We guide you, step by step, in the
buying and selling properties process.

At Wiernik & Associates Attorneys we are committed to give the best guidance to our clients when going through the process of acquiring real estate in Costa Rica. We know how important these transactions are for our clients, and pay great attention to assure each one is carried out in an easy and secure manner. As a foreigner you have the same rights as any national when purchasing private real estate in Costa Rica. The process of buying a property in Costa Rica can be fairly simple if some basic precautions are taken.

First of all, as a buyer you should retain the services of a lawyer. Even though an agent or a real estate office in the transaction may represent the seller, the buyer must be certain that the title that is being offered belongs to the seller, and that the property can be used as wished by the buyer.

Before moving forward with the purchase, our attorneys will carry out a thorough review at the National Registry to be certain of who is the current owner, the history of the property, its area, boundaries, and property layout number. We will also research if the property has any mortgages, liens and encumbrances –for example a right of passage agreement–, and if there are any zoning or other types of restrictions that may affect the property and limitation of use may apply – for example, if the property is in an environmentally sensitive area or includes a historical site.

If your wish is to acquire a beachfront property, extra precautions and steps must be taken. The Maritime Zone Law regulates the land within 200 meters of the ocean, which belongs to the government, with a few exceptions where a title was registered before the Maritime Zone Law was enacted. The vast majority of the beaches in Costa Rica are now subject to this law. The first 50 meters from the high tide mark are considered public areas with very restrictive uses. The next 150 meters are subject to concession or leasehold rights granted by the Municipalities and then approved by the Costa Rican Tourism Board with particular terms and conditions that must be carefully reviewed. These concessions can be transferred with the approval of the Municipalities. At Wiernik & Associates Attorneys we have over 15 years of experience in dealing with leases and concessions of maritime zone properties. We will guide you and assure that your dream of a beachfront property in Costa Rica becomes a reality.