Fee Simple Ownership in Costa Rica

The most widespread and complete form of owning Real Estate in Costa Rica is called “Fee Simple” Ownership.

For this type of ownership the conditions and regulations are equal for residents and foreigners alike.

The concept is basically the same as in the United States, Canada and Europe; specifically, fee simple ownership provides the owner with the right to use, enjoy, sell, lease, improve upon and materially own the property in question. The only areas of discussion being details that are outlined in the Costa Rican Laws, for example, various zoning policies.

For example, in Mexico, real estate is not Fee Simple, Panama has problems with Title, in various other countries you can’t own real estate if you aren’t a resident or national; however here in Costa Rica anyone can own, enjoy and benefit from the beautiful property we have to offer.

Low Property Taxes in Costa Rica

The common rate of Property Tax in Costa Rica is 0.25% of the declared value of the property, which is typically determined by the local government. So that is just one quarter of one percent of the registered property value.

This rate is extremely low when compared with many other countries, especially Canada and the United States. The property taxes make investing in Real Estate in Costa Rica a great and very affordable option for foreigners.

Titled Versus Concession Real Estate Costa Rica

In Costa Rican Real Estate there is something called “Zona Maritimo Terrestre” which loosely translates to the Maritime Shoreline Zone. This is also referred to as “Concession Land” which can be a very tricky aspect of Real Estate here in Costa Rica. Roughly 95% of the beachfront property in Costa Rica is labeled Concession Land, in order to try to protect the pristine Pacific and Caribbean Coast beaches.

The main problem with this is that the government does not allow private ownership of this beachfront property.

The first 200 meters from the shoreline are owned by the government of Costa Rica, the first 50 meters are public beaches on which no construction may take place and the remaining 150 meters may be developed through special "concessions" that are approved by the local government.

Beyond this there are many specific rules as to getting a concession from the government and these rules are very important for foreign investors. For example, foreign investors must have lived in Costa Rica for at least 5 years prior to the purchase of Concession Real Estate and at least 50% of the development capital must be Costa Rican.

However we are lucky enough here in Jaco Beach, Costa Rica, to have beautiful TITLED beachfront property. One of the only beaches in Costa Rica that is completely titled and therefore foreign investors don’t have to worry about these restrictions when buying Real Estate in Jaco Beach.

For more information on Titled vs. Concession Real Estate in Costa Rica please feel free to contact me: PiperCostaRica@gmail.com

Absolute Luxury in Manuel Antonio

When you first see the Punto de Vista villa in Manuel Antonio, on the central Pacific coast, it is immediately apparent that you won’ be staying in another tourist destination. You will be a guest in a work of art.

As you near the open-air lounge and dining area on the 4th floor of the villa’s west wing you see a panorama of the sequined water of Manuel Antonio’s crescent bay, whitecaps dotting the surf and inexplicable rock formations rising from the ocean.

There is no column supporting the ceiling, there are no walls enclosing you, and only the glass guardrail keeps you from walking right off the edge. Though you are underneath a 5th floor and completely shielded from all weather, you feel a bit disoriented.

This magnificent villa in Manuel Antonio goes beyond being a hotel; it is a non-traditional combination of design and physics. And a definite must see.

Punto de Vista was designed for events, large gatherings and, in particular, for weddings. The villa sleeps up to 27 people.