A clear plan for buying property in Costa Rica

1. Decide what a successful home would do for you

Write down whether you want a full-time home, seasonal base, second home or land for a future build. Set a comfortable total budget and a separate allowance for ownership and any work you expect to undertake.

Include practical non-negotiables: steps, parking, visitors, pets, transport, internet, beach access and care while away. If a partner will use the home too, make that list together before your first viewing.

2. Choose a small set of areas

Use the neighborhood guides to compare Jacó, Herradura, Los Sueños, Playa Hermosa near Jacó, Esterillos, Bejuco, Punta Leona and Tárcoles. Shortlist two or three that fit your routine, then visit actual streets and access routes.

A broad town description cannot answer whether a particular home is convenient, accessible or suited to your needs. Test your own likely grocery, beach and other everyday routes.

3. Request a current property shortlist

Browse Dominique’s current RE/MAX collection and ask her to confirm which properties remain available and can be viewed on your dates. Listings are an introduction, not confirmation of ownership, condition or suitability.

Clarify the agent’s role in each transaction, how viewings will be arranged and which independent professionals you should speak with. Do not assume that a listing description replaces document checks.

4. Compare the property plus its obligations

Request recurring fees, community rules where applicable, utility information and maintenance history. For a house, include exterior, pool, garden and access maintenance. For a condo, establish what the shared charges do and do not include.

For land, ask about the registered parcel, survey plan, access, services and your proposed use. Ask an independent Costa Rican attorney and the appropriate survey, engineering or municipal professionals to verify the relevant documents and feasibility. Coastal ownership arrangements need property-specific legal assessment.

5. Review terms before an offer or transfer of funds

Obtain advice on the actual terms, deadlines, conditions and responsibilities. Ask your chosen independent professionals about the records, contract, transaction costs and closing arrangements for that property. Avoid relying on a generic online fee percentage or universal closing timeline.

Buying a property and obtaining immigration permission are different questions. If residency or a rental business is part of the plan, obtain current professional advice rather than infer eligibility from buying a home.

6. Prepare the handover and ongoing care

Before completion, clarify keys, access permissions, included items, accounts, maintenance contacts and how the property will be cared for if you are abroad. Put the unresolved questions into a written list rather than relying on memory.

The printable guide is a useful planning aid. It is not personalized legal, tax, immigration or investment advice. For your property shortlist and next viewing, speak directly with Dominique.

• Preferred areas and practical needs are written down.
• Current availability and viewing access have been checked.
• Documents, condition and proposed use have been reviewed by appropriate professionals.
• The full purchase and ownership budget has been compared.
• Terms, funds-handling and handover arrangements are understood.