The cost of buying property in Costa Rica: taxes & fees
If you're considering buying property in Costa Rica, it's essential to understand the various costs and taxes involved beyond the property price itself.
This guide outlines the one-off purchase costs, recurring ownership fees, and provides a worked example to give you a clearer picture of what to budget.
One-Off Purchase Costs
When purchasing property in Costa Rica, several one-off costs should be anticipated. These typically include a transfer tax, notary fees, and legal fees, in addition to the property price.
Transfer taxes are usually around 1.5% of the property value, while notary and registration fees can reach up to 2% in total. Legal fees depend on the lawyer but often are around 1%.
- Transfer tax: ~1.5% of property value
- Notary and registration fees: up to 2%
- Legal fees: around 1% of property value
Total Percentage to Budget for Buying
When budgeting for your property purchase, a good estimate is to add approximately 5% to 8% of the property's purchase price to account for the above-mentioned fees and taxes.
For example, if purchasing a property at the median asking price of €364,000, you would likely need approximately €18,200 to €29,120 for one-off costs.
Worked Example
Consider a property priced at €364,000. You can expect the following estimated costs:
- Transfer tax: €5,460 (1.5%)
- Notary and registration fees: €7,280 (2%)
- Legal fees: €3,640 (1%)
In total, you should prepare for an estimated cost range of €16,380 to €29,120 on top of your purchase price.
Recurring Costs of Ownership
After your purchase, ongoing costs must also be considered. These usually include annual property taxes, community fees for condos, and standard utility bills like water and electricity.
Annual property taxes in Costa Rica are generally around 0.25% of the property's registered value, while community fees vary based on the property type and amenities.
- Annual property tax: ~0.25% of registered value
- Community fees (if applicable): varies
- Utilities: depends on usage
Additional Notes on Mortgages
Financing options for non-residents can be limited. Many banks may only lend up to 50% of the property's value, and interest rates can vary widely.
It is advisable to consult with a local mortgage broker to explore your options and understand the requirements for non-resident buyers.
Final Considerations
Always seek advice from qualified local professionals, such as lawyers and accountants, to ensure you fully understand the obligations and costs involved.
Regulations regarding property ownership can change, so verify current regulations through official sources and stay updated.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average total cost of buying property in Costa Rica?
You should budget approximately 5% to 8% of the property price for one-off costs, plus recurring expenses like property tax and utilities.
Are there any taxes specifically for foreign buyers?
There are no specific taxes for foreign buyers, but all buyers must pay the transfer tax and annual property taxes based on the property's value.
What legal fees can I expect?
Legal fees typically range around 1% of the property value, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the purchase.
How can I finance a property as a non-resident?
Non-residents may find banks willing to lend up to 50% of the property's value; consult a local mortgage expert for specific options.
What ongoing costs should I factor in?
Recurring costs include annual property taxes, community fees (if applicable), utilities, and insurance.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change — verify the current position with official sources and a qualified professional before acting. Last reviewed August 2026.