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Buying property: due-diligence checklist

What your lawyer should check before you pay a deposit or sign.

Updated: November 3, 2026. Schedules, prices and conditions change; always confirm on the booking page.

Palm-shaded beach with rocky headland
Palm-shaded beach with rocky headland · Photo: Original image
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Last checked by our editors: November 3, 2026.

  1. Hire an independent lawyer or notary; do not rely only on the seller’s or developer’s lawyer.
  2. Order an estudio registral from the Registro Nacional and confirm the owner, liens and easements.
  3. Verify the surveyed plan (plano catastrado) matches the physical boundaries.
  4. Check municipal taxes and fees are up to date.
  5. Confirm water and electricity availability and access.
  6. For condos: ask for the condominium rules and the community’s financial statements.
  7. For presales: ask who holds your deposit, what the delivery date is in writing and what happens if it slips.
  8. Get every payment documented.

To start a conversation about available homes, contact RealtyCostaRica.com, our preferred Costa Rica real estate partner.