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Get to know our talented team.
RE/MAX is the #1 most trusted brand for buyers and sellers worldwide. The honesty, transparency, well-being and safety of our clients characterize us; they are our priority.
Developing long-lasting client relationships and providing guidance to purchasers, sellers, and renters throughout the entirety of the buying/selling/renting process are our top priorities.
Our service is complete, from the moment of initial contact, to understanding the needs and most important things for our clients, and helping them find the right real estate solution. We provide advice to our foreign and national clients ensuring a transparent and secure legal process in accordance with local regulations.
Yes, they can. Foreigners buy property in Costa Rica under the same framework as locals. The country has a legal framework that grants both Costa Rican citizens and foreigners property rights. Foreigners have the same property rights and protections as Costa Rican citizens under the country’s constitution.
Foreigners can buy and own property in Costa Rica either under their own name or through a corporation. The following steps are typically involved in the process of purchasing property in Costa Rica:
Find a Property: Look for a home that meets your requirements and preferences. Consider factors such as the property’s location, price, size, and legal status.
Due Diligence: Conduct due diligence on the property, which includes verifying its legal status, boundaries, and any liens or encumbrances, as well as confirming that the seller has the right to sell the property.
Purchase Agreement: Once you’ve found a suitable property, you’ll need to negotiate and sign a purchase agreement with the seller. It is recommended that you seek legal counsel to ensure that the agreement protects your interests and contains all relevant terms and conditions.
Title Search and Closing Process: Conduct a thorough title search to confirm ownership and ensure there are no outstanding issues. Hire a reputable attorney or notary public to walk you through the closing process, which includes drafting and signing the necessary legal documents, paying taxes and fees, and registering the property with the National Registry.
Property Taxes and Fees: As a property owner in Costa Rica, you must pay annual property taxes (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles). During the purchase process, there may be additional fees such as transfer taxes and notary fees.
To ensure a smooth and secure property purchase in Costa Rica, it is critical to work with reputable professionals such as attorneys, real estate agents, and notaries who are familiar with local laws and regulations
Property taxes in Grecia, Costa Rica are generally regarded as low in comparison to many other countries. The exact amount of property taxes you will pay in Grecia is determined by a number of factors, including the property’s value and location within the town.
Property taxes in Costa Rica are calculated based on the registered value of the property, which is usually less than the market value. The tax rate is progressive and varies according to the property’s value. Property owners can typically expect to pay annual property taxes ranging from 0.25% to 0.55% of the registered property value.
Grecia, as a smaller town, has lower property values than larger cities or coastal areas in Costa Rica. As a result, property taxes in Grecia are generally lower. However, because tax rates and valuations can change over time, it’s best to consult with a local tax professional or municipal authorities for the most up-to-date information on Grecia property taxes.
Overall, Grecia provides an appealing balance of low property taxes and the desirable lifestyle and natural beauty that the town has to offer
There are many excellent private schools that offer a superior bilingual education both in English and Spanish.
The schools are:
1. Santa Josefina (Grecia)
2. Nuevo Milenio (Grecia)
3. St Paul (Alajuela)
4. St Jude (Atenas)
5. Green Valley (Atenas)
These Schools are approved for awarding diplomas by the Ministry of Education, and some of these schools have received international accreditation by, Inspired, the Some are authorized as a IB World School and are members of the Association of Private Education Schools (ACEP), the Association of American Schools of Central America (AASCA), and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Contact each school to learn more about their students’ accreditations.
Yes, there are. These companies will hold your funds in custody till the date of your closing. Some of these companies also offer title insurance against identity / title fraud. Explore Secured Title. They are a Central American leader in Escrow services and facilitating real estate transactions.
If you personally own the home with no mortgage, you are not required to have home insurance.
However, if a bank or private lender has a mortgage on the property, they will ask you to have home insurance so they can be covered for any unexpected damages that may occur from natural disasters or fire.
It is strongly advised to protect your investment and provide financial security in the event of unforeseen events or disasters. Home insurance can provide valuable protection against a variety of risks, including natural disasters, theft, fire, and liability.
Here are some of the benefits of having home insurance in Costa Rica:
Natural Disaster Protection: Costa Rica is vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes. Home insurance can help you recover and rebuild your home by covering the damages caused by these events.
Financial Security: Home insurance protects you financially in the event of an unexpected event. It can pay for repairs or rebuilding, replacing damaged belongings, and providing temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable.
Coverage for Theft and Vandalism: Home insurance can protect your property and belongings from theft, burglary, and vandalism. It compensates you for stolen or damaged items, providing you with peace of mind.
Home insurance typically includes liability coverage, which protects you in the event that someone is injured on your property. It can cover medical expenses, legal fees, and lawsuit damages.
Mortgage Requirements: If you have a mortgage on your home, your lender may require you to have home insurance as a condition of the loan. It is critical to check your lender’s specific requirements.
It is critical to understand the coverage options, policy limits, deductibles, and any exclusions or conditions when purchasing home insurance in Costa Rica.
Insurance companies in Costa Rica offer a variety of policies tailored to specific needs, so it’s best to compare quotes and select a reputable insurer that offers comprehensive coverage. Generally, home insurance costs are very affordable.
1. A yearly flat tax fee, usually around $125 for inactive corporations.
2. The corporation needs to file annually their shareholders with the Central Bank of Costa Rica.
These requirements are a must in order for attorneys / notaries to transfer properties.
Capital gains taxes apply in several scenarios:
• Primary residences are exempt from capital gains taxes. Although if you are a foreigner with no residency card and have not been in Costa Rica for at least 180 days for the past 12 months, then you must pay a 2.5% tax on the sales price.
• Secondary homes-non primary residences and multiple properties are subject to capital gains taxes. There are 2 types of tax rates to choose from. The option of 15% payment on the gain: difference between sales price and registered price in the National Registry. Or 2.5% on the sales price (This option has a date restriction).
Most banks in Costa Rica do not finance foreigners unless they have applied for residency and have local income. Foreigners can get private financing. Although most private lenders want 50% down and time terms are 3 years, some offer up to 5 years at a yield rate of 8-13%.
Closing costs are usually 3.7% of the sale price. This percent can slightly differ based on the notary fees charged by the attorney.
The closing costs cover the following:
1) Notary fees – usually 1% or up to 1.3%. Property transfers are executed by a licensed attorney.
2) Transfer tax of 1.5%.
3) Documentary Stamps of 0.9%
Our team would love to contribute their expertise and insights and help you achieve your Costa Rica real estate dreams today!
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