What Is the Best Way to Finance Property in Costa Rica for United States Citizens?
by Quatro Legal Real Estate Team | Nov 12, 2025 | Article, Financial Solutions

Buying real estate in Costa Rica has become one of the most appealing opportunities for U.S. citizens seeking a second home, investment property, or retirement destination. The country’s year-round tropical weather and welcoming environment make it ideal for retirement, relocation, investment, or vacation homes. Yet, the most common question potential buyers ask is, “Can you finance property in Costa Rica?” The answer is simple: yes, and understanding the different ways to do so is essential before making a purchase. Financing real estate properties in Costa Rica has evolved tremendously over the past few years, and now United States Citizens can choose financing from several reliable options, including U.S.-underwritten mortgages, private lending, local bank loans, and loans against equity.

United States Citizens interested in buying property now have multiple financing options in Costa Rica suited to different investment goals. U.S. citizens can access real estate financing in Costa Rica through U.S.-style mortgages with familiar underwriting standards, or choose private lending and asset-based loans that focus on property value rather than local credit. Local banks also offer long-term loans, adding stability and predictability. Meanwhile, experienced investors can finance property in Costa Rica by leveraging equity from existing assets, maintaining liquidity while expanding their portfolios abroad.

What “Financing Property in Costa Rica for United States Citizens” means and why it matters:

When people from the United States search for how to finance a house in Costa Rica, they’re not just looking for a loan; they’re trying to understand whether it’s possible to buy abroad without local income or residency. In the past, that answer was complicated. Today, the financing landscape in Costa Rica to purchase real estate has opened up for foreign investors thanks to international lending programs and cross-border compatibility between U.S. and Costa Rican legal framework.

As a U.S. Citizen, financing real estate in Costa Rica allows you to maintain your liquidity, preserve U.S.-based investments, and benefit from property appreciation abroad. It also gives you access to a broader range of home and investment opportunities without needing to liquidate assets or pay entirely in cash.

What options do U.S. Citizens have, and how do they work?

1. Underwriting Mortgages U.S. Style for a Costa Rican Purchase

For many United States Citizens exploring how to get a mortgage in Costa Rica, one of the most efficient and secure options is to obtain financing through a U.S.-based lender under a U.S. underwriting system. In this model, the entire underwriting process, from pre-qualification to final approval, is handled under familiar standards such as credit evaluation, income verification, and asset review. Once approved, the funds are transferred to Costa Rica through a regulated escrow account, ensuring a transparent and traceable transaction.

To complete the purchase, a trust structure is typically established in Costa Rica, holding the property as collateral for the U.S. mortgage via Trust. This legal framework provides protection for both borrower and lender while complying with local property laws. The process is streamlined and professional: it begins with a pre-qualification stage, followed by document review and closing, all managed in coordination with your Quatro Legal team.

This model combines the reliability of the American mortgage system with the convenience of buying abroad. Borrowers gain access to competitive U.S. interest rates, predictable repayment terms, and a fast approval timeline, For many clients, it’s the perfect solution to finance property in Costa Rica without navigating complex local lending requirements. It’s secure, structured, and designed to make international property ownership simple and attainable for U.S. citizens.

2. Private Lending in Costa Rica

Private lending has become a cornerstone of real estate financing in Costa Rica. It involves borrowing from individual investors, which makes loans typically faster to approve and rely more on the property’s value than on the borrower’s local income or credit history. This makes them an excellent choice for buyers who need quick access to capital or are purchasing properties that traditional banks might not finance yet. Interest rates tend to be higher than conventional loans, but the flexibility, speed, and accessibility make private lending one of the most popular forms of financing in Costa Rica among foreign investors.

3. Local Bank Loans for Foreigners

For those who prefer traditional banking channels, Costa Rican banks now offer mortgage programs for non-residents. These programs allow U.S. citizens to obtain long-term financing directly in Costa Rica, usually denominated in U.S. dollars. The process requires documentation like tax returns and income statements. Banks also perform a legal and physical appraisal of the property before approving the loan, and, while this route may take longer, it gives you the advantage of building a financial presence in Costa Rica and accessing local interest structures. 

How to Apply for a Local Bank Loan?

Local banks offer terms of up to 25 years, interest rates ranging approximately between 7,5% and 10,5%, and loan-to-value ratios (LTV) of up to 70% of the appraised property value. These figures vary depending on the borrower’s income verification and the property’s location, but they demonstrate how Costa Rica’s credit system has become increasingly competitive and transparent for foreign investors.

For further information on how to apply visit our entry on bank loans click here: link al blog de “Bank Loans Are Now Available in Costa Rica for U.S. and Canadian Citizens: How to Get a Bank Loan.”

4. Equity-Backed Loans

An equity-backed loan allows you to unlock liquidity from assets you already own, such as real estate, corporate shares, or investment holdings, to access new capital. It’s a strategic way to finance property in Costa Rica or fund new projects while keeping your portfolio intact. These loans are structured around the value of your existing assets, giving you access to capital for acquisitions, reinvestment, or business expansion. Every agreement is legally reviewed and registered by your Quatro Legal Team to ensure transparency and protection for you, with flexible terms tailored to your investment goals. 

Benefits of Financing Property in Costa Rica

The growth of structured financing for foreigners has completely changed how Americans invest abroad. Here are the main advantages:

• Accessibility for non-residents: You can now qualify for a mortgage or private loan without Costa Rican income or residency.
• Flexibility: From expedite U.S. underwriting to fast private lending approvals, you can select the structure that fits your timing and budget.
• Leverage and liquidity: Keep U.S. capital working for you while using financing to acquire property abroad.
• Diversified investment: Combining real estate in Costa Rica with U.S. assets enhances portfolio stability and potential returns.

Risks and Key Considerations

Before entering any financing agreement, it’s important to understand the risks and how to manage them:

• Interest rates: Private and local bank loans often have higher rates than U.S. mortgages, but they also provide easier qualification.

Mitigation: Compare offers from multiple institutions, and, when possible, choose fixed-rate programs to ensure predictable payments.

• Property conditions: Always ensure the property has a clear title, proper zoning, and no legal encumbrances. Our team handles this verification for you, ensuring every detail is reviewed before you buy.

Mitigation: Request a full due diligence report from your attorney and verify property status before closing.

• Collateral selection: Lenders may be selective: location, construction type, and commercial potential all influence approval.

Mitigation: Choose properties in established residential or tourism zones with proven market demand to increase eligibility.

• Legal formalities: Clear contracts, proper registration, and well-structured trusts are vital to protect your investment. 

Mitigation: Work with an experienced real estate attorney to draft and notarize all loan and mortgage documents. Having a trusted legal team like Quatro Legal ensures everything is done right.

For U.S. buyers, financing property in Costa Rica is no longer a challenge but an opportunity. From American-style mortgages and private lending to local bank loans and equity-based options, there are flexible solutions tailored to every financial profile. With the right legal team, owning a home or investment property abroad can be as secure and straightforward as purchasing in the United States.

You can also complete our Quatro Legal – Financial Solutions Intake Form, which helps our team collect the key details needed to evaluate your profile and connect you with the ideal financing program.

Our legal team specializes in assisting foreign investors through every stage of the process — from bank procedures and compliance to mortgage registration — ensuring your financing is handled efficiently and securely.

If you want to explore financing options in Costa Rica, contact us at financialsolutions@quatro.legal.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content, laws and regulations are subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please contact our office directly. Some images may be AI generated.