Whether you are purchasing a vacation home, investment property, retirement residence or selling real estate in Costa Rica, it is important to understand that property transactions may differ significantly from those in your home country.

Our legal and notarial services help buyers, sellers and investors complete real estate transactions safely, efficiently and in accordance with Costa Rican law.

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Do I Need a Title Company to Buy Property in Costa Rica?

Many foreign buyers arrive in Costa Rica expecting real estate transactions to follow the same structure commonly used in the United States and Canada.

As a result, some buyers assume they must work through a title company or other intermediary in order to obtain legal certainty.

Costa Rica operates under a different legal framework.

Property ownership, liens, mortgages and other rights affecting real estate are recorded through the National Registry, which provides the legal foundation used to verify ownership and determine the current status of a property.

The key to a secure transaction is not the involvement of a particular company, but rather the proper review of registry information, legal due diligence and the correct formalization and registration of the transaction.

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Security Comes From Proper Due Diligence

Before purchasing property, it is essential to verify relevant legal information concerning the property and the ownership rights being transferred.

Our role is to help clients understand the transaction, review the available registry information and ensure that the required documentation is properly prepared and formalized.

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Understanding the Costa Rican System

Foreign buyers often discover that property transactions in Costa Rica involve different procedures and professional responsibilities than those found in North America.

This does not mean the transaction is less secure.

It simply means that the legal system operates differently and requires an understanding of the local procedures governing real estate transfers.