Costa Rica is known for strong property rights and a welcoming investment climate, but coastal markets move fast—and small details can become expensive problems.
This checklist is designed for buyers who want clarity, speed, and fewer surprises.
Note: This is general information, not legal advice. Work with qualified professionals for your specific purchase.
Key takeaways
- Start with title, ownership structure, and verified boundaries.
- In coastal areas, confirm access, water, power, and internet before you fall in love with finishes.
- Align zoning/permitted use with your plan (personal use, rentals, renovations, or development).
Step 1: Confirm the ownership structure and title status
Ask your attorney to verify:
- The registered owner matches the seller
- No liens, annotations, or unresolved claims
- The property boundaries align with what is being marketed
Step 2: Validate the survey and boundaries
In coastal areas, boundaries and access can be misunderstood.
Checklist:
- Recent survey
- Clear boundary markers
- Confirm legal road access (not “friendly neighbor access”)
Step 3: Water, power, and internet (the real infrastructure trio)
For Santa Teresa rentals and real estate, this is non-negotiable:
- Water: source reliability, storage, delivery plan
- Power: capacity, backup options
- Internet: actual performance, not a promise
Step 4: Zoning and permitted use
Make sure the use matches your plan:
- Residential vs commercial use
- Renovation or expansion limitations
- Setbacks, easements, and protected areas
Step 5: Environmental and drainage reality
Tropical weather is not forgiving.
Verify:
- Drainage plan
- Erosion risk
- Slope stability
- Flood or runoff patterns
Step 6: Rental-readiness (if you plan to operate)
If the goal is a high-performing rental, confirm:
- AC coverage and maintenance plan
- Pool systems and service access
- Housekeeping and laundry logistics
- Security and guest experience flow
Learn more about operations here: Property Management.
Step 7: Closing costs and timeline
Build a realistic schedule:
- Due diligence window
- Document collection and revisions
- Closing and registration timeline
For a cost overview, see: Closing Costs & Taxes in Costa Rica Real Estate.
FAQ
Do I need to use a Costa Rican corporation to buy?
Not always, but many buyers choose a corporation for flexibility and planning. Your attorney can recommend the best fit.
What’s the most common “hidden” risk in coastal purchases?
Access and infrastructure (especially water and drainage) can be misunderstood until you verify them on-site and on paper.
How long does due diligence usually take?
It varies by property complexity, but you should allow enough time for title review, surveys, and infrastructure verification before closing.
Next step
If you want a short list of properties aligned to your goals, start with Real Estate and tell us whether you’re optimizing for lifestyle, rental income, or long-term appreciation.