Closing Costs When Buying Property in Costa Rica
Understanding closing costs is essential before purchasing Costa Rica real estate. The good news: total costs are relatively modest compared to many countries, typically running 4-5.5% of the purchase price.
Complete Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Amount | Paid By |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Tax | 1.5% of registered/sale value (whichever is higher) | Usually Buyer |
| Notary Fees | 1–1.5% (negotiable) | Usually Buyer |
| Registration Fees | 0.5% approx. | Buyer |
| Documentary Stamps | ~0.25% | Buyer |
| Legal/Attorney Fees | 1–1.5% (separate from notary if using different lawyer) | Buyer |
| Title Search | $200-500 flat fee | Buyer |
| Survey (plano catastrado) | $300-800 if needed | Buyer |
1.5%
Transfer Tax
1-1.5%
Notary Fees
4-5.5%
Total Closing Costs
How to Save on Closing Costs
- Use SIXPERCENT — $995 flat fee vs. 5-6% agent commission
- Negotiate notary fees — they're not fixed by law
- Buy through a corporation — if seller has an SA, buying shares avoids transfer tax entirely
- Combined notary/lawyer — using the same person for both saves money
"Total closing costs on our $250,000 Guanacaste property were about $12,000 (4.8%). Coming from the US where we paid 6% agent commission alone, this felt like a bargain."