The topic of “Squatters” seems to be a popular topic of concern when considering purchasing real estate in Costa Rica. The question… “If I buy a property or a home Costa Rica, will someone move in once I leave and take my property away from me?” The answer is no!
Maybe you have heard this somewhere or read this on a web site. If so, this is just isn’t accurate at all. The subject of “Squatters” has become over sensationalized with a very generalized understanding conveyed! Rest assured one is going to move in to a house you buy here and take it away from you.
Laws in this country concerning “Squatters” and we should refrain from using that word as it sounds so ominous and threatening, are not much different than the “homesteading laws” in the USA. In fact not much different at all!
Historically, “homesteading” was the basis for establishing land ownership many years ago when our forefathers staked out their land/the homestead to raise cattle or grow crops on the open range. Over time this “staking out of a claim”(land) evolved to the modern day laws governing property ownership and the modern system of registration of property title/deeds, to be today’s formal property ownership system of registration. This system of registering property ownership/deed/title/ is no different here in CR today, than it is in the USA! Costa Rica has a modern, centralized, system for property ownership registration known as the National Registry.
The legal process for any settlements in the USA regarding homesteading claims today, are very complicated and involved. The same holds true here in Costa Rica. You probably need to worry more about imminent domain laws, wherever you live or buy property in the USA, than you should be worrying about “Squatters”, or losing your land/homes/real estate here in Costa Rica to a “Squatter”.
Real estate laws in Costa Rica related to property ownership are not much different than those in the USA. Very different however from other countries in the world! In Costa Rica, a foreigner can enjoy complete real ownership of real estate with title, deeded, registered & verifiable ownership.
Very important, and you may not know this about Costa Rica. Costa Rica’s laws & constitution are non prejudicial. Which means they do not prejudice against anyone based on nationality or citizenship. While you are visiting, vacationing, living, or doing business as a foreigner, including buying real estate; your rights are the same as that of a Costa Rican under all laws established under this constitution.
Costa Rica is a modern civilized society! Also very proud! Maybe Costa Rica is not as developed and advanced as the USA but definitely & certainly as civilized! It’s not riddled with wild jungle savages setting up villages wherever they please, and in the process of doing so, claiming your property and/or home as part of their village! As a matter of fact the closest you will get to anything resembling a wild savage will be vacationers, drinking beer and having a great time.
Costa Rica has some beautiful middle class & upscale neighborhoods. Some very exclusive! There are shopping malls popping up everywhere with Levis stores, Kenneth Cole, Beneton, Rolex, Gap and Gucci stores! There are lavish Mercedez Benz, Infinity, Lexus, Nissan, Toyota dealerships. Even independent dealerships that sell Porsche and Ferrari!
Many drive very nice new vehicles and/or good, almost new, used vehicles. Almost everyone has cell phone, and land line telephone service & electricity. Potable water is available throughout the country and by the way, you can drink the water on tap here! There are fine hotels, an incredible amount of excellent restaurants all over the country. People are nice, friendly, dress well with Nike, Adidas etc apparel, and they are very proud of their country.
The point is, this country is civilized and life is good! People just don't move in to other peoples' houses. And they don't steal things or treat people badly any more than any other civilized country. As a matter of fact probably less than in most countries for the most part!
If you are contemplating buying/investing in property or a home here, and are going to completely abandon it for the next 10 to 20 years, then yes you should be concerned about your real estate. However just as concerned about it as you should be if you abandoned your real estate in the USA! But who in their right mind would do this? Buy property and abandon it!
Don't let the subject of “Squatters” be a deterrent for you to buy real estate in Costa Rica. You’d be missing out on a glorious investment opportunity and/or a wonderful place to own real estate that you will be able to enjoy for years to come.
If you want to investigate buying real estate in Costa Rica try to base your focus on locating a reputable broker to work with who will protect your interests, guide you to reputable attorneys to help you conduct your real estate affairs in the proper manner. This is where you need to start and should start.
Costa Rica Property Sales is a company that specializes in the real estate industry for the last 21 years. Focusing on 3 principal developing areas of interest. The company is owned and operated by its founder, Gary L Haynes the principal broker, who provides vast experience in all areas of real estate laws coupled with a diligent, aggressive, yet conservative approach to real estate acquisitions in Costa Rica. A keen business/street sense you just can't place a value on or possibly gain without living the real estate experience daily.
From the simple straight forward real estate purchase, to the laws, rules & regulations, process involved to develop a property, Mr. Haynes can provide you with the real estate support & guidance you will need in order to avoid the unforeseeable you could encounter trying to find that “great deal” doing things on your own.
Purchasing property on your own is not advisable. Most of the horror stories you may have read about are due to this manner of thinking some people have when they come hear seeking real estate. “I am going to find a great deal on my own”. You may indeed get lucky and find that great deal but rest assured & be advised… It would indeed be lucky! Endeavoring to buy property in any country foreign to you, like Costa Rica, invites, and vastly exposes you to the probability that you will encounter problems you couldn’t possibly have indentified on your own.
Costa Rica Property Sales lists many properties for all budgets, and represents the BUYER. Real estate fees are offered and paid by the seller as is customary, and with very few exceptions! The focus of any transaction being on the sanctity of the real estate and the transaction on behalf of the buyer. No buyers, No sales! It's that simple!
You are invited to call USA/CANADA TOLL FREE DIRECT to Mr. Gary L. Haynes: 1-800-913-0511. (Direct Personal Toll Free number)
Gary L. Haynes:
- 35 Years - Construction Development – (15 years USA/Canada) 20 years dedicated to Costa Rican Real Estate Acquisitions & Development, Laws and due diligence
- Founder & President - Costa Rica Property Sales
- President & Personal Advisor - R.E.A.D Organization.
