Costa Rica Realtor has 6 homes for rent in Playa Marbella, collected from agencies and portals across Costa Rica. Their median monthly asking rent is $3,000, updated October 2026.
6 rentals
Buying property in Playa Marbella: common questions
For international buyers
Can foreigners buy property in Playa Marbella?
Yes. In Playa Marbella, 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 Playa Marbella?
The median monthly asking rent in Playa Marbella is $3,000. There are 6 rentals available right now.
Is beachfront property in Playa Marbella titled or concession?
It depends how close to the water it sits. The first 50 metres from the high-tide line is public zone and can never be owned. From 50 to 200 metres is concession land, leased from the municipality for a 5-to-20-year term (renewable). The law restricts these concessions heavily for foreigners: a foreigner with under five years' residency cannot be granted a concession, and neither can a company that is more than 50% foreign-owned. Property outside the Maritime Zone in Playa Marbella can be fee-simple (titled) and owned outright — but confirm the title and any encumbrances for each parcel in the Registro Nacional.
Do I need residency to buy in Playa Marbella?
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 Playa Marbella?
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 Playa Marbella?
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 Playa Marbella?
Right now, Playa Marbella listings for rent are mostly houses (6). 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.