1 rentals
Property in Nosara, Guanacaste
Nosara has built its reputation on yoga studios and a wave that beginners and experienced surfers both come back for, and its property market is priced accordingly: 513 live listings for sale with a median asking price of $575,000 ($3,133 per square meter).
The town sits on the Nicoya Peninsula next to the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, home to one of the world's largest mass nesting sites for olive ridley sea turtles. That protected land, along with the area's own tree-cover rules, has kept development lower-rise and more spread out than other Guanacaste beach towns, and unpaved roads are still common outside the town centre.
Houses make up the largest share of listings (256), with land close behind (169), reflecting a market where many buyers still purchase raw or semi-developed lots to build on rather than buy finished units. Condos and apartments (56) and commercial properties (9) make up a smaller slice. The rental market is small by comparison, just 4 live listings, since most visitors to Nosara book short-term stays rather than long-term leases.
Buying property in Nosara, Guanacaste: common questions
For international buyers
Can foreigners buy property in Nosara, Guanacaste?
Yes. In Nosara, Guanacaste, 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 rent in Nosara, Guanacaste?
The median monthly asking rent in Nosara, Guanacaste is $13,000. There are 1 rentals available right now.
Do I need residency to buy in Nosara, Guanacaste?
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 Nosara, Guanacaste?
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 Nosara, Guanacaste?
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 rent in Nosara, Guanacaste?
Right now, Nosara, Guanacaste listings for rent are mostly commercial (1). 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.