A Foreigner’s Guide to Selling Your Home in Costa Rica
Yes, it’s simple—and potentially profitable.
1. Selling—Just as Smooth as Buying
Maybe you’re looking to upgrade to a larger property, or you want to move back to your home country, it’s reassuring to know that the same trusted steps that made your purchase feel secure can work just as well on the opposite end. The selling process in Costa Rica is relatively straight forward, especially when you invest in a high demand area like the Nicoya Peninsula, which has a steady stream of potential buyers. Selling property in Costa Rica may seem daunting from afar, but with the right guidance, it can be straightforward.
2. Realtor Costs—What to Expect
In Costa Rica, real estate commissions typically range from 5% to 10% of the sale price, plus a 13% VAT (IVA) applied only to the commission—not the sale amount.
For example, a home with a 6% commission on a $300,000 sale would mean $18,000 in commission, and an additional $2,340 VAT—$20,340 total.
Rural and remote locations like Cabuya or parts of the Nicoya Peninsula often find themselves on the higher end—around 6–8% plus VAT.
3. Time to Sell & Seasonal Trends
High season (Dec–April): With booming tourism and more international visitors, this period sees higher demand and faster sales.
Low season (May–November): Rainy season can slow the market, particularly during the wettest period of October to early November. Listings may take longer to sell, and price adjustments are more common.
Expect homes in desirable coastal and jungle settings to sell faster during dry months when investors and vacationers are most active. That said, with the right agent and staging, you can still close well in slow months—though patience pays off.
4. ROI Highlights in Cabuya & the Nicoya Peninsula
Costa Rica’s coastal and beach areas have appreciated significantly in recent years. For instance, Santa Teresa property values rose by over 35% in just five years. While our region—Cabuya and the southern Nicoya Peninsula—is quieter, it benefits from this ripple effect.
Vacation rentals in hotspots often see 8–10% annual ROI, especially when staged and marketed well. Standing out from the competition and offering something unique is defining more important than ever.
All in all, a conservative estimate for your region might be 6–10% annual appreciation or rental ROI, with some homes pulling ahead as tourism grows.
5. Staging—Big Difference, Big Impact
Even here in paradise, staging makes a difference. A well-presented property:
Looks loved and maintained
Invites emotional connection
Offsets travel-distance concerns for remote buyers
At Cabuya Realty, we offer professional staging—simple furniture, lush tropical plants, curated lighting—to highlight light, breezy spaces and ocean or jungle views. It’s often the detail that sells the dream.
6. Why Cabuya Realty Makes Selling Easy
Local Expertise: We understand buyers’ mindset—foreigners seeking homes delivered with trust and clarity.
Seasonal Savvy: We know how to time listings to capture peak demand.
Full-Service Support: From staging to photography to closing, we guide you and manage expectations.
ROI-Informed Pricing: We price with both appreciation and rental potential in mind—so you get more than just a sale.
Turn key offering: Legal, marketing and staging all together
Final Thoughts
Selling your home in Costa Rica as a foreigner doesn’t need to be overwhelming—it can be both smooth and rewarding. With local staging, smart pricing, and the support of a trusted agency like Cabuya Realty, you’re well-supported every step of the way, and your ROI can reflect the beauty and investment potential of our unique region.
Interested in a complimentary selling price estimate? Just reach out—we’re here with warm, expert help. Let’s chat.