Blog

"Frequently Asked Questions — Buying Property in Jacó & the Central Pacific"

• Can foreigners own property in Costa Rica?

  Yes — and this is one of Costa Rica's most important advantages for international buyers. The Costa Rican constitution guarantees foreign nationals the same property ownership rights as Costa Rican citizens. You can hold titled (fee simple) property in your personal name, in a Costa Rican corporation (S.A. or SRL), or in a trust — with no additional taxes, no required local partners, and no restrictions on resale or repatriation of funds. The buying process is clean, legally straightforward, and managed through a licensed Costa Rican notary public. We work with trusted attorneys who have guided hundreds of foreign buyers through successful purchases on the Central Pacific coast.

• What does property cost in Jacó and the Central Pacific in 2026?

  The market spans a wide range. Entry-level condos in Jacó start around $100,000–$150,000. A quality two-bedroom condo with ocean views and pool access typically falls between $180,000 and $350,000. Single-family homes and luxury residences range from $350,000 to well over $2M. Playa Hermosa and Los Sueños command premiums over Jacó proper due to restricted supply, World Surfing Reserve protections, and resort amenity access. Land and lots start around $80,000 for hillside parcels and reach $400,000+ for ocean-view lots in desirable communities. Annual property taxes are capped at 0.25% of registered value — extraordinarily low by any international standard.

• What is the process for buying property in Costa Rica?

  The process follows a clear sequence that typically takes 45–90 days from offer to close. First, you identify a property and sign a Letter of Intent (LOI) with a deposit held in escrow. Your attorney conducts due diligence — reviewing title at the National Registry, confirming no liens or encumbrances, verifying permits and HOA standing. If due diligence is clean, you sign a Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) and close at a notary public who transfers title and registers the transaction. Closing costs run 3.5–4% of purchase price and are largely government-regulated. We coordinate every step — attorney referrals, escrow setup, inspection, and closing logistics — so you have one trusted point of contact throughout.

• What are closing costs when buying in Costa Rica?

  Closing costs in Costa Rica are largely set by law and typically total 3.5–4% of the purchase price. They include a transfer tax of 1.5%, stamps and registry fees of approximately 0.65%, and notary fees of 1–1.5% (regulated by the Costa Rican Bar Association based on transaction value). Legal due diligence fees add $1,000–$3,000 depending on complexity. On a $300,000 purchase, budget approximately $10,500–$12,000 for closing costs. Unlike some markets, there is no annual capital gains tax on property held for personal use, and property taxes remain at 0.25% annually — making Costa Rica one of the most ownership-friendly environments in the Americas.

• Is Jacó a good place to invest in real estate in 2026?

  We've been in this market for over 30 years — and the fundamentals have never been stronger for informed buyers. Jacó's 90-minute drive from Juan Santamaría International Airport (one of the most direct airport-to-beach connections in the Americas), mature infrastructure, year-round domestic demand from San José's 2.5 million residents, and a growing international buyer base create structural conditions for sustained appreciation. Well-positioned condos generate 4–6% net rental yields after expenses. The wellness travel boom, growing birdwatching tourism, and Jacó's proximity to Carara National Park and the Playa Hermosa World Surfing Reserve are drawing a more discerning, higher-spending visitor than the market has historically attracted. The key, as always, is buying the right property at the right price — which is exactly what we help our clients do.

• What neighborhoods should I consider near Jacó?

  The Central Pacific corridor offers distinct micro-markets for different buyer goals. Jacó Centro suits investors who want maximum rental volume and walkability. Playa Hermosa (5 minutes south) is for buyers who prioritize natural beauty, elite surf, and the protected setting of a World Surfing Reserve. Herradura and Los Sueños (10 minutes north) offer gated resort living with marina access, championship golf, and a Marriott hotel. Esterillos (30 minutes south) is emerging as a quieter, lower-priced alternative with strong appreciation potential. Each neighborhood has meaningfully different rental profiles, property types, and lifestyle characteristics — and we know all of them in detail. Call us and we'll help you find the fit that's right for you.