​​​​COSTA RICA'S
REAL ESTATE by Sabina Rivas

There is a version of Costa Rica that sells effortlessly. It lives in listing photos and social media reels - infinity pools dissolving into the horizon, open-air living rooms framed by palm trees, golden sunsets spilling across quiet bays. It is a place where life appears simpler, slower, and somehow more aligned. For many foreign buyers, that version is not just appealing. It feels inevitable. And to be clear, much of it is real. The same property that feels perfect on a su

There is a moment most travelers remember vividly. The plane lands in Costa Rica. The cabin doors open. Warm tropical air replaces conditioned air, and within minutes, travelers find themselves stepping into a landscape that feels distinctly different from home. What happens next, however, often determines where they eventually invest. In Costa Rica, that moment increasingly revolves around proximity - specifically, proximity to Liberia International Airport. Proximity to Lib

For many international buyers, the decision to purchase property in Costa Rica is not driven solely by lifestyle. Increasingly, investors see the country’s booming tourism industry as an opportunity to generate passive income through vacation rentals. The concept is straightforward. A buyer purchases a property in a desirable location, furnishes it for short-term stays, and lists it on platforms such as Airbnb or Vrbo. Travelers visiting Costa Rica often prefer private homes

Costa Rica’s real estate market has long attracted international buyers. From retirees seeking a warm climate to investors pursuing rental income, thousands of foreigners purchase property in the country each year. Yet the process often raises a fundamental question: can non-citizens legally own land in Costa Rica? The answer, perhaps surprisingly, is yes. Foreign buyers enjoy the same ownership rights as Costa Rican citizens, but understanding the legal process is essential