent you work with is affiliated with a professional organization (CCCBR or CRGAR), which enforces a code of ethics.

How to Use Brevitas to Find Costa Rica Investment Properties

Brevitas is a powerful tool for investors looking at commercial real estate in Costa Rica. It’s especially useful for finding hotels, development projects, and commercial ventures that may not be listed on regular residential sites. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using Brevitas for your Costa Rica property search:

Sign Up for Free: Visit the Brevitas website and create a free account. While you can browse some listings without an account, signing up (which is quick and free) will grant you access to additional details on listings and enable you to contact listing brokers. Brevitas caters to a professional audience, so having an account also allows you to save searches and set alerts.
Search for Costa Rica Listings: On the Brevitas Property Search page, select “For Sale” and use the location filter to choose Costa Rica. You can type “Costa Rica” and select the country. This will display all current commercial listings in Costa Rica. Given Brevitas’ focus, expect listings like hotels, eco-resorts, large land tracts, multi-family complexes, and commercial buildings. You can narrow results by price range, property type, and keywords (for example, search within Costa Rica for “hotel”, “development land”, or “apartments”).
Apply Property Type Filters: Brevitas lets you filter by categories such as Hospitality, Development, Multifamily, Office, Retail, etc. Using the filters on the search page’s sidebar, you can zero in on specific sectors. For instance, if you’re interested in hospitality properties, select the “Hotel” or “Hospitality” filter to see only hotel/B&B listings. For land opportunities, use the “Development” or “Land” filter to see development parcels. This makes it easy to navigate directly to the type of investment that matches your strategy.
Review Listings and Details: Click on any listing to open its details page. Brevitas listings often include a property executive summary, financial highlights (like occupancy rate, NOI, or development potential), photos, and the broker’s contact information. Some sensitive details may be hidden until you inquire or sign a confidentiality agreement (common for hotels or commercial properties). However, you will get a solid initial overview from the public details.
Create Alerts for New Listings: One of Brevitas’s most useful features is the ability to save a search and receive email alerts. After setting up your filters for Costa Rica (and, say, selecting “Hospitality” and a price range), click on “Create an Alert” or “Save Search.” You’ll be prompted to name your search (e.g., “Costa Rica Hotels under $5M”) and choose notification preferences. Going forward, Brevitas will email you when new listings meeting your criteria hit the market. This way, you won’t miss out on new opportunities in a fast-moving market.

By leveraging Brevitas’s search and alert functions, investors can efficiently monitor the Costa Rican market for suitable properties. You can also add listings to your favorites and use Brevitas’s messaging system to contact brokers directly for more information or offering memorandums. Overall, Brevitas complements traditional residential searches by focusing on the commercial side of Costa Rica’s real estate opportunities.

Foreign Ownership Rules and Buying Process in Costa Rica

One of the reasons Costa Rica is so attractive to overseas buyers is the ease of foreign ownership. In general, foreigners have the same rights as Costa Rican citizens when it comes to owning property. You do not need to be a resident to buy real estate. However, there are a few important rules and exceptions to understand:

Fee-Simple Ownership: Most property in Costa Rica is held as fee-simple (freehold) title, recorded in the National Registry. As a foreign buyer, you can purchase titled property outright in your personal name or in the name of a corporation you control. Ownership of titled land grants you full rights to use, sell, or pass down the property, just as it would for a local. It’s common for foreign buyers to form a Costa Rican corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SRL) to hold property for estate planning and liability reasons, but it’s not required.
Maritime Zone (Beachfront) Restrictions: Costa Rica’s Maritime Zone Law dictates that the first 200 meters from the high tide line is public or concession land. The first 50 meters from high tide are public land where no private ownership is allowed (beachfront is public access). The next 150 meters is the “maritime concession” zone, which is essentially leasehold land managed by local municipalities. Foreigners cannot directly own more than 49% of a concession; the majority holder of a concession must be a Costa Rican citizen or company. In practice, this means that if you are interested in a beachfront concession property (e.g., a hotel within the Maritime Zone), you will need a Costa Rican partner or a corporation structure to hold the concession. Many buyers avoid these complications by sticking to fully titled properties outside the Maritime Zone, or by leasing concession land rather than buying.
Protected Areas and Restrictions: Some lands in Costa Rica are protected or restricted – for example, national parks, indigenous reserves, or agrarian reform (IDA/INDER) lands. These typically are not for sale, or if they are, they come with strings attached (like rights of first refusal by the government or usage restrictions). As part of due diligence, your attorney should verify that the property is not within a protected zone or subject to special regulations. There are instances of “possession rights” properties (no registered title, often in remote areas), but foreigners are strongly advised to only purchase fully titled properties to ensure legal security.
Title Transfer Process: All property transactions in Costa Rica are conducted by a Costa Rican **notary public**, who is also an attorney. The notary prepares the new deed (escritura) and registers it with the National Registry. Typically, buyer and seller first sign a private purchase agreement (Contrato de Compra/Venta) or an option to purchase (Opción de Compra) with a deposit (often 10%). This contract will outline the closing timeline (commonly 30-60 days to allow due diligence). During that period, the buyer’s attorney conducts a title search in the National Registry, checks for any liens or annotations on the property, and verifies the cadastral survey map (plano catastrado) matches the property. At closing, both parties (or their legal representatives via power of attorney) meet to sign the transfer deed in front of the notary. The notary then records the transfer. If the property is held in a corporation and you’re buying the corporation, the process involves transferring the shares at a notary – but most sales are done as direct property transfers.
Closing Costs and Taxes: Closing costs in Costa Rica generally total around 3%-4% of the purchase price. This includes a property transfer tax of 1.5%, registry stamps of roughly 0.8%-1%, and notary legal fees (around 1-1.5% by custom). By law, the buyer and seller are each responsible for half of the transfer taxes and fees unless otherwise agreed. However, it’s common in practice for the buyer to cover the majority or all closing costs (this should be negotiated in the contract). It’s important to clarify this point with your agent and attorney. Property taxes in Costa Rica are low – only 0.25% of the registered value per year – and are paid quarterly to the municipality. If you’re buying a luxury home (over approx $220,000 in value), a small additional luxury tax may apply.
Financing Norms: In Costa Rica, local bank financing for foreigners is limited. While legally foreigners can get loans, in reality banks often require residency, local credit history, or very high down payments (50% or more), and interest rates are relatively high (8-12% typically). Because of this, most foreign buyers pay cash or seek alternative financing. Sometimes developers offer financing on new condos, or a seller may agree to partial owner financing (e.g., 50% down and the rest paid over a few years). If you do need financing, it may be easier to borrow against assets or properties in your home country and use the funds in Costa Rica. Engaging a mortgage broker in Costa Rica can help identify any options, but plan for a cash purchase to avoid delays.

