One of the most important steps related to real estate acquisitions in Costa Rica is seldom given all the attention it deserves. A property is not a property unless its description, declaration and interests are documented and recorded in the National Registry. Failure to ensure that a property has been duly registered can result in creating a mess that could be difficult to amend.

RE/MAX Ocean Surf in Tamarindo Beach reminds prospective home buyers in Costa Rica that they should only consider purchasing properties that appear in the National Registry. Property registration involves the drafting and execution of an instrument known as “escritura pública,” which should be written and recorded by a notary public. Under the laws of Costa Rica, a notary public is an attorney who has been appointed by a judicial officer to carry out certain duties within the scope of the courts and public entities.

There are three dwelling categories that can be declared when drafting an escritura pública:

1- Propiedad Titulada: This is your standard, unattached, single-family residence that is typically held in fee simple, and it is the most common dwelling type in Costa Rica.

2- Vivienda en Régimen de Condominio: This is an attached dwelling structure within a condominium, apartment complex, or, multifamily building, or gated residential complex that features townhouses.

3 – Propiedades Concesionadas en la Zona Marítimo-Terrestre (ZMT): These are oceanfront properties located within 200 meters from the high tide water mark. ZMT properties can be held in trust, but they are subject to municipal codes and certain rules promulgated by the Board of Tourism (Spanish initials: ICT).

If you have questions about buying and registering a property in Costa Rica, please contact RE/MAX Ocean Surf in Tamarindo Beach:

#1 Sunrise Center
Beach Road, Tamarindo
Toll Free: 1-866-976-8898
Local: 2653-0073 / 2653-0733
[email protected]