LIFESTYLE · PROPERTY · POSSIBILITY
A place to return to. An income property to operate thoughtfully. A home for the next chapter. Costa Rica offers several ways to bring your property plans and your everyday life closer together. The opportunity begins with understanding which one fits you.
Justin Nielsen & Evelyn Bulakar · Based in Costa Rica
THE CASE FOR COSTA RICA
A LIFE YOU WANT TO LIVE
Coastal communities, mountain surroundings, and metropolitan neighborhoods offer different versions of life here. Consider climate, healthcare, airport access, and the people and places you want nearby. A home should work just as well on an ordinary Tuesday as it does on vacation.
Explore life in Costa RicaAN INCOME STRATEGY
Costa Rica’s visitor economy creates a reason to investigate vacation rentals. Residential tenants may call for a different location and property. Compare actual income, seasonality, competing homes, and management costs. The country’s appeal provides context; the individual property must support your plan.
Know which records to requestA PATH TO OWNERSHIP
Foreign buyers can generally purchase ordinary privately titled property in Costa Rica. Legal exceptions matter: coastal concessions and other special land regimes require separate review. Your Costa Rican attorney should confirm the ownership rights, legal access, and permitted use of the property you are considering.
Explore foreign ownershipSources: OECD tourism overview · Constitution, Article 19. Read the complete guide and supporting research.
FOUR WAYS TO APPROACH THE MARKET
Your intended use shapes the location, property type, and information worth investigating. Compare these approaches before narrowing the search.
| Approach | Purpose | What to examine |
|---|---|---|
| Vacation home with rentals | Enjoy the home and earn supplementary income | Owner dates, guest appeal, seasonal bookings, and local management |
| Long term rental | Serve residential tenants | Achievable rent, tenant demand, vacancy, and ongoing costs |
| Multiple rental units | Operate several homes or apartments | Income by unit, shared expenses, permissions, and staffing |
| Land or redevelopment | Build or improve a property | Usable land, utilities, approvals, construction costs, and exit options |
FROM POSSIBILITY TO A PLAN
Justin and Evelyn help you focus the search, request relevant information, and coordinate with the professionals involved in your purchase. Start with a guide, then bring us your questions.
Explore location, ownership, returns, and the questions to resolve before an offer.
Explore the guideCompare financing routes and understand which terms need confirmation.
Explore the guideDistinguish advertised potential from documented performance and operating costs.
Explore the guideConnect a property search with the everyday life you want to build.
Explore the guideA FEW STARTING QUESTIONS
It can, where the property’s rules and applicable requirements permit rentals. Compare your own travel dates with guest demand, and review documented income, management costs, and upkeep before choosing a home.
Begin with the purpose of the property, your total budget, preferred areas, and timing. Tell Justin and Evelyn how much personal use you want and whether financing forms part of your plan.
Request ownership documents, relevant permissions, condition reports, income records where applicable, and an itemized view of acquisition and operating costs. Review the property with your attorney and relevant technical and financial professionals.
YOUR PROPERTY CONVERSATION
COSTA INVESTING · PROPERTY ADVISOR
A Costa Rican perspective with more than 15 years of experience in property investment, development, construction, and real estate marketing.
Meet Evelyn
COSTA INVESTING · PROPERTY ADVISOR
More than 20 years in Costa Rica, with a practical perspective shaped by real estate, building, and personal property investment.
Meet JustinBRING YOUR PLANS INTO FOCUS
Share your budget, preferred areas, timing, and plans for personal use or rental income. We’ll help you organize the search around what matters to you.
Send an investment property brief