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The purchase price is only one line. We cover two rates here that come from official sources, and give you a list of other costs to ask a notary or attorney about.
Two rates, with sources
| Item | Rate we found | Source (checked November 4, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Property transfer tax (impuesto de traspaso) | 1.5%, paid jointly by the transferor and the acquirer under the law | Ministerio de Hacienda document and the Sistema Costarricense de Información Jurídica (SCIJ) text of the transfer tax law |
| Annual municipal property tax (impuesto sobre bienes inmuebles) | 0.25% of the assessed value, collected by the municipality | Law 7509 on real estate tax, as published in the SCIJ and reproduced by legal sites |
Official sources: Ministerio de Hacienda and SCIJ. Rates and rules can change; verify before you rely on a number.
Other costs to ask about
- Registry (Registro Nacional) fees and stamps
- Notary and legal fees
- Homeowner association or condominium fees
- Insurance
- Utility connection
- Mortgage costs, if financing
- Currency exchange costs
Try the transfer tax and property tax estimator.
