One of the most frequently asked questions is,
can you own real estate in Costa Rica?

Yes you can own real estate in Costa Rica, and obtain a "Fee Simple Title".

Real Estate may be owned as an individual or in the name of a Costa Rican Corporation or other business formats, as in North America or Europe.

All laws, real estate or otherwise, apply equally to citizens, foreigners or companies.

Costa Rica has an excellent system of titled land, with titles inscribed in a Central Registry, plus title guarantee is available.

a) Any encumbrance or lien that affects the title, must be inscribed in the Official Registration Book.

b) When an inscribed title is "free of encumbrance ", any claim not registered prior to the sale is invalid.

TITLED PROPERTY on the coast normally begins 200 meters back from the average high tide mark (A few exceptions exist on "old time" previously titled properties, which grants a title to within 50 meters of this mark.) This 200 meter strip of land between the water and titled property is divided into two zones:

a) The first 50 meters (164 ft.) from the water is known as an "Inalienable Zone", which cannot be owned, titled or leased (construction not permitted)... This is "Public Land".

b) The next 150 meters are classified as the "Zona Maritimo Terrestre" (Maritime Zone), which may be used under a lease from the nearby municipality. Municipal "Use Permits" (leases), for the 150 meter maritime zones, permit many types of usage, including both residential and commercial construction. Such leases are long term renewable and cost about $1. to $2. per frontage meter of property per year. (There are some exceptions to the leasing of these zones, so each case should be investigated separately.)

LUCRATIVE real estate investment opportunities are now emerging, as the rest of the world has finally discovered Costa Rica! Daily publications throughout the world trumpet Costa Rica's virtues. The "Noble Peace Prize" awarded to the President in 1988, together with this country's warm and generous people and their wondrous National Parks system, have contributed to overcome much of the negative press generated by events in neighboring countries. Tourists and business men are investing in this tiny nation, creating a boom in the real estate and tourist construction sectors while generating demand for all related services. Many rooms, rental vehicles and tours are currently booked solid from three months to three years in advance. (New lodging built within the next few years, face little competition and should maintain high rates nine months per year.)

PURA VIDA REAL ESTATE CO. does not list all properties available in Costa Rica. We specialize in locating under market valued property, using our extensive experience to shift through all possibilities, and the recommend what we consider to be the best values for individual client needs. Listings include developed and undeveloped land in all tourist areas, as well as commercial sites in and around San Jose.

Money-making real estate opportunities are readily available in Costa Rica, from simply renting out your beach house to small sub-development and lot splits, to full-blown resort possibilities. Our professional staff will be happy to discuss these options and help you in making the appropriate choice. After a visit to our offices for an in-depth interview, we will facilitate your visits to various locations around the country. If you are new to Costa Rica or Nicaragua, and are looking for the perfect property which will fill you needs; please be advised that we will not spend our time and money giving you a tour of the country side. Our personnel are not simple tour guides -- they are recognized as experts in Costa Rica and Nicaragua real estate and investments. We will spend many hours working for you, and we charge an up front fee to insure that you are a legitimate client.  This fee will be credited towards any commissions generated if you the client decides to use our services.

PURA VIDA REAL ESTATE CO., expertise lies in locating under market valued real estate in whatever section of the country our clients designate!! We sometimes deal with unsophisticated sellers who do not offer a sales commission. We work with the buyer to obtain the lowest possible purchase price. A fee of the final purchase price is charged to the buyer/client for these services. A downward sliding commission scale applies to properties over $250,000.

Possible Development Options

Purchase of a Lot and Home Construction...The property becomes a potential income producer upon completion. Our company will interface with local and international agencies, renting and managing the property as desired. This strong rental demand generates continuous income due to Costa Rica's current lack of accommodations in desirable locations.

Investor / Developer Project

This Program is designed for the investor/developer. PURA VIDA REAL ESTATE CO.. will locate from 2 to 2,000 acre (or larger) property for you and assist in its management and development, if so desired. We carry many sites, starting at $35.00 per acre for the larger ranches.

Long - Term Property Investment

This Program is for the investor who wants to purchase relatively large tracts of land. We now have several large properties for sale at $35 to $3,000 per acre. Again, we can assist in all phases of development, from simply inscribing the property as a forest reserve and protecting it...to tourist development and/or reforestation.

The above scenarios are guidelines. We do not recommend blind purchases, so please come down to sunny Costa Rica and inspect our properties.