How Much Does It Cost to Buy Property in Costa Rica in 2025?

Updated Prices, Fees, Taxes & What to Expect in the Buying Process

If you’re considering investing in real estate in Costa Rica in 2025, one of your first questions is probably: “How much does it really cost to buy a home, condo, or land here?”

From beachfront villas in Guanacaste to mountain hideaways near Atenas, Costa Rica offers a wide variety of real estate options - and prices - depending on location, property type, and whether you're buying as an investor, retiree, or future expat.

This article breaks down average property prices by region, plus hidden costs, closing fees, and ongoing expenses that every buyer should know before purchasing property in Costa Rica.

💰 Average Property Prices in Costa Rica (2025 Snapshot)

While Costa Rica offers affordability compared to the U.S. or Canada, luxury markets have seen steady price appreciation over the past five years. Here's a breakdown of average high-end prices in popular regions:

Region	Average Price (USD)	Property Types
Santa Teresa	$2,091,000	Beachfront luxury homes, boutique hotels
Dominical	$1,683,000	Ocean-view villas, eco-retreats
Tamarindo	$1,215,564	Beach condos, vacation homes, rental units
Papagayo / Playas del Coco	$1,011,700	Gated villas, condos, luxury developments
Escazú & Santa Ana	$1,030,915	Urban luxury homes, gated communities
Manuel Antonio	$893,000	Ocean-view homes, jungle properties
Jaco	$992,571	Beachfront condos, resort developments

🔍 Source: 2025 national real estate data compiled from active listings and verified brokerage reports.

🏗️ New Construction vs Resale: Which Costs More?

New construction is booming in places like Guanacaste and Escazú, offering:

• Modern amenities

• Energy-efficient designs

• Higher resale value

• Customization opportunities

  
  

However, resale homes often come with established utilities, mature landscaping, and faster closing times. Depending on the builder, new construction can cost 10–20% more, but may be worth it for long-term gains.

📑 Legal & Closing Costs: What to Expect

Buying property in Costa Rica is straightforward for foreigners, but it’s crucial to budget for the closing process. Here’s what to plan for:

1. Legal Fees

• Usually 1.0–1.5% of the purchase price

• Paid to a Costa Rican notary public (who acts as the closing attorney)

✅ Always use a bilingual lawyer familiar with expat transactions.

2. Transfer Tax & Registration

• Transfer tax: 1.5%

• National registry fee: 0.5%

• Municipality fee: 0.2%

📌 Total taxes & registration: approx. 2.2% of purchase price

3. Escrow Fees

• Escrow is required for secure transactions

• Cost: usually $400–$800 USD, shared by buyer and seller

  
  

4. Due Diligence Costs

Optional, but recommended:

• Property inspection: $300–$600

• Topographic survey: $200–$500

• Corporation setup (if needed): $800–$1,200

  
  

5. Title Insurance (Optional)

Available via Stewart Title or Fidelity - not legally required, but offers peace of mind.

• Cost: ~0.5% of property value.

  
  

🏡 What Ongoing Costs Should You Budget For?

Once you purchase your property, ongoing expenses are fairly low compared to North America. Here’s what to expect:

Expense	Average Monthly Cost (USD)	Notes
Property Taxes	0.25% annually (paid quarterly)	One of the lowest rates in Latin America
HOA Fees (if any)	$100 – $600+	Depends on development/luxury level
Insurance	$40 – $150	Fire, liability, earthquake, flood
Utilities (basic)	$75 – $250	Higher if using A/C
Pool/garden maintenance	$100 – $300	Optional but common
Internet	$40 – $80	Fiber available in many regions

⚖️ Do Foreigners Pay More Than Locals?

No - foreigners have the same property rights as Costa Rican citizens and pay the same taxes and fees. The only exceptions apply to:

• Concession properties in the Maritime Zone (first 200m from the coast): these require residency and government approval.

• Agricultural land of over 5,000m²: if held by a foreigner, must be in a corporation.

🛡️ Always work with a licensed realtor who understands titled vs concession land and can protect your investment.

📈 Are Costa Rica Property Prices Going Up in 2025?

Yes. Real estate prices - especially in high-demand coastal zones - are projected to increase by 6–8% in 2025, fueled by:

• Continued foreign investment

• Strong demand for short-term rentals

• New infrastructure (e.g., roads, hospitals, fiber optics)

• Currency stability and investor confidence

🧠 Tip: Buying in pre-construction or early-phase developments offers the best appreciation potential.

🔍 Case Study: Buying a Condo in Playas del Coco

Let’s say you're buying a 2-bedroom ocean-view condo in a gated community in Playas del Coco for $395,000. Here's how the costs break down:

Item	Amount (USD)
Purchase Price	$395,000
Legal & Closing Fees	~$4,500
Transfer Taxes/Registry	~$8,690
Escrow Fee (shared)	$400
Property Inspection	$350
Total Closing Cost	~$13,940
Grand Total	~$408,940

Then you’d pay around:

• $300/year in property taxes

• $200/month in HOA

• Optional insurance + utilities

  
  

🎯 Final Thoughts: What Budget Should You Plan?

Here’s a quick guide for different buyer profiles:

• Retirees / Expats: $300,000–$600,000 for condos or small villas near the beach

• Remote Workers: $400,000–$800,000 for larger homes in gated communities

• Luxury Investors: $1M+ for exclusive homes in Papagayo, Tamarindo, or Santa Teresa

• Budget Buyers: $150,000–$300,000 for land, fixer-uppers, or homes inland

  
  

Want help finding the best condo deals in Playa del Coco?

Contact me directly for personalized listings, video walkthroughs, or a free consultation.

sabina@palmrealetsatecr.com| WhatsApp Me +506 8713 8080 | Based in Guanacaste, CR