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This is a good question and is often asked after buying property in Costa Rica. If you have not bought a property within a complex like a condominium or gated community with administration on site, we recommend that you hire a caretaker, especially if it is a larger piece of vacant land and in more…

ABC Real Estate can assist you in finding a reputable architect, engineer, or contractor. Based on our experience, you will easily find the right company or person. You will make the final decision on the examples we have shown you, depending on the style you like and the one you would like to work with.

The building costs are estimated per square meter and range between US$800-1500 (US$75-140 per sqft) (and up) for a closed, good quality construction. This will include the walls, floors, windows, doors, roof, electric, and plumbing; excluding furniture, appliances, pool, and landscaping. These costs depend on the type and price of material you use, construction style,…

Well, building is not easy, no matter where you are in the world. It is much easier to buy property already established; you know what you are buying. Costa Rica changed a lot within the past few years in terms of availability of good, quality construction materials, reputable contractors, and construction companies, especially in more…

An exception to the concession properties located inside the Maritime Zone is when the property was registered prior to 1973, in which case it has full title and can be transferred as such. This is a rare opportunity because of 100% ownership, like any other properties outside the Maritime zone. No concession property can be…

Concession, which is in effect a lease from the government and local municipality, must be approved by the I.C.T. (Tourism Institute) and normally run for a period of 20 years. At the moment of expiration, concessions can be renewed for a similar period of time.

When buying property located on Costa Rica’s beaches, you should be aware of the following: building a home adjoining beach areas falls under a category known as the Maritime Zone Law, the first 200 meters of land measured from the high tide line. The first 50 meters from the mean high tide mark cannot legally…

There are several ways to get residency with a different status like Pensionado, Rentista, or Inversionista. It depends on your individual situation; we recommend consulting a lawyer regarding the residency.

No, it is not necessary to have residency to be able to buy property in Costa Rica. You can buy with your tourist status. Living here is another matter. As a foreigner and tourist you have to leave the country for 72 hours once every 3 months in order to renew your legal status in…

It is important that you or your attorney take the necessary steps in order to properly register the property and, more importantly, be assured that the property in question is free of all liens and encumbrances before buying property in Costa Rica. The Registro de la Propiedad (Property Registry) is located in San Jose –…