Property for Sale in Costa Rica, Central America

Some people that decide to move down to Costa Rica picture their perfect house as an exotic bungalow surrounded by lush palm trees and facing a beautiful beach. Others see themselves living in a cattle-ranch hacienda.

Still, others would prefer a more "civilized" option, and would settle for a home in or near a major city. Whatever your need is, whether it sounds familiar tojm the examples mentioned, or whether it's completely different, you'll find it for sure in Costa Rica.

Foreign owners have the same rights as locals to own property in Costa Rica. Though some laws governing the buying process are different than in North America, with proper legal and agent representation, you should have no problem making wise and secure investments in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Property taxes are extremely low, often less than $100 per year, there is no income, personal property, or other taxes to foreigners, homes and property are inexpensive, electric and water rates are very low, heat or air conditioning is not required in many areas, excellent inexpensive bus service in all parts of the country, labor rates are very low, Costa Rica is democratic and is among the safest countries in the world to retire in.

Most properties in Costa Rica are registered in a computer system called "Folio Real". This system is centralized at the offices of the Public Registry in San José. Before buying land (or even before seriously considering an offer to buy land) a title search in Folio Real should be performed.

It is customary for the buyer and seller to share equally in the closing costs. This can be negotiated. There are three closing costs: government taxes and fees, notary fee, and mortgage costs.

Many foreigners have chosen to settle down in Costa Rica because of its political and economic stability and because of its natural beauty.