Purchasing Land in Costa Rica
Costa Rican land is quickly becoming a hot commodity in the global real estate market. The process to buy land in Costa Rica has become very simple, and there continues to be a larger share of foreign ownership in Costa Rican land. With its stunning views and ideal climate, the land in Costa Rica is some of the most beautiful in the entire world.
It is also possible to buy land in Costa Rica for affordable prices with the proper research and knowledge. The two primary hurdles to overcome when buying land in Costa Rica involve the land having clear title (known as “escritura”) and having a current survey (known as a “plano.”) These two documents guarantee that your purchase of land in Costa Rica is a secure one. All land in Costa Rica is required to have an escritura that is registered with the National Registry. This document guarantees that your Costa Rica land is free of encumbrances or title disputes. The plano is the equivalent of a survey and shows the boundaries of your land in Costa Rica. So when you are ready to make the decision to buy land in Costa Rica just check to make sure these two essential documents are in order, and you are well on your way to owning your dream piece of Costa Rican land. Once you have purchased your piece of land in Costa Rica, you can began the process of building. In order to build on land in Costa Rica you must file the necessary paperwork with the local municipality before starting construction on any Costa Rican land. This involves submitting approved plans from a licensed architect and all the building permits required by the municipality. Your architect will generally handle the permits and fees for you. The amount to be paid to the architect and the municipality are based on the size of construction. So, whether you are buying land in Costa Rica for a long term investment, or to build your dream home on the perfect piece of Costa Rica land, the process is very similar to the one in the U.S. As long as you follow the minimal requirements, your purchase of land in Costa Rica may turn out to be the best investment you ever make.
Tags: costa rica land, investing
December 19th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
Does anyone have any referrals for quality architects and/or construction companies in the Central Pacific? Prefer references and website if possible. We have a 5 acre plot we want to build a second home on. Thanks-Stefan
January 2nd, 2008 at 8:41 pm
We used these guys to build our vacation home www.neostudioweb.com/neoarquitectos/english/index.html . I was extremely pleased with their services. Their designs are not only eco-friendly but they are also aesthetically pleasing.
February 4th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Our friends recently used Andres Morales for the design of their vacation home. Their overall style is very contemporary but it’s worth taking a look at. www.andresm.com
April 6th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
May be a stupid question here, but are there property taxes in Costa Rica?
April 11th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Yes there are property taxes in Costa Rica. However they are very low when compared to Canada and the United States. There are two forms of taxes, the Municipal Tax and Real Estate Tax. The Municipal Tax is administered at the municipal level and varies throughout the country. Paid quarterly, the type of property, location and other factors contribute to the calculation of this tax. The Real Estate Tax in based on the declared value of the propery, at a rate of 6%. This tax is applicable throughout the country regardless of the properties location.
-M.B.