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How to Find and Buy a Foreclosure Property in Costa Rica (Without Taking Risks)

  • Writer: Arcadia
    Arcadia
  • 3 days ago
  • 4 min read

Updated: 2 days ago


Costa Rica foreclosure, bank-owned homes, foreclosed property, judicial auction, repo listings, buying guide, affordable land, financing homes, expats buy, bank-owned property, foreclosure auctions
Costa Rica foreclosure, bank-owned homes, foreclosed property, judicial auction, repo listings, buying guide, affordable land, financing homes, expats buy, bank-owned property, foreclosure auctions

Buying a foreclosure property in Costa Rica can be one of the smartest ways to acquire real estate below market value — but only if you know where to look and how the system works. At Arcadia, we help international buyers discover rare deals and avoid the legal and financial pitfalls that can turn a “bargain” into a costly mistake.


Whether you're searching from abroad or already living in Costa Rica, this guide gives you insider access to:

  • Where to find bank and judicial foreclosure listings

  • How to navigate the auction and closing process

  • Limitations and red flags to watch for

  • How Arcadia helps you buy smart — in English, French, Spanish, or your native language


🏦 Where to Find Foreclosure Listings in Costa Rica


Costa Rica’s foreclosure market isn’t centralized — but some excellent sources publish regularly updated deals. You won’t find these on international MLS platforms.

Here are the top places to find foreclosed homes, lots, and commercial properties:


🔗 Active Foreclosure Portals:

🏛️ Bank-Specific Listings:

Accessing Bank-Owned and Foreclosed Property Listings in Costa Rica

The following banks often have repossessed or bank-owned properties available at prices significantly below market value. These listings can represent exceptional opportunities for savvy buyers, including financing options in some cases.

  • Banco Nacional

  • Banco de Costa Rica (BCR)

  • Banco Popular

However, these banks do not always maintain centralized or publicly accessible online foreclosure listings. If you encounter broken links or cannot find current listings, the best course of action is to contact the banks directly. Bank representatives can provide up-to-date information on available foreclosed properties, financing options, and the purchase process.

How to Contact the Banks for Foreclosure Listings

Banco Nacional Phone: +506 2205-2000Website: https://www.bnonline.fi.cr Customer Service Email: servicio.clientes@bn.cr

Banco de Costa Rica (BCR)Phone: +506 2246-5555Website: https://www.bancobcr.comCustomer Service Email: info@bancobcr.com

Banco Popular Phone: +506 2211-0303Website: https://www.bancopopular.fi.cr Customer Service Email: servicioalcliente@bancopopular.fi.cr

Reaching out directly ensures you receive the latest, verified foreclosure listings, including details on financing and purchase requirements. Arcadia is also available to assist with translations, due diligence, and navigating these bank channels to secure your ideal property with confidence.

⚖️ Judicial Auctions:

The government’s official auction portal (in Spanish) shows seized properties sold via court processes.

🌍 Need Translation Help?

If you find a property that interests you but the listing is in Spanish — or written in hard-to-understand legal jargon — we’ll translate it for you. Arcadia provides translation in English, French, Spanish, or any language you need, with context and commentary.

We'll also clarify what’s included in the sale, explain the legal documents, and flag red flags.

🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Buy a Foreclosure in Costa Rica

Buying a foreclosure is different from buying a regular property. The process is often handled by a bank or court and has non-negotiable deadlines, no walkthroughs, and limited buyer protections.

Here’s how it works:

1. Find a Property You Like

Browse the foreclosure portals above or contact Arcadia to help you monitor bank and auction listings.

We can help identify listings that match your budget, location, and project goals.

2. Conduct Due Diligence

Hire a Costa Rican attorney to:

  • Verify title is free of liens or irregularities

  • Check for zoning and land use restrictions

  • Ensure the bank has legal authority to sell

  • Confirm no occupants still live on the property

We can connect you with trusted bilingual attorneys.

3. Secure Financing or Prepare Cash

  • Bank foreclosures: May offer direct financing at competitive rates (5.5%–6%, USD terms).

  • Judicial auctions: Usually require full cash or a certified deposit.

You'll typically need a 10% deposit upfront to initiate your offer or register for bidding.

4. Make an Offer or Bid at Auction

  • Bank-owned properties: Offers are made directly through the bank. First-come, first-served.

  • Judicial auctions: You’ll need a lawyer to attend and place the bid on your behalf.

💡 Arcadia doesn’t attend court auctions but will help you prepare and find the right legal team.

5. Finalize the Sale

Once your offer or bid is accepted:

  • The transfer deed is prepared by a notary

  • Your lawyer registers the title with the National Registry

  • The process takes 2 to 6 weeks, depending on complexity

You now own the property — as-is, with no warranties.

⚠️ Important Limitations to Understand

  • No walkthroughs: Many foreclosure homes can’t be visited before purchase.

  • As-is condition: Banks and courts sell without guarantees.

  • Eviction risk: Some properties are still occupied and require a legal process to vacate.

  • Slow processing: Bureaucracy can delay closing.

  • Limited negotiation: The price is often fixed.

🤝 How Arcadia Helps

We’re not agents or lawyers — we’re your digital marketing team and property search ally. Here’s how we support your foreclosure purchase:

  • Translation of any listing (English, French, Spanish, etc.)

  • Property alerts tailored to your needs

  • Legal and notary referrals

  • FPV drone tours of nearby properties

  • Guidance on pricing, due diligence, and red flags

Looking to flip, rent, or retire smart? We can help you spot opportunities others miss.

📞 Ready to Buy Smart in Costa Rica?

If you're serious about buying a property in Costa Rica — and want to explore foreclosures — reach out to Arcadia. We’ll walk you through the process, help you understand what’s real, and ensure you buy with clarity.

Contact Arcadia Today:

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