Top Mistakes Foreigners Make When Buying Property in Costa Rica – Avoid Them with Cabuya Realty

Buying property in Costa Rica can be a dream come true, but for many foreigners, it turns into a costly lesson. Navigating a new country’s legal system, cultural norms, and real estate practices is no small feat. At Cabuya Realty, we’ve spent years helping international clients sidestep these common issues and make informed decisions.

Let’s walk through the key mistakes foreigners make when buying property in Costa Rica—so you can steer clear of trouble and focus on finding your perfect home.

1. Not Fully Understanding Property Titles

Costa Rica has a unique property ownership system. Some land is fully titled, while others—especially beachfront areas—fall under concession laws. This often confuses first-time foreign buyers.

Pro Tip: Always confirm property title status through the National Registry and let a qualified local attorney review the details. Cabuya Realty ensures every property we list has clean, verified ownership.

2. Ignoring Local Zoning and Building Regulations

Just because land looks suitable for building doesn’t mean it’s legally allowed. Each region has its own regulations. Ignoring this can lead to fines—or worse, a forced demolition.

What to Do: Before buying, ask about zoning laws and approved land use. Cabuya Realty helps you navigate these local rules clearly.

3. Trusting the Wrong People

Unfortunately, not everyone advertising real estate in Costa Rica is licensed or trustworthy. Some buyers fall into scams or purchase overvalued properties.

How to Avoid It: Choose a registered agency with a physical presence and track record. Cabuya Realty is locally rooted and respected for putting client interests first.

4. Overlooking Ongoing Expenses

It’s easy to focus on the purchase price, but many forget about property taxes, utilities, maintenance, and security. Cabuya Realty offers full-service management to make owning property here worry-free.

Smart Move: Set a realistic monthly budget. Our team at Cabuya Realty offers full-service property management to help owners avoid costly surprises.

5. Rushing the Purchase Without Visiting Enough

We’ve seen buyers fall in love with photos or make emotional decisions during short visits. But neighborhoods can feel different depending on the time of year, traffic, and weather.

Reality Check: Spend time in the area during different months. If you're considering Cabuya, Montezuma, or Malpaís, we’ll help you explore the community lifestyle before committing.

Avoid These Common Pitfalls with Cabuya Realty

Buying a home abroad isn’t just about price or location. It’s about making a life change. At Cabuya Realty, we help foreigners navigate Costa Rica’s unique real estate market with local insight and integrity.

We guide you from property tours and legal checks to negotiations and post-sale support. Because your trust means everything—and your future home deserves more than guesswork.

FAQs

1. Can foreigners own property in Costa Rica?

Absolutely. Foreign nationals have the same legal rights as Costa Rican citizens when it comes to owning titled real estate.

2. What is concession property and is it risky?

 Concession land—often beachfront—is leased from the government and involves additional regulations. It’s legal, but more complex—especially for foreigners.

3. Are real estate agents regulated in Costa Rica?

 Not strictly. That’s why working with a reputable agency like Cabuya Realty is essential for protection.

4. Do I need to be in Costa Rica to close a property deal?

 No. You can grant power of attorney to a local lawyer to handle the process, but visiting beforehand is highly recommended.

5. What costs should I expect beyond the purchase price?

 Typical costs include legal fees, property transfer tax (~2.5%), annual property tax (~0.25%), and optional services like maintenance or rentals.

Ready to Buy Smart in Costa Rica?

Avoid rookie mistakes. Trust local experts. Cabuya Realty has helped hundreds of international buyers find their dream property safely and stress-free.

👉 Contact Cabuya Realty Now to schedule a consultation or start your property search today.

Your Costa Rican journey starts with one smart decision—and that’s choosing the right guide.