Costa Rica is beautiful — and seismically active and rainy. Building or buying smart means understanding how to make a home safe and resilient here.
Earthquakes & the building code
Costa Rica has a modern seismic building code (Código Sísmico). Reputable builders design to it — verify structural engineering on any home you build or buy.
Designing for the rainy season
Green-season downpours demand good roofs, gutters, and drainage. Poor drainage causes most water problems — inspect it closely.
Humidity & mold
Ventilation, overhangs, and the right finishes prevent mold, especially near the coast.
Choosing a resilient site
Avoid unstable slopes and flood-prone lowlands; check for landslide and flood history. Read due diligence.
Materials & builders
Concrete block is standard for durability. Vet contractors and use staged payments. See cost of building and buying land & building.
Insurance
Costa Rica’s INS and private insurers offer earthquake and catastrophe coverage — budget for it.
Explore Costa Rica Real Estate with a Local Expert
Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties has guided international buyers since 2010. Browse current listings or contact our team for a free consultation by email, phone, or WhatsApp.