Buying and selling property in a foreign country can be exciting and rewarding. Some costs are unique to buying and selling in Costa Rica. The costs can vary widely, but the numbers below are a good ballpark estimate.
Buying and Selling Costs
Home Inspection – $600 and up depending on size and other factors
Survey – $400-$500 typical, but higher for large/difficult properties. Not required for all purchases, but often recommended
Soil Study – $650-$700 typical, but can be higher depending on land. Generally only necessary for land purchases
Escrow fees – $1000-$1200 typical, but can be a bit higher or lower
Lawyer, taxes, stamps – 4% of purchase price (approximately). Often this is split between buyer and seller (2% each), but I generally recommend that the buyer pay the entire cost and negotiate the best price possible for property
Corporation creation – $1600 includes additional costs associated with the initial creation. Not strictly required, but common for expats to hold property within a Costa Rican Corporation
Corporation tax – $120-$240 per year. Only if holding property within a corporation
As you can see, the process is a bit involved but we can help you every step of the way.