In summary, Costa Rica makes it straightforward for foreigners to own real estate. Focus on properly titled properties, work with a qualified attorney for due diligence, and understand the nuances of beach land if that’s in your plans. When done correctly, you can own your piece of paradise with the same rights as any Tico. Next, we’ll cover some practical tips to ensure your house-hunting journey in Costa Rica goes smoothly.

House-Hunting Tips for Expats and Investors in Costa Rica

Buying property in a foreign country can present unique challenges. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate the Costa Rican real estate market efficiently and safely:

Currency and Pricing: Be aware of the currency used in listings. Many Costa Rican property listings in popular areas are priced in USD (especially those aimed at international buyers), while others, particularly in more local markets or lower-priced properties, might be listed in Costa Rican colónes. Always double-check the currency symbol on a listing. If a price is in colónes, ask for the current USD equivalent, but also be mindful of exchange rate fluctuations. Negotiations and transactions for expat-oriented properties will often end up in USD.
Dry Season vs. Rainy Season Visits: Costa Rica’s climate has distinct dry (roughly December to April) and rainy (May to November) seasons. A property can look and feel very different depending on the season. For instance, a remote lot might be easily accessible in the dry season but require a 4x4 through mud in the rains. Rivers or drainage near a home could swell in the rainy season. If possible, try to view or at least inquire about the property in both seasons. At minimum, ask questions like: “Does this road ever wash out in heavy rain?” or “How is the water supply in the dry months?” This will help you avoid surprises after purchase.
Duplicate Listings & Varying Prices: Because there is no single MLS that all agents use, the same property may be listed by multiple agencies. It’s not uncommon to see duplicate listings (sometimes with different prices or details) on various websites. Don’t be alarmed if you encounter this; it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. It usually means the seller gave an open listing to several agents. When you find a property you like, note any listing ID or the seller’s name, and do a quick cross-check on other sites to see if it appears elsewhere. This can sometimes give you leverage in negotiations if one listing shows a lower asking price. It also underscores the value of having a dedicated buyer’s agent who can sleuth out the property’s background and ensure you’re making an informed offer.
Use Satellite and Street View for Verification: Before you travel to visit a property (or if you can’t visit in person), utilize online tools like Google Maps, Google Earth, or Bing Maps aerial view to virtually inspect the location. Satellite imagery can verify a lot: how close is the property really to the beach? Is there a big ravine, river, or cell tower nearby that wasn’t obvious in the listing photos? Also, some areas have Google Street View (mostly in San José and certain towns). It helps to see the neighborhood through these images. Additionally, ask your agent for a video walk-through or drone footage if available. Many agents in Costa Rica are accustomed to remote buyers and can provide video tours of the home and its surroundings.
Tap into Expat Networks: Facebook groups and expat forums can be gold mines for information and even property leads. Join local groups such as “Expats in Costa Rica,” regional buy/sell groups (e.g., “Buy and Sell Guanacaste”, “Costa Rica Pacifico Sur Real Estate”), or special interest groups for your target area. Often, properties are advertised informally in these circles before hitting the mainstream market – you might find a for-sale-by-owner or a pocket listing. Moreover, you can ask group members about their experiences with certain neighborhoods, developments, or even specific buildings. The expat community is generally helpful; just remember to verify any advice with professionals on the ground.

By combining online research with local insights, you’ll improve your chances of finding the right property and avoiding pitfalls. Patience is important – it’s a good idea to take your time and maybe rent for a few months in the area you’re considering, to ensure it suits your lifestyle year-round. With these tips and the resources outlined above, you’ll be well prepared to turn your Costa Rican real estate dreams into reality.

Conclusion: Navigating Costa Rica’s Real Estate Market

Costa Rica continues to enchant real estate buyers with its natural beauty, stability, and Pura Vida lifestyle. The 2025 outlook remains positive – infrastructure is improving, the expat communities are thriving, and new listings are coming online across the country’s diverse regions. By utilizing the right portals and local experts, foreign buyers can discover opportunities ranging from affordable jungle lots to luxury oceanfront estates or lucrative rental investments.

As you embark on your property search, keep in mind the key takeaways: leverage the top listing websites to survey the market, engage a reputable local agent to guide you, respect the legal guidelines for foreign ownership, and do thorough due diligence with professional help. Whether you’re an investor eyeing a boutique hotel or a family looking for a retirement villa, there’s a path in Costa Rica for you.

Ready to take the next step? Start browsing current Costa Rica real estate listings on Brevitas or set up your personalized alerts. With the right preparation and resources, you’ll soon be saying “Pura Vida” in your new home or investment property. Good luck and happy house-hunting!