Ownership & Rights
Do foreigners have the right to buy property in Costa Rica?
Yes. Foreigners have the same property rights as Costa Rican citizens, with very few exceptions for certain maritime zones.
What types of property can foreigners purchase?
Homes, condos, land, and commercial properties are all available, provided due diligence confirms clear title and compliance.
Are there any restrictions on beachfront properties?
Yes. Properties within 200 meters of the high-tide line fall under the Maritime Zone Law, which have a special law regime.
Do I need a Costa Rican corporation to purchase property?
Not always. Many buyers use one for liability and tax benefits, but it is optional.
What are the immigration options for property owners in Costa Rica?
Residency categories include Investor, Rentista, and Pensionado. We guide clients through the application process.
Process & Timeline
What documents are needed to begin?
Generally, a valid passport or ID, proof of funds, and basic property details.
How long does a purchase take?
Most closings take 30–60 days, depending on transaction complexity and due diligence findings.
Do I need to travel to Costa Rica?
Not necessarily—transactions can be handled remotely with a power of attorney.
What is due diligence, and why is it important?
It’s a legal and technical review of theproperty to confirm ownership, compliance, and risks. It ensures your investment is safe.
What is escrow, and how is it used in Costa Rica?
Escrow is a neutral third-party account where purchase funds are held until closing. It protects both buyer and seller.
Costs & Fees
How much do your services cost?
We use fixed fees based on the property purchase price, so you know your costs upfront—no hidden charges.
What are the main costs involved in a property transaction?
Transfer taxes, registration fees, escrow fees, and notarial fees. With PBP, all fees are disclosed upfront with no surprises.
Do you charge by the hour or with fixed fees?
We work with fixed fees based on property value, giving clients full cost certainty from day one.
How are property taxes calculated?
Property taxes are 0.25% of the registered value, payable quarterly to the municipality. Luxury tax may apply in some cases.
What is the NITE, and do I need one?
The NITE is a tax identification number. It is required for property ownership and compliance in Costa Rica.
Compliance & Ongoing Support
How does PBP ensure transparency in the process?
Through fixed fees, clear timelines, and our real-time digital platform where every step is visible.
What risks should I be aware of?
Undisclosed liens, irregular title chains, or municipal issues. Our due diligence ensures these are uncovered and resolved early.
How does annual compliance work?
We handle filings, tax payments, UBO declarations, bookkeeping, and representation, ensuring your property remains fully compliant.
What kind of support do I receive after the purchase is completed?
Full post-closing integration (utilities, registration, banking) plus annual compliance and ongoing client support with any further needs.
Lifestyle & Post-Closing
What happens after closing?
We assist with registration, utilities, compliance, and banking—everything needed to integrate your new property.
How do I transfer utilities after purchasing a property?
We update accounts with the utility companies as part of our post-closing service.
What happens if I want to sell my property later?
We manage the legal process, including contracts, due diligence for the buyer, and registration of the transfer.
Can PBP assist with setting up a bank account in Costa Rica?
Yes. We coordinate introductions and requirements with local banks to simplify the process.
Brokers & Partnerships
Do you work with brokers?
Yes. We see brokers as partners, providing them with tools and legal support to close deals quickly and securely.
Technology & Differentiation
Why should I choose PBP over a traditional law firm?
We focus exclusively on property buyers, combining legal excellence with innovation, transparency, and lifestyle support.
Designed for buyers.
Powered by technology.
Backed by law.
The first specialized legal and technology firm in Costa Rica built exclusively for property buyers—powered by transparency and innovation.
Transforming property purchases into clear opportunities.
Every stage of the property journey in one place.
Who We Are
People & Purpose
People Buying Properties (PBP) was created to protect property buyers in Costa Rica with a fully transparent, secure, and client-focused service—especially for international investors.
Independent and backed by the legal strength of BLP, we operate with a modern, agile identity from Marina Flamingo, Guanacaste, at the center of Costa Rica’s most dynamic investment region.
At PBP, we transform property purchases into clear, secure, and empowering experiences through trusted legal expertise, smart technology, fixed fees, and real-time tracking.
Property Services
Buying property in Costa Rica requires clarity, security, and the right legal partner. At PBP, we handle every legal and compliance step through our technology platform—so you move forward with confidence.
We provide full-cycle property purchase support:
Transaction & Diligence
Transaction & Diligence
Contracts, escrow coordination, title review, risk analysis, and access to a vetted network of engineers, architects, topographers, and other specialists.
Closing Services
Closing Services
Secure, timely closings including deed preparation, coordination among parties, and registration before the National Registry.
Post-Closing Support
Post-Closing Support
Utility transfers, municipal updates, bank account setup, and all steps required to transition smoothly into ownership.
Annual Compliance
Annual Compliance
Representation, tax filings, UBO declarations, bookkeeping, domiciliation, and ongoing registry monitoring to keep your investment compliant year-round.
Relocation Support
Relocation Support
Residency processes, banking, accounting, vehicle and maritime matters, and referrals to vetted professionals—from insurance providers to architects and schools.
Next Step
Next Step
Schedule your consultation and begin your property journey with clarity and confidence.
OUR FOCUS IS YOU
Transparency
Transparency
100% clarity from offer to closing.
Personal Connection
Personal Connection
A digital presence country wide and a physical presence inMarina Flamingo,with a trusted network of experts.
Proven Process
Proven Process
Full coverage: due diligence, closing, post-closing, and annual compliance.
Peace of Mind
Peace of Mind
Fixed fees, clear timelines, and zero surprises.
Personalized Partnership
Personalized Partnership
One-to-one relationships with experts who know you, your goals, and your lifestyle aspirations.
PBP Platform Access
An AI-first legal solution designed to support real estate transactions in Costa Rica, combining legal expertise with intelligent systems to enhance clarity, efficiency, and confidence for buyers.
Why it matters
A smarter, technology-enabled approach to real estate transactions, focused on legal certainty, transparency, and an improved client experience.
What sets
us apart
- Buyer-first focus
- Fixed fees & clear timelines
- Backed by BLP
- End-to-end legal coverage
COSTA RICA
A PLACE TO INVEST AND BELONG
Costa Rica offers one of the most secure and attractive environments for real estate investment, combining political stability, strong legal protection, and exceptional natural beauty.
With PBP, you invest in Costa Rica with clarity, confidence, and long-term vision.
Andrés Pacheco Fischel
Andrés Pacheco Fischel is the Director of People Buying Properties (PBP), a bilingual (Spanish and English) Lawyer, Notary Public, and MBA with over five years of experience in real estate and commercial law in Costa Rica. He works with both local and international clients on property acquisitions and asset purchases, while also leading the day-to-day operations of PBP with a strong business mindset and focus on efficiency.
Driven by a vision to modernize real estate legal services, Andrés has helped shape PBP into a more transparent and streamlined way to manage property closings in Costa Rica. He works closely with buyers at every stage, making sure the process feels clear, organized, and—most importantly—that their investment is well protected.
Born and raised in Costa Rica, Andrés is passionate about nature and deeply connected to his country. He’s an outdoor enthusiast and sports lover who rarely misses a chance to jump into a new activity or challenge, fully embracing the Pura Vida lifestyle. He understands what draws people to Costa Rica and enjoys helping clients make that move with confidence and peace of mind.