How much does a house cost in San José?
As of October 2026, the median asking price for a house for sale in San José is $350,000, across 13,955 priced house listings on Costa Rica Realtor. Apartments run a median $220,000 and land $251,100.
Live asking prices on Costa Rica Realtor, not closed sales.
Costa Rica Realtor has 30,119 homes for sale in San José, collected from agencies and portals across Costa Rica. Their median asking price is $304,000 ($1,532 per m2), updated October 2026.
What does property cost in San José?
The median asking price in San José, Costa Rica is $304,000 across 28,119 observed sale asking prices ($1,533/m²); the typical range runs $190,000 to $567,500.
Source: CostaRicaRealtor.com Price Index · Calculated October 5, 2026 · Asking prices; partial coverage
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Buying property in San José: common questions
For international buyers
Can foreigners buy property in San José?
Yes. In San José, 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 San José?
Asking prices in San José currently run from $190,000 to $567,500, with a median of $304,000 (about $1,532/m²). There are 30,119 homes listed for sale right now.
Do I need residency to buy in San José?
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 San José?
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 San José?
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 San José?
Right now, San José listings for sale are mostly houses (17,819). 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.