Browse Alvarado, Cartago by district
2 for-sale listings
Buying property in Alvarado, Cartago: common questions
For international buyers
Can foreigners buy property in Alvarado, Cartago?
Yes. In Alvarado, Cartago, foreign buyers have the same ownership rights as Costa Rican citizens over titled (fee-simple) property — you can own it outright in your own name, with no residency requirement. The one exception is beachfront inside the Maritime Zone.
How much does it cost to buy in Alvarado, Cartago?
Asking prices in Alvarado, Cartago currently run from $83,762 to $89,236, with a median of $86,499. There are 2 homes listed for sale right now.
Do I need residency to buy in Alvarado, Cartago?
No. You can buy titled property without any residency or citizenship. An investment of $150,000 or more in property (a threshold temporarily reduced from $200,000) can, in fact, qualify you to apply for temporary residency as an investor.
What taxes will I pay owning property in Alvarado, Cartago?
A one-time 1.5% transfer tax at purchase, charged on the higher of the sale price and the registered fiscal value; then an annual property tax of 0.25% of registered value. Homes whose construction value exceeds the yearly luxury-home threshold (₡143 million for 2026, about $270,000) also pay the annual Solidarity — "luxury home" — tax on a sliding scale.
Should I hold title personally or through a company?
Both are common. Many buyers hold property in a Costa Rican corporation (S.A. or S.R.L.) for estate-planning and liability reasons; others hold it personally. A local attorney can advise which fits your situation.
What does the buying process look like in Alvarado, Cartago?
A licensed notary (who in Costa Rica must be an attorney) handles the transfer and registers it with the Registro Nacional. Budget roughly 3.5–4% of the price for closing costs (transfer tax, legal fees and stamps). Buyers commonly use an escrow service — verify its SUGEF registration, which is anti-money-laundering oversight, not a guarantee of the funds.
What kinds of property are for sale in Alvarado, Cartago?
Right now, Alvarado, Cartago listings for sale are mostly commercial (2). Use the type filter to see only houses, apartments, lots or commercial units.
General information, not legal advice. Costa Rican property law and tax thresholds change — confirm specifics with a licensed Costa Rican attorney before buying.