Real estate
Comprehensive support for buying, selling, leasing and managing property in Costa Rica, with particular experience guiding foreign buyers with clarity and legal certainty at every stage of the process.
How we support you
- Buying and selling propertyPurchase agreements and property transfers, including subdivisions where applicable.
- LeasesLease agreements and lease-to-own arrangements.
- EscrowNeutral custody of the purchase funds until closing.
- Mortgages and encumbrancesCreation, amendment and cancellation of mortgages, pledges and usufructs.
- Real estate due diligenceComprehensive legal review of the property before purchase.
- Registry and municipal searchesVerification of the property's legal status: ownership, liens, annotations and municipal standing.
- Project developmentUrban and tourism projects before municipalities, INVU and ICT; specialists in the Maritime Terrestrial Zone and the Papagayo Law.
- Trusts and condominiumsStructuring of real estate trusts and condominium formation.
- Estate planningSuccession planning for real estate assets.
Escrow: custody of funds in guarantee
For real estate transactions, especially with foreign buyers, we recommend channeling the operation through a licensed escrow company registered with SUGEF.
It is a neutral, independent third party that holds the purchase funds until every condition agreed in the contract (due diligence, transfer, permits, etc.) has been fully met. This way, neither the buyer nor the seller has access to the money until the transaction closes securely, ensuring transparency and legal certainty for both parties.
What is escrow and why do we recommend it?
It is the safest way to buy in Costa Rica. Instead of transferring money directly to the seller, your money is deposited in a secure escrow account. The money is released to the seller only once the property is legally registered in your name. Zero risk.
Security: the funds stay protected throughout the process.
Source of funds: it issues the documentation needed to prove the lawful origin of money coming from abroad.
Banking made simple: buyers without residency can complete the transaction without opening a bank account in Costa Rica.
Orderly closing: the escrow agent pays the seller, attorneys, commissions and other costs at closing.
Standard fee: 0.25% of the amount transferred, with a minimum of approximately USD 800. Typical process: the purchase option agreement is signed, the deposit is placed in escrow (usually 10% of the price) and at closing the escrow releases the balance and pays the remaining costs.
Let's talk about your case
Tell us about your situation and we will put you in touch with the right specialist.