The Hidden Costs of Buying Property in Costa Rica (That Your Agent Won’t Tell You)
- Arcadia
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
"The offer was accepted. The buyers were already picturing sunsets on their new terrace. Then their lawyer called: the survey was outdated, the water concession had expired, and HOA fees were due in full before move-in. Their budget just jumped by $14,000."
This is more common than you think. The purchase price in Costa Rica is only part of the story. Without a complete understanding of hidden costs, buyers risk turning their dream property into a financial stress point.
At Arcadia, we’ve helped hundreds of clients navigate these pitfalls. Here’s what you need to know
1. Closing Costs & Legal Fees
Estimated Cost: 3–4% of purchase price.
Visual Suggestion: Pie chart showing closing costs vs. total purchase budget.
Covers attorney, notary, and National Registry fees.
Buyer typically pays this—not the seller.
Example: On a $250,000 property, expect $7,500–$10,000 in legal costs.
Tip: Hire a bilingual attorney experienced with foreign buyers to avoid delays and overbilling.
2. Title Insurance & Registry Costs
Estimated Cost: $500–$1,500. Visual Suggestion: Before-and-after title registry scan highlighting potential errors.
Protects against liens, title disputes, and clerical errors.
Optional, but often worth every colón.
Pro Insight: In 2023, a buyer in Guanacaste avoided a $50,000 loss thanks to title insurance uncovering an old debt tied to the property.
3. Survey & Topography Updates
Estimated Cost: $400–$1,200. Visual Suggestion: Side-by-side map showing outdated vs. updated property lines.
Needed if plans are more than 10 years old or boundaries are in question.
Can reveal encroachments from neighbors—or that your lot is smaller than you thought.
4. Water Concession Renewals
Estimated Cost: $100–$500 (renewal), thousands if expired.
Visual Suggestion: Infographic of the water concession renewal process timeline.
Required for building permits in rural/beach areas.
Expired concessions can delay projects for months.
5. HOA Dues in Gated Communities
Estimated Cost: $50–$500/month.
Visual Suggestion: Photo collage of gated community amenities (pool, security, landscaping).
May require paying a full year upfront at closing.
Covers maintenance, security, and community services.
6. Maintenance Costs for Jungle & Oceanfront Homes
Estimated Cost: 1–3% of property value/year.
Visual Suggestion: Side-by-side images showing new vs. weather-worn beachfront property.
Salt, humidity, and tropical storms accelerate wear.
Budget for regular repainting, roof inspections, and pest control.
7. Capital Gains Tax on Resale
Estimated Cost: 15% of capital gain.
Visual Suggestion: Bar chart comparing tax-free vs. taxed resale scenarios.
Applies unless exemptions (primary residence, pre-2019 purchases).
Foreign sellers often overlook this until too late.
8. Currency Exchange & Transfer Fees
Estimated Cost: Variable, can be thousands.
Visual Suggestion: Screenshot of currency rate changes impacting a $300,000 transfer.
Wire fees, bank commissions, and rate fluctuations eat into your budget.
Lock rates with a trusted FX provider to minimize losses.
Embedded Resources
Video: "The Top 5 Cost Traps for Foreign Buyers in Costa Rica" — filmed on location with Arcadia’s founder explaining real examples.
Download: 2025 Costa Rica Property Buyer Cost Checklist (PDF).
Interactive Tool: Closing cost calculator — enter your purchase price to see estimated totals.
Final Word
Buying in Costa Rica is exciting—but being unprepared for hidden costs can turn excitement into regret. The good news? Every one of these costs can be anticipated and budgeted for with the right information.
Before you make an offer, download our Free Guide and Schedule a free consultation call or contact a specialist at 506-8783-3230
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