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Costa Rica Step-by-Step Buyer’s Guide 2025

Costa Rica Step-by-Step Buyers Guide 2025

Your Complete Roadmap to Purchasing Property on the Caribbean Coast

Dreaming of owning a home or investment property in Costa Rica? The country’s Caribbean coast — with its lush jungle surroundings, stunning beaches, and laid-back lifestyle — is becoming a top choice for international buyers. Whether you’re looking at Puerto Viejo, Playa Chiquita, Cocles, or Cahuita, understanding the buying process is essential for a smooth and successful transaction.

Here’s a complete 2025 step-by-step guide to buying property in Costa Rica, tailored to our region and trusted partners.

Step 1: Find a Trusted Real Estate Agent

Start by working with a reputable real estate agency like Coldwell Banker Caribe. Our experienced, bilingual team will help you navigate available properties, local market dynamics, zoning restrictions, and more. We act as your advocate from start to finish.

Tip: Costa Rica doesn’t have a centralized MLS, so a good agent is your best resource for accessing the full range of listings.

Step 2: Define Your Property Goals

Are you looking for a vacation rental investment? A retirement home? Land to build on later? Identifying your goals early will help guide your decisions and filter out properties that don’t fit your vision — whether it’s beachfront, jungle-view, or walk-to-town convenience.

Step 3: Begin Your Property Search

Once your goals are defined, your agent will show you options based on your preferences and budget. In the Caribbean region, options range from turnkey homes to undeveloped lots with massive potential.

Popular areas include:

  • Puerto Viejo – vibrant town, great rental market

  • Playa Chiquita & Cocles – quiet, walkable neighborhoods close to the beach

  • Cahuita – national park access, relaxed small-town living

  • Manzanillo & Punta Uva – off-grid escapes surrounded by nature

Step 4: Make an Offer

Once you’ve found the right property, your agent will help draft a formal offer and present it to the seller. Most offers in Costa Rica are written in English and Spanish, and typically include:

  • The purchase price

  • Due diligence period

  • Closing timeline

  • Deposit amount

Step 5: Due Diligence

This is a critical phase, and one where having a qualified legal team is essential. Your attorney will:

  • Verify property title and boundaries

  • Check for liens, easements, or encumbrances

  • Review zoning and land use regulations

  • Ensure the corporation (if applicable) is in good legal standing

We recommend working with our preferred legal team, Facio & Cañas, a highly respected law firm with deep experience in Costa Rican real estate.

Step 6: Open a Costa Rican Bank Escrow Account

Funds are typically held in escrow and released upon successful closing. Costa Rica requires property transactions to go through a registered escrow company — this protects both buyer and seller.

Step 7: Sign the Sales Agreement & Close

If all checks out during due diligence, a Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) is signed. You’ll then move toward the official transfer of ownership, which happens in front of a public notary (often the buyer’s attorney).

At closing:

  • The title is transferred

  • The final payment is released

  • Your name (or your company’s name) is registered as the legal property owner

Step 8: Post-Sale Services

After the sale, we help connect you with trusted service providers for:

  • Property management

  • Landscaping and maintenance

  • Utilities setup and bill pay

  • Vacation rental marketing (if desired)

Final Thoughts

Buying property in Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast doesn’t have to be complicated — especially when you have the right team by your side. At Coldwell Banker Caribe, we walk you through every step of the process with transparency, professionalism, and local expertise.

Ready to take the first step? Contact us today to start your property search.

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Partner with Coldwell Banker Caribe, the world’s #1 real estate brand, for your next transaction. With our global expertise, local knowledge, and unmatched property selection, we’re here to make your Caribbean dream a reality. Contact us today to start your journey!

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Arantxa Vergara Content Manager Coldwell Banker Caribe Costa Rica Real Estate
Content Manager

Arantxa Vergara

As our dedicated Social Media Specialist, Arantxa Vergara excels at crafting compelling content that highlights our properties’ best features, implementing effective engagement strategies, managing impactful campaigns, and leveraging analytics to significantly grow our online brand presence.

Alicia Homnack Design Manager Coldwell Banker Caribe Costa Rica Real Estate
Design Manager

Alicia Homnack

As our dedicated Design Manager, Alicia generates impactful visual communications, develops sophisticated property websites, and produces high-end brochures and comprehensive marketing materials, all crafted to showcase your property in the best light possible.

Agent

Mirjana Dajic

Mirjana, a native of Croatia, has traversed the globe, ultimately finding a deep connection with Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. Her journey began after earning a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, which ignited her passion for travel and leadership. For 11 years, she worked with a prominent cruise line company, honing her management and leadership skills while traveling extensively. As an Assistant Manager, she oversaw daily operations and led large teams, always striving for excellence. Her dedication to high standards earned her several accolades throughout her career.

In 2007, Mirjana visited Puerto Viejo for the first time, and it was love at first sight. After several visits, she eventually settled in this enchanting Caribbean town. She began her Costa Rican career as an Office Manager for a rental car company, managing operations in the Atlantic Zone for five years. Her exceptional customer service and management skills helped propel the offices she managed to top-tier status, earning outstanding customer reviews.

In 2021, Mirjana embraced a new challenge in the real estate world. Her commitment to exceeding clients’ expectations, paired with her in-depth knowledge of Puerto Viejo and its hidden gems, enables her to offer a highly personalized experience. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she serves a diverse clientele and is deeply integrated into the local community, fostering strong relationships and a thorough understanding of the area.

Passionate about self-improvement, Mirjana is a lifelong learner, particularly interested in the human mind and unlocking one’s full potential. This drive for personal growth continues to shape her professional and personal life.

Managing Partner

Navid Ghaffari

Navid’s professional journey, rooted in engineering and leadership roles within Fortune 100 companies, has equipped him with a strategic mindset and a dedication to achieving exceptional results. This foundation, combined with 12 years of experience in client relations, allows Navid to approach real estate with a unique blend of analytical precision and client-centered service. He is passionate about understanding individual needs and navigating the complexities of the market to ensure a smooth and successful experience.

Beyond real estate, Navid is driven by a desire to contribute to community well-being. His personal interests—travel, philosophy, and wildlife—enrich his perspective and fuel his commitment to creating meaningful connections. Family is paramount, and Navid cherishes time with his wife, Kira, daughter, Ari Jo, mini Australian Shepherd, Remy, and their cat, Charlee.

Kira Hebert Broker and Managing Partner Coldwell Banker Costa Rica Puerto Viejo Costa Rica
Managing Partner

Kira Hébert

Kira offers a compelling blend of professional business acumen and local expertise. With over a decade of real estate experience, complemented by six years of running a successful real estate marketing agency, she possesses a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics and client requirements. Her experience as a licensed broker reinforces her commitment to ethical and efficient transactions.

Since 2008, she has cultivated an intimate knowledge of Costa Rica’s unique real estate landscape in the Caribe, driven by a genuine appreciation for the region’s culture and vibrant lifestyle. She provides clients with more than transactional services, offering valuable insights into the “Pura Vida” experience and the nuances of local culture.

Leveraging her marketing capabilities, Kira employs strategic, data-driven approaches to property marketing and transaction management. This fusion of professional expertise and local immersion enables her to effectively guide clients towards their real estate objectives.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Kira values a well-balanced lifestyle. She enjoys exploring diverse cultures and nature, with a particular interest in sailing. Most importantly, she prioritizes time with her family, including her husband, daughter, and pets.