Looking to retire in costa rica?

Question

i am looking into purchasing property in costa rica for retirement. any information would be appreciated.

Answer 1

I am retired and living in Costa Rica. I am also one of the two people in the entire country who is NOT selling real estate. I haven't met the other guy yet, but I am told that he exists - somewhere!

Seriously, now that you have mentioned the fact that you are interested in purchasing property, my advice is that you never say those words to anyone ever again! Why? Because you do not need to. If you come here, everyone, and I am not kidding when I say "everyone" knows someone who is selling property, and even if you tell everyone that you have no intention of ever buying property here, you will STILL constantly hear of real estate "deals" that are not to be missed! This is a sellers market these days. And anyone who attempts to buy property here BEFORE having lived here for at least a year is, quite simply, an idiot who is more than likely going to be taken to the cleaners - and deservedly so. Anyone who has YOUR best interests at heart will tell you exactly what I am telling you. You do not even had any idea of what questions to ask. For example, did you know that there are no zoning laws in Costa Rica? What else do you not know and do not know to ask?

Of course, it is very easy to fall in love with property when you are in a tropical paradise, and I am quite certain you will ignore this advice. But you will do so at your peril. More than 60 percent of the people who move here with the intention of retiring and living a wonderful life turn around and go back home within two years!!!

Why is that do you think?

Until you know the answer to THAT question, do not give any further consideration to purchasing property here. At the very least, proceed with full caution and all deliberate speed - or suffer the (very likely) consequences.

Answer 2

I agree with Rader.  (I'm the other one not selling real estate  lol)

You really need to look around for the area you want.  Metropolitan area, beach, mountain, river, secluded jungle, ect.  It all exists >>>>  what do you want.  I agree shop around, but experience first hand before you jump in blind.

Moving to Latin America requires a lot of changes.  Food for example is  VERY VERY different.  There are lots of items you are used to buying that are just not available.

Spend a few months looking around.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Costa Rica is a popular place for retirement, cheap, tropical, relaxed and friendly, you will love it there!

I was there for 8 months and travelled all over Costa Rica. It seems that the most popular place (and beautiful as well) was Guanacaste. But it really depends on what you like, hot weather or a bit cold, mountain or sea, but Costa Rica has it all.

I have a favourite website about Costa Rica and has lots of usefull information about retirement, real estate, the areas, prices etc. I sent you the link that talks about retirement and the one about real estate, but click around, there is more. I hope it helps you find some answers!

http://retirement.incostaricaguide.com/

http://realestate.incostaricaguide.com/

Good luck and have fun in Costa Rica!

Answer 4

While Costa Rica is a beautiful country and a great place to retire, have you considered any of the other Central American countries?

Honduras, El Salvador, or Guatemala are great as well and I would imagine a bit cheaper. I think your dollar would go further in Honduras than anywhere else. Something to think about.

Answer 5

There are many wonderful homes and other real estate to purchase in and around Costa Rica!!  

First, you should spend as much time as possible in Costa Rica and Panama before choosing a home.  Many Americans, Europeans and Canadians love both countries but many also purchase real estate only to find out they really aren't happy in Central America then may have a very difficult time selling the home they just purchased.  Or worse yet, they think they're buying a home from a legitimate homeowner only to find out they've been scammed.

Selling real estate anywhere in Central America, including Costa Rica, is very different from selling in the US.  For example, the very powerful marketing tool called the multiple listing service or MLS (commonly used by realtors in the US) doesn't exist in Central America.

Make sure you work with a real estate professional you can trust and continue to do your homework as you are now.

If you have more questions, don't hesitate to email us at

[e-mail]

Hope this helps and best wishes!

Your Real Estate Professionals

Move to Latin America, Corp.

Answer 6

When I went to Costa Rica I used the Frommers guide to Costa Rica. The book is full of informtation. From what I remember, the book said that Santa Ana was a city that had a significant population of American retirees. Double check that though cuz I'm going off memory. Good luck! I think Costa Rica would be a wonderful place to retire. Enjoy!

Answer 7

Try to purchase your property sometime soon.  While the prices down there are still significantly cheaper than here in the States, prices are steadily rising.  So get in there quickly.